A CHARITY still searching for a permanent base has received a clutch of awards and a large funding windfall.

To start off the year, advice and support service Voluntary Action Epping Forest was handed the corporate social responsibility award for its supported volunteering learning disabilities project and the overall winner's bowl by Essex County Council.

In addition to further recognition for its work at Epping Forest District Council's civic awards night, the charity

received £64,000 of funding from the Henry Smith Charity, £6,832 from Healthwatch Essex Fund and £3,000 from the Epping Community Fund.

The series of good news follow a rocky period for Voluntary Action, which faced being homeless when its reduced rent lease could not be renewed in January.

In March 2018 it moved into Homefield House in temporary offices provided by Epping Forest District Council on the site of the Epping Sports Centre.

However these offices are temporary and the charity is still looking for a permanent home.

If you can help, contact Jacqui Foile on 01992 564178 or jfoile@vaef.org.uk.