Recognising the contribution of volunteers to their communities

Nominations are being sought for awards that celebrate how the voluntary and community sector involves, influences and impacts on the community.

Teesside University’s Social Futures Institute is working alongside Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency (MVDA) and Redcar Voluntary Development Agency (RCVDA) for the South Tees Excellence in Volunteering Awards.

There are 10 award categories this year which recognise how the voluntary and community sector involves, influences and impacts on the community.

Professor Paul Crawshaw, Acting Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Business & Law, said: ‘We’re really pleased to be working with local support and development agencies to recognise the remarkable work and perseverance of the organisations that provide South Tees with a backbone of vital voluntary and community action.’

How to enter Nomination forms are available from the MVDA website and the deadline for submission is 20 January 2016. All nominees must have been active in Middlesbrough and/or Redcar & Cleveland during the last twelve months.

Call for sponsorship These awards are made possible through the kind support of local businesses and there are still sponsorship opportunities available. By sponsoring an award, your business would be supporting local charities to make a real difference to the lives of local people. If you are interested please contact MVDA on 01642 249300.

Full list of award categories:

Outstanding volunteer team: award for an outstanding contribution by a voluntary and community organisation (VCO) volunteer team

The local solution: award for an outstanding contribution from a grassroots community group

Stronger communities: award for a VCO that has contributed significantly to inclusion and improved community cohesion

Working together: award for an effective VCO partnership or cross sector collaboration

Young influencers: award for an individual or team of change-makers aged 25 or under

Effective campaign: award for a VCO that has influenced policy or brought about change at a local level

Getting noticed: award for a VCO that has used the media effectively or demonstrated digital innovation in the promotion of a cause Improving health and wellbeing: award for an outstanding contribution by a VCO in the area of health and wellbeing

New approach, better outcomes: award for a new project or service that has made a difference to the lives of local people

Lasting legacy: award for a VCO that has enhanced community learning, resulting in a more sustainable future.

The South Tees Excellence in Volunteering Awards take place at The Students’ Union Hub at Teesside University on Thursday 25 February 2016, from 3.00pm.

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