SATEDA and Sittingbourne Community Radio (106.9 SFM) receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Sittingbourne Community Radio (106.9 SFM) and Swale charity SATEDA  were both presented with a King’s Award for Voluntary Service on 16 April in a joint celebration at Swale House, Sittingbourne, where the two organisations are based.

Sittingbourne Community Radio, which is entirely volunteer-run, received its King’s Award for providing local news, views and entertainment along with promoting community integration and wellbeing.

SATEDA were presented with their King’s Award in recognition of its work supporting women and children to be safe and recover from domestic abuse.

The Lady Colgrain, Lord Lieutenant of Kent, who presented the awards on behalf of His Majesty the King, saluted the tireless work of the volunteers who give back to their community in a wide variety of ways.



Group Leader and Station Manager of Sittingbourne Community Radio (106.9 SFM); Peter Flynn said

"Myself and the board of directors are delighted that our group’s work has been recognised. We are honoured to have been awarded the pinnacle of recognition for the hard work of our incredible team."

"Throughout the year we provide local people with a service that keeps them informed, entertained and engaged with the things that matter most to them here in Sittingbourne – that is at the heart of everything that we do as an Ofcom licensed community radio station, and today’s recognition is truly wonderful."

"This award pays tribute to all of the hard work and commitment our volunteers put in. Their hours of dedication both On Air and behind the scenes and the great community engagement we have is testament to their achievement and this award is the icing on the cake."

Fellow board member Tony Weaver said "This is splendid recognition for a great group of volunteers; a number of whom have been involved with the project since the station went on air full-time in July 2012."



Lady Colgrain told an audience of volunteers and team members before presenting the award and citation to SATEDA  "Your passion and dedication to the women you support is clear to see"

SATEDA’s small staff team is boosted by some 65 volunteers who work in all areas of the charity’s services, from governance to delivering support groups. Around three quarters have lived experience of domestic abuse and join after accessing SATEDA services.

Carey Philpott commented: "We’ve been blessed with over 400 volunteers over the years – some bringing their passion for change, others their professional skills."

"Through our employability programme - which works with survivors - I have seen women, some of whom started unable to make eye contact, flourish and grow into individuals who know they are valued and have a vast array of skills to offer an employer."

SATEDA is a Kent-based specialist domestic abuse charity working for women and children. We offer a unique journey of emotional and practical support for victims/survivors of domestic abuse through a range of accredited activities, including individual support, advice and advocacy (such as our Kent-wide Support2Court service for family court proceedings), and recovery groups, including an award-winning employability programme.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty the King emphasised his desire to continue the Award.

The King’s Awards were announced in November 2023, making them the first of King Charles’ reign. Celebrations will conclude with a reception at Buckingham Palace next month, attended by volunteer representatives from both organisations.