Congratulations to our Award Winners
More than 170 people came together on Saturday 2nd October to celebrate the first ever Torfaen Community & Volunteer Awards at Pontypool Active Living Centre.
The awards ceremony was officially opened by The Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent, Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE and was hosted by Welsh sports broadcaster, Sean Holley, and TVA’s own broadcaster, Patrick Downes.
Sponsored by Mamhilad Park Estate, the Business of the Year award went to Age Connects Torfaen for the support that they have given the most vulnerable in our community; helping to keep them safe, well and reassured that help was at hand. They provided lots of activities from prescription pick up, meal delivery, activities in the home, choir sessions, weekly phone calls and a access to benefits information
Other winners included:
- Bryony Powell – Young Volunteer of the Year
- Janette Smith – Adult Volunteer of the Year
- Daniel Crandon – Trustee of the Year
- Volunteer Caseworkers of Disability Advice Project – The Heart of the Community Award
- Chris Partridge – Environmental Volunteer of the Year
- Chloe Goddard – Personal Journey
- Sabrina Cresswell – COVID-19 Response Volunteer (Heroes)
- Matt Cummins – Sports Volunteer of the Year
- Allan Hiatt – Health Volunteer of the Year
More than 100 nominations were put forward for the awards, across 10 categories.
Mamhilad Park Estate was one of 22 local businesses that provided sponsorship to make the awards a truly unforgettable celebration of the unsung heroes of Torfaen.
Torfaen Voluntary Alliance’s Operational Executive Officer Aimi Morris said,
“We were honoured to have with us dignitaries who supported our celebration, the Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent, the Gwent High Sheriff, and Lynne Neagle MS, who gave up their time to bring together this celebration. The night was a way of saying a big thank you to all our finalists, not forgetting all those who were nominated – everyone is a worthy winner.”
Councillor Fiona Cross, Torfaen Executive Member for Children, Families and Communities, said, “It was a pleasure to be in attendance at the first of its kind volunteer awards ceremony in Torfaen. So many heart-warming stories showing how individuals and groups had gone above and beyond during the pandemic to help others.
A huge congratulations to all those recognised for an award and lets all look forward to a brighter 2022. Well done to TVA and all the partners involved who made this event a fantastic celebration of volunteering in Torfaen ”.
For a full list of the winners and to find out more information about the awards, visit www.tvawales.org.uk/volunteer-awards