I have today launched the South East Cambridgeshire Volunteer Awards, to spotlight the dedication of volunteers right across the Cambridgeshire area.
Coinciding with International Volunteer Day, 5th December, the awards will give special recognition to individuals and groups who have made an exceptional contribution to their local community through their unpaid work. There are no formal criteria for nominations, except that the individual or group conducts voluntary work within South East Cambridgeshire.
In the UK, the voluntary sector generates significant funds to the UK economy, and contributes so much else to our local communities, including assistance for our most vulnerable and a valuable network for people with shared aims and interests. And in Cambridgeshire alone, there are over 3000 on the national register, but there could be between four or five times that number of unregistered groups, according to the Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service.
I have had the privilege of visiting many charities in my role as the local Member of Parliament – from cancer charity, Maggie’s; to parent-led support group, Little Miracles; to learning disabilities charity, The Edmund Trust. At each, it was striking to see just how far volunteers’ support went. Just a relatively small sacrifice of time can help provide a lifeline for many service users.
It is well-documented that volunteering delivers a host of benefits for physical and mental health, including lower rates of stress and anxiety, lower rates of general illness, and even lower mortality rates. It also teaches valuable skills like creativity, communication, and teamwork.
I am delighted to launch the South East Cambridgeshire Volunteer Awards and recognise the selflessness of volunteer groups and individuals right across our area.
I am sure that the stories shared will be an encouragement to us all, as well as an important reminder about the enduring value of voluntary acts of kindness.
I look forward to receiving nominations and welcoming the winners to Parliament for a special reception in the spring.
If you would like to nominate someone you know for their voluntary efforts, please email me on [email protected] with your name, your postal address, your email address, and the name and email address of your nominated volunteer, and your reason for the nomination.
Nominations will close on Friday 13 January, when I will begin the process of selecting the winners.
