Celebrating community heroes in Blackburn with Darwen!

The 2024 Community Volunteer Awards winners have been named, in an inspirational awards ceremony that shone a spotlight on the contributions of volunteers in Blackburn with Darwen.

King George’s Hall hosted the annual event once again, with the BBC’s Graham Liver returning to his role as host.

Around 1,500 nominations were received this year, which is the highest number ever for the Community Volunteer Awards, showing the gratitude that people feel for all the work put in by the borough’s volunteers and helpers over the past year.

On the evening of Thursday 7 November, 20 awards in total were presented to people and groups who go the extra mile to support others and help make their neighbourhoods better places to live.

The annual Community Volunteer Awards are jointly arranged and hosted by Blackburn with Darwen Council and Community CVS, with support from local businesses and community organisations.

Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Councillor Phil Riley, said:

For the past few years, we’ve seen more and more nominations for people and groups who work hard to make the borough a great place to live. To receive over 1,000 nominations this year makes me very proud – it highlights just how much residents value these awards as a way to thank and recognise local support networks and individuals.

It is absolutely right that their efforts are celebrated, and I hope all the finalists enjoyed attending the event in King George’s Hall.

Garth Hodgkinson, Chief Executive of Community CVS, said:

What a fantastic night. Community spirit is definitely strong within Blackburn with Darwen. I am blown away about the voluntary efforts that take place across the Borough. Congratulations to the Winners, Runner Ups, everyone who has been nominated and everyone who volunteers. Thank you for everything you do to help make a difference.  To anyone who might not have taken the plunge – why not have a go.   Together we can achieve so much more.

May I thank all of our sponsors, who support the awards and everyone who helps out.  Without your support – we would be unable to put on this remarkable event.

Denise Park, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, added:

Every year this event reminds me just how lucky we are to have so many voluntary groups and individual volunteers who give up their own time to support other people. Blackburn with Darwen is stronger for having them, and I’d like to add my thanks to them all for everything they do.

Here is the complete list of winners for the Community Volunteer Awards 2024:

Health and Wellbeing Award:

Individual – Sahil Usman

Group – Blackburn Foodbank

Prosperity, Learning and Employment:

Individual – Sandy Woods

Group – Offload Northwest

Grass Roots Community Action:

Individual – Samantha Nye

Group – Roots Community

Young People’s Award:

Individual –Emma Evans

Group – Blackburn Youth Darts Academy

Renee Black Award:

Neuro Dynamix

Environment Award:

Individual – Wayne Dixon

Group – Little Potting Club

CVS Special Award for Outstanding Service:

Chris Seddon

Culture, Leisure and Sporting Life Award:

Individual – Keith Brunt

Group – Mill Hill Festival

Lindsay Dunn Award:

Individual – Muaaz Nadat

Group – Phoenix Hub

Community Involvement Award:

Darwen Community Helpers

Good Neighbour Award:

Vicky Kelly

Volunteer of the Year:

Richard Croasdale

Lifetime Achievement Award:

Judith Houghton

Sponsors of the 2024 Community Volunteer Awards are: Wepa, Deaf Village, Spark, Blackburn Rovers Football Club & Community Trust, Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum, East Lancashire Hospice, Chip In, Newground Together, Chubb, Room to Reward, BAM, Rhodar, Active Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service, The Lancashire Telegraph, Age UK Blackburn with Darwen, Suez, Blackburn College, PM+M Accountants, UCO, The Wish Centre, BwD Carers Service, and Voice.