Voting for Epsom & Ewell Volunteer Awards is now Open!

The nomination period for the annual Epsom and Ewell Volunteer Awards is now open. The purpose of these annual awards is to recognise the invaluable contribution of volunteers who offer their time selflessly for the benefit of the community in the district of Epsom and Ewell.

This year as with previous years, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council in partnership with Voluntary Action Mid Surrey will celebrate the contribution of volunteers to their local community groups and voluntary organisations.

Volunteers can be nominated through either their remarkable contribution to an organisation and its members over a period of five years or more or individual involvement as part of a project that has made a real difference e.g. designing a website, fundraising, outstanding support to an individual or a voluntary organisation.

For the first time this year, and to highlight the work done by Voluntary Actions Aspire project, there will be an award for Equality and Inclusion. This award will be jointly given to both the organisation and the volunteer. It will be awarded to organisations that have shown diversity and inclusiveness in their recruitment of volunteers. The volunteer within this organisation will be someone who has faced challenges into accessing volunteering and is valued within the organisation.

Volunteers will be presented with their awards by the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell at a special reception to be held at the Town hall on Thursday 5 June 7pm. The award for Equality and Inclusion will be presented at the ceremony by the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP for Epsom & Ewell.

Julia Gallagher the Volunteering Development Manager for Voluntary Action Mid Surrey explained: 

“This annual event is a way for us to recognise and thank those volunteers who give up their own time to help and support many local charities and community groups. Without their invaluable help many services to both individuals and to the community of Epsom and Ewell would not happen. 

"Many of the volunteers who receive the awards have often volunteered for decades supporting their organisations and this gives us a great opportunity to recognize and thank these often overlooked ‘local heroes’. 

"Our Aspire project supports individuals who need a little more support in finding a suitable role due to the challenges they may need to overcome. Therefore this new award enables us to celebrate both the fantastic support organisations offer volunteers as well as highlighting the individual’s personnel achievement. 

"As well as celebrating individual contributions the awards nicely demonstrate the diverse range of voluntary opportunities and services that are available within our local area”.

For anyone wishing to nominate a volunteer please contact Voluntary Action Mid Surrey on 01372 722911 or access the necessary forms via their website www.vamidsurrey.org or contact Julia@vamidsurrey.org

The closing date for nominations is Monday 21 April 2014.