Category

Award Description

Adult

Volunteer/s

This award recognises an individual (26yrs+) who gives unconditional support to their organisation, dedicating great time and effort, often ‘behind the scenes’. They may undertake one or several roles within an organisation. With devotion and professionalism, they do not seek reward but their efforts over the past year mean they are more than deserving of this accolade. Supporting evidence must refer to their contribution and the level of commitment given by this person in both quality and quantity.

·        Volunteer at a local community project such as a foodbank, tin, on the wall etc

·        Volunteer at a local non-profit event

Young

Volunteer

This award is to recognise a young person aged between 11 and 25 who has shown a real commitment to their volunteering. Supporting evidence must make reference to their contribution and the level of commitment given by this person in both quality and quantity.

·        Volunteer at a local community project such as a foodbank, tin, on the wall etc

·        Volunteer at a local non-profit event

Trustee

Volunteer

This award recognises an exceptional and influential trustee who demonstrates outstanding dedication and commitment to an organisation. Supporting evidence must refer to their contribution and the level of commitment given by this person in both quality and quantity.

Sports

Volunteer/

Group

This award recognises an individual or volunteer-led clubs, teams in Torfaen whose contribution to sport has made a difference by providing their time to support sport & recreational activities in Torfaen.

For example, nominee’s may have

·        Used sport as a way to tackle social isolation/loneliness.

·        Used sport as a tool to positively impact the lives of participants.

·        Used sport to promote the inclusion of marginalised groups.

·        Volunteer at a community sports club

·        Coach a youth sports team

·        Volunteer with an organisation that promotes diversity in sport;

·        Support a local recreation centre

·        Organise volunteer led outdoor activities

·        Share their time to support community recreational activities

·        Volunteer to teach inclusive physical activities

·        Take part in a committee for a local sports programme

·        Or take part in any other volunteer activity that supports sport or recreation!

Health

Volunteer

This award recognises an individual that has actively contributed to improving the health and wellbeing of others or has supported the promotion and improvement of health and wellbeing in their community. For example, nominees may have

·        Worked together to help reduce social isolation and improve social connectivity.

·        Identified and challenged health inequalities.

·        Raised awareness of/promoted the importance of supporting mental wellbeing.

·        Run a support group for those affected by mental health

·        Volunteer with a charity that supports people with a disability

·        Support an organisation that advocates for those with a certain illness or condition

·        Volunteer with a day care centre, nursing home or independent living community

·        Provide activities and classes designed to include people with a disability or long term illness

·        Accompany patients to hospital appointments

·        Or take part in any other volunteer activity that advances people’s health or well-being!

Environmental Volunteer / Group

This award recognises an individual or group who is committed to the promotion and protection of our environment, or the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.

For example, nominees may have

·        Contributed to a project to preserve and conserve our natural environment.

·        Dedicated their time to improving, maintaining or conserving a heritage project or site.

·        Promoted or carried out projects to recycle, reduce waste or reduce their carbon footprint.

·        Participates in a clean up project or local litter pick

·        Support a community garden or park

·        Organise a green agriculture initiative

·        Take part in environmental protection projects

·        Champions a sustainability programme

·        Or take part in any other volunteer activity that supports the environment

The Heart of the

Community

(Community Group of the Year)

This award recognises teams of volunteers, groups, or community councils whose support has resulted in a positive impact on their local community.

For example, nominees may have

·        Worked on a community project to improve their local area.

·        Empowered local people to take action on matters that are important in their community.

·        Worked together to run activities for local residents.

Business

of the Year

This award recognises a business that encourages, provides and/or supports its workers to volunteer in the community, provides skills and expertise to support or mentor local groups, or sponsored much needed work for local organisations.

Arts, Culture & Heritage Volunteer or Group

This award recognises those who contribute to the cultural life of Torfaen through encouraging and providing engagement with music, arts, creative writing, dance, history, and heritage.   This category is open to an individual volunteer, or to an organisation that enables volunteers to participate in and promote cultural experiences.

 Here are a few examples of volunteer activities that would fit into this category:

·        Volunteer at a community event

·        Participate in a local theatre group

·        Volunteer at a museum or art gallery

·        Support a local cultural institution

·        Organise volunteer cultural tours

·        Share their time to support community choirs, dance groups, art groups, heritage groups

·        Volunteer to teach art, music or dancein a community setting

·        Showcase the diversity of art and culture in Torfaen

·        Takes part in any other volunteer activity that supports art, culture or Heritage

Children & Youth

Group Award

This award recognises volunteers and voluntary groups who support children and youth in Torfaen.

For example:

·        Volunteer at a local youth group

·        Act as a mentor to at risk children

·        Participate in a local afterschool group

·        Volunteer to share their skills and teach young people

·        Organise activities for children in need of additional support

·        Share their time with a children’s support line

·        Support a charity that advocates for children’s causes

·        Facilitate skills based or social programmes for youth

·        Or takes part in any other volunteer activity that supports children or young people!

Community Leader

Award

Great groups rely on inspirational people – those special individuals who have not just chosen to give their time to improve their community but who have been able to motivate and support others to do likewise.  

This can be an individual who has gone above and beyond in commitment and passion for their community. Responding by giving outstanding service and support during times of crisis this year or responding to the needs of their community

Neighbour of the Year Award

This award celebrates someone who goes out of their way to help people around them, making their street or community a better, friendlier place to live. Whether through small acts of kindness, being dependable, or helping in tough times, this person brings people together and makes a real difference. This award celebrates someone who goes out of their way to help people around them, making their street or community a better, friendlier place to live. Whether through small acts of kindness, being dependable, or helping in tough times, this person brings people together and makes a real difference.

Gwent High Sheriff

The High Sheriff presents various awards during the year to thank people for their contributions to the work of the justice system, to combat crime or to support people in the community – All nominations from all categories will be presented to the High Sheriff of Gwent for him/her to make a decision on the recipient(s).