Final call for Mayor’s Volunteer Awards

Pictured at the launch of the 2016 Mayors Awards for Volunteering is the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett and Chairman of the Councils Leisure and Community Development Committee, Alderman Paul Porter with members of the working group; Wendy Osborne OBE, Volunteer Now; Monica Meehan, Education Authority; Caroline McGrath, South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, Deirdre Russell, Community Services Manager; Rhonda Frew, Community Development Officer and Cathy Adamson, Mayors Secretary. Picture by Darren Kidd / Press Eye. INUS Mayor's award launch.

The scheme is an opportunity for people to say ‘thank you’ to the many individuals and groups who give up their time freely to help others and show good community spirit.

Nominees and nominators will then be invited to a glittering awards ceremony early next year when all nominations will be formally recognised.

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett said, “Volunteering plays a vital role within communities and I am continually overwhelmed by the number of volunteers who freely give up their time to help others.

“All of us know individuals and groups who volunteer without looking for reward or recognition, whether it is those organising local projects and events, engaging in fundraising activities or even providing support to individuals in their community. These people may have been volunteering for many years or there could be those who are new to volunteering, either way their efforts deserve to be recognised and appreciated.

“The closing date for nominations is approaching fast on Friday 6th November 2015 at 4pm and I would encourage everyone to make a final nomination prior to this date to ensure the hard work and dedication of volunteers within the Lisburn & Castlereagh area doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee added, “The work that volunteers carry out in our communities is invaluable so the scheme is an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the many individuals and groups who give up their time to help others.

“I would like to encourage people who have yet to make a nomination to complete and return a nomination form.”

Organised by the Council’s Community Services Section in partnership with Volunteer Now, South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust and the Education Authority, the 2016 Awards Scheme is inviting nominations for the following award categories; Adult Volunteer, Young Volunteer, Volunteer Team of the Year (Large Group), Volunteer Team of the Year (Small Group), Newcomer Award, Best Neighbour Award, and Age Sector Award

Nominations are welcome from members of the public, including representatives from community, voluntary and statutory organisations.

All nominations must be made in writing using the nomination form, which is available to download at www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/community. Forms can also be obtained from Bridge Community Centre, on 028 9266 2496 or email [email protected] or by contacting Bradford Court, Castlereagh on 028 9049 4550 or email [email protected]

Closing date for completed nominations is Friday 6th November 2015 at 4pm, so don’t miss out, nominate your volunteering star today!