Hosted at the Guildhall, Andover on 7th June, the Unity Platinum Jubilee Awards took place with a full house of charity groups and individuals being recognised for their volunteering efforts over the last year.
Attended by a number of dignitaries, including the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mr. Kent and the Test Valley Borough Council Mayoress, Cllr. Celia Dowden the evening was alight with chatting and networking not to mention a buffet and ‘Thank you from Unity’ cupcakes!
The nominations had been carefully anonymised for the judges who were randomly chosen from the community and those who were shortlisted were invited to attend the evening.
Shortlisted groups across a wide range of activities were promoted including Clatford Village Store, Andover Swimming & Water Polo Club and Vaccination centres all vying for the annual Team of the Year Award. The winners in this category were Koala Community Hub who provide safe, supportive, small groups in a pressure free environment for Neurodivergent children and adults.
Celebrations continued with the Unsung Hero Award sponsored by the Test Valley Mayor Cllr. Alan Dowden. The winner, Sue Smith from the Andover MIND, Ugly Duckling project for her tireless volunteering in both the Ugly Duckling shop and workshop teaching new sills and crafts and making products with donated materials as well as designing the shop window.
The prestigious Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Award for long service was given to Dick Hewitt, a volunteer driver with Unity for many years providing weekly trips for passengers and instrumental in recruiting many of the other volunteer drivers in the Romsey area.
If you are interested in finding out how Unity could help you, your charity or community group, or if you think you might like to volunteer, please contact us through the website www.unityonline.org.uk or call 0330 4004 116 and a member of our team will help.
