5 selfless awards, rewarding those who contribute to society

There are often charity campaigns that grab the headlines, such as the Movember campaign which raises awareness for men’s health and the no-make-up selfie campaign for breast cancer. Away from these headlines however, thousands of volunteers continue to do tireless work in their local community and for charities. They may not do it for recognition, but there are now 5 selfless awards that celebrate such people.

1. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the most prestigious award given to local volunteer groups in the UK. Previous winners are as diverse as the Lantern Club, who provide day-care facilities for the elderly, and Nowt2Do, a project which was set up in Manchester to reduce anti-social behaviour. Nominations can be made all year round and the awards are announced on the 2nd of June.

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2. Just Giving Awards

Now established as a primary charity award, The Just Giving Awards are given to those people who have raised huge sums of money for charities that they care passionately about. This year’s nominees include Stephen Sutton, whose positive attitude to his illness raised £4.2 million for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Voting for this award ends on the 23rd of August and concludes with the Just Giving Awards ceremony on the 25th of September in London.

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3. Macmillian Volunteer Awards

The Macmillan Volunteer Award is a way of recognising those people who do outstanding work for Macmillan Cancer Support. The awards are a way for Macmillan to say thank you to those volunteers who fundraise and support Macmillan anyway they can. Nominations are open from the 1st of September to the 1st of December. Previous winners include Gill Pass who received the 2012 Deborah Hutton Award for her exceptional contribution to one of Macmillan's support centres.

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4. Britain’s Best Volunteer

Britain’s Best Volunteer Award run by Markel and the Small Charities Coalition recognises Britain’s unsung volunteering heroes. With nominations occurring throughout February and March, the award is decided by public nomination and vote. This year’s winner was Emma Hall, co-founder of Stepping Stone DS, a support organisation for people with Down’s syndrome, which she set up in 2006.

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5. Charity Staff & Volunteers Awards

The Charity Staff & Volunteers Awards recognises charity staff and volunteers across the UK for their dedication and achievements. Nominations can be made up to the end of January each year with the winners receiving their awards at a London Ceremony in March.

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