Voluntary Organisations Network North East (VONNE) VCS Awards 2008
The region’s Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) stars were honoured at the inaugural 2008 North East VCS Awards, held at the Quayside Exchange in Sunderland on 30 August 2008. Winners were presented with awards by Paralympics champion Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson at a glittering ceremony attended by over 150 people. The awards recognise the work of individuals and VCS organisations from across the region, in helping to develop our communities. Over 130 nominations were received, ranging from small community groups to large regional organisations and volunteers to paid staff. Categories included: Most Exciting Project; Most Inspiring Campaign; Volunteer of the Year; Support Organisation; Sector Champion; Young Leader Winner; Compact of the Year; Outstanding Organisation. Hartlepool based groups were nominated under a number of headings, which included ADDvance and Hart Gables. Keith Bayley, Manager of HVDA who presented one of the awards said “ I was delighted to see the work of groups and organisations based in Hartlepool being recognised”.In the category of Compact of the Year, Hartlepool was successful. Hartlepool’s Compact started with a consultation event in January 2008 organised by Hartlepool Borough Council working closely with HVDA, which promoted the event. A document from this consultation was produced for online consultation via the Council’s website. A series of ‘codes’ have been developed, designed to improve relationships between VCS organisations in Hartlepool.
An award was made to Skillshare as support organisation of the year. Skillshare was established in Hartlepool 17 years ago by a group of enthusiastic volunteers who identified a skills gap within the VCS. Since then, the organisation has gone from strength to strength, providing a huge range of training for volunteers and community groups throughout the region.
For winners and full list of those shortlisted visit www.vonne.org.uk/awards
