Combat2Coffee receives The King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Volunteers at Combat2Coffee have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2025. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.  

Combat2Coffee, a Community Interest Company based in Ipswich, is dedicated to improving the mental health, wellbeing, and outcomes for veterans, ex-uniformed personnel, their families, and communities.

The organisation is one of 232 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. 

Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday. 

Combat2Coffee’s Founder and CEO, Nigel Seaman said:

“It’s such an honour to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This recognition means so much because it reflects everything we’ve worked so hard for over the last five years.

“A huge thank you to all our amazing volunteers. We’re proud to be a volunteer-led organisation, they play a vital role in helping us to reach more people, support more communities, and grow the services we offer.

 “What really makes our work special is how much of our outreach and support initiatives is shaped by the personal stories and experiences of our veteran, ex-uniformed, and ex-offender volunteers.  

 “For some, volunteering is the first step towards re-entering the workforce. And in some cases, volunteers transition to paid employment with us, providing them with a supportive environment to build confidence before re-entering the mainstream job market. 

“Receiving the King’s Award is a powerful reminder of what a shared commitment to making a difference can achieve.”

Combat2Coffee’s volunteers assist with a range of tasks, including running events, roasting coffee, making deliveries and supporting day-to-day operations.

The organisation has seen first-hand the incredible impact that volunteering has on both individuals and communities. Not only does it offer a sense of purpose, but it also helps volunteers develop new skills, build confidence, and form connections with others who share similar experiences.

Matt, a volunteer for Combat2Coffee said:

“I joined Combat2Coffee after being medically discharged from the police after 22 years of service.

“I cannot thank Combat2Coffee enough for the opportunity to be part of a team once more.

 “I now have a reason to get up and go to work, feeling needed and surrounded by like-minded people, some of which have their own struggles.”

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities.

Representatives of Combat2Coffee will receive the award crystal and certificate from  Lady Clare, Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, in the coming months. 

In addition, two volunteers from the organisation will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2026, along with other recipients of this year’s award.

For more information or to request an interview, contact the Combat2Coffee PR team via [email protected]

Credit for all photos: Combat2Coffee

Photo shows some of Combat2Coffee's volunteers