11/06/2026
Huge congratulations to Ferndown Community Support CIC, who today received the prestigious Kings Award for Voluntary Services from the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Michael Dooley.
The award recognises and reflects the dedication and commitment of the 70 Ferndown Community Support (FCS) volunteers and the support and generosity of the community and business partners.
FCS, which started during the Covid pandemic in 2020, has grown substantially in recent years, and now includes a food bank, food larder, medicines bank, befriending and social prescribing services, wellbeing checks as well as putting on community events and a shopping service for those unable to get out and about.
Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the award shines a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from across the UK for many years.
The Lord Lieutenant said only 230 awards are given annually across the UK, adding that it had often been described as “the MBE for voluntary services.” He praised the FCS for not just giving time but hope to those residents feeling unloved and unseen.
“Ferndown Community Support has given vital support for so many, providing compassion and shared purpose and delivered such important services.”
Councillor Hannah Hobbs-Chell, co-funder of FCS, praised the incredible dedication of the volunteers, who have given so much time over the years.
She said she felt “lucky and privileged” to have had so much support, adding that the not-for-profit organisation had “transformed people’s lives and made people feel valued.”
Councillor Stella Jones, chair of Dorset Council, said the FCS was a shining example of how volunteers had come together to make a real difference in their community. “I would love to see this all over Dorset,” she added.
