Kent Volunteers Awards for Volunteering Excellence 2008

11.10.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 21st Aug 2008

Nominations for the 2008 Kent Volunteer Awards are now open on-line at http://www.kent.gov.uk/volunteerawards or for a printed copy of the form, email kent.volunteers@kent.gov.uk or call 01622 694844. The Kent Volunteers Awards for Volunteering Excellence aim to seek out volunteers of all ages involved in the whole spectrum of activities and to recognise and thank them for the work they do across the county.

The awards scheme is run with the support of Kent County Council and businesses and has grown to become an annual event. Thousands of nominations have been received, highlighting the amazing stories that have encouraged more people to take up volunteering.

Everyone who is nominated will receive a certificate in recognition of his or her work and commitment. However this year all winners will also receive £400 and anyone highly commended will receive £250 for the volunteering project of their choice. They will also receive a trophy and certificate, together with a pair of theatre tickets. Winners will be presented with their prizes and awards at a Gala Ceremony in November.

Closing date for nominations is Friday 19th September so if you know anyone who deserves to be thanked please nominate them as soon as possible. The awards are well supported by the local press so the opportunity is there to receive excellent publicity to any group or organisation nominated by us highlighting their story of volunteering - this is also a chance to publicise forthcoming events and appeal for more volunteers.

Kent Volunteers Awards for Volunteering Excellence 2008: Award categories

You can nominate an individual or group in the following categories.

• The Marlowe Theatre Awards: For the Arts

• Environment Agency Awards: For the Protection and Enjoyment of the Wild, Semi-Natural and Built Environment

• Kent County Council Awards: For Welfare and Disability

• Pfizer Awards: For Community Support and Development

• Kent County Council Awards: For Voluntary Work in Education and Schools

• Volunteering England Awards: For Voluntary Committee Support and Fundraising

• Kent Sports Development Awards: For Sport and the Support of Sport

• Clive Emson Awards: For Mentoring