The winners of Community Action Suffolk’s 2016 Awards have been announced, recognising the volunteers, communities and young people making an impact on the lives of people in Suffolk.
- The Anne Dunford OBE award – for youth participation
WASSUP (women against sexual exploitation and violence speak up), Ipswich read more… - The Roddy Macleod award – for youth club of the year
Mid Suffolk Holiday Opportunity Playscheme (HOPS), Eye read more… - The Andrew Towers award – for young person of the year
Charlotte Willer, Sudbury read more… - The Colonel Probert award – for community initiative
Elmswell Fire Officers, Elmswell (Mid Suffolk) read more… - The Ian Campbell MBE award – for individual initiative
Reginald Brine, Lowestoft read more… - The Village Hall or Community Building award
Freckenham Village Hall (nr Mildenhall, Forest Heath) read more… - The Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering award (sponsored by MyCharityGuard)
Elizabeth Murphy, Woodbridge read more… - Event Organiser of the Year
Jane Haylock, Hadleigh Year of the Sheep read more… - Most Inspiring Volunteer story
Judith Gunion, Ipswich read more…
With a record number of nearly 100 nominations, the judges on the panel faced the most difficult decision process to date. Award winners are young and old, from all corners of Suffolk, proving that anyone can get involved with supporting their local community. The winners will receive their awards at CAS’s Annual Review and Celebration evening in Stowmarket, on 18 October 2016.
Pete Richardson, Chief Executive of CAS, said:
“I’m looking forward to meeting the winners and congratulating them on their hard work and commitment to their communities. I’d also like to thank all those who took the time to submit nominations. It never ceases to amaze me how much volunteering and community work goes on in Suffolk on a daily basis. Without these people, Suffolk really wouldn’t be the same.”
The winner of the Most Inspiring Volunteer story is Judith Gunion from Ipswich. Judith has helped to inspire many within Suffolk, through sharing her own stories and words of wisdom. Judith often encourages others to get involved and certainly practices what she preaches. Alongside helping at multiple events within the UK, Judith’s volunteering journey since being a London 2012 Games Maker has seen her travel to places such as Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain and most recently the Olympic Games in Rio. Her roles are always varied, helping in roles such as medical (First Responder in London 2012), Press, Media and Communications. Her achievements are all the more remarkable given that many of these trips are self-funded.
Judith says, “Volunteering is a fantastic way of learning that you can push your boundaries. You will learn from it, grow from it and in time you will pass on those skills to others. So take the first step. Start small and then let the world be your oyster”.