Chichester charity wins prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Pregnancy Options Centre has been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in the run-up to its 30th anniversary. The award is the equivalent of an MBE and recognises the outstanding contribution made by volunteer groups in their communities.

The charity provides free, non-directive counselling for people experiencing unplanned pregnancy, abortion or pregnancy loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth and ectopic pregnancy.

Its team of trained volunteer practitioners offers one-to-one support, helping clients explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences as they work towards building positive futures.

It is the commitment of these volunteers that has been recognised through the award. Many have professional backgrounds in midwifery or mental health, while others bring personal experience of unplanned pregnancy or pregnancy loss.

Anna Madge, chief executive of Pregnancy Options Centre, said: “We’re delighted that Pregnancy Options Centre’s volunteers are being recognised for the devotion and time they give to the organisation and the clients and young people they support. Being a volunteer for Options isn’t easy; walking alongside others in crisis and grief takes a special kind of person.

“Our counselling volunteers meet clients in their pain and confusion, journeying with them through some of the most challenging times of their lives. As we move into our 30th year, volunteers remain at the heart of the organisation: we wouldn’t exist without them.”

Sally Morgan, who has volunteered with the charity since it was established, said the award was a welcome recognition of the difference its work makes.

She said: “I am delighted we have received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. I have been volunteering with the charity since it was started nearly thirty years ago, and I have seen the difference it has made to people struggling with baby loss or difficult decisions about an unexpected pregnancy. It is wonderful as a volunteer to be recognised by the King for the valuable work and commitment we bring.”

As well as its counselling services, Pregnancy Options Centre has expanded its work to include relationship and sex education in schools and community settings.

Its interactive sessions cover topics including sexual health, healthy relationships and the dangers of pornography. Young people are also taught about key aspects of child sexual exploitation, including control, coercion and consent.

The charity now reaches more than 3,500 young people aged between nine and 21 each academic year, with demand for its services continuing to grow.

It works with primary and secondary schools, colleges, the University of Chichester and youth groups across Chichester, Arun and surrounding areas.

Annette Lawrance-Owen, chair of trustees at Pregnancy Options Centre, said the organisation was grateful for the recognition.

“We wish to say a heartfelt thank you to the King for his recognition of our charity and the role the volunteers take. We also would like to say a big thank you to those who nominated us for the award.”

Representatives from the charity will receive the award's crystal and certificate from Lady Emma Barnard, Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, in the coming months.

Two of its volunteers will also attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May or June 2027, alongside other recipients of this year's King’s Award for Voluntary Service.