Nominations open for Basildon Borough Volunteer Awards 2018

18 Jul Nominations open for Basildon Borough Volunteer Awards 2018

Nominations are now open for the Basildon Borough Volunteer Awards 2018 to recognise community heroes who go above and beyond to improve the borough.

Do you know a borough resident who gives up their free time to help worthy causes? It could be someone who runs a community group, works in a charity shop or cares for a loved one.

Cllr Andrew Barnes, Chairman of Basildon Council’s Communities Committee, said: “These awards celebrate the tireless efforts of our unsung heroes.

“Every day, countless volunteers give up their free time to improve lives and create opportunities in their communities. This is a fantastic chance to shine a light on them and celebrate their hard work.

“The word volunteering covers a huge range of activities. It could be making tea or coffee at a day centre, raising funds for charity or offering support and advice to young people.”

The categories for this year’s awards, which are taking place at Woodlands School on Thursday 25 October, are:

SUNSHINE AWARD (11-21) – This award recognises the effort and selfless act of continually helping others. This could be anywhere within the borough such as a community group, organisation, school or neighbourhood.

COMMUNITY STAR – To all those volunteers who shine like a star and who deserve recognition. Must be over 18.

INSPIRATIONAL ROLE MODEL – This category is for volunteers who really do inspire others with their volunteering story. Nominees should go above and beyond in caring and encouraging others.

FUNDRAISING CHAMPION – For someone who has raised funds for a charity, community group/project and who has made an invaluable contribution.

VOLUNTEER PROJECT – For one-off projects that have made an impact in their community.

LONG SERVICE AWARD – This award recognises the length of service shown by dedicated volunteers. To enter, the volunteer must have been volunteering for at least ten years.

VOLUNTARY GROUP OF THE YEAR AWARD – This category is for any voluntary group who have collectively made a difference to their community.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD (THE TONY GUYON MEMORIAL CUP) – Tony Guyon was a member of Basildon Council’s previous Community Engagement Team, who sadly passed away doing the job he loved. He dedicated a lot of his life to helping make Basildon a better borough. The winners of each of the categories listed above are put forward to win this prestigious award.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – This category recognises the tireless efforts of those who have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the community. The winner of this award will not be eligible for The Volunteer of the Year Award.

Nominations close on Friday 5 October. To download a nomination form, visit www.basildon.gov.uk/volunteerawards