Sarah Curtis is the VP Human Resources for Safran.

What encouraged you to sponsor the Torfaen Community and Volunteer Awards?

It is our privilege to be able to sponsor the Torfaen Community and Volunteer Awards. Aircraft seating has been produced at the site in Cwmbran for many years, during that time a lot has changed. What hasn’t changed is the strength of the community spirit and as a large local employer we are delighted to be able to support an event that showcases the achievements of members of our community. We also have strong ties to many of the local colleges whose students work so hard to help make the Awards ceremony a success.

Why you’re sponsoring Community Leader?

Safran Seats GB have sponsored the Community leader of the year category. As the Welsh proverb says ‘Mewn pob daioni y mae gwobr’ there’s reward in every goodness. The organisations, volunteers and businesses that go above and beyond to improve our local area often do so at their own expense; they act selflessly for the benefit of others and it is so important that their contribution is acknowledged. Community leaders may be motivated by the reward inherent in every good deed but by sponsoring this category, we are empowering people to give them the giant thank you they deserve.

Why are awards like TCVA important?

Awards such as the Torfaen Community and Volunteer Awards are important not only as an opportunity to recognise the incredible work being done by local people but also the very act of recognition itself is good for our wellbeing. Awards like this help us all to enrich our community ties and build our social support networks. Thanking others also increases empathy, develops personal resilience and improves happiness. In a post-pandemic world it also gives like-minded people a fantastic opportunity to get together and have some fun!

Why is it important to showcase Torfaen in this way?

The definition of a community is ‘a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common’, but a dictionary classification can’t capture the nuance of such an important concept. By showcasing and celebrating the achievements of local organisations, volunteers and businesses, we all get a front row seat to the lived experiences of the people that truly make our community such a great place to live and work.