Judging is now taking place to identify three finalists from each of the four categories. The awards, which were held for the first time last year, recognise and celebrate voluntary work by individuals and organisations across the county.
Organisations and individual volunteers make a big contribution to the lives of people across North Yorkshire. The awards showcase the voluntary work undertaken by people to make their neighbourhoods better places to live in and to help the council to deliver critical services, such as providing social networks that reduce isolation and enable people to live independently for longer.
The panel of judges, including representatives from the council, volunteer organisations, employers and young people, will identify a maximum of three finalists from each of the four categories. All finalists will then be invited to an awards ceremony at the North Yorkshire Wider Partnership Conference on Friday, October 21.
Those shortlisted are:
Best community project
Chase Garth Park Project
Musical Memories Community Interest Company
Saxton Village Hall
Thirsk Yarnbombers
Best community group
Helmsley in Business
Scoff Café
The Bobbins Community Craft Centre/Beach Keepers
WHISH – Whitby Hidden Impairments Support and Help
Volunteer of the year
Ian Hedley
Jane Lishman
John Potter
Ruksana Mahmood
Susan Jackson
Young people volunteering award
Eastfield Youth Council
Joseph Banks
Ripon Museum Young Volunteers
Young Carers and Young Adult Carers Project
The chairman of the County Council, Councillor Val Arnold, said: “The awards demonstrate the valuable contribution so many people make to helping and supporting North Yorkshire’s residents of all ages.
“It was not an easy task to select a shortlist and the entries show how much hard work is put into helping communities in North Yorkshire.
‘‘There are hundreds of dedicated volunteers serving our many communities demonstrating a wealth of skills and caring to the benefit of those less fortunate and they deserve to receive our thanks.’’
The winner of each category will be awarded £1,000 for the relevant project, group or nominated local charity in the case of the volunteer awards. Two runners-up in each category will receive £250.