Community centre honoured with King's Award

A community centre has been recognised with the King's Award for Voluntary Service for its work.

Representatives from RUSH 2The DEN, a community hub in Rushden, were presented with the award by the Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire James Saunders-Watson.

The King's Award is regarded as the equivalent of an MBE for volunteer groups.

The centre provides a wide range of services, including youth clubs, children's parties, food donations, supervised family contact sessions, and counselling services.

Nina Robinson, who founded the hub, said: "I'm so proud of our volunteers.

"They're absolutely amazing. They go above and beyond and we're one complete family."

Ms Robinson is no stranger to recognition for her work - last year, she won the volunteer award at the BBC's Make a Difference Awards.

Speaking after the presentation, Mr Saunders-Watson said: "Rushden would be a much, much poorer place without RUSH 2The DEN."

He added: "To be a recipient of the King's Award is a real accolade, and I'm so proud to be here to present it to Nina and her team.

"In this world where life is very challenged, to have this group providing support is absolutely invaluable and shows the richness of our communities."

Looking ahead, Ms Robinson revealed plans to expand the community centre, with a proposal for a new floor awaiting approval from North Northamptonshire Council before fundraising begins.

"[Having an extra floor] will make a massive difference," she said.

"At the moment, we are working out of three rooms and support over 6,300 people.

"The extra space for a counselling room and dedicated family support room will be invaluable."

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