DAVSS (Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Service) the West Kent Domestic Abuse Charity is proud to announce Her Majesty the Queen has awarded the charity the most prestigious Queens Award for Voluntary Service.
The Queens Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK to recognise exceptional service within their communities
DAVSS professionally trains volunteers from the West Kent community to support men, as well as women who are experiencing domestic abuse. DAVSS clients, irrespective of the level of risk they face are provided with practical safety advice and if required they are supported through the court processes by the volunteers. The volunteer model is highly effective, one client, who cannot be named commented:-
“I feel amazing. I feel so empowered thanks to …. DAVSS. …… it is so nice to speak to someone who does not judge, who I trust with my life and who has helped me make such a massive difference in my life already”
During the last 12 months DAVSS 60 volunteers have supported over 750 clients across West Kent and answered more than 1000 calls to our helpline. In total more than 21,000 volunteer hours have been donated, equivalent to nearly £310,000 (based on the Kent average earnings rate).
Volunteers were overwhelmed when they heard news of the award. People choose to volunteer for many reasons and bring with them their experience;
The Queens Award is not only an accolade to DAVSS selfless volunteers but also to the brave clients who ask us for help.
Henu Cummins Chief Executive of DAVSS was delighted to receive news of the award and said, “I am in awe of our volunteers who give their own time without question. I feel honoured to work with them and delighted they have been recognised, our clients value them greatly.
Kristen Paterson, Chair of DAVSS Trustees paid tribute to the incredible commitment of volunteers, “They are so deserving of this prestigious award, without their professionalism, dedication and commitment, DAVSS could not operate.”