More than 170 people came together on Saturday 2 October to celebrate the first-ever Torfaen Community & Volunteer Awards. 

The awards ceremony at Pontypool Active Living Centre was officially opened by The Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent, Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE and hosted by Welsh sports broadcaster, Sean Holley, and Torfaen Volunteary’s Alliance’s broadcaster, Patrick Downes.

Scooping Young Volunteer of the Year award was 11-year-old Bryony Powell after supporting many projects across Torfaen. Bryony’s biggest achievement was helping to provide 150 Wellbeing packs to vulnerable families in Blaenavon during lockdown.

Adult Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Janette Smith, aged 82, in part for dedicating over 15 years of her life to improve the lives of others from the local area. Jan has been a key figure as a member of Hafod Community group.

Other winners included:

• Daniel Crandon – Trustee of the Year
• Volunteer Caseworkers of Disability Advice Project – The Heart of the Community Award
• Chris Partridge – Environmental Volunteer of the Year
• Chloe Goddard – Personal Journey
• Sabrina Cresswell – COVID-19 Response Volunteer (Heroes)
• Age Connects Torfaen – Business of the Year
• Matt Cummins – Sports Volunteer of the Year
• Allan Hiatt – Health Volunteer of the Year

More than 100 nominations were put forward for the awards, across ten categories.

Twenty-two local businesses also provided sponsorship to make the awards a truly unforgettable celebration of the unsung heroes of Torfaen.

Aimi Morris, Torfaen Voluntary Alliance’s operational executive officer said: “We were honoured to have with us dignitaries who supported our celebration, the Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent, the Gwent High Sheriff, and Lynne Neagle MS, who gave up their time to bring together this celebration.

 “The night was a way of saying a big thank you to all our finalists, not forgetting all those who were nominated – everyone is a worthy winner.

 “Whether it was helping provide for the homeless, making sure the youth in Torfaen have proper mentors, volunteering in schools, or keeping arts and our history alive in our communities, they have all made a huge difference. We can’t wait to start planning 2022!”

 Councillor Fiona Cross, Torfaen’s executive member for children, families and communities, said, “It was a pleasure to attend the first of its kind volunteer awards ceremony in Torfaen. So many heart-warming stories showing how individuals and groups had gone above and beyond during the pandemic to help others.

“A huge congratulations to all those recognised for an award and lets all look forward to a brighter 2022. Well done to TVA and all the partners involved who made this event a fantastic celebration of volunteering in Torfaen ”.

Full list of Categories & Finalists (Winner in Bold)

• Adult Volunteer of the Year – Sponsored by Travis Perkins

Recognising an individual volunteer (26 years of age or above) for their contribution and impact in the community.

Finalists were

• Dave Mynott
• Janette Smith
• Steve Manning

Young Volunteer of the Year – Sponsored by Uddr

Recognising an individual volunteer (25 years of age or under) for their contribution and impact in the community.

Finalists were

• Kieran Saunders
• Bryony Powell
• Maisy Evans

Trustee of the Year – Sponsored by Pro Steel Engineering Ltd

Recognising the commitment, the hard work and the dedication of a trustee or committee member. 

Finalists were

• Denise Strange
• Daniel Crandon
• Louise Woodgate

The Heart of the Community Award – Sponsored by Bron Afon Community Housing

Recognising a group of volunteers, for their contribution and impact in the community.

Finalists were

• Eastern Valley Foodbank
• Volunteer Caseworkers of Disability Advice Project
• Blaenavon RFC Minis & Juniors

Environmental Volunteer of the Year – Sponsored by Melin Homes

Recognising an individual or group that has contributed to improving the environment.

Finalists were

• Chris Partridge
• Richard Davies
• Ron Ford

Personal Journey – Sponsored by The Police and Crime Commissioner Gwent

Recognising an individual who has overcome barriers and developed themselves personally, through their volunteering

Finalists were

• Emma Milner
• Chloe Goddard
• Nicola Deacon

COVID-19 Response Volunteer (Heroes) – Sponsored by Capital Valley Plastics and Recycling

Recognising an individual volunteer for their outstanding service to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finalists were

• Sight Cymru
• Anthony Pursell
• Sabrina Cresswell

Business of the Year – Sponsored by Mamhilad Park Estate

Recognising a local business, for their contribution and impact in the community

Finalists were

• Victoria English Wellbeing 
• Age Connects Torfaen
• Team Kotecha Dance Fitness

Sports Volunteer of the Year – Sponsored by Torfaen Leisure Trust

Recognising an individual for their contribution and support to sport in Torfaen. 

Finalists were

• Gareth Baldwin
• Simon Weaver
• Matt Cummins

Health Volunteer of the Year – Sponsored by Croesyceiliog & Llanyrafon Community Council

Recognising an individual or a group of volunteers, for their contribution to health and wellbeing in the community.

Finalists were

• Allan Hiatt
• Georgina James
• Abi Edwards