21 Jan Two days until the Torbay Community Champion Awards 2025

IN two days’ time, we will be crowning a new Torbay Community Champion, and competition is fierce.

As with last year, we will be asking the audience at the awards ceremony at Bay Church in Sands Road, Paignton, to vote for who they want to see as the overall winner of the coveted award, won last year by Norrms McNamara for his work with the worldwide Purple Angels dementia charity.

So far, we have drawn up shortlists for each of the nine categories, no mean feat considering we had to whittle the entries down from a staggering 120 nominations. The judges had their work cut out for them, as every single one of the citations was worthy of praise.

Each and every one of them has given so much and worked so hard for their communities, not expecting praise or thanks, but deserving of both nonetheless, which is why we set these awards up.

Across the Bay, volunteers work tirelessly to ensure organisations and events go off smoothly, filling in gaps and contributing knowledge that if paid for would make them unviable – and their efforts make life better for everyone.

So many sports clubs would not exist, coffee mornings would not take place, and even major events like Children’s Week or the Riviera Airshow would not be possible. Volunteers and community workers make the world go around.

Over the coming weeks, we will be talking more about each of the winners and finding out what makes them tick, why they do what they do and why we think it is important. We will be celebrating them and shouting about them from the rooftops.

But we will also continue to heap praise where it is due on the unsung heroes in our communities, those that have not been nominated this time around, in the hope that they too will feel able to bask in the glow of appreciation.

Community workers in the Voluntary Community and social enterprise sector are professionals who engage with communities to identify needs and implement programs that improve the quality of life.

More often than not, they fulfil roles that are not the best paid and rely heavily on goodwill and the dedication of the individual who sees it as more than a job, more a vocation.

They typically possess specialised training in social work, public health, or community development. Their work is characterised by a commitment to service, advocacy, and empowerment.

Then there are the volunteers.  While they vary widely in their backgrounds and skill sets, they share that common desire to give back to their communities. They often complement the work of community workers and engage in various roles that support community initiatives.

Where would we be without them? In a much poorer place is the simple answer.

Despite their crucial roles, both community workers and volunteers face challenges in their efforts. Funding cuts limit resources available for projects. Additionally, burnout and emotional fatigue are concerns due to the demanding nature of community work, especially in high-need areas.

Recognising the contributions of community workers and volunteers is essential. Public acknowledgement can boost morale, encourage others to get involved, and highlight the significance of community engagement. Celebrating their achievements not only honours their dedication but also raises awareness of the challenges communities face.

Community workers and volunteers are the backbone of community support systems, providing essential services and fostering connections among individuals. Their efforts contribute to building healthier, more vibrant communities, addressing issues that affect everyday lives.

Here at Torbay Communities, we will continue to find ways to celebrate community workers and volunteers and the awards on Friday are just a small part of that. We can never say thank you often enough or ever take enough time to ensure they are fully appreciated. We can but try,

We are grateful to our sponsors who have stepped up to cover the cost of the awards and cream teas that go with it: Cantina Kitchen & Bar for the Climate and Environment Award, The Torbay Business Forum for the Good Neighbour Award, and Torbay Council for the Health and Wellbeing Award.

Thanks also go to Steve Darling MP for once again sponsoring the Kevin Helmore Carer of the Year Award, and to the Torbay Weekly for supporting the Lifetime award. Steve Barriball has kindly sponsored the Volunteer of the Year, Wollens: Full Spectrum Law, the Volunteering Team, and South Devon College, the Young Volunteer.

We could not do it without them.