Southampton recognises volunteers with a virtual awards event during Volunteer Week
Today (1 June 2021) many organisations and individuals gathered virtually to celebrate the efforts and contributions of volunteers in Southampton
The efforts and contributions of volunteers in Southampton have been celebrated today at the start of National Volunteers Week, which runs 1-7 June 2021.
In a virtual awards ceremony hosted by Southampton City Council and Southampton Voluntary Services (SVS), talented volunteers were recognised in a range of categories, including:
- The SVS 100 hours certificate scheme
- The good neighbour award for informal volunteering
- Civic university volunteering
- Environmental volunteering
- Supporting health & wellbeing
Organisations who nominated teams and individuals were in attendance as well as the Mayor of Southampton and Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Heritage.
The Right Worshipful Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Alex Houghton comments: "It has been an honour to be in the company of the many individuals and organisations who do so much for our city. Hearing the many ways that people have come together to help the community is a true inspiration and it was great to celebrate the brilliant work that they do. Volunteers are often the busiest people but go the extra mile to help others, often beyond the call of duty. Volunteering is so much more than the physical act and I know from personal experience the benefits it can bring. Congratulations and thank you to all of the nominees - I hope this community spirit lives on."
Councillor Spiros Vassiliou, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Heritage adds: "Volunteers are the pillars of our community and their passion and drive has been fantastic to see. Over the past year especially during the pandemic, volunteers have been a lifeline and made such a positive impact on so many people. I’d like to say a really big thank you to all of the city’s volunteers for your selfless work and efforts."
Nicky Judd, SO:Linked programme manager, Southampton Voluntary Services said: "It was a joy to host the awards ceremony and hear the stories of local volunteers who were nominated by 20 Southampton organisations. A huge range of contributions and volunteering roles were highlighted; gardening, being a ward buddy, counselling, delivering food, providing advice, setting up projects and more. Volunteers bring not just their time but their unique personalities, skills and experiences, and that really shone through. It was good to be able to thank them for all they do for the people and places of Southampton."
On Thursday (03 June), Southampton Voluntary Services will be hosting its first virtual volunteer fair. The event will provide a chance for local organisations to promote their volunteering projects and for people to find out more about opportunities available should they want to volunteer. For more information, or to register for the event visit: www.solinked.org.uk/vw2021
