King’s Award for dedicated Eastbourne Area Community First Responders

Monday, 17 November 2025 06:00

South East Coast Ambulance Service’s Eastbourne Community First Responder team has been recognised with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour given to a volunteer group in the UK.

The award highlights the group’s outstanding contribution to emergency care in the town, where volunteers regularly provide rapid help before an ambulance arrives.

The team has responded to more than a thousand incidents since the start of the year, offering critical early intervention at emergencies such as cardiac arrests, strokes, falls and breathing difficulties. In total, volunteers have dedicated over two thousand hours to supporting people in urgent need, often arriving within minutes to deliver life-saving treatment and reassurance.

Their work extends beyond frontline response. The team also spends time teaching basic life-support skills to local residents, helping hundreds of people gain the confidence to step in during a medical emergency. SECAmb says this community education is a vital part of improving survival rates and strengthening resilience across Eastbourne.

The award is seen as a reflection of the significant role the volunteers play in the area. Community First Responders give their time freely, and their swift action can be the difference between life and death.

Team Leader, Richard Bradford said: “All of our team are extremely honoured and humbled to win such a prestigious award. We all took on this role simply because we wanted to help people and to be recognised for the difference we make in our local community is a really special moment for us all.”

SECAmb Operational Team Leader and team member, Steph Meech said: “This recognition places the Eastbourne CFRs among a special group of volunteers whose work has made a significant and lasting impact. It’s a moment of immense pride not only for the team but for all of us who have witnessed their contribution first-hand.”

The award will be formally presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Andrew Blackman. Members of the team will also be invited to attend a Royal Garden Party to celebrate their contribution to the community.

More from Local News

Man found guilty of rape of woman in St Leonards

A man will face sentencing after being found guilty of two counts of rape in Sussex.
Appeal after man assaulted in suspected road rage incident near Petworth

Police are appealing for witnesses after a suspected road rage incident in Petworth.
County Council launches drive to boost nature recovery in West Sussex

A new natural flood management scheme in Upper Beeding has become the first project to receive funding from West Sussex County Council, as part of a wider £ 2.5 million plan to boost nature recovery.
Tackling knife crime to make our streets safer in Sussex

Reducing knife crime and raising awareness of its dangers remain a major focus for Sussex Police.
Pulborough man jailed for raping and sexually assaulting nine-year-old boy

In July, 2022, police received a report from Social Services that the victim had been sexually abused by Steven Smith in June of that year.
Unanimous cross-party support in Arun for motion to strengthen local enforcement

Arun District Council has unanimously approved a motion calling for stronger enforcement powers to help protect local standards and improve the wellbeing of residents. The cross-party support reflects what councillors described as a shared determination to respond more effectively to community concerns.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary wins Innovator for Animal Welfare Award at the RSPCA PawPrints Awards 2025

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has won a national award for its Humane Animal Dispatch volunteer scheme.
Hampshire Councillors’ gift registers unchanged for years

Nearly a third of Hampshire’s county councillors have not updated their public register of gifts and hospitality for 2025, with some declarations dating back as far as 2021.
Tom finishes epic cycle challenge from Africa to Plumpton in memory of 22-year-old sister

Two best friends are due to complete an epic three-week, 2,600-kilometre cycling challenge today, riding from Morocco back to Plumpton Racecourse near Lewes.
Lively public meeting in Crowborough over plans to house 600 asylum seekers

The Home Office has sought to reassure residents in Crowborough that it can safely and effectively manage proposals to house 600 asylum seekers at the town’s army training camp. The assurance came during a tense public meeting on Thursday evening, where local people voiced strong concerns over community safety, the impact on local services and the scale of the plans.