Return of event to reward volunteers

VOLUNTARY and community workers are to be recognised with the return of an awards initiative.

The North Northumberland Voluntary Forum’s Voluntary and Community Awards have been launched in recognition of the achievements and hard work carried out by individuals and organisations in Berwick-upon-Tweed and north Northumberland.

Local charities, voluntary and community groups will take centre stage this year for a unique invitation-only award evening which will be held on Wednesday, September 28. The event will acknowledge the ‘amazing’ contribution carried out by the area’s individuals, groups and organisations for the first time since 2019, when the last event was held.

The show’s organisers are asking residents of north Northumberland (formerly Berwick borough) to nominate people and organisations who have made a contribution to their communities, especially during the lockdown period.

Nominations are being invited in six different categories - Grassroots award; Project/Organisation of the year; Volunteer of the Year; Youth Volunteer of the Year; The Lady

Rose Crossman Lifetime Achievement award; and Local Business support award.

Flora Simpson, Chair of North Northumberland Voluntary Forum, said: “We’re proud to be presenting these awards after a two-year gap due to Covid-19 lockdown. This is a real opportunity to raise the profile of community and voluntary groups and to celebrate the achievements of volunteers throughout North Northumberland.

To nominate a group or individual before the deadline at 5pm on August 1, you can do so online at: nnvforum.org.uk