The North Northumberland Voluntary Forum’s Voluntary and Community Awards, supported by Bedmax, has been launched in recognition of the achievements and hard work carried out by volunteers and community groups in Berwick-upon-Tweed and North Northumberland.
Local charities, voluntary and community groups will take centre stage this year for this unique invitation only award evening which will be held on Wednesday 27 September 2023 at Berwick Rugby Club, Scremerston.
This invitation only awards evening will acknowledge the amazing contribution made by volunteers and community groups and celebrate the tremendous work that is carried out by individuals, groups and organizations in North Northumberland.
Flora, Chair of North Northumberland Voluntary Forum explained “After all the celebrations of the Kings Coronation weekend followed by The Big Help Out we are excited to launch our annual awards. This is a real opportunity to raise the profile of community and voluntary groups and to celebrate the achievements of volunteers throughout North Northumberland. Please think about the people and organizations that have made such a contribution to our communities. There’s a range of award categories – hopefully one to fit every nomination. We look forward to receiving your nominations – individual, voluntary and community groups.”
Flora added “The 2022 awards were a huge success and the standards of entries were extremely high making judging very difficult. Age has no barriers when it comes to volunteering and being part of the community. This was proven again when Ewan Baillie was awarded Youth Volunteer of the Year for his ultimate selflessness in supporting the community in trying to make lockdowns and separations better for people.
The North Northumberland Voluntary Forum VCO Awards have proved that there is a need to acknowledge the valuable work carried out “behind the scenes” by voluntary and community groups, as this will only strengthen communities and encourage more people to work together.
Flora continued “We are delighted to received support from Bedmax acknowledging the value they place on the voluntary sector within the community. I would therefore strongly encourage individuals or groups to enter or nominate a group for this year’s awards. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution made by voluntary and community groups by thanking them for the tremendous work that is carried out within the community.”
Nominations are welcome from charities and voluntary and community groups of any size. These awards will be decided by a panel of judges from the North Northumberland Network and trustees of the Voluntary Forum. If you would like to nominate any group or individual for these awards you can do so online at www.nnvforum.org.uk or pick up a nomination form from Berwick Voluntary Centre
The awards, for which nominations are now open, are for the following categories (nominations close at 5pm Monday 3 July 2023):
Grassroots Award
The Grassroots Award - those groups who have volunteers only with no paid staff; they must operate within North Northumberland (former Berwick Borough) and have been established for at least 12 months. Examples include scouts, junior football clubs, luncheon clubs etc. We want to celebrate the smaller groups who turn up week in week out to coach, support and enable others, and operate within a limited budget.
Project/Organisation of the year
The organisation will need to have been established for at least 12 months; it must operate within North Northumberland (former Berwick Borough) and can have both paid and unpaid staff and volunteers.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Awarded to an unpaid individual who has made a major contribution to the local voluntary sector in North Northumberland (former Berwick Borough) within the last 2 years, this is demonstrated by the level of commitment and the impact their volunteering has made within the sector especially during the lockdown. Previous winners of this award will not be considered.
Young Person Volunteer of the Year Award
To celebrate intergenerational work this new award will be presented to an unpaid individual who has made the greatest contribution to the local voluntary sector in North Northumberland within the last 2 years. The young person volunteer needs to be 18 years of age or under and can demonstrate commitment and the impact their volunteering has made within the sector. Examples include regularly helping with sports coaching/training, various after school clubs (cubs, scouts, brownies and guides), community/environmental campaigning or various fundraising activities within the local community.
The Lady Rose Crossman Life Time Achievement Award
The Lady Rose Crossman Life Time Achievement Award is given to an unpaid individual who for the last ten years or more has made a major contribution to the voluntary sector and is a true inspiration to others. Nominees must have displayed an outstanding contribution to charitable causes, going significantly beyond the normal expected involvement. This award recognizes someone who has dedicated their time and made an exceptional effort to advance the profile and raise funds for a particular concern. They might be a true community hero who is always there, willing to do whatever has to be done to keep things going.
Commercial Business Voluntary Support Award
Commercial Business Voluntary Support Award is awarded to the commercial business which has demonstrated outstanding support to the voluntary sector both financial and/or practically. The business must operate in North Northumberland.
Download a nomination form here.