Violet Rose Waring has won the Personal Achievement Award at the Halton and St Helens VCA Volunteer Awards 2026, in recognition of an inspiring journey of personal growth, confidence and community involvement.
The award celebrates someone who has developed themselves or overcome personal challenges through volunteering, and Violet's story is a powerful example of the difference that encouragement, opportunity and community participation can make.
When Violet first became involved with her local community group, she was a quiet young person who often found it difficult to communicate and preferred others to speak on her behalf.
Through attending events, entering competitions, helping in the community garden and taking part in activities, Violet gradually began to find her voice and grow in confidence.
Her journey has seen her develop her creativity through poetry and community projects, become a volunteer in her own right and embrace new opportunities. She has grown into a confident and valued member of her community, contributing her own ideas and taking pride in her role.
One particularly significant milestone came when Violet stood before a committee and confidently delivered a presentation about an event she would like to see take place next year.
For someone who had previously struggled to speak up, this represented an enormous personal achievement and demonstrated just how far she had come.
The award was presented by Sally Yeoman MBE, Chief Executive of Halton and St Helens VCA, and Claire Redford-Kerr at the ceremony held at The Heath in Runcorn.
Violet's achievement demonstrates how volunteering can be about much more than helping others. It can also provide a pathway to confidence, new skills, friendships and a stronger sense of belonging.
Halton and St Helens VCA congratulates Violet on her award and celebrates the determination, resilience and personal growth that have made her journey so inspiring