Volunteers, charities and community groups from across Brighton and Hove won praise and recognition at the annual Sector Star Awards last night (Tuesday 11 November).
The event was organised by Community Works, which represents the community and voluntary sector in the city.
The awards, now in their third year, were judged by a panel drawn from local public bodies, businesses and the community.
And prizes were handed out in 12 categories at an awards ceremony held at the Brighthelm Centre, in North Road, Brighton.
The ceremony was attended by more than 200 people, including guests from Brighton and Hove City Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office and local businesses. It was hosted by local comedian Zoe Lyons.
Community Works chief executive Sally Polanski said: “The awards were a huge success and a fantastic opportunity to highlight the dedication, creativity and talent of those who work tirelessly every day to improve lives in the city.
“Thank you to the judges and to Zoe Lyons for their involvement and to everyone who attended and made the evening a success.
“It was wonderful to celebrate the amazing community and voluntary activity that takes place in our city every day.”
She said that the 12 awards were presented to young and adult volunteers and to community workers and organisations across Brighton and Hove.
The awards recognised their dedication and their achievements in changing lives and making the city a better place.
Community Works provides support to more than 400 charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises in Brighton and Hove.
It also helps people who are looking to volunteer to find the right option for them.
The awards winners were
Winner of category: Most Creative Engagement Method
For their use of creativity to bring a particularly broad range of benefits to older people
Winner of category: Excellence in Furthering Equality and Diversity
For their vital support services that give voice to a range of people whose first language is not English
Winner of category: Best Partnership or Collaboration
The Older LGBT Project – a partnership of the following organisations:
Brighton and Hove LGBT Switchboard
Trust for Developing Communities
For an impressive example of multiple agencies working together to improve local lives
Winner of category: Best Member of a Committee or Trustee Board
Maureen Harkess, Mosaic
For an outstanding commitment over many years to consistently supporting the development of a highly valued local organisation
Winner of category: Most Effective Community Works Rep
Ben Glazebrook, Young People’s Centre
For consistent excellence in representing the voluntary and community sector over a number of years
Winner of category: Most Innovative Commission or Public Sector Service Collaboration
Independent Visiting Service, Brighton and Hove City Council
For an invaluable and innovative approach to working with volunteers to support and engage young people
Winner of category: Greatest Contribution to the Community by a Business
Tim Smith, Griffith Smith Farrington Webb LLP solicitors
For a long history of consistent support to the community and benefiting countless groups and organisations
Winner of category: Outstanding Volunteering Contribution: Young People
Lucas Abedecain, Allsorts Youth Project
For an outstanding contribution both in number of hours given and the sheer scale of achievements
Winner of category: Outstanding Volunteering Contribution: Adults
Neighbourhood Care Scheme, Impetus
For outstanding work with a huge number of volunteers who have contributed many hours to local communities across the city for over 15 years
Eddie Miller, Independent Visiting Service, Brighton and Hove City Council
For an inspiring commitment over many years, that has made a real difference to people’s lives
Winner of category: Small Group – Big Achiever
For their vision and innovation which has already made a big impact on some of the big issues affecting our community
Winner of category: Biggest Impact in the City
For their innovative, wide-reaching and participatory approach to an issue that particularly affects people in our city
Winner of category: Lifetime Achievement
Clair Barnard, Early Childhood Project
For an exceptional, long-term contribution to the community and leadership of an organisation that has impacted on the lives of thousands of local people. This individual has been a deeply inspiring influence for many: modelling excellence in partnership work, equalities, and community-led development
