The Voluntary Service Awards 2025 in partnership with Dorset Chamber.
Award Categories & finalists
1. Building the Future: Individual or team with a focus on supporting children and young people
This award honours an individual or team dedicated to empowering and improving the lives of children and young people. Their efforts lay the foundation for long-term success and well-being. This award recognises their passion, hard work, and the positive change they inspire in our community.
Rosie Frost – DorPIP
Mandy Bond – Spear Bournemouth
Sarah Holdway – The Autonomy Hotline CIC
2. Volunteer (under 25): Sponsored by BCP Early Help Partnership
Celebrate the contributions of volunteers under the age of 25. Sponsored by the BCP Early Help Partnership, it recognises their dedication and positive impact on the lives of children and young people in the community.
Kymberley Jones – Pause Charity
Aster Neil – Space Youth Project
Jack Brown – Spear Bournemouth
3. Heart of Gold
An individual who gives their heart to the community. It recognises those who go above and beyond to make a difference, showing exceptional kindness, compassion, and dedication.
Lisa Schofield – Bournemouth Foodbank
Geal Stanfield – Safe and Sound Dorset
Richard Burnett – Stir Events CIC
4. Community Heroes Team Spirit
A team that embodies the spirit of community service. It recognises groups who work together to make a significant impact, demonstrating teamwork, dedication, and a shared commitment to improving their community.
Citizens Advice Witness Service
Grounded Community
Wessex Cancer Support
Age UK Bournemouth, Poole and East Dorset
5. Paul Payne Award for Trusteeship: Awarded by Mandy Payne
In memory of Paul Payne, a brilliant CAN Trustee, this award is for an individual who has shown outstanding dedication and expertise in trusteeship*.
Lisa Upchurch – Park Yoga
Rosemary Lewis – Forest Holme Hospice Charity
Avril Jackson – Dorset Children’s Foundation
*Must be registered as a trustee on the Charity Commission database.
6. Lifetime Contribution
A long-serving volunteer who dedicated over 10 years of service to their community. It celebrates their commitment and the lasting impact they have made.
Betty Smith-Billington – Kushti Bok
Hazel Walker – SEDCAT
John Clode – Lewis-Manning Hospice
7. Inclusive Volunteering
A person or team that has significantly improved equity and accessibility in volunteering. It recognises efforts to ensure that volunteering opportunities are inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of background or ability.
Kate Wickins – St Mungo’s
Dan Holland – Poole Waste Not Want Not
Anne Anderson & Lorien Holiday – Loneliness Together Chitter Chatter Club
8. Going Green
Environmental volunteer or team who have made significant contributions to sustainability and environmental conservation. It recognises their efforts to protect and preserve the environment for future generations.
Diverse Abilities
Win on Waste
9. Doing Good is Good for Business
A local business that has gone above and beyond in serving their community. It highlights businesses that integrate social responsibility into their operations, demonstrating that doing good is also good for business.
Hub on the Heath
JP Morgan
The Lord Nelson
PLEASE NOTE
Social Media Promotion
- CAN may promote winners and nominees via social media, their website, and media. Discuss this with the nominee beforehand.
Communication
- CAN will contact nominators directly.
- Nominators are responsible for sharing updates and ceremony details with their nominees.
Judging panel
The panel will include CAN staff, Dorset Chamber and awards sponsors.
Filming
We will contact shortlisted nominees for permission to film and to arrange dates and locations for filming (likely to take place in the first 2 weeks of December).
Award Ceremony – 27th March 2025
A ceremony to honour volunteers and celebrate our nominees and winners, with a showcase of short videos highlighting their voluntary efforts and community impact.
All shortlisted nominees will be invited to an evening of recognition, inspiration and community spirit at Poole Lighthouse on 27th March 2025.
With thanks to the sponsors and supporters of the Voluntary Service Awards 2025

Help for charities & community groups
