06 Sep Torbay Community Champion Awards 2024

Across Torbay, there are countless unsung heroes who quietly go about their work, making our Bay a brighter and more inspiring place to live. These individuals, who often go unnoticed, play a vital role in weaving the fabric of our community with their dedication and passion.

Torbay Communities, in partnership with the Torbay Weekly, is on a mission to shine a spotlight on these remarkable individuals through the Torbay Community Champion Awards. This event aims to celebrate and honour those who contribute so much to our community, particularly within the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise sector.

Whether it’s a neighbour who goes above and beyond, a volunteer who tirelessly dedicates their time, or a professional making a significant impact, now is the time to recognise their efforts. Nominations are open to anyone in the community who fits these criteria, and we encourage you to put forward those deserving of recognition.

You can nominate anyone from where in the community to one or more of the award categories. The awards are not just open to volunteers, but anyone working in the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector. The deadline is midnight on Sunday, October 6.

The Awards will be presented at the Torbay Communities AGM at the Redcliffe Hotel on Thursday, October 24th starting at 3pm.

The main sponsor of the event is Torbay Health and Wellbeing VSCE Network, but category sponsors are still open. To sponsor one of the categories, contact David Gledhill at: 07715 770303 or [email protected].

Jim Parker, Torbay Weekly Editor and Trustee of Torbay Communities said: “Everyday, I hear about unsung heroes in our community, doing their bit to make Torbay a great place to live.

“This event will be a great opportunity to say thank you to those people who make our Bay special, and inspire more to come forward and follow in their footsteps.”

Tracey Cabache, Director of Torbay Communities said: “Workers and volunteers in the Voluntary, Charity and Social Enterprise Sector are the backbone of our communities.

“So many organisations and events would simply not exist without their hard work. They are everywhere; some we see, but others work tirelessly behind the scenes. They deserve our never-ending thanks and unceasing praise.

“We want to celebrate them and thank them all and an annual awards ceremony is a good starting point.”

Make as many nominations as you wish here: https://bit.ly/TorbayCommunityChampion 

The categories are as follows:

Health and wellbeing champion

A worker in the voluntary, community or social enterprise sector committed to improving the health and well-being of people in Torbay, including those who provide support for people with additional needs or disabilities, support an organisation that advocates for those with certain illnesses or conditions, provide activities for people with disabilities or long-term illnesses, or accompanies patients to hospital.

Volunteer of the Year

A volunteer who has shown commitment, passion and care for their volunteering and made a significant difference to their volunteer cause and the community at large.

Young volunteer of the year

A young person who has shown a real commitment to volunteering and/or overcoming serious problems and made a positive difference in their own life or other peoples’.  It will celebrate the work carried out by young people who give up their time to help their community; in school, at youth clubs or a voluntary organisation.

Climate and environment champion

A worker in the voluntary, community or social enterprise sector who dedicates their time to caring for their local environment, takes part in environmental protection projects, champions a sustainability programme, or takes part in any other volunteer activity that supports the environment

Volunteering team

This award is given to a group of three or more volunteers who have made a real difference to their community or an organisation.

Lifetime award

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

Good neighbour award

A resident who strives to make sure there is a place for everyone in their local community and is devoted to helping those who live around them.

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 by providing emergency services, safety awareness and training or is involved in an activity that enhances safety or protects their communities in emergencies.

Community champion

A worker in the voluntary, community or social enterprise sector who has shown commitment, passion and care for their volunteering or work and made a significant difference to their cause and the community at large.

(NB. Not seeking nominations. Winner to be selected from all categories).