07 Jan A new year, full of opportunities to help out

Happy New Year! A week in already, and if you were looking forward to a quiet one, then it has not got off to a great start.

But world politics apart, we can only hope for calmer, more prosperous prospects here in Torbay with charities and voluntary bodies focused on helping people live their best lives.

We are also off to a flying start with a staggering 140 nominations in our Community Champion Awards, which celebrate the very best of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

The judges meet on Friday to whittle the entries down to a shortlist of just three for each of the nine categories, covering a broad spectrum and targeting every aspect of volunteering and community work in Torbay.

Hopefully, by this time next week, we will know who is in the running for the awards, but whether you make the shortlist or not, simply being nominated is praise indeed and recognition of the efforts of thousands every day of the year.

It has been noted that so many organisations would not exist and events would not take place without the goodwill of volunteers and community workers, and they cover a broad spectrum from sports clubs to the annual Torbay Airshow.

Celebrating volunteers and community workers is something we at Torbay Communities seek to do all year round, but the awards organised in conjunction with the Torbay Weekly and now in their second year shine an even brighter spotlight on them.

As with the inaugural awards in October 2024, we have asked for nominations in nine categories and will ask the guests at the award ceremony at Bay Church in Paignton to vote for the overall Community Champion for 2025, last won by Normms McNamara for his work with the Purple Angel charity which he set up to advocate for the right of people with dementia to enjoy a good quality of life and remain engaged in their communities.

In a room full of Community Champions, it was a difficult decision, each being worthy of the award in their own, often very different ways, but Normms was a deserving winner for his work worldwide, despite having dementia himself.

This week, the judges will have the unenviable task of drawing up the shortlists and deciding who should receive the coveted awards, whilst ensuring everyone gets the praise they undoubtedly deserve. We will be looking for neighbours who go above and beyond, volunteers who tirelessly dedicate their time, never expecting anything in return or a professional who has made a significant impact:

The Health and wellbeing champion – a worker in the voluntary, community or social enterprise sector committed to improving the health and well-being of people.

The Kevin Helmore Carer of the year – awarded to someone who improves the life of an individual or group of people through their helpfulness, compassion and support.

Emergency worker of the year – a worker in the voluntary, community or social enterprise sector who strives to keep their communities safe.

Volunteer of the Year – a volunteer who has shown commitment, passion and care for their volunteering and made a significant difference.

Young volunteer of the year – a young person who has shown a real commitment to volunteering and/or overcoming serious problems.

Volunteering team – this award is given to a group of three or more volunteers who have made a real difference to their community.

Good neighbour award – a resident who strives to make sure there is a place for everyone and is devoted to helping those who live around them.

Climate and environment champion – a worker in the voluntary, community or social enterprise sector who dedicates their time to caring for their local environment,

Lifetime award – someone who has worked within their community for many years and recognises their long-standing dedication to improving the quality of life in Torbay.

You won’t qualify for the awards this year, but that shouldn’t stop you from committing to a volunteering role as part of your New Year’s resolution. Go to volunteertorbay.com, tell us a bit about yourself, and we will get back to you with some suggestions.

Alternatively, if you want to discuss volunteering, call the Torbay Community Helpline on 01803 446022 or check out existing vacancies on Torbay Together, over on the Devon Connect website.

There is a whole new world of opportunities awaiting you.