Royal award given to domestic abuse support charity

Linda Huskisson said she was "shocked" to be awarded the King's Honours

A charity supporting victims of domestic abuse has been honoured with The King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) - the highest award given to UK volunteer groups.

Peterborough-based Living Keys was founded in 2021 and has helped to empower more than 600 women.

It is one of 231 charities and voluntary groups to receive the 2025 award to mark His Majesty The King's Birthday.

Founder Linda Huskisson said she was "shocked" to receive the award and added: "My goodness, it is such an honour to be recognised is amazing."

Before setting up the charity, Ms Huskisson ran a coffee morning for domestic abuse survivors, but realised women "needed so much more support".

The charity helps women experiencing abuse through free courses, workshops, and drop-in services.

It relies on its volunteers to run the services, many of whom draw on their own lived experience to support others on their recovery journey, including Ms Huskisson.

As a young woman, she had got out of one "horrific" relationship, only to get into another abusive situation with someone she described as "brutal".

She added: "For me, it is beautiful to see them [survivors] pull through.

"I get overwhelmed by their strengths and their love."

Ms Huskisson said she has now been happily married for 34 years.

Linda Huskisson was recognised by BBC Cambridgeshire's Make a Difference award in 2024

Ms Huskisson said she felt "privileged" to be recognised despite many "amazing" charities nominated for their work.

"I could never have got this done without my volunteers," she said.

"They are just so amazing. They really are. They go out of their way to help the ladies - they will comfort them when they're in tears, laugh with them when they are laughing, and it's just a pleasure to see the ladies have that passion to make a difference in the lives of others."

Each winner will receive a crystal award and certificate in March, and representatives will attend a Buckingham Palace garden party in 2026.