Council Honours Local Volunteers at Awards Ceremony
February 19, 2016
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council honoured the achievements of local volunteers last night (18th February) during a glittering awards ceremony and gala dinner held for the Mayor’s Awards for Volunteering Scheme at Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn.
The event was compered by presenter John Daly and was attended by 66 volunteers who were nominated by the public for their dedication and contribution to the local community. Nominations were received from 31 groups and 25 individuals across a diverse range of volunteering roles.
All volunteers attending the event were presented with a certificate on stage to recognise their valuable work before the announcement of the overall winner in each of the 7 award categories.
Maureen Stanfield from Drumlough Community Association was named Adult Volunteer of the Year. Maureen who has been volunteering for over 12 years, has supported, trained and developed members of the local community, particularly those isolated and in need. She has been instrumental in organising activities and projects and has been described as enthusiastic, hard-working and compassionate within the community she serves.
The Young Volunteer of the Year Award was won by Sophie Hall from the Lisburn Rural Project for her contribution to activities and opportunities for young people in her local community. Sophie has undertaken several training courses to improve her skills and has played a pivotal role in keeping youth provision at the forefront of all community decisions.
Speaking at the event, the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett said, “It is a great honour for Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council to host the Mayor’s Awards for Volunteering and recognise the diverse range of voluntary work taking place across the Council area. The event is an opportunity to pay tribute to many unsung heroes whose commitment and efforts have made a real difference to the lives of people in the community.
“I am continually overwhelmed by the number of hours local volunteers give up of their free time each week. Their contribution not only provides a service to others but it also builds friendships and provides a sense of purpose to many individuals who are quite often isolated or in need of help. It is an honour to recognise their achievements tonight and celebrate the valuable support network provided by volunteers in our communities.”
The Social Development Minister, Lord Morrow MLA who also attended the event said, “I want to pay tribute to all the volunteers here tonight – thank you for making a real difference in the lives of local people and communities. I would also like to commend Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and its partners for recognizing the tremendous contribution volunteers make to life within the City. I am pleased to add my voice because I recognise the wonderful gifts that volunteers give – their time, their energy and their passion.
“Volunteers have often told me that their experience of volunteering has also enriched their own lives so I would encourage anyone who has not yet tried volunteering to get involved.”
Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee added, “Volunteering plays such an important role in building and sustaining communities across the Council area and it is an honour to recognise and express our appreciation to individuals and groups who give up their time to help others. I hope by showcasing their experience tonight, others will be inspired to volunteer and continue to grow the voluntary sector within Lisburn & Castlereagh.
“I would like to thank Volunteer Now, South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust and the Education Authority who have worked with Council staff to make tonight’s event possible.”
The Volunteering Team of the Year Award (Large Group) went to Home-Start Lisburn/Colin in recognition of the widespread support they have provided to local families with young children over the last 24 years. While the Volunteer Team of the Year Award (Small Group) was won by Hilden Community Association for the range of programmes, events and development opportunities they have offered to local people.
Ballyoran Community and Arts Group were presented with the Newcomer Award for the personal development and creative programmes they have provided to help individuals of all ages improve their skills, make new friends and tackle social isolation.
The Best Neighbour Award was won by Anthony and Jean Lavery who have been volunteering for over 30 years and have dedicated their lives to the service of others, particularly those vulnerable and most in need. The couple have shown humility and care to the numerous children, young people and older people whose lives they have changed over the years.
The Age Sector Award was won by Carryduff Retirement Group for their work supporting older people in their community for over 30 years. The group have helped address issues of social isolation in older people by organising programmes, events and visits, even organising transport to get older people out and about to activities.
For further information on the next Mayor’s Awards for Volunteering Scheme, please contact the Community Service staff at Bridge Community Centre, Lisburn on 9266 2496 or at Bradford Court on 9049 4550