Havant Celebrates its Volunteers!

2 June 2017

On Thursday 25th May, volunteers across Havant Borough came together to be recognised for their outstanding commitment to volunteering. The event was organised by Community First’s Volunteer Service in partnership with Havant Borough Council. Janet Duggan, Volunteer Service Manager at Community First, said: “This year we had six award categories with many nominations for each category. It was incredibly difficult to select three winners for each category as all the nominations we received were worthy of an award. It was so inspiring to hear about all the unsung heroes in our community, working so tirelessly for their charities and community groups. We would like to take this opportunity to thank every volunteer in Havant and recognise the contribution you make to the community.”

The event took place at Langstone Technology Park and was attended by the new Mayor of Havant, Cllr Elaine Shimbart, who presented the awards. The youngest award winner was Jasmine Bone from Park Community School through to the oldest, Jean Kelly, 87 years, from Angel Radio. Jean remarked: “I was amazed to have won the Unsung Hero Award which recognises volunteering in the face of adversity. I have been a volunteer at Angel Radio for 14 years and after losing my husband became socially isolated. Volunteering has helped me to regain my confidence and given me a purpose to get up in the morning. Everyone at Angel Radio is lovely and we provide a nostalgic music service to older people across the South.”

The two Teams of the Year went to Right to Work CIC, who are a supported volunteer group at Staunton Country Park and Hewitts in Emsworth, and Corporate Team of the Year went to Lockheed Martin UK. Commenting on the award, Paul Livingston, Vice President and Group Managing Director of Lockheed Martin UK in Havant, said: “We are delighted to receive the Corporate Team of the Year award. This award recognises our local corporate responsibility programme and our contribution to our community, education and the environment. I am proud that the achievements, commitment and enthusiasm of our people have been acknowledged alongside so many other truly inspirational people at these very special awards.”

National Volunteer’s Week is from 1-7th June, celebrating and recognising the work volunteers do across the country. The Volunteer Service at Community First will be hosting a series of events to promote volunteering across our communities, starting with The V Team who will be in Hayling Island with the Grow Together Project on Friday 2nd June. If you would like to find out about volunteering go to www.volunteerwessex.org or our Volunteer Service on 0300 500 8085.

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