NHDC's Chair’s Volunteer Achievement Awards – Winners Announced

PR Date: Tuesday, 2 March 2021 - 11:45am

The winners of this year’s Chair’s Volunteer Achievement Awards were announced by Cllr Terry Tyler on NHDC’s YouTube channel on Friday 26 February 2021.

The awards celebrate people in North Hertfordshire who volunteer and ‘go the extra mile’ to make a real difference in their local community. Organised by North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC), the awards were sponsored by Willmott Dixon, with The Comet as media partner.

The winners were nominated by members of the public and chosen by the judging panel, which comprised of Cllr Terry Tyler, NHDC’s Chair, Anne Suslak, Editor at The Comet, Anne Taylor from NHCVS and Jack Wells from Willmott Dixon, facilitated by Claire Morgan from the Communities Team at NHDC.

Each winner was presented with a beautiful engraved glass trophy and gift vouchers to acknowledge their volunteering achievements.

Cllr Terry Tyler, NHDC’s Chair said: "We are delighted that the hard work and dedication of volunteers in the district has been recognised by these awards. It is for these people, who selflessly give their time and skills for free to help their communities, and for that we owe them our gratitude."

Jack Wells, Construction Manager, at Willmott Dixon said: “We are honoured to have taken part in the process of selecting and rewarding the efforts of these inspirational volunteers within the county and thank North Hertfordshire District Council for asking us to be a part of the process”

The winners of this year’s awards are as follows:

Caring about COVID-19 Community Support Volunteer Award

Alex Prosser-Snelling set up the group, Royston vs. Coronavirus. He accessed funding, liaised with Councillors and other organisations, as well as mobilising a group of around 200 volunteers to help support Royston residents. Volunteers have been delivering shopping, prescriptions and other vital supplies, as well as providing a help line for residents feeling isolated in lockdown.

Dedication Award:

Adeline Darvill has volunteered for the North Herts and Stevenage (Hitchin) Samaritans for over 50 years. During this time she has completed at least one shift a week and one night shift a month as a listening volunteer, helping a significant number of callers who are suffering from emotional distress. She has also taken on additional duties such as mentoring and leadership. Adeline has always shown exemplary commitment to helping callers - she never misses a shift and is always happy to help anyone in any way she can.

Green Award:

The voluntary group, Friends of Therfield Heath, won the Green Award category. Their work alongside the Conservators of Therfield Heath and Greens, promotes and encourages the use of Therfield Heath which includes organising events, raising awareness of the related bye laws and regulations, improving facilities for visitors and encouraging conservation of the natural environment.

Their voluntary work has continued during the pandemic including litter picks, an online talk about water, a virtual Easter egg hunt and an open-air bat walk.

Young Star Award: 

Tina Bhartwas was awarded the Young Star Award for her work North Herts CVS. She is a member of the Trustee Board, supporting their work with the Young Trustees Movement and campaigning to raise awareness of trusteeship in young people.

Tina is a representative for #TeamHerts Volunteering and a powerful advocate for the project, speaking at countywide conferences about her experiences as a volunteer.

She set up the Hertfordshire Against Holiday Hunger Campaign as she felt so passionate about vulnerable families being supported throughout the school holidays.

Tina also campaign's for climate change action and as a young BAME women also works to address equality and diversity. She also volunteers for a number of local organisations including the Grange Community Cafe.

Judges Special Recognition:

Paul Ross has given his time to support members of Howard Garden Day Care Centre and other older people in our communities during the pandemic. He volunteers to pack bags with food, activities and essentials and always makes time to stop and talk to the people he has delivered to, to see if they need extra help and support.

Paul has helped transport people to the Centre and motivates others to help where needed. Paul has also provided emotional support to staff and volunteers.