As part of 2025 National Volunteers’ Week, Horsham District Council hosted an evening of celebrations to recognise hundreds of local volunteers who work hard to make a positive difference to communities throughout the Horsham District.
The awards evening took place at Slinfold Golf and Country Club on 4 June.
There were eight award categories and the winners announced on the night were:
- Biggest Heart - Sonia Fox, Family Support Work
- Dream Team - Henfield and District Self Help Group Volunteers
- Long Service - Mike Draper, Samaritans of Horsham and Crawley
- Outstanding Contribution - Joy Carter, Sussex Green Living
- Permanent Smile - Mark Bensusan, Conversation Starter Project CIC
- Trustee of the Year - Denis Shakesheff, Samaritans of Horsham and Crawley
- Young Volunteer - Oscar Arnold and Henry Parker, Storrington and Sullington Wardens
- Special Recognition - Fiona Tilston-Jones, Citizens Advice in West Sussex.
The awards were presented by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Professor Jane Longmore, and The High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Timothy Fooks.
Also in attendance were Horsham District Council Chairman Cllr Tony Bevis, Vice Chairman, Cllr Joanne Knowles and Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr Sam Raby.
Commenting on the awards ceremony, a Horsham District Council spokesperson said: “Our congratulations go out to all the winners and nominees for our 2025 Volunteer Awards.
As a council we are so grateful for all the incredible work that the voluntary sector has been doing to help our communities. We feel we could not do all the great work we do without their levels of support.
They make such a big difference to the quality of the lives of so many people across our District.
If you think volunteering is something that you would like to get involved in, please get in touch with our Voluntary Sector Support team at the Council. We have so many different roles on offer and your help has never been more needed or appreciated.
To find volunteering opportunities in your area please visit our Volunteering in Horsham District website.
The Volunteer Awards scheme, launched for the first time in 2022, aims to highlight the many amazing volunteers who work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors of the Horsham District.
Image gallery
Biggest Heart - Sonia Fox, Family Support Work
Dream Team - Henfield and District Self Help Group Volunteers
Long Service - Mike Draper, Samaritans of Horsham and Crawley
Outstanding Contribution - Joy Carter, Sussex Green Living
Permanent Smile - Mark Bensusan, Conversation Starter Project CIC
Trustee of the Year - Denis Shakesheff, Samaritans of Horsham and Crawley
Young Volunteer - Oscar Arnold and Henry Parker, Storrington and Sullington Wardens
Special Recognition - Fiona Tilston-Jones, Citizens Advice in West Sussex