The North Northumberland Voluntary Forum's Voluntary and Community Awards have 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 a unique invitation-only award evening which will be held on Wednesday September 28. The awards evening will acknowledge the 'amazing' contribution carried out by the area's individuals, groups and organisations for the first time since 2019, when the last event was held.
And the show's organisers are asking residents of north Northumberland (formerly Berwick borough) to nominate people and organisations who have made a contribution to their communities, especially during the lockdown period.
The nominations are in the following categories:
Grassroots award - Awarded to groups who have volunteers only and no paid staff and have been established for at least 12 months.
Project/Organisation of the year - Awarded to an organisation established for at least 12 months that 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, demonstrated by the level of commitment and impact their volunteering has made, especially during the lockdown.
Youth Volunteer of the Year award - Awarded to an unpaid individual 18 years or under who 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, community/environmental campaigning or fundraising activities within the local community.
The Lady Rose Crossman Lifetime Achievement award - Awarded to an unpaid individual who for the last 10 years or more has made a major contribution to the voluntary sector and is a true inspiration to others, going significantly beyond the normal expected involvement.
Local Business support award - Awarded to the commercial business which has demonstrated outstanding support to the voluntary sector both financially and/or practically.
Flora Simpson, Chair of North Northumberland Voluntary Forum, said: " We're proud to be presenting these awards after a two year gap due to Covid-19 lockdown. This is a real opportunity to raise the profile of community and voluntary groups and to celebrate the achievements of volunteers throughout North Northumberland.
" Age has no barriers when it comes to volunteering and being part of the community. This was proven again in 2019 when Lewis Bruin was awarded Youth Volunteer of the Year for his dedication to Scouting."
Nominations are welcome from charities and voluntary and community groups of any size. To nominate a group or individual before the deadline at 5pm on August 1, you can do so here.
Are you planning to nominate someone in north Northumberland for an award? Let us know!
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