Celebrating Purfleet Trust’s Volunteers
Volunteers are the heartbeat of every organisation, and nowhere is that more true than at The Purfleet Trust.
For more than 30 years, volunteers have been at the centre of everything we do. From cooking meals for vulnerable people and delivering essential furniture across West Norfolk, to supporting our administration teams and serving customers at the Purfleet Pantry, their dedication helps make our work possible every single day.
Quite simply, we would not exist without them.
The incredible contribution of our volunteers was recognised nationally in 2024 when The Purfleet Trust was honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK. The award celebrated the commitment, compassion and impact of the people who give their time to support our communities.
To show our gratitude, during this year’s national Volunteers’ Week, we recently hosted a Volunteer Celebration Event. This event was all about bringing together volunteers from across our services for a well-deserved opportunity to relax, connect and celebrate their achievements. The day included a visit to Stories of Lynn, where volunteers explored the rich history of King’s Lynn, followed by a meal together at The Lattice House.
As part of our celebrations, we were also delighted to welcome Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, David Flux, to the Purfleet Pantry. Representing The Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk, The Lady Dannatt MBE, David met with some of the volunteers who have helped shape the Pantry over the past three years.
During his visit, he thanked volunteers for their commitment and presented a special commendation from the Norfolk Community Foundation in recognition of their role in establishing and growing the social supermarket.
From its earliest days, volunteers have been instrumental in building the Purfleet Pantry into the thriving community hub it is today. Their passion, dedication and hard work have helped create a service that supports hundreds of local people with affordable food, essential items and opportunities to connect with support services.
Our celebrations continued with the West Norfolk Volunteer Fair, delivered in partnership with Community Action Norfolk and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Held at King’s Lynn Town Hall, the event brought together more than 35 local charities, community groups and organisations to showcase the wide range of volunteering opportunities available across West Norfolk.
We were delighted to welcome hundreds of visitors throughout the day, all keen to learn more about volunteering, meet local organisations and discover how they can make a difference in their communities.
The event was a powerful reminder of the strength of the voluntary sector in West Norfolk and the enormous impact that volunteers have on the lives of others.
As we reflect on these celebrations, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to every volunteer who gives their time, energy and skills to support The Purfleet Trust. Whether you volunteer for a few hours a month or several days a week, your contribution matters.
You are the reason our services can continue to grow, reach more people and make a lasting difference in our community.
Thank you for everything you do.
