We are pleased to launch the Halton & St Helens Volunteer Awards 2026 as part of Volunteers’ Week, recognising and celebrating the valuable contribution that volunteers make across our communities.
Each year, the Volunteer Awards provide an opportunity to highlight the dedication, commitment and impact of volunteers across Halton and St Helens, and to thank them for the difference they make.
Celebrating Volunteers Across Two Boroughs
The Volunteer Awards take place annually, alternating between Halton and St Helens. In 2026, we are pleased to be hosting the awards ceremony in Runcorn on Friday 16th October 2026, as part of this ongoing approach.
This year’s awards also form part of Culture 26 in Halton, celebrating the borough’s creativity, heritage and community spirit.
Award Categories
The awards recognise a range of volunteering contributions across both boroughs:
- Biggest Heart – Does someone in your volunteering team always give it their all? Is their heart bursting with pride in the work that they do? Are they a brilliant listener and do they go above and beyond to help make a difference?
- Personal Achievement – Has someone developed themselves or overcome personal challenges through their volunteering?
- Outstanding Achievement – Of course, all volunteers make an outstanding contribution, but is there someone in your team who goes above and beyond?
- Sport & Physical Activity – It takes some amazing volunteers to keep clubs and activities going – from coaches to the stalwart weekly kit cleaning volunteers. These are the dedicated volunteers who give their time and energy to help others stay active, healthy and connected through sport. Who do you depend on in your club or activity?
- Team of the Year – Too hard to nominate just one volunteer? Has your team made a significant and positive impact through working together?
- Halton Champion of Culture – To recognise the commitment to arts and culture in Halton of an individual or organisation who removes barriers to the arts and culture, provides access to the arts, and creates opportunities for volunteering in culture in Halton.
This category has been developed in partnership with Culture 26: Made in Halton, Cultivate Halton and Halton Borough Council, and is supported by Widnes Rotary.
Once again this year, one nomination that stands out above all others will receive the Jean Mulford Award for Special Achievement 2026.
Nominations
Nominations are now open and should be submitted by midday on Friday 18 September 2026.
Organisations are invited to submit nominations to recognise volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution.
To ensure that we are able to recognise as many volunteers as possible across both boroughs, the following guidance applies:
- Organisations may submit up to five nominations across all categories, including the Team of the Year category
- Team nominations may include a maximum of four individuals.
- Individual awards should be submitted by organisations or groups (not by family members, partners or through self-nomination)
- Permission must be obtained from the individual or group prior to submitting a nomination
- Nominees must live within Halton or St Helens, although their volunteering may take place outside of these boroughs
- All nomination forms should be completed in full and include accurate contact details
All nominations will be reviewed by a judging panel. The panel’s decision is final and shortlisted nominations may be allocated to a different category where appropriate. The judges also reserve the right not to make an award in any category should entries not meet the required standard.
Awards Ceremony
The Volunteer Awards ceremony will take place in Runcorn on Friday 16 October 2026.
The evening provides an opportunity to bring together volunteers, organisations and partners from across Halton and St Helens to celebrate the difference that volunteering makes within our communities. Winners will be announced on the night.
Submit a Nomination
We encourage organisations to take this opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contribution of their volunteers.
Volunteer Awards 2026 Nomination Form | Halton & St Helens VCA
