Foundation For Good celebrates King's Award for Voluntary Service with official Wellbeing Café opening
Foundation For Good celebrated being recognised with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to local voluntary groups across the UK, and officially opened its new Wellbeing Café in Consett on Tuesday 15 September 2026.
The Wellbeing Café was formally opened by H.M. Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, Mike Butterwick CBE, during an event attended by volunteers, members of the local community and supporters of the organisation, including Michelle Cooper, our CEO.
The occasion brought together the people at the heart of Foundation For Good’s work and recognised the commitment, time and energy of the volunteers who make such an important contribution to young people and the wider community.
Recognising volunteers who make a difference The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), formerly known as the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, was established to recognise the exceptional contribution made by voluntary groups across the country.
As Mark White CBE, Deputy Lieutenant of County Durham and KAVS Lead for County Durham, explained:
“The King’s Award for Voluntary Service was formerly the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. It was created by Her Majesty the Queen who wanted to personally recognise the great voluntary groups that operate across the country and make a real transformative difference to the community.”
The award is announced annually on the King’s official birthday and celebrates groups whose volunteers are making a lasting difference in their communities.
For Foundation For Good, the recognition is particularly meaningful because its work has grown from lived experience and a desire to make sure other young people do not feel alone in the challenges they face.
Based in Consett, Foundation For Good was founded by Fraser Neil, whose own experiences with education and depression helped shape his determination to create something different for others.
The organisation now provides a wide range of programmes and opportunities designed to support young people and the wider community, creating spaces where people can access support, build confidence and, importantly, feel that they belong.
A celebration of community
Speaking at the event, Mike Butterwick CBE formally opened the Foundation For Good Wellbeing Café and reflected on the significance of the evening.
“…I say that in no way to try and emphasise my own importance, but really to emphasise the importance of this evening, this award and what you do, because what you do really matters.”
He also recognised the organisation’s approach to working alongside its community.
That connection to the community is central to Foundation For Good’s work, and it is also reflected in the volunteers who give their time, skills and energy to support the organisation and the people who use its services.
For Fraser, the award belongs to everyone who has played a part in building Foundation For Good: “This award belongs to every person who has given their time, energy and belief to what we are trying to build. Foundation For Good started with a simple idea that people deserve support, opportunity and somewhere they feel they belong.”
Point North’s role
Point North was delighted to nominate Foundation For Good for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, recognising not only the impact of the organisation but also the incredible contribution of the volunteers who are stepping up to support young people and their community.
Volunteers are at the heart of so many organisations doing important work across County Durham and beyond. They give their time, share their skills, provide encouragement and help make programmes and services possible.
Foundation For Good is one example of what can happen when committed people come together around a shared belief in supporting their community.
Could your organisation be next?
There are many voluntary groups doing extraordinary work in our communities, and we would love to see more of them recognised.
If you know a group whose volunteers are making a real difference, talk to us about a potential King’s Award for Voluntary Service nomination.
The nomination process takes time and there are eligibility requirements to consider, so it is never too early to start a conversation.
If you think your organisation, or a group you know, could be a candidate for recognition, get in touch with us. We’d love to hear about the work being done in your community and help you explore whether a nomination could be possible.
info@pointnorth.org.uk
0191 378 6340
