The High Sheriff of Suffolk is urging people to thank under pressure volunteers and charities in their communities by nominating them for a prestigious selection of awards.

East Anglian Daily Times: The new High Sheriff being sworn in at Ipswich Crown Court. From left to right, Judge David Goodin and Geoffrey Probert. Picture: GREGG BROWNThe new High Sheriff being sworn in at Ipswich Crown Court. From left to right, Judge David Goodin and Geoffrey Probert. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Times are tough for the voluntary sector in Suffolk, Geoffrey Probert is warning as he launches the High Sheriff Awards for 2018 aimed at recognising the devotion and efforts of charitable organisations in the county.

Nominations are now open for the accolades, which shine a light on volunteers, community groups and other organisations who dedicate their lives, time and energy to helping others.

New categories for this year include The Suffolk Heritage Award, created to honour those who preserve the county’s landscape, buildings and history.

Such work is a personal passion of the High Sheriff, who said on launching the awards: “I would like these awards to land as deeply as possible in the hands of grass roots charities and community groups in Suffolk which I know to be a very kind and caring place.

“Times are tough for Suffolk’s volunteers and for the voluntary sector as a whole, but a thank you goes a long way.

“Awarding exceptional people for the contribution they make to our society and shining a light on the amazing projects which they lead is vital to encourage increased levels of awareness and financial support.”

Winners will collect their gongs at a glittering ceremony presented by BBC Radio Suffolk’s Lesley Dolphin and Suffolk Community Foundation’s Tim Holder.

A trophy and cash for each winning voluntary group will be handed over at the event, due to be hosted at Wherstead Park in partnership with the East of England Co-op.

East Anglian Daily Times: Since he became Suffolk�s High Sheriff in April, Geoffrey Probert has visited more than 300 charities, community groups and organisations. Here, he is pictured at Foxhall Day Care Centre. Picture: NELLA PROBERT/SUFFOLK COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONSince he became Suffolk�s High Sheriff in April, Geoffrey Probert has visited more than 300 charities, community groups and organisations. Here, he is pictured at Foxhall Day Care Centre. Picture: NELLA PROBERT/SUFFOLK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (Image: Archant)

Mr Holder said: “There is pressure like never before on local charities, community groups and their volunteers who care for vulnerable people in our communities.

“I’m sorry if that does sound like an incredibly gloomy backdrop on which to stage a celebration, but celebrate we absolutely must.

“Saying thank you to this incredibly upbeat and resilient group of highly motivated and caring people is the least we are able to do.”

Entries must be in by December 15, while the deadline for nominations is January 8, 2018.

East Anglian Daily Times: The High Sheriff of Suffolk, Geoffrey Probert, pictured at Pathways Care Farm in Lowestoft. Picture: NELLA PROBERT/SUFFOLK COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONThe High Sheriff of Suffolk, Geoffrey Probert, pictured at Pathways Care Farm in Lowestoft. Picture: NELLA PROBERT/SUFFOLK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (Image: Archant)

For advice on nominations, visit the Suffolk Community Foundation website.

East Anglian Daily Times: Volunteers with their trophies at the High Sheriff Awards 2017. Picture: SIMON LEE PHOTOGRAPHYVolunteers with their trophies at the High Sheriff Awards 2017. Picture: SIMON LEE PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Focus 12 in Bury Edmunds was also one of the organisations visited by the High Sheriff of Suffolk Geoffrey Probert. Picture: NELLA PROBERT/SUFFOLK COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONFocus 12 in Bury Edmunds was also one of the organisations visited by the High Sheriff of Suffolk Geoffrey Probert. Picture: NELLA PROBERT/SUFFOLK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (Image: Archant)