Volunteer honoured for two decades helping families

published on 4 Nov 2025

When Graham Andrews and his wife Diane first stepped into The Salvation Army’s Child Contact Centre in Birmingham back in 2001 as volunteers, they had no idea that what began as a quiet act of service would become a defining part of their lives and a source of hope for hundreds of families.

Now, more than two decades later, Graham has been recognised with a prestigious Voluntary Long Service Award by the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC) at its recent AGM and Awards Ceremony held in Derby, honouring his exceptional contribution to helping children stay connected with parents they no longer live with after family separation.

Graham Andrews recognised with a prestigious Voluntary Long Service Award by the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC)

As the volunteer coordinator at the Birmingham Salvation Army Child Contact Centre since 2014, Graham has led a diverse and compassionate team who provide a safe, neutral, and nurturing environment for families navigating difficult transitions. Under his guidance, the centre has supported more than 100 families with their more than 150 children, helping rebuild trust, stability, and confidence during some of life’s hardest moments.

“Graham has been a dedicated and valued member of the NACCC community for many years. Throughout this time, he and his team have built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality supported child contact services that truly make a difference. Under Graham’s leadership, the service has consistently demonstrated its ability to respond effectively and compassionately to the evolving demands of these communities.

“Graham’s vision and forward-thinking approach have been instrumental in developing a dynamic and inclusive volunteer team. This group reflects a broad spectrum of skills, ages, and backgrounds, and is uniquely positioned to understand and support the varied needs of families accessing the service. His commitment to inclusivity and excellence has created a model of best practice within the sector. Most notably, Graham has contributed his expertise beyond the walls of his own centre. As a key member of a multi-disciplinary working group involved in the Government Pathfinder Project, he has shared his extensive experience to help shape and strengthen child contact services nationally. His insights and collaborative spirit have played a vital role in ensuring the success of this initiative.”

Elizabeth Coe, CEO of NACCC

Graham’s journey began from a deeply personal place.

“We had seen how divorce and separation can impact children in our own extended family,” he shared. “When we discovered Birmingham Citadel’s Salvation Army Contact Centre, we knew we had found somewhere we could help.”

That compassion has since grown into a legacy of service. Graham still arrives every couple of weeks with his trademark calm and warmth — and with Diane by his side. He credits her as his ‘greatest support’.

“The hardest part,” Graham admits, “is how easy it is to get emotionally involved. You have to stay independent yet supportive. What gladdens my heart is when families leave our centre to ‘contact in the community’ — when they no longer need us. That’s not pride, that’s satisfaction.”

His work hasn’t been without its challenges, especially navigating new technology.

“I’m not a tech person by any stretch,” he smiles. “But with a few new communication devices and support from some volunteers, some things are getting better now at the centre!”

“Graham’s dedication has been the quiet strength behind supporting families — the calm in the chaos, and the friendly face families count on. His years of kindness and commitment have made a real difference. He’s a shining example of turning compassion into action.”

Andrea Stevens, Early Years Operations Manager for The Salvation Army

Over the years, Graham has played a huge role in growing the volunteer team at the Birmingham Salvation Army Child Contact Centre. The team currently has 31 volunteers, out of which 14 are not members of the Salvation Army. He’s organised training through the 10 NACCC prescribed modules, supported volunteers to take on greater responsibilities, and helped them gain confidence in handling sensitive situations with matters involving domestic abuse, substance misuse, and safeguarding concerns.

For Graham, it’s about encouraging more volunteers to undertake areas of responsibility. “Now at the centre there are a good number of volunteers who can supervise areas of the centre’s activities. Now, it’s not just a handful of us.” He adds, “And it’s about helping the families trust each other again — especially the children, to build their relationship with the parent who no longer lives with them. Out of 102 families who have come through our door, either referred to us or directed to us by the courts or through their own desires to maintain contact, 97 have moved on to ‘contact in the community’. That’s not just success; that’s lives changed.”

left to right: Graham Andrews, Andrea Stevens and Karen Perry (Winner of the Early Years Education award given by the Droitwich Council earlier this year)

As Graham prepares to celebrate 24 years of service, he remains as humble as ever:

“We just try to be there for people – for the parents, and most especially, the children. And when they leave us stronger than when they arrived — that’s the real reward.”

The Birmingham Salvation Army Child Contact Centre, provides a child-focused environment, where the needs of the children are always put first. It is a safe, friendly, and neutral place where the children of broken relationships can enjoy the company of their non-resident parent.

For more information about NACCC and its work supporting separated families, visit: www.naccc.org.uk

Andrea Stevens and volunteers at the NACCC AGM — Andrea Stevens (second from left) along with Nicola Muir, Norma Lee and Elizabeth Dear - volunteers from the Witon Child Centre at the recently held NACCC AGM & Awards Ceremony