Volunteer Awards 2023

Back again for 2023, we want to celebrate the amazing volunteers that work in and around Horsham District. We know just how hard you have worked not only delivering your existing objectives, but also expanding your work and even setting up new community projects to support residents through the challenges of the last few years. (Pictured: Friends of Chesworth Farm)

You were there championing the voluntary sector before the pandemic, you are there now, and are a fundamental part of what makes Horsham District such a fantastic place to live, work, and visit.

Friends of Chesworth Farm

But we know it’s not easy in a lot of ways. We know there are ongoing struggles impacting the voluntary sector, and we recognise that the financial climate, at times, makes us all concerned about how to keep our charities lights on. Notwithstanding this, the voluntary sector will always be about its people and relationships. And that’s what we want to celebrate this year at Horsham District’s Volunteer Awards.

Award categories

We have seven awards that you can make a nomination for. We’d love to hear from you if you know someone who volunteers in Horsham District and fits the bill for any of the awards below! Make your nomination using our online form.

Biggest Heart Award

Does someone in your volunteering team always give it their all? Is their heart bursting with pride in the work that they do? Are they a brilliant listener and do they go above and beyond to help make the difference?

Trustee of the Year

Sometimes it’s the quiet ones who are the unsung heroes, quietly leading their charity to fulfil its purposes and potential. Which trustee inspires you?

Long Service Award

Do you have a volunteer on your team who has been volunteering with you so long, you’re now not sure when they started?! Tell us the story of how they got started volunteering.

Outstanding Contribution Award

Of course, all volunteers make an outstanding contribution, but is there someone in your team who goes above and beyond?

Permanent Smile Award

Volunteers that are there to welcome people with open arms and a smile are worth their weight in gold. Is there someone on your team you think should be recognised for lifting morale, celebrating successes, and smiling their way through their volunteering?

The Dream Team Award

There is no “I” in team, and we truly believe you can get anything done so long as you don’t mind who takes the credit. Is your volunteer team the “dream team” – make a nomination and let us help you celebrate their achievements!

Young Volunteer Award

Do you have a committed young volunteer (under 18) who is an inspiration? Do they have a fantastic approach to their volunteering? Are they inspiring others to get involved in volunteering locally?

Eligibility

Anyone can be nominated for one of the volunteer award categories if:

  • They are a volunteer providing a service in Horsham District.
  • They have not already won that award (e.g., if they previously won the Long Service Award, they cannot be nominated for the Long Service Award again etc.).
  • They are not nominating themselves!

(Pictured: Ashington Youth Club)

Ashington Youth Club

Nominate someone for an award

Nominations for the awards have now closed.

After you nominate someone

All nominations received will be put forward to a small panel including representatives from the Voluntary Sector Support Scrutiny Group. The Scrutiny Group is a group of local representatives from the voluntary sector who are our critical friends and support the delivery of Voluntary Sector Support (the Horsham District Council service coordinating these awards).

What are the prizes?

We know that volunteers don’t do what they do to be congratulated. But we also know that sometimes being recognised is a big, well-earnt morale boost.

There will be awards… you’ll have to wait to see what the prizes are!

Will there be an awards ceremony?

Yes. There will be an awards evening at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens during Volunteers Week on Wednesday 7 June 2023. All award winners will be invited to attend.