Finalists announced for Community Volunteer Awards 2025

The finalists for this year’s Community Volunteer Awards have been revealed following an incredible response of more than 1,200 nominations across eight award areas.

Judging, organised in partnership between Community CVS and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, took place on Thursday 4 September.

The winners will be announced at a special awards presentation evening at Ewood Park on Thursday 6 November 2025.

Garth Hodgkinson, Chief Executive of Community CVS, said:

It’s been inspiring to see such an incredible range of nominations this year. We’re truly grateful to everyone who took the time to put forward an individual, group or organisation for recognition – the quality was outstanding and gave our judging panel a very difficult task. We can’t wait to gather at Blackburn Rovers’ Ewood Park in November with our finalists to celebrate their passion, commitment and the vital role they play in strengthening communities across Blackburn with Darwen.

The judging panel, which included representatives from all event sponsors, faced the challenging task of narrowing down the nominations to a final shortlist.

The awards evening will honour the often unsung heroes of Blackburn with Darwen. Individuals and groups who have generously volunteered their time, energy and expertise to supporting others and making our communities a better place.

Award categories include: People, Prosperity, Planet, Peace, Place, Participation, Young Person and Lifetime Achievement.

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

It’s wonderful to see a record number of nominations for this year’s awards. Blackburn with Darwen has always been a borough that comes together in the face of challenges and nowhere is that more evident than in our incredible community spirit.

The Community Volunteer Awards capture this perfectly and stand as a true reflection of the dedication, compassion and tireless commitment of those who give their time every single day to make our borough a better place.

Once again, this year’s nominees are truly inspiring. Every volunteer and community champion deserves the highest recognition and our sincere gratitude. We are immensely proud that so many people across Blackburn with Darwen devote their energy to supporting others and making a real difference in people’s lives.

I look forward to celebrating the winners together at Ewood Park in November.

The shortlist for the 2025 Community Volunteer Awards are:

 People – Individual

• William Morrison – Creative Football
• Peter Bond – Northwest Ambulance Service
• Neil Shorrock – Royal British Legion

People – Group

• No.1 Coffee Shop
• BwD Hyndburn & Ribble Valley Samaritans
• BwD First Responders

Prosperity – Individual

• Marguerite Webb – CANW
• Benedict Gavin – Community CVS
• David Garth – Spark

Prosperity – Group

• Shelter Volunteers
• St James Ash Grove Community Centre
• Rummage Rescuers

Planet – Individual

• Rob Wensley – Revidge Allotment Association
• Chloe Dunne – Rummage Rescuers
• Betty Mossop- Shorey Bank Darwen

Planet – Group

• Corporation Park Community Garden
• Bank Top Community Garden
• Rummage Rescuers

Peace – Individual

• Sally – The Wish Centre
• Robert Wensley – Revidge Allotment Association
• Nicola Holden – Spark

Peace – Group

• Blackburn Rovers Community Trust
• Community Harmony Project
• BwD Samaritans

Place – Individual

• John Gettins – Shelter
• Christine Robinson – Grace Pentecostal Church
• Daniel Bates – No1 Coffee Shop

Place – People

• Bank Top Community Garden
• Friends of Darwen Cemetery
• Blackburn Vineyard Children’s Storehouse

Participation – Individual

• Peter Scott – Darwen Tennis Club
• Susie Veevers – Immanuel Feniscowles Scout Group
• Mark Emery – Darwen Cricket Club

Participation – Group

• Friends of Darwen Cemetery
• Veterans Living History Museum CIC
• SAS Rights

Young Person

• Maariyah Dudwala – Citizens Advice Witness Service
• Carmen – East Lancs Hospice
• Sophie Homer – National Festival of Making

Lifetime

• Christine Robinson – Grace Pentecostal Church
• Yaqoob Hussain MBE
• Daniel Cavello