Awards to recognise local volunteers

The awards are to recognise the valuable work of volunteers and volunteering organisations within communities in the Lisburn and Castlereagh area.

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 and the award winners announced.

Launching the awards, 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 Friday, November 6 at 4pm and I would encourage everyone to take a few moments to nominate an individual or group whose efforts might otherwise go unnoticed.”

Alderman Paul Porter added: “I am delighted that staff from the Council’s Community Services Section can work in partnership with Volunteer Now, South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust and the Education Authority to organise the Mayor’s Awards for Volunteering Scheme.

“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 to take the time to make a nomination to ensure the tremendous work which takes place in our communities is deservedly recognised.”

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 scheme nomination form, which is available to download at www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/community.

Forms can also be obtained by contacting Bridge Community Centre, Lisburn on 9266 2496 or email [email protected] or by contacting Bradford Court, Castlereagh on 9049 4550 or email [email protected]

Closing date for completed nominations is Friday 6th November 2015 at 4pm.