The Torfaen Community and Volunteer Awards were held at the Parkway Hotel in Cwmbran.
They were organised in partnership with Torfaen Voluntary Alliance (TVA), Coleg Gwent, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Bron Afon Community Housing and Melin Homes.
The awards recognised those who regularly do good across the voluntary sector, business, and the local community.
Smooth Radio’s Jason Harrold hosted the evening and guests including the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent enjoyed a performance by 15-year-old harpist Anieri Richards, dance students from the Performing Arts of Coleg Gwent and singer Ffion Bassett.
Students from Coleg Gwent also gave up their time to support with photography, videography, social media takeovers and developing the night’s programme.
Earlier this year, nominations were invited to the twelve categories. This list went to a panel made up of seven people from different organisations across Torfaen who to score each nomination.
The full list of winners:
- Arts, Culture & Heritage sponsored by Blaenavon Forgings Ltd: Evan Smith Blaenavon Town Band
- Health Volunteer sponsored by Carlisle Brakes: Akin Agbaje & Mr Patrick Smith
- Sports Volunteer/Group sponsored by Uddr – The local app: Steve Malson & Jamie Leonard
- Young Volunteer sponsored by Pro Steel Engineering Limited: Morgan Fish
- Business of the Year sponsored by Coleg Gwent: High Street Fitness
- Community Leader sponsored by Mental Health First Aid Wales: Leanne Morgan
- Children & Youth Group sponsored by Bron Afon Community Housing: Girl Guiding – Eastern Valley Division
- Adult Volunteer sponsored by Gwent Police & Crime Commissioner: Vicki Randall
- Civic Award sponsored by High Street Fitness: Stuart Evans
- Trustee of the Year sponsored by Pontypool Community Council: Tracey Blockwell
- Environmental Award sponsored by Melin Homes: Cwmbran South Allotment Association
- Heart of the Community sponsored by Torfaen Voluntary Alliance: Steve Malson & Craig Lear
Photo gallery from the evening
Aimi Morris, operational executive officer at TVA, said, “The awards successfully recognised and celebrated the amazing contribution volunteers continue to provide our local communities on a daily basis.
“It was brilliant to see so many new and familiar faces at the glitzy event itself and we look forward to returning for the 2023 awards. If you know of someone who deserves to be acknowledged on stage like this year’s winners, please keep them in mind for when nominations open in June 2023.
“A big thank you all our sponsors and staff as well as Coleg Gwent students Charlotte Pitt and Alfie Burton who developed the programme, Claire McCarthy and Cheyenne Lewis who showcased their extraordinary skills in photography and videography, and finally Evan Sellick, Millie Mulligan and Lily Bigham for assisting with the social media content. We couldn’t have done it without all the support we kindly received.”
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