The inaugural Southend Volunteer Awards 2024 were held on Thursday 27th June 2024 at Roslin Beach Hotel. The evening honoured those who have generously given their time and effort to make Southend-on-Sea a better place. A total of nearly 200 nominations were received and reviewed by a panel of judges ahead of the event. We are thrilled to confirm the winners across the eight categories were:

1. Community Inclusion Award – Kay Mitchell (In Harmony)
2. Innovation in Volunteering Award – Matthew Fright (SVP)
3. Inspirational Volunteer Award – Chris Philips (Run Free & SECE Mind)
4. Environmental Champion Award – Patricia Sampson (SHIP)
5. Youth Volunteer of the Year Award – Sabria Hoxha (Southend City Youth Council)
6. Health & Wellbeing Award– Shirley O’Reilly (Southend Communities Outreach Group Foodbank)
7. Trustee of the Year Award – Alan Kirkman (Lady McAdden Breast Cancer Trust)
8. Lifetime Achievement Award – Tessa Dickens (Samaritians)

Anthony Quinn, SAVS CEO comments:

“The awards were an opportunity to celebrate the stars in our community, and an enjoyable and insightful evening was had by all.”

“Volunteering is embedded in the history and culture of our wonderful city, Southend on Sea, and the awards will continue this tradition.”

“Personally, I feel privileged to work alongside dedicated volunteers on a daily basis and witness the direct difference they make to the people engaged and the organisations supported. I wish to recognise each and every nominee and those who took the time to nominate them. You are all stars and make a huge contribution to what Southend on Sea is today and will be in the future.”

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made the Southend Volunteer Awards possible. Special thanks to our sponsors, volunteers and community partners for their invaluable support.

We have more updates and imagery to come on this fantastic event, including video from students of Southend City College, so be sure to check back for updates!