2025 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 (WINNER)

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 (WINNER)

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 (WINNER)

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 (WINNER)

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 (WINNER)

*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 (WINNER)

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 (WINNER)

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 (WINNER)

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 (WINNER)