Selfless volunteers who have dedicated hours to good causes across the county have been recognised by Community Action Suffolk (CAS) in its annual awards ceremony.
The awards recognise the work of those in the community who give their time and efforts for good causes, with eight awards being handed out this year from more than 100 nominations.
Pete Richardson, chief executive said: “What excites me, is the amount of work and volunteering taking place in Suffolk, we really do have some amazing projects on our doorsteps. Often this work goes unnoticed by many but without it, vulnerable people wouldn’t be given the support they need and communities wouldn’t be the social centres that they are.
“We host the CAS Awards to recognise the dedication and commitment of all volunteers, community leaders and organisations across Suffolk’s voluntary sector and to inspire others to get involved.”
Among the winners were 80-year-old athletics coach Ann Negus for her outstanding contribution over 50 years, the Bentley Stores village shop which opened in July last year – the first in 11 years in the village – and the Hadleigh Steering Group for community initiative.
The Youth Holidays Activity Fund, FortKnights, Janice Scott and Paul Nixon and the Bergholt Bomb-Along also scooped awards.
Following a tough couple of months for the Eden Rose Coppice Trust in Brickmakers’ Wood, which was vandalised on several occasions, the team were able to celebrate the award of 15-year-old Eve Brooks-Parkin, who won the young person of the year award for her work with youngsters with learning difficulties.
She said: “Knowing that these children’s lives have been somewhat affected by me amazes me and I am so grateful to do it. I hope it makes their day a little better to talk to someone closer to their own age who knows them on their own level.
“I will forever be grateful for the opportunity and experiences the Eden Rose Coppice Trust has given me, and my skills that have grown along the way.
“I love what I do and that’s why this award is so special as I never expected to get recognised for the work that comes as second nature to me.”
For the full list of winners visit the website here.
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