Volunteer Awards: I will be nominating - why not do the same?

"VOLUNTEERING is so important to North East Lincolnshire – without people who are willing to give up their time to help others, there would be many projects that simply would not be able to continue."

That's the message from Lynda Tappin, who won an accolade at last year's Grimsby Telegraph's Volunteer Awards, and is keen to stress how important volunteers are.

Helping others: Lynda Tappin, who won a Volunteer Award in 2010.

 As reported, we are looking for nominations in nine categories, from young people to older people, fundraisers to the new Judges' Award for anyone not linked to an organisation, such as a carer.

And, if you want to secure some well-deserved recognition for someone you know, act fast, as there is only just over a week left to send in your nominations.

Lynda, 50, has volunteered for many years with a number of projects, including the Shalom Youth Centre, on Roberts Street, Grimsby.

And she has seen first hand how volunteers ensure that such projects can continue.

The youth centre is popular with young people in the East Marsh area – but relies on volunteers and more are needed to help out.

"A lot of services simply would not happen if it wasn't for volunteers. I've noticed that some are struggling because of the cuts and rely on volunteers more and more.

"Volunteers are so valued in North East Lincolnshire and the more that are able to step forward to help, the more this area will benefit.

"Volunteering makes me feel good about myself, it makes me feel like I am playing my part, and anyone who volunteers would feel the same."

Speaking about her win, Lynda said: "I didn't take it too seriously when I was nominated, but when my name was called out at the ceremony, I was so shocked.

"I'd moved away from the area, first to Norwich then to Germany and Cyprus with my husband Andy, but we came back some years ago.

"I wanted to make a difference and I hope I am doing that. I will volunteer for as long as I am able to – it means a lot of me.

"I would recommend volunteering to anyone and I will be nominating in the awards this year and suggest others do the same."

The annual awards are brought to you by the Grimsby Telegraph, North East Lincolnshire Council and North East Lincolnshire Volunteer Centre and are sponsored by NatWest. They aim to reward those who give their time to help others.

The deadline for nominations is Thursday, December 1, so make sure you send us your completed form, which can be found below.

Don't worry if you don't know which category your nomination fits into, as the judges will sort it for you. You can nominate friends or family and send us as many entries as you like.


NEL Volunteer Awards 2011 nominations

You can nominate people in the following categories:
1. Young Volunteer Award (Under 18)
2. Older Volunteer Award (Over 60)
3. Sports and Recreation Award (including arts, music, media, libraries)
4. Charity Fundraiser/s Award (including individuals or groups, including retail or organisations)
5. Community Volunteer Award (eg safer communities, police, fire, health, hospital, Lives, community volunteers)
6. Team Award
7. Outstanding Resident Award
8. Judges' Award (to honour those who may not be linked to organisations but who give time voluntarily in our community eg carers)
9. Corporate Award

Making a Nomination

Online: To make an online nomination, click here  

By post: print and fill out this form then send it to:

Volunteers Awards 2011, 

Newdesk,

Grimsby Telegraph,

80 Cleethorpe Road,

Grimsby, 

North East Lincolnshire

DN31 3EH.