THE 2023 Basildon Borough Volunteer Awards have taken place with special individuals from across the borough getting recognised for their achievements.

There were nine categories to choose from for this year's awards, including Young Volunteer of the Year, Community Star, and Voluntary Group of the Year.

Sylvina Tate of St Luke's Hospice, was honoured with the Inspirational Role Model Award, in addition to the Overall Volunteer of the Year, and was awarded the Tony Guyon 'Volunteer of the Year' Memorial Cup.

Other winners on the night included Peggy Harris of Pitsea Activity Centre for the Long Service Award, Holy Trinity Covid Vaccination Centre who won the Voluntary Group of the Year and People's Choice Award, and Joseph Want, winner of the Community Star for his work in the Happy Hub, helping the public access mental health advice.

The ceremony featured a number of live performances, including a band performance by T.I.M.E (Together in Musical Expression), a dance by Taste of Brazil, and a singing performance by Billericay Operatic Society. Attendees also heard a Dementia Friendly Communities Talk by Mark Neville, Pan Essex Dementia Friendly Community Co-chair.

The awards ceremony took place at Towngate Theatre, hosted by representatives from Basildon Borough Youth Council with opening and closing speeches from the Mayor of Basildon, Cllr Luke Mackenzie.

Cllr Terri Sargent, Cabinet Member for Communities added: "The Volunteer Awards saw recognition for the fantastic work our volunteers do as the unsung heroes of our borough."

"Well done to not just the winners but all the nominees on the evening. It was great to see so many special individuals who do such selfless work to better the lives of our residents."

The Volunteer Awards were delivered by the council in partnership with the Basildon Billericay and Wickford Council for Voluntary Services (CVS).

Basildon Council has expressed thanks to the lead sponsor, Clarion, and sponsors on the evening, Leonardo, CNH Industrial, Morgan Sindall Property Services, Atlantic Pacific group, Hallmark Care Homes and Independent Age.

The winners and highly commended for each category are below:

• Young Volunteer of the Year - Winner - Thomas Williams (various groups) - Highly Commended - Aaron Svanda (Every Child Online)
• Fundraising Champion - Winner - Jon Barrow (Sociability) - Highly Commended - Keeley Scarborough (Feeding the Family)
• Inspirational Role Model - Winner - Sylvina Tate (St. Luke's Hospice) - Highly Commended - Adrian Swinchatt (Papworth Trust)
• Community Star - Winner - Joseph Want (Motivated Minds) - Highly Commended - Michael Long (Gateway SEN Club)
• Long Service Award- Winner - Peggy Harris (Pitsea Activity Centre) - Highly Commended - Karen Batman (9th Basildon Scouts)
• Voluntary Group of the Year- Winner - Holy Trinity Covid Vaccination Centre - Highly Commended - Castledon Wat Tyler Volunteers
• People's Choice - Winner - Holy Trinity Covid Vaccination Centre Volunteers
• Lifetime Achievement Award- Winner - Ken Porter (Basildon Heritage) - Highly Commended - Peggy Harris (Pitsea Activity Centre)
• Volunteer of the Year - Winner - Sylvina Tate (St Luke's Hospice)