The search for unsung heroes in Blackburn and Darwen has begun

Today is the launch of the Community Volunteer Awards 2020 to celebrate the remarkable people and groups who make a difference in Blackburn and Darwen

Nominations are now open for all the local heroes who dedicate themselves to people and places in the borough and help to make it a better place.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Community CVS are working with local charities and businesses to put on these awards, which shines a light on the contributions community groups and individuals make to life in our borough.

It could be someone who gives their spare time for free to help out with clubs or groups, someone who dedicates their time to charity, people who help to keep their communities clean and tidy or people who make a difference to the lives of others – there are categories for every good deed.

Awards are up for grabs across 12 categories including The Good Neighbour Award, Volunteer of the Year, an Environment Award, Grassroots Award and the Community Involvement Award, which is open to the local business community.

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of the Council, said:

There is no shortage of brilliant, dedicated, caring people in this borough, who make our communities a better place in so many ways.

I hope as many people as possible nominate your unsung heroes to give them the recognition they deserve. The work carried out across Blackburn and Darwen is amazing and deserves to be celebrated.

It would be great to award the efforts of these local heroes, so please take a moment to take a look at the nomination forms and help to shine a light on all this good work.”

Chief Executive of Community CVS Garth Hodgkinson added:

Volunteers and community groups play a vital role and their work needs to be recognised, please nominate someone as a way of thanking them for the contribution they are making”

The closing date for nominations is Friday, April 17th.

Nominations can be made online at www.communitycvs.org.uk/volunteer/volunteer-awards/.

You can also collect nomination forms from Community CVS at the Boulevard Centre, Railway Road, Blackburn – next to Blackburn train station – or contact Donna Talbot on (01254) 583957 or donna.talbot@communitycvs.org.uk.

The Community Volunteer Awards will be presented at a special celebration in King George’s Hall in June presented by BBC Radio Lancashire Breakfast Show presenter Graham Liver.

Among the sponsors of the 2020 Community Volunteer Awards are: Blackburn Rovers Football Club, Care Station NW, Star Tissue, ELHT, BwD CCG, Suez, BwD Carers Service, The Wish Centre, Age Uk, Inspire, Our Lancashire, Healthwatch, Nightsafe, Voice, McDonalds, Trueman Change and Blackburn College

Other Blackburn with Darwen businesses who would like to get involved in the Community Volunteer Awards as a sponsor can contact Donna Talbot at Community CVS at:  donna.talbot@communitycvs.org.uk 01254 583957