Volunteers making an extraordinary difference to communities across Southend have been recognised at the Southend Volunteer Awards 2026.

Ten awards were presented during this year’s celebration on 22 October, recognising individuals and teams whose time, dedication and commitment are helping people, communities and causes across the city.

The awards celebrated volunteering in all its forms, from supporting health and wellbeing and creating more inclusive communities to protecting the environment, supporting local sport, and dedicating decades of service to others.

This year’s winners were:

• Community Inclusion & Connection – Chris Gostling, Shoebury Men’s Shed
• Health & Wellbeing – Hope Everett, In This Together
• Environmental Champion – Helen Shine, Surfers Against Sewage
• Innovation in Volunteering – Margaret Durkan, HARP
• Team Award – The Kindness Kitchen Team, St Vincent de Paul Society Southend
• Youth Volunteer of the Year – Jocelyn Ayao, Southend Youth Council
• Trustee of the Year – Ros Dunhill, Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis
• Inspirational Volunteer of the Year – Yasmin and Paul Brennan, Charlie Boys Angels
• Lifetime Achievement – John Collier, South Essex Advocacy Services
• Outstanding Contribution to Sport – Keith Palmer, Southend-on-Sea Athletics Club

The Southend Volunteer Awards, hosted by SAVS, provide an opportunity to shine a light on people who often give their time quietly and without expectation of recognition, while demonstrating the enormous contribution that volunteering makes to our communities in Southend.

Anthony Quinn, CEO of SAVS said:
“Southend is incredibly fortunate to have so many people who are willing to give their time, skills, and energy to help others. The Volunteer Awards are our opportunity to celebrate those people and to make sure their contribution does not go unnoticed. Behind every nomination is a story of someone making Southend a kinder, healthier, more connected, and supportive place to live.

While only one winner can be selected in each category, being nominated and reaching the final is an achievement in itself. We would like to congratulate every winner and finalist and thank every volunteer across Southend who continues to make a difference.”

 

Emma Jellett, Community Projects Manager at SAVS said:
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to every organisation and individual who took the time to nominate a volunteer this year. The nominations gave us the opportunity to hear so many wonderful stories about people who give their time to support others across Southend.

We’re also incredibly grateful to all our sponsors, whose support makes it possible for us to celebrate our volunteers in the way they deserve. The awards are a real community effort, and it was fantastic to bring together volunteers, charities, community groups, businesses, and partners to recognise the people who do so much for our city.”

The Awards

The Community Inclusion & Connection Award celebrated volunteers who bring people together, embrace diversity and help everyone feel welcome and included.

The Health & Wellbeing Award recognised volunteers making a positive difference to the physical and mental wellbeing of others through care, compassion, and support.

The Environmental Champion Award celebrated those helping to protect and improve Southend’s environment and create cleaner, greener communities.

The Innovation in Volunteering Award recognised volunteers using fresh ideas, creativity, and new approaches to make a difference.

The Team Award celebrated groups of volunteers working together to support their communities and achieve a shared goal.

The Youth Volunteer of the Year Award recognised inspiring young people demonstrating initiative, enthusiasm, and a commitment to creating positive change.

The Trustee of the Year Award celebrated individuals who give their time, knowledge, and leadership to help local charities and organisations thrive.

The Inspirational Volunteer of the Year Award recognised volunteers whose compassion, determination and commitment inspire others.

The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrated volunteers who have dedicated many years to supporting others and making a lasting contribution to their communities.

The Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award recognised volunteers who use sport to bring people together, create opportunities and support physical and mental wellbeing.

The awards were supported by local organisations and businesses, including South Essex Colleges Group, Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics, SUEZ UK, Hallmark Luxury Care Homes – Admiral Court, Leigh-on-Sea Lions Club, The Joseph Toomey Charitable Foundation, Citizens Advice Southend, The ROSCA Trust and Jefferies Solicitors.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all of our sponsors, nominators and organisations involved in this year’s awards, as well as the hundreds of volunteers working throughout Southend every week.