Volunteers do the most amazing things and at HEY Smile Foundation, we want to recognise the efforts and outstanding achievements of those who volunteer across all types of organisations in our community.

The inaugural Volunteer Awards, taking place in October will be a special event that celebrates the contributions of volunteers throughout the Humber region, saying thank you to all those who give their time to benefit others.

The event will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Hull on 16th October 2019 in the form of a celebratory Sparkling Afternoon Tea awards ceremony. There will be 10 awards plus a special Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award.

Launching during Volunteers Week 2019 (1^st-7^th June), nominations are now being accepted and we want to hear from you – who are the special volunteers deserving recognition?

Award categories are:

Young Volunteer Award (under 25)

This award recognises a young person (aged under 25) who has shown outstanding dedication and commitment to their volunteering. They might have created their own project, or volunteer for an existing organisation, but you would consider their efforts to be exceptional. They have gone the extra mile using their skills, enthusiasms and energy to contribute to their organisation, community or cause.

Community Transport Volunteer Award

This award is open to anyone volunteering in Community Transport and includes: Drivers of both minibuses and cars, Passenger Assistants and behind the scenes volunteers e.g. Admin Support, Fundraisers etc. The award recognises those who have shown dedication and enthusiasm ‘and have gone the extra mile’ to help community transport in their own way.

Public Service Volunteer Award

This award recognises individuals who make an outstanding contribution volunteering in the public services. These could include volunteering with Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue etc. The volunteering can be carried out on the front line or behind the scenes. These people help to make our community a better place.

Sports Volunteer Award

Volunteers are vital for sports clubs and activities to run and volunteers give their time, enthusiasm and energy to play their part. Volunteering roles range from those seen on the front line such as coaches and leaders to those who work tirelessly behind the scenes carrying out tasks such as administration, refreshments, media work, grass cutting etc.

Trustee Award

This category recognises an amazing Trustee. Someone who might have had to steer their organisation through a turbulent time. They may have had to overcome challenges or have really inspired those around them to help the organisation to shine.

Community Volunteer Award

This category recognises a volunteer who has volunteered in their community. They may be involved with an organisation or may take the initiative themselves to take action. They may be seen as a ‘pillar of their community’, may be involved in all sorts of ventures, may have inspired others in their community to get involved, been an encouragement and guiding light to others. We’re looking for those who have gone over and above what would be expected to help in their community.

Behind the Scenes Volunteer Award

This recognises that volunteer who quietly gets on behind the scenes and does an amazing job. They may be the unsung hero that everyone relies on but may be someone that quietly gets a job done to a very high standard and doesn’t seek any recognition. We all know someone like this and we want to shout about their hard work and efforts.

Good Neighbour Volunteer Award

Do you know someone who is a ‘good neighbour’ using their time to help others? It may be someone who goes out of their way to look after others (not related to them) in the local community, maybe helping with gardening, shopping, picking up prescriptions etc. Someone who brightens up the lives of others with their personality and makes the world a better place for them. Someone who seems to have endless energy and goes about their volunteering with a cheerful disposition, where nothing is too much trouble for them.

Environmental / Conservation Volunteer Award

This award recognises someone who has done exceptional volunteering in the environmental / conservation field. They may have worked to create, improve or protect green spaces for the benefit of people and nature. It may be someone who has made a great difference to their local area, possibly by working to improve an open space in the town or countryside. It may be someone who has inspired and encouraged others to get involved and the work has made a difference to the local area and people who live there.

Volunteer Team Award

This category is open to any team / group which has worked in an exemplary way to achieve its aim. The nature of the volunteering can fall into any of the above categories and recognises the work done by members, working together in an organised and impactful way. If you know of any team which has knocked your socks off, we want to hear about them.

Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award

There will also be an overall award for ‘Outstanding Volunteer of the Year’ and this will be chosen by the panel from all entries submitted.

Andrew Barber, Chief Executive of HEY Smile Foundation said: “There’s an incredible amount of volunteering that takes place across Hull, East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire but no one organisation currently celebrates the great work that they do to benefit our communities. Some organisations will of course celebrate their volunteering achievements internally, but we want to bring all this together under one roof and tell the world how great our region’s volunteers are.”

The Volunteer Awards 2019 are supported by Nisa Local’s charity Making a Difference Locally, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and partners who will form the judging panel once nominations close on July 31^st. 

Nominate your amazing volunteer by clicking here.

Download an entry form here.