LEADERS of a Thurrock-based charity that helps homeless, vulnerable and disadvantages people in the borough and London have been honoured for their community service.

The Friends of Essex and London Homeless (FOELH), have been nominated for recognition by the King's Award for Voluntary Service and its leaders attended a reception for individuals, groups and companies in Greater Essex and specifically to say "thank you and well done" and acknowledge their nomination for this year's awards which will be announced in November on the King's birthday.

FOELH founder Stevem Stuart, who created the charity with his wife Cheryl in 2016, said: "We had the absolute honour of attending the King's Award for Voluntary Service Reception after being nominated – something we are still trying to take in.

"We were kindly invited by the Lord-Lieutenant and the Chairman Elect of Essex County Council to attend the reception at Hatfield Place. What an incredible evening it was - surrounded by so many amazing, inspiring and selfless people, all doing wonderful things within their communities,

"To even hear Friends of Essex & London Homeless announced and to see our name up in lights was a real "pinch me" moment. For a charity like ours – fully volunteer-led, no funding, just people coming together to make a difference – it truly hit home just how far we've come.

"We genuinely cannot believe that "little old us" have been nominated for such a prestigious award, often described as the MBE for volunteer groups.

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"But this nomination is not just about us… it is for every single person who has been part of FOELH — past and present. Front of house, back of house, those who stand with us week in, week out, and those who support from afar. Without you, we simply would not be where we are today.

"This recognition belongs to Team FOELH – every volunteer, every supporter, every person who believes in what we do."