LOCALS are being given a chance to celebrate the “amazing” efforts of their community heroes by nominating them for a Forest Volunteer Award for 2023.

Organised by local community charity Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF), the annual Forest Volunteer Awards recognise and celebrate the efforts of volunteers and community groups across the Forest.​

​This year, the awards has seven categories open for nominations: Your Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion; Outstanding New Volunteer/Organisation; Young Volunteer of the Year - 16yrs & under and Year 17 – 21yrs; Grassroots Award for Voluntary Group of the Year; Community Organisation Award; Business in the Community Award; and FoD Dementia Action Alliance Inclusion Award. 

FVAF says they want to hear about “all those heroes who have demonstrated exceptional and outstanding support to the local community over the past 12 months”.

The winner of the ‘People’s Champion’ award will be decided by the community, with FVAF asking people to vote for their ‘Volunteer of the Year’ once they’ve shortlisted the entries.

The other winners will be selected by a panel of judges and awards will be given in each category, at a special awards ceremony later in the year.

Deb Cook, Volunteering Manager at FVAF said: “So much of what happens within our community is because of people who give their time and energy for free. 

“We think that recognising the amazing efforts of volunteers and organisations is incredibly important and we are asking local people to help us say ‘thank you’ by nominating those volunteers and groups who have gone the extra mile.”

Anyone can nominate a volunteer hero who they believe deserves recognition. 

The deadline to submit nominations is midnight on Saturday, July 1.

To nominate, visit www.fvaf.org.uk/volunteer-awards to fill out an online nomination form, email [email protected] or call 01594 822073 for a paper copy.