THE Kingsley Centre Supported Volunteering Project picked up the Community Champion award at the Post Office Retail Sales Awards 2017.

The ceremony - celebrating the work, community spirit and levels of service provided by teams and individuals working in post offices around the country - was held in London on Saturday, June 10. It recognised that the Kingsley Centre, in Main Road, provided extra support (practical, emotional and peer) and training to disabled people so they can access volunteering opportunities.

There are different opportunities are available for supported volunteers at the Kingsley Centre. As well as the post office, volunteers can work in the village shop, on reception, in the cafe and with housekeeping, gardening and maintenance.

With funding from the Lloyds Bank Foundation, the Kingsley Centre is currently looking to work with local businesses to expand the volunteering placements and can support businesses which would like to offer a volunteering placement.

If any local businesses are interested, they are asked to contact manager Emma Grant on 01420 479000.

Ms Grant said: “We are so pleased the Post Office recognised the work of our project with this award and hope it will inspire other retailers to expand their inclusive opportunities”.

Meanwhile, 10 members of staff from the firm Taylor Made Financial Planning, which has two offices in Surrey and Wiltshire, decorated the communal areas and painted the outdoor furniture at the Kingsley Centre on June 16 (pictured). Jill Trout, events co-ordinator at the centre, said: “They did splendid work and everybody enjoyed their company.”