On 12 June 2024, the Unity Charity Volunteer Awards took place at Crosfield Hall, Romsey, shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes who tirelessly contribute to their communities. This special event celebrated the power of volunteering and acknowledged the invaluable contributions made by individuals and teams working behind the scenes to support those in need.
Christianne Ireland, Unity’s Voluntary Sector Support Manager, highlighted the critical role that volunteers play in enhancing society. “Volunteers make the world a better place to be in – this is surely something worth celebrating. As a society, we increasingly rely on helping each other as volunteers. It’s vitally important that we collectively value and recognise their selfless contributions to our local communities,” she said.
Christine also emphasised the importance of appreciating and nurturing volunteers to ensure the longevity and success of charitable initiatives. “Everyone likes to feel valued, no more so than your volunteers. Without them, so many activities and support networks will fail to deliver their core purposes. Like a garden, we need to nurture, grow, retain, and develop your volunteers.”
The event was filled with inspiration, with attendees sharing stories about the powerful impact volunteering has on both individuals and communities.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the awards by Deputy Mayor Linda Lashbrook and Unity Chair of Trustees Dorothy Baverstock. Among the many inspiring winners, the Andover Mind wellbeing volunteers were honoured with the coveted Team of the Year award for their outstanding work in supporting mental health and wellbeing initiatives. our volunteer, Den Randall, who runs our weekly art group, collected the award on behalf of the team.
The Unity Volunteer Awards serve as a reminder of the profound influence volunteers have on their communities and the importance of recognising and celebrating their efforts. Through events like this, the community can continue to support and cultivate the volunteers who make a lasting difference in the world around us.
Could you be a volunteer at Andover Mind?
If you’re looking for a way to give back to your local community and you’d like to get involved in volunteering with Andover Mind, please reach out by calling 01264 332 297.
< Back to news
