Recognised for extraordinary voluntary work.
In 2025, Counselling in the Community received the King's Award for Voluntary Service — the highest award the Crown gives to voluntary groups in the United Kingdom. It belongs to our volunteers.
The highest honour
What is the King's Award for Voluntary Service?
The King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) is the highest award given to voluntary groups across the United Kingdom. It is the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary organisations, and is awarded on the recommendation of the Cabinet Office to groups that make a significant, outstanding contribution to their communities.
Recipients are invited to a royal garden party and are entitled to use the KAVS emblem for five years. It is one of the most prestigious recognitions a UK charity can receive.
“The King's Award recognises groups doing outstanding work in their community. Receiving it is a reflection of every volunteer who has given their time to support someone who needed it.”
— Counselling in the Community, 2025
Our story
What the award means to us.
130+ dedicated volunteers
This award belongs to every volunteer who has given their time — whether counselling clients, serving as a trustee, or supporting behind the scenes. Their commitment is what CITC is built on.
8 years of community impact
Founded in 2017, CITC has grown from a single belief — that cost should never prevent access to mental health support — to a 130-strong volunteer network delivering 10,000+ sessions a year.
Recognition for the Fylde Coast
The award shines a national light on the mental health needs of our community and the extraordinary local response to those needs. It validates a model that others can learn from.
2017
Year founded
130+
Active volunteers
10,000+
Sessions per year
150
People supported weekly
Be part of what we do.
Whether you need support, want to volunteer, or want to help fund our work — there's a place for you at CITC.