People all over Blackburn with Darwen have nominated a record number of local heroes for this year’s Community Volunteer Awards.
A total of 416 nominations have been received, which is the highest number ever for the awards, showing the gratitude that people feel for all the work put in by the borough’s volunteers and helpers over the past year.
In the last year our borough’s community champions rose to the challenge more than ever in response to the pandemic and were a lifeline for so many people who needed extra help.
The Community Volunteer Awards celebrate the wonderful people and groups who make a difference in Blackburn and Darwen year in, year out, and help to make it a better place.
The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 3rd at King George’s Hall.
Garth Hodgkinson, Chief Executive of Community CVS, added “the response of local residents, charities and community groups to the COVID 19 pandemic has been remarkable and is truly inspiring. Thank you to everybody for what you have done. With so many dedicated volunteers and organisations, I am sure we are well placed to rebuild our communities over the coming months.”
“I would like to thank all our 20 sponsors; whose support is vital in being able to put on awards such as this. Our sponsors include:- local businesses such as Star Tissue UK, Suez, Herbert Parkinson’s, McDonalds, Trueman Change, Blackburn Rovers and the Hive Business Network; local charities and social enterprises, such as Age UK Blackburn with Darwen, BwD Carers Service, BwD Healthwatch, BwD Interfaith Forum, Care Station, CGL, Nightsafe, Voice, and, the Wish Centre; and, the public sector such as Blackburn College, the NHS (Lancs ELHT & CCG) and the Police & Crime Commissioner. It is really pleasing to see that all the community is coming together to help recognise, celebrate and reward local volunteers.”
Councillor Khan, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “The amount of nominations received for this year’s award is fantastic, and is a testament to the dedication and tireless work of the volunteers and helpers here in our borough. This is especially true over the last year and a half, when we have been battling the pandemic and the huge changes in people’s lives.
