A MEMBER of the Kingsbridge Children’s Centre team since its inception seven years ago has been recognised with an award from Action for Children.

Joan Pincombe, Kingsbridge, was selected by national charity Action for Children as one of 25 volunteers across the country to be awarded the Stephenson Award at the House of Lords earlier this month.

Joan received her award from Tony Hawkshead, Chief Executive of the charity who said: ‘The awards are a chance to celebrate all the people who make Action for Children so special: our staff, volunteers and supporters as well as foster carers and the young people and families we work with.

‘Today’s winners aren’t ones to seek the spotlight. These are colleagues and volunteers who have devoted years – for staff, often their entire working lives – to helping the vulnerable.’

Elaine Musgrave, Centre Lead for the Kingsbridge Children’s Centre said: ‘Joan joined the project at its inception in November 2008, after she retired from her professional life. For the past seven years she has been a much-valued member of the team, supporting them to provide a vital service to local families.

‘We are a small team who do their utmost to support local families with children under five-years-old. The support Joan provides to the team on a weekly basis has helped staff to be able to be their best for the families we serve.

‘We hope this award has shown Joan how much we appreciate all she has done for the project and how we value her as part of our team.’

Action for Children’s Stephenson Awards recognise the commitment and expertise of those who make sure the charity is there for the UK’s most vulnerable and neglected children, young people and families. The awards are named in honour of the Charity’s founder, Revd Thomas Bowman Stephenson.

Over 140 years later, the charity is still committed to continuing his mission of supporting the most vulnerable and neglected children and young people, for as long as it takes.