Support Staffordshire are delighted to have held the prestigious 2020 Support Staffordshire Volunteer Star Awards virtually this week, recognising the work of many outstanding individuals and businesses who have given their time freely during what has been the most challenging of years.
The awards, described by a previous host as ‘our own mini Pride of Britain Awards’ aim to publicly recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements and commitment of volunteers and organisations who go the extra mile to support our communities.
In 2019 more than 1200 people attended ceremonies across Staffordshire with events held in Cannock Chase, Stafford and District, Lichfield and District, South Staffordshire, East Staffordshire and Staffordshire Moorlands but sadly the awards had to be cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Nevertheless, the events organised by Support Staffordshire are taking place online throughout June this year to mark the UK’s biggest celebration of Volunteering ‘National Volunteers’ Week’, 1st- 7th June.
The Lichfield District & Tamworth event, held on YouTube on Thursday 10th June at 7.30 pm was an overwhelming success and feedback has been excellent with guests saying how inspiring the volunteers’ stories are.
Amazing Evening - Thank You Support Staffordshire your work is amazing in supporting our volunteer community and we are blessed in Staffordshire to have so many selfless individuals x (Community Together CIC IN Tamworth)
Cant wait for next year thank you so so much to everyone involved in organising absolutely well done 👍 well done to all who where nominated x (Community Together CIC)
brilliant news 🙌 well done all – Josh (our Young Volunteer of the Year) is over the moon - we are all jumping round club! (Kerry McCabe Crowley on behalf of Fun Club Hub)
MHA Communities have played SUCH a big role during the pandemic and, while we still know them better as Live At Home, they deserve many thanks and congratulations” (Susan on Youtube)
There were 10 awards presented during the evening for each area, all proudly sponsored by local businesses.
Award Winners Were for Lichfield & District:
Volunteer of the Year – Linda Hood
Lifetime Achievement – Kathie Peat
Personal Achievement – Jonno Quinn
Trustee of the Year – John Palmer
New Volunteer Team of the Year – Burntwood Be A Friend
Volunteer Team of the Year - Kendall and Wall Volunteer Team
Support for Over 65’s – Hannah Montgomery
Support for Young People – Phoenix Volunteers (St Giles Hospice)
Young Volunteer of the Year- Josh Allen
Business Contribution to Communities Award – Chasetown Civil Engineering
For Tamworth:
Volunteer of the Year – Simon Peaple
Lifetime Achievement – Rob Bowker
Personal Achievement – Haley Gardner
Trustee of the Year – Julia Fallon
New Volunteer Team of the Year – Tamworth Covid Vaccination Volunteers
Volunteer Team of the Year - Library Volunteer Team Glascote
Support for Over 65’s – Caron Whitehouse
Support for Young People – Andy Bennett
Young Volunteer of the Year- Preston Stevens
Business Contribution to Communities Award – S K Stores
Garry Jones, Chief Executive of Support Staffordshire said “We are delighted to be hosting the events online year which has only been possible due to the generosity and support of local businesses. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our sector and these events are all about taking an hour or two to recognise the people who give their time freely, without promise of material reward, to help the people and places around them. We are proud to have already delivered 2 ceremonies online this week with tremendous success and are looking forward to the next 2 which will be on 15th and 17th June”
Lisa Carson Fundraising Development Manager said “I must sincerely thank our sponsors for supporting the awards this year, in particular Clayton Group, Richard Winterton Auctioneers, Bromford, Police Mutual, Staffs County Council, Lichfield BID, Whitemoor Lakes, Lichfield District Council, Tudor of Lichfield, Community Together CIC, Tamworth Borough Council, Brandauer & Co Ltd, and SL Flooring.
We recognise that businesses have faced their own challenges during the pandemic and so we are extremely grateful for their continued support during these unprecedented times”.
If you missed the awards or would like to tune in next week please visit https://www.supportstaffordshire.org.uk/volunteer-star-awards/your-local-event
