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Javan Coker Foundation earns King's Award for Voluntary Service

Local charity The Javan Coker Foundation has been awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service.

The honour is equivalent to an MBE and is the highest award a local voluntary group in the UK can receive.

The Javan Coker Foundation was recognised for its outstanding work supporting children and young adults with special education needs and disabilities, as well as their siblings and support network.

Co-founder Esther Sesay, who lives in Thamesmead, said: “We are honoured and delighted to be awarded this most prestigious award.”

The Javan Coker Foundation was founded by Esther and Lawrence Coker, who were inspired by their son Javan. It was initially supported by Peabody, which provided low-cost community space and funding for the foundation to deliver its services.

The foundation also successfully secured funding from the Thamesmead Community Fund. The fund is run by Peabody, with a panel of local residents and stakeholders advising which organisations should receive grants.

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