The Southend Volunteer Awards 2025 took place on Thursday 23^rd October 2025. It was a glittering evening of celebration, organised by Southend Association of Voluntary Services (SAVS), Southend Volunteer Hub and lead sponsor, Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics to recognise the extraordinary individuals and groups who dedicate their time and energy to making our city a better place.

Held in the stunning Maritime Room at the Cliffs Pavilion, the evening brought together volunteers, community organisations, sponsors and friends to honour the people who go above and beyond for Southend. Guests enjoyed a lively drinks reception before sitting down to a sumptuous three-course meal, followed by the presentation ceremony, hosted by Master of Ceremonies, David Hurst DL.

The evening opened with a warm welcome from SAVS CEO, Anthony Quinn, who praised the resilience, compassion, and teamwork that define Southend’s volunteering community.

Award Winners 2025

Community Inclusion Award – Sponsored by Southend City College
🏅 Winner: Joan Carr – SEND the Right Message

Innovation in Volunteering Award – Sponsored by Volunteer Essex
🏅 Winner: Lee Clark – Various

Inspirational Volunteer Award – Sponsored by The Joseph Toomey Charitable Foundation
🏅 Winner: Barry Carr – Sea Cadets

Youth Volunteer of the Year Award – Sponsored by Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics
🏅 Winner: Sophie Kay – Southend City Council

Health and Wellbeing Award – Sponsored by Doris Jones Care
🏅 Winner: Hannah Fletcher – Cake Club

Trustee of the Year Award – Sponsored by Jefferies Solicitors
🏅 Winner: Sharon Hinton – Milton Community Partnership

Team Award – Sponsored by McDonald’s
🏅 Winner: Evening Reflections Bereavement Group

Connected Community Award – Sponsored by ROSCA Trust
🏅 Winner: Peter Lovett – Shoebury Residents Association

Lifetime Achievement Award – Sponsored by Citizens Advice Southend
🏅 Winner: Robert Bates – Southend Christian Fellowship

Environmental Champion Award – Sponsored by The Mayor of Southend
🏅 Winner: Ella Martin – Wellbeing at Garon Park

Lead organiser, Emma Jellett – Community Projects Manager at SAVS said:

“As this was our second year hosting the Southend Volunteer Awards, we faced the exciting challenge of making it even bigger and better than the first and I think we achieved that last night!”

“This year, we introduced two new award categories to recognise even more of Southend’s incredible volunteering stars. With more nominees and guests than ever before, we needed a larger venue to accommodate everyone.”

“We kept all the glitz and glamour of last year’s event, and the atmosphere was truly special, guests enjoyed a lively drinks reception before sitting down to a delicious three-course meal and an evening of celebration.”

Emma continues,

“a huge thank you to our amazing sponsors and prize donors for supporting this wonderful community event, especially our main sponsor, Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics.”

“As a community, it’s important to celebrate those who give their time and energy to make a real difference in our city. Congratulations to all our nominees, finalists, and winners – you are the stars of the show!”

The Southend Volunteer Awards continue to grow each year, reflecting the city’s deep appreciation for its volunteers and the life-changing work they do. From youth initiatives to environmental champions, every story shared on the night showcased the power of community action.

Photo Credit: Parallel Image Media