The annual Basildon Council Volunteer Awards celebrate the selfless help and support provided by the borough's dedicated volunteers. This year the Volunteer Awards ceremony was held on Wednesday 30 October 2019 at Woodlands School.
All of this year's award nominees and their special guests were invited to this prestigious gala event, which was generously sponsored by a number of Basildon based businesses and voluntary bodies.
On arrival via the red carpet, award nominees and their guests were greeted by the Basildon Sea Cadets. Entertainment was provided throughout the evening by the Artistic Performance Team from Woodlands School. The event presenters were members of Basildon Borough Youth Council.
Winners of each category were presented with a trophy, a certificate of appreciation and a prize voucher by Councillor David Burton-Sampson, Mayor of Basildon and the award category sponsors.
Tony Guyon 'Volunteer of the Year' Memorial Cup 2019 awarded to Karen Pullen
This year's Tony Guyon 'Volunteer of the Year' Memorial Cup has been awarded to Karen Pullen, who also received the Community Star Award and Inspirational Role Model Award.
Karen founded The Craig Tyler Trust, who support mental health and well being in memory of her 22-year-old son, who sadly took his own life. Since founding the Trust, Karen and her volunteers have set up a social media site, provide telephone support, run drop-in sessions not just for people with mental ill health, they welcome everyone who may just need a cuppa and chat.
With the Trust, Karen hopes to raise awareness and create a stronger community who recognise when someone is struggling with mental ill health and can care for each other's well-being. She has inspired others to volunteer and goes above and beyond. She is truly inspirational. To find out more about Karen's inspirational community work with the Trust, visit: The Craig Tyler Trust on facebook (opens new window)
Tony Guyon 'Volunteer of the Year' Memorial Cup sponsored by Pinnacle PSG
With the single exception of the Lifetime Achievement Award, the winners in each of the annual volunteer award categories are automatically nominated for the prestigious Tony Guyon 'Volunteer of the Year' Memorial Cup. Tony Guyon was a popular and committed member of Basildon Council's Community Involvement Team who sadly passed away in 2010. Tony loved to spend his spare time volunteering in his local community and he played his part in helping to make Basildon a better borough. This special award embodies Tony Guyon's dedication towards volunteering.
Volunteer Award Categories, Sponsors and Recipients
The Sunshine Award 11-21yrs awarded to Rachel Ojo
Rachel has been volunteering in our community from a young age. She is a kind, motivational person who has had a positive impact helping to ensure the voice of young people is heard in the borough. She has been volunteering with the Basildon Borough Youth Council for more than five years, and is a member of the UK Youth Parliament. She also won a Diana Award for her work towards tackling cyber bullying. Rachel is chair of the UK Youth Select Committee, which this year has been focused on knife crime.
Photo L-R: Mayor of Basildon, David Burton-Sampson pictured with Sunshine Award winner Rachel Ojo and Lesley O'Shea, Asst. Director with award sponsors Basildon Council.
Award Sponsor:
Community Star (21 years old and above) awarded to Karen Pullen
Karen founded The Craig Tyler Trust (opens new window), who support mental health and well being in memory of her 22-year-old son, who sadly took his own life. Since founding the Trust, Karen and her volunteers have set up a social media site, provide telephone support, run drop-in sessions not just for people with mental ill health, they welcome everyone who may just need a cuppa and chat.
Photo L-R: Mayor of Basildon, David Burton-Sampson pictured with Community Star Award winner Karen Pullen and Yvonne Ogden of award sponsors Clarion Futures.
Karen founded The Craig Tyler Trust (opens new window), who support mental health and well being in memory of her 22-year-old son, who sadly took his own life. Since founding the Trust, Karen and her volunteers have set up a social media site, provide telephone support, run drop-in sessions not just for people with mental ill health, they welcome everyone who may just need a cuppa and chat.
Photo L-R: Alan Good of award sponsors Leonardo-Finmeccanica pictured with Inspirational Role Model Award winner Karen Pullen and Mayor of Basildon, David Burton-Sampson. Award Sponsor: Leonardo-Finmeccanica (opens new window)
Fundraising Champion awarded to Mick Allen
Mick is a long standing volunteer and fundraiser supporting St Luke's Hospice since 1995. As well as volunteering he has raised over £12K through taking part in treks including: Thailand Jungle Trek, Arctic Survival Challenge, Great Wall of China, Sahara Trek. He celebrates his 79th birthday this year and is already looking for his next challenge!
Photo L-R: No photo available at present time.
Award Sponsor:
Long Service Award, awarded to Bryan Roskams
Bryan has been involved with supporting people in our community with learning difficulties for 16 years. He founded the Friday Club Disco Club at Frypa Hall which has been running for 11 years with the total membership being more than 400 people. Bryan's enthusiasm and dedication has supported many volunteers to help with the running of the club and involvement in fundraising.
Photo L-R: Mayor of Basildon, David Burton-Sampson pictured with Long Service Award winner, Bryan Roskams.
Award Sponsor:
Voluntary Group/Project of the Year awarded to Nevendon Neighbourhood Association
Nevendon Neighbourhood Association is an enthusiastic community minded group whose aim is to encourage and support residents to build a stronger community to enhance and build pride in their local environment. This project is all about the value of community. They have been involved in improvements to Nevendon Park, Fun in the Park Days, Health Through Sport, Dementia Awareness programme, Art Exhibition, information days and community events.
Photo L-R: Mayor of Basildon, David Burton-Sampson pictured with Voluntary Group/Project of the Year award winners, Nevendon Neighbourhood Association, and Caroline Richardson of award sponsors Swan Housing. Award Sponsor:Swan Housing Association (opens new window)
Lifetime Achievement Award, awarded to Charlotte Rose
Charlotte has been a volunteer helper at Eversley Primary School since 1988. Her dedicated commitment, her kind and caring nature and her loving smile have brought delight and help to so many children over the years - literally thousands of children that have passed through Eversley's classrooms in the past three decades. She has made a significant contribution to the life of the school and is a true hero to them.
Photo L-R: Mayor of Basildon, David Burton-Sampson pictured with Lifetime Achievement Award winner Charlotte Rose and Paul Brace, Asst. Director with award sponsors Basildon Council. Award Sponsor:
A BIG THANK YOU to our main Volunteer Award sponsor
