For the first time, the people of Lewisham are being asked to nominate individuals for a ‘Make a Difference' award. These new awards have been created to celebrate the contribution volunteers make in the borough.
Lewisham Council in partnership with the Volunteer Centre Lewisham are organising the awards which will be held in Lewisham Town Hall, Civic Suite, on Thursday 4 March 2010.
Anyone can nominate an individual for an award as long as the person being nominated lives, works or studies in Lewisham. Nominations will be accepted for individuals who have spent their voluntary activities doing something that benefits the environment, individuals or groups other than the nominee's own relatives.
Sir Steve Bullock will be attending the awards at the ceremony in 2010. He said, “Volunteering is such an admiral thing to do. It’s a demonstration of an individual’s commitment and dedication to the community and local environment. Not everyone is prepared to sacrifice their own time and effort to help others or improve the area they live in, but every time someone does they help to build stronger community spirit and a better place for us to live in.
"These awards recognise the selfless commitment of volunteers to contribute to the local community and I look forward to meeting some of these special people at the awards ceremony.”
Kay Kelleher, Director of Volunteer Centre Lewisham, said: “Volunteer Centre Lewisham is delighted to be partnering Lewisham on this event. Volunteering benefits everyone that it touches, increases the sense of community and brings about a better understanding of each other whether you are giving your time or being supported by a volunteer.
“People often think of volunteering in the sense of supporting large charities and giving time to carry out specific pieces of work. However, a large number of people who give their time and skills often do not think of themselves as volunteers, these include management committee members, school governors and ‘informal’ volunteers - i.e. the people that help others ‘’just because they do’’. All these people make an incredible impact on the lives of others.
“I hope everyone will nominate someone who they feel deserves to be recognised in this way.”
There are several categories volunteers can be nominated for:
- The Young Mayor’s under 18s Community Champion
A young person who has made a significant impact or contribution to the Lewisham community by actively participating in activities to help other young people or the wider community.
- Love Lewisham Community Champion
A person who has made a difference to improving space, reducing waste and contributing care to the upkeep of the local neighbourhood resulting in notable environmental benefits.
- Neighbourhood Community Champion
A person who make a significant contribution to their local neighbourhood, plays an active role in galvanising the local community.
- Supporting Others Community Champion
A person who gives their time willingly to support or mentor others to develop, nurture or sustain their overall quality of life, reintegration into a mainstream setting or access to facilities.
- Schools and Learning Community Champion
A person who has made a significant contribution to the development or enrichment of learners or mentees in a learning environment.
- ‘Be more’ Leisure and the Arts Community Champion
A person who has made a significant contribution in sport, leisure, library or arts scene in their neighbourhood or in the wider community.
- The Mayor’s ‘Make a Difference’ Community Champion Award 2010
From the winners of all these categories, the Mayor will choose the individual he considers to be the outstanding community champion.
The deadline for the nominations is 12noon on 15 February 2010. Download nomination forms online.
For more information call 020 8314 8425 or email makeadifference@lewisham.gov.uk