Nominations are now open for CWVA’s Volunteer Awards, closing on Friday 6 November.
The annual Volunteer Awards provide an opportunity for people and organisations across Cheshire West to come together and celebrate the difference made by volunteers.
There are the following categories for individuals and groups.
- Clare Harrison Award for Social Activism (chosen by the CWVA team) – an inspiring individual who has led a grassroots campaign for positive change or social justice around a particular issue within their community.
- Long Service Volunteer Award – an exceptional individual with 10 plus years’ experience of volunteering for their community and/or organisation.
- Young Volunteer of the Year – an individual under the age of 18 who has demonstrated great attitude and initiative to volunteering in their community.
- The Unsung Hero Award – a dedicated and passionate volunteer, often in a less visible role, whose crucial work behind the scenes hasn’t been properly recognised and celebrated.
- Mental Health Champion – a volunteer who has displayed an extraordinary contribution to a mental health or wellbeing-related project.
- Lived Experience Award – a passionate volunteer who has used their own experience and personal journey to make positive changes for those going through similar challenges.
- Grassroots Sport and Physical Activity Champion – a community volunteer who goes above and beyond to break down barriers to accessing physical activity or sport.
- History and Heritage Champion – a volunteer who has shown great passion and enthusiasm for preserving local history, architecture, culture, or heritage within their community.
- Trustee of the Year – a trustee, voluntary director, or board member who has demonstrated outstanding and extraordinary service to their organisation.
- Community Food Champion – a volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to championing food support and systems within their community, helping people access affordable, nutritious and dignified food.
- Neighbourhood Pride Award (sponsored by and copresented with Cheshire West and Chester Council, open to individuals or groups) – an individual, team, or community group that has gone above and beyond to restore, nurture, improve, or care for a shared community space. This could include litter-picking heroes, community clean-up groups, volunteers maintaining local green spaces, restoring community assets, improving streetscapes, or establishing local friends-of groups. Through their efforts, they have helped strengthen civic pride and make their neighbourhood a better place to live, work, and visit.
Shortlisting will be carried out by CWVA staff, with the support of a staff member or councillor from the Council.
All shortlisted nominees, along with one additional guest, will be invited to attend a ceremony in the Chester area on Thursday 29 November. Nominees should keep this date free where possible in case they’re shortlisted.
