DEADLINE EXTENDED – 22ND AUGUST 2021

A virtual awards ceremony to recognise community champions who do all they can to help others is taking place for the second consecutive year.

Organised by HEY Smile Foundation and partners, the Volunteer Awards 2021 will go ahead online at 6pm on Wednesday, October 6^th to celebrate the work of selfless individuals and teams in a range of sectors across the Humber region.

While the first Volunteer Awards in 2019 took place in person, the Covid-19 pandemic saw organisers take the decision to move the awards online last year, attracting more than 150 nominations across 10 categories. The event saw more than 1,000 YouTube views, as well as 314 people watching at the peak of the event.

This year, the judges, comprising of event partners and sponsors, will choose a further 10 worthy winners with categories recognising community volunteers, fundraisers, charity trustees, volunteer teams and more.

Pauline Hardy, from Thorngumbald, was the winner of the Sports Volunteer Award last year, following 46 years of voluntary work in netball development and giving more than 25 hours of her time per week as an ambassador for the sport.

She was the founder member and Chair of Reckitt Benckiser Netball Club, which she set up in 2007, and was instrumental in them receiving funding and recognition from England Netball. Pauline also supports Humberside County Netball Association as a committee member and Coaching Secretary, and also sat on the England Netball National Heritage Group until earlier this year.

She said the Volunteer Awards are a wonderful way to celebrate the work of volunteers.

Pauline said: “I was very surprised to be nominated and even more excited and overwhelmed to win the award. I love volunteering and I’m the person who usually nominates other people.

“The Volunteer Awards are so important because it shows volunteers are not forgotten and HEY Smile Foundation and the partners are doing a great job to organise the event online again this year.

“Volunteering is so rewarding and helping others makes you feel good about yourself too. Volunteer Week is a great time to launch the awards and let people know what it’s all about.”

Nisa Retail’s Making a Difference Locally charity is the main partner for the event and East Riding of Yorkshire Council is the event partner.

The awards will be hosted by event, stage and radio presenter Darren Lethem via Facebook and YouTube, shining a virtual spotlight on volunteers from across Hull, East Yorkshire, North and North East Lincolnshire. All shortlisted entries will receive a trophy to mark their achievements.

Sarah Shepherdson, Communications and Events Manager at the HEY Smile Foundation, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to bring the Volunteer Awards back in a virtual format again this year.

“Taking this approach means even more people can get involved in a safe way while still recognising the incredible efforts of unsung volunteers who go above and beyond to help others.

“Last year brought unprecedented challenges and people did extraordinary things in response. Volunteers continue to play a crucial role in our communities on so many levels and will continue to do so long into the future.

“We can’t wait to receive this year’s nominations and we already know our judges will have to make some very tough decisions.”

Entries can be submitted online, via paper entry form or by video submission and the deadline to enter is midnight, 15^th August 2021.

The awards ceremony will be available to view via Smile’s YouTube channel.

We are delighted to be joined once again by Headline Event Partners, Nisa Local’s charity, Making a Difference Locally and East Riding of Yorkshire Council. 

Nominations are now being accepted and we want to hear from you – who are the special volunteers deserving recognition?

Award categories are:

Connecting Communities Volunteer Award (Sponsored by Mitsubishi Chemical UK Limited)

Do you know someone who is a ‘good neighbour’ using their time to help others and prides themselves on connecting their community together? 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 (Sponsored by Transwaste)

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.

Behind the Scenes Volunteer Award (Sponsored by Umber Creative)

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.

Trustee Award (Sponsored by Smailes Goldie)

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. 

Volunteer Team Award (Sponsored by Arco)

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.

Community Volunteer Award (Sponsored by East Riding of Yorkshire Council)

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.

Public Service Volunteer Award (Sponsored by The One Point)

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 and the NHS 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 (Sponsored by Active Humber)

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.

Young Volunteer Award – Under 25 (Sponsored by Hull Youth Support Trust)

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.

Fundraiser Award (Sponsored by Smile Health)

This category recognises an amazing Fundraiser. Someone who has gone and above and beyond with their fundraising – they might be full of quirky ideas, or have the power to rally the troops to fundraise for a special cause. They may have had a personal reason to want to fundraise, or maybe they just like to help local charities. 

Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award (Sponsored by MADL – Making A Difference Locally)

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.

Nominate your amazing volunteer by clicking here.

Download a paper entry form here.

Please email all video submissions to awards@heysmilefoundation.org.