Know a volunteer who goes over and above to make other people’s lives better? Say thank you by nominating them in this year’s Community Volunteer Awards.
The Community Volunteer Awards are a partnership between Blackburn with Darwen Council and Community CVS.
Now in their tenth year, the annual awards recognise and celebrate the hard work, passion and dedication of the borough’s volunteers.
The award categories reflect Community CVS’s six Ps:
- People – recognising volunteers who support other people
- Prosperity – recognising volunteers who support employment, enterprise or tackling poverty
- Planet – recognising volunteers who make a difference to the environment, sustainability and tackle climate change
- Peace – recognising volunteers who support community cohesion in our borough, or who help keep our communities and vulnerable residents safe
- Place – recognising volunteers who have had an impact on improving our town centres and community spaces
- Participation – recognising volunteers who support involvement in areas like the arts and culture, and physical activity and sport.
Nominations can also be made for the Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of someone who has volunteered for 20 years or more, and the Young Person’s Award, for a volunteer aged 25 or under.
The Community Volunteer Awards are open to anyone who gives their time to volunteer in Blackburn with Darwen.
Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, commented:
“Every volunteer in Blackburn with Darwen plays a part in the inspiring volunteering culture that has developed here and of which I’m so proud. Their efforts truly have a positive impact on our communities, and without them, our borough simply wouldn’t be the same.
“The Community Volunteer Awards are a chance for us to express our heartfelt thanks and recognise the incredible contribution volunteers make in supporting others and to make lives better.
“I’d really encourage everyone to take a moment to nominate someone who gives their time so generously through volunteering. It’s a wonderful way to give them the recognition they deserve.”
It’s easy to nominate a volunteer or voluntary organisation for a Community Volunteer Award – all you have to do is write a short summary of what the individual or organisation does that makes them deserving of an award.
You can make nominations:
The closing date for nominations is Friday 14th August.
Garth Hodgkinson, Chief Executive of Community CVS, added:
“Community CVS is here to promote, support and grow voluntary action. The Community Volunteer Awards, are a truly fantastic way of showcasing the amazing work of volunteers and volunteer-run groups.”
“Last year was a huge success with a wide range of committed volunteers celebrated, ranging from those who help keep their community clean and tidy to those who offer their time supporting individuals, charities and organisations.”
“By nominating an individual or group, you will be helping CVS to say the biggest thank you possible to the volunteers and volunteer-run groups that make Blackburn with Darwen a great place to live.”
The 2026 Community Volunteer Awards celebration will be returning to King George’s Hall in Blackburn on Thursday 5th November, hosted by BBC Radio Lancashire’s Graham Liver.
