People who give up their time to make life better for others will be recognised at a special awards ceremony in October.

It’s the third year of the CVS’s Stars of Teignbridge awards , which shine a light on those whose unpaid work deserves to be celebrated.

Nominations are open until Friday, September 11, and there are six categories, each with an award for an individual volunteer and an organisation. Individuals and organisations can nominate themselves.

The winners will be announced at the ceremony at The Pavilions in Teignmouth on Friday, October 23.

Organiser Kate Hewett of Teignbridge CVS said: “Now is the moment to get your nominations in and celebrate this vibrant community - a chance to thank those who contribute so much.

“Do get in touch with me if you would like to discuss your nomination.”

The categories are based on the Vision for Volunteering drawn up by national volunteer associations, and are as follows:

Awareness and appreciation. Last year’s individual winner was Paul Burgess, who set up Teignmouth Parkrun and Teignmouth Pride Week, attracting many more volunteers to support both events. The winning organisation was Teignmouth Football Club, which held award ceremonies to thank its volunteer coaches.

Power: Individual winner in 2025 was Heidi Slatter of Hope to Inspire, for sharing her own experience of autism to empower others who have the condition. The winning organisation was Phoenix Rising, all of whose volunteers are survivors of domestic/sexual abuse who now use their experience to help others.

Equity and Inclusion: Individual winner was Emma Scanlon for running the Slow Cooker Saturdays – classes where anyone can learn how to make easy, affordable, nutritious meals using a slow cooker. The winning organisation was The Fourth Trimester CIC for creating a truly relaxed space for mothers and babies.

Collaboration: Individual winner was Citizens Advice trustee Andrew Wilson, who has forged connections and partnerships in the community. The winning organisation was Moorland Community Care for holding its social events at Bovey Tracey Methodist Church, opening up the church to more residents and local groups.

Experimentation: Tim Falla from Read Easy won the individual award for his imaginative support for reading coaches. The Makery in Teignmouth won the organisations’ award for providing a space where sustainable creative activities improve people’s wellbeing. A 23-metre illuminated dragon for Dawlish Carnival was one of The Makery’s triumphs.

Balance and Boundaries: The volunteer who was recognised for protecting their own wellbeing in potentially stressful unpaid work was Kate Young of Assist Teignbridge. The winning organisation was the National Youth Advocacy Service for its regular support groups and check-ins for local volunteers.

The overall Volunteer of the Year was Peter Taylor, founder and leader of the Macular Society in Teignmouth, who is blind himself. The Life Chance Trust, based in Newton Abbot, was crowned Organisation of the Year.

After receiving the award the CEO of Life Trust, Hannah Moon, said: “This recognition is a wonderful tribute to our incredible volunteers, whose dedication, compassion, and commitment make everything we do at Life Chance Trust possible.

“We’re so grateful to Teignbridge CVS for celebrating the power of volunteering and for recognising the collective impact that comes from people working together for good.”

To contact Kate with any queries, email [email protected]