Academy FM Thanet Receives Prestigious King's Award for Voluntary Service

Chartwell House by Boutique Care Homes is delighted to extend heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed community partner, Academy FM Thanet, for being honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This prestigious award is the highest recognition a local voluntary group can achieve in the UK, and it is truly equivalent to an MBE, emphasising the exceptional contribution of volunteers to their communities.

Academy FM, Thanet’s cherished community radio station, operates with a passionate group of volunteers dedicated to making a positive impact on the Isle. The station, at 107.8 on the dial, has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to community service, offering a free media platform to local charities and organisations. Through interviews and promotions, Academy FM provides a vital voice to various causes, enriching the community fabric of Thanet.

A notable aspect of Academy FM's work is its commitment to presenter training, a program that collaborates with individuals from diverse backgrounds and abilities, including local schools. This commitment to inclusivity and skill development reflects the station's dedication to fostering a sense of community through the power of media.

This year, Academy FM stands proudly among 262 local charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups that have been honored with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. The collective efforts of these groups underscore the invaluable role volunteers play in enhancing the quality of life for those in their local communities.

The King's Award for Voluntary Service, initiated in 2002 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, aims to recognize outstanding work by local volunteer groups. This recognition is especially timely, given that, following his accession, His Majesty The King has expressed a desire to continue and emphasize the importance of the Award.

The award recipients, announced annually on November 14th, The King’s Birthday, showcase the diversity of volunteer efforts across the UK. Representatives from Academy FM will be presented with the award crystal and certificate by Lady Annabel Colgrain, the Lord-Lieutenant of Kent.

Moreover, the joyous occasion will extend beyond this recognition, as two volunteers from Academy FM are set to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2024, joining other distinguished recipients of this year’s Award.

Chris West, Business & Grants, and Debbie Day, Station & Programming, are key figures in the success of Academy FM. Their tireless efforts and commitment have undoubtedly played a crucial role in earning this esteemed accolade.

On behalf of Chartwell House by Boutique Care Homes, we extend our warmest congratulations to Academy FM Thanet on this well-deserved honor. We are proud to collaborate with such an outstanding community partner and look forward to continuing our joint efforts in fostering community engagement and enrichment.

For further inquiries, please contact:

Chris West
Business & Grants
M: 07841598076
E: chris.west@academyfmthanet.com

Debbie Day*
Station & Programming
M: 07764479722
E: debbie.day@academyfmthanet.com