The 2025 Community Volunteer Awards winners have been named, in an inspirational awards ceremony that shone a spotlight on the contributions of volunteers in Blackburn with Darwen.
Ewood Park hosted the annual event this year, with the BBC’s Graham Liver returning to his role as host.
Around 1,200 nominations were received this year, which is one of the highest numbers ever for the Community Volunteer Awards, showing the gratitude that people feel for all the work put in by the borough’s volunteers and helpers over the past year.
On the evening of Thursday 6th November, 17 awards in total were presented to people and groups who go the extra mile to support others and help make their neighbourhoods better places to live.
The annual Community Volunteer Awards are jointly arranged and hosted by Blackburn with Darwen Council and Community CVS, with support from local businesses and community organisations.
Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Councillor Phil Riley, said:
“For the past few years, we’ve seen more and more nominations for people and groups who work hard to make the borough a great place to live. To receive over 1,000 nominations this year makes me very proud – it highlights just how much residents value these awards as a way to thank and recognise local support networks and individuals.
“It is absolutely right that their efforts are celebrated, and I hope all the finalists enjoyed attending the event in King George’s Hall.”
Garth Hodgkinson, Chief Executive of Community CVS, said:
“What a fantastic night. Community spirit is definitely strong within Blackburn with Darwen. I am blown away about the voluntary efforts that take place across the Borough. Congratulations to the Winners, Runner Ups, everyone who has been nominated and everyone who volunteers. Thank you for everything you do to help make a difference. To anyone who might not have taken the plunge – why not have a go. Together we can achieve so much more.
“May I thank all of our sponsors, who support the awards and everyone who helps out. Without your support – we would be unable to put on this remarkable event.”
Denise Park, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, added:
“Every year this event reminds me just how lucky we are to have so many voluntary groups and individual volunteers who give up their own time to support other people. Blackburn with Darwen is stronger for having them, and I’d like to add my thanks to them all for everything they do.”
Here is the complete list of winners for the Community Volunteer Awards 2025:
- People Individual Award
Peter Bond from North West Ambulance Service - People Group Award
BwD First Responders - Prosperity Individual Award
Benedict Gavin – Community CVS/Voice - Prosperity Group Award
Shelter Volunteers - Planet Individual Award
Betty Mossop – Shorey Bank Darwen - Planet Group Award
Corporation Park Community Garden - Peace Individual Award
Robert Wensley – Revidge Allotment Association - Peace Group Award
Community Harmony Project - Place Individual Award
John Gettins – Shelter - Place Group Award
Cath & Richard Podmore from Blackburn Children’s Storehouse - Participation Individual Award
Susie Veevers – Immanuel Feniscowles Scout Group - Participation Group Award
SAS Rights - CVS Special Award for Outstanding Service
Derek Estill – Interfaith Forum - Young Person Award
Maariyah Dudwala – Citizens Advice Witness Service - Lifetime Award
Yaqoob Hussain MBE - Volunteer of the Year
Tony Hopwood - Group of the Year
Blackburn Empire Theatre Group
Sponsors of the 2025 Community Volunteer Awards are: Spark, Blackburn Rovers Football Club & Community Trust, Child Action Northwest, Newground Together, Chubb, Spring North, Room to Reward, Rhodar ,Age UK Blackburn with Darwen, Blackburn College, PM+M Accountants, UCO, The Wish Centre, BwD Carers Service, Rummage Rescuers, Nightsafe Blackburn Youth Zone, Shelter, East Lancs Hospice and Voice.
