The Volunteer Team of the Year Award 2018
Supported by Colas Ltd. 
For when it’s just too hard to nominate just one volunteer! This category is for 2 or more volunteers or a board of trustees who have demonstrated great teamwork, provided support and encouragement for other volunteers, Made a significant and positive impact through working together,
We would like to thank Colas Ltd. for they continued support of the Portsmouth Inspiring Volunteer Awards.
Linzi Stean APCIPR, Communications Officer & Community Involvement , Colas Ltd said,
“We are very happy to be sponsoring Portsmouth’s Inspiring Volunteer awards, which recognise the great work that the volunteers of Portsmouth do. As a company Colas is committed to working with the communities in which we work and what better way than to be involved in rewarding the residents that go above and beyond for the better of the city and its community. Our congratulations go to all the nominees, winners and runners up.
The awards were presented by Linzi Stean, on behalf of Colas Ltd
Category Winner
Kings Theatre receive the Volunteer Team Award from Linzi Stean, Colas Ltd
The Kings Theatre Archive Team
During the past few years a small dedicated team of volunteers have been instrumental in setting up and developing an educational centre that gathers together stories, articles photographs, personal memories, show programmes and memorabilia to generate interest in and access to the Kings Theatre archives, which would otherwise not happen. Chris undertakes a 1.5 hour journey on public transport from the Isle of Wight, while Pete comes in on the bus. They both arrive at about 8.30am and often remain until 5.30pm at least twice a week. The third member of the team, Tony, passed away last summer. Tony had contributed significantly and his loss affected Chris and Pete personally. The team deliver presentations, give talks to local groups, and ensure displays are updated for the monthly guided tours. Without these volunteers the Kings Theatre would not be able to utilise the archive material or make it available for wider use.
Commended
HMS Warrior Volunteers
HMS Warrior has been preserved as she was in 1861 which brings a wonderful sense of travelling back in time to experience what life was like on a Victorian war ship for our visitors. HMS Warrior volunteers are a group of 42 dedicated and passionate volunteers who are the heart soul of the ship. Whether a visitor wants to have a go in hammock, take part in a gun drill or learn about the revolutionary use of steam engines in Victorian Britain, the volunteers are able to respond to all these requests and more. All year round, whatever the weather, they can found on all decks of the ship ready to engage visitors.
Portsmouth Together Volunteering Advisers
The Portsmouth Together Volunteering Advisers are a small team of volunteers who started by providing personal advice and guidance to people looking to volunteer. Whilst starting with drops-in’s twice a week, the desk is now staffed 4 days a week. The team not only provide volunteering advice, but now manage the complete volunteering brokerage service; supporting both volunteers and organisations. The team have completed more than 1000 hours volunteering over the past year, dealt with 1245 enquiries which resulted in 200 confirmed volunteer placements. This has a social value of more £300,000 to charities in Portsmouth.
Salvation Army Good Neighbours Volunteers
The Good Neighbours scheme aims to enable those identified as socially isolated to remain living in their own homes, by introducing them to a volunteer befriender. This befriending relationship provides support and assistance to remain independent, thus enabling them to feel a valued member of our community. The SA Good Neighbour’s team has been running for 19 years, and provide over 150 hours per week with a team of 80 active volunteers who visit lonely and isolated people in Portsmouth. There is also a team of 20 volunteer telephone befrienders who phone on a weekly basis to ensure vulnerable and lonely people have social contact with someone. “I am in awe of all our volunteers who freely give up their time whilst juggling their work responsibilities and family life in order help alleviate someone loneliness”.
Witness Service Court Volunteers at Portsmouth
The Team of Witness Service Court Volunteers at Portsmouth provide emotional support and practical information to witnesses and their families coming to give evidence as part of Citizen Advice. This can be an extremely daunting and stressful experience with an unfamiliar building and procedures. The team of 23 volunteers give up at least two full days a month each or more to be at court for witnesses for both Prosecution and Defence. Some volunteers have been with the service for over 15 years. All of the volunteers make a huge commitment to the Witness Service. They undertake a training course, shadowing, distance learning and ongoing awareness modules. This year alone the volunteers have supported over 2000 witnesses.
Portsmouth Healthy WalksThe Portsmouth Healthy Walks scheme offer led walks every day of the week, throughout the year. This is only possible because of the dedicated support of 28 volunteers; many have been with the scheme since it started 14 years ago. The volunteers take ownership of the scheme, swapping shifts or offering extra help whenever needed. That means that walkers can be confident that that a volunteer walk leader will be at the start of a walk whatever the weather. The volunteers know the value of their role in that our regular walkers come along not just for the exercise, but to chat with friends and often enjoy refreshments together afterwards. With over a thousand names on the walks register each month the volunteers take pride in knowing they are helping to keep a large group of people in good shape, mentally and physically. As a group they make the Portsmouth Healthy Walks scheme the great success that it is.