Sheffield volunteers recognised for a year of selfless work

Voluntary Action Sheffield's Make A Difference awards ceremony. The team from Sheffield Childrens Hospital receive the judges' special award for The Herd. Photo: Paul David Drabble

Some of Sheffield's most selfless people have been recognised for their voluntary work.

The efforts of nine organisations this year was highlighted by Voluntary Action Sheffield, or Vas, as part of its Make a Difference Sheffield award scheme.

Vas called on city residents to put forward the people and groups that gave up their time to help others, and were swamped with 140 nominations. Of those, winners were chosen in nine categories.

Voluntary Action Sheffield's Make A Difference awards ceremony. Jessica Ennis-Hill with the winners. Photo: Paul David Drabble

Vas chief executive Maddy Desforges said: “The voluntary and community sector contributes so much to the life of our city but we rarely stop to appreciate just how much is being achieved.

"While there can only be a small number of winners tonight, our real aim was to bring people from across the sector together to celebrate the incredible work and achievements of everyone.”

Among the winners was Citizens Advice Sheffield, which was recognised in the excellence in campaigning category.

Cavendish Cancer Care won the health and wellbeing award, while the community engagement award went to Buzz, which supports vulnerable and isolated people.

Voluntary Action Sheffield's Make A Difference awards ceremony. Handmade Cinema receiving the most innovative organisation award. From left, Jessica Ennis-Hill. Ellie Ragdale, Marianne Slater, Hannah Clugston. Photo: Paul David Drabble

Handmade Cinema won the most innovative organisation title, Sheffield Volunteer Libraries was recognised for its outstanding achievement in involving and supporting volunteers, while Sheffield Environment Weeks won the 'small group – big impact' award.

Sheffield Alcohol Support Service's peer mentor scheme was honoured for its partnership working, Sheffield Young Carers won an award for supporting young people, and the outstanding achievement of a student-led project award went to Upscribe, a creative programme that works with children in care, refugees and other vulnerable groups.

Speaking after receiving the award, founder of Handmade Cinema Ellie Ragdale said: “Our volunteer team is completely integral to what we do, so this award is an amazing achievement for them.

“It’s really lovely to be in a room surrounded by likeminded people all doing something to try and improve the city and help those living here. It’s a really inspiring and heart-warming event."

Voluntary Action Sheffield's Make A Difference awards ceremony. Citizens Advice Sheffield receiving the excellence in campaigning award. Photo: Paul David Drabble

The judges also gave special award to Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity to recognise The Herd of Sheffield campaign, which did not fit any of the nine categories.

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