GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S VOLUNTEER AWARDS

Gloucestershire's Volunteer Awards celebrate the extraordinary dedication, passion, and impact of volunteers who make a real difference in our communities.

From supporting vulnerable individuals to driving environmental initiatives and fostering inclusivity, these selfless contributions leave a lasting legacy. Volunteers are the heartbeat of Gloucestershire, strengthening communities, addressing local challenges, and inspiring others.

This year’s awards shine a spotlight on incredible individuals and groups whose tireless efforts enhance lives, uplift communities, and create meaningful change. Join us as we celebrate their remarkable contributions and say a heartfelt thank you to those who make the world a better place for us all.

PAUL & ANDY

Paul and assistant coach Andy have dedicated over six years to Gloucester City Under-11s Football Club, giving their time, energy, and hearts to every player. Their commitment goes far beyond the pitch—they support each child not only as an athlete but as a growing young person, helping them navigate challenges in family, school, and life with understanding and care. 

They’ve built strong relationships with parents, always working as a team to provide the best possible environment. With patience, passion, and belief, they’ve transformed a rough-around-the-edges grassroots team into JPL regional winners and national qualifiers. 

Their impact extends beyond football—Paul and Andy are role models, offering consistency and encouragement. They arrange year-round training, team socials, and create space for the boys to form lasting friendships. Through their dedication, they haven’t just built a successful team—they’ve created a football family, where every child feels valued, supported, and believed in. 

FOREST COMMUNITY SHED

The Forest Community Shed is a vital hub for social inclusion, community well-being, and skill development. Serving people of all ages, particularly those who are isolated or vulnerable, it provides a welcoming space for hands-on workshops that enhance both mental and physical health.  

After relocating and partnering with The Orchard Trust, the Shed has thrived, expanding its offerings and support for local charitable groups. Participants, many referred by health services, enjoy meaningful social interactions and skill development in a fully accessible, 7-acre environment. In response to growing demand, the Shed is fundraising for a new accessible barn to accommodate more activities, including heritage skills, crafts, and community projects. This expansion will further enhance the Shed’s ability to serve those who are often overlooked, improving their mental health, self-esteem, and social connections.  

With structured sessions three days a week, the Shed has become a crucial resource for many participants' well-being. 

SARAH

Sarah, Platoon Leader of Coleford Army Cadets, is an exceptional leader who consistently goes above and beyond to support the young people she works with. Her commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment is evident through her efforts in organizing events like Remembrance Parades, D-Day commemorations, and maintaining veterans' graves. She fosters community engagement, creating meaningful connections between cadets and veterans by personally providing coffee and cake. 

 Sarah celebrates cadet achievements, guiding two cadets to be recognized in the Pride of Coleford Awards and working with the Town Council to establish a 'Mayors Cadet.' She has also secured funding for a sustainable outdoor classroom and green initiatives. 

Sarah selflessly provides additional resources, such as boots for cadets in need and a well-being space for mental health support. Her dedication extends beyond cadet activities, making a lasting impact on young people, their families, and the wider community. Sarah is a truly inspiring and selfless leader. 

RECONNECT

ReConnect Gloucestershire CIC offers peer support for individuals affected by stroke, aphasia, and long-term health conditions. Volunteers, many with personal experience of these conditions, play a central role in the organization.  

Paula, the dedicated volunteer coordinator, has been instrumental in building and growing the volunteer team, emphasizing “Inclusive Volunteering.” This approach ensures that volunteering is accessible, values diversity, and removes barriers to participation.  

ReConnect provides bespoke volunteer experiences, offering tailored opportunities and continuous support to meet each individual’s needs. Volunteers receive specialized training in safeguarding, first aid, and mental health, with opportunities to co-facilitate workshops and professional development sessions. Volunteers are regularly recognized with certificates, quarterly bulletins, and the chance to be nominated for a free weekend through the "Room to Reward" scheme.  

Paula’s commitment ensures volunteers feel supported, empowered, and valued, contributing to their personal growth and confidence, while helping them transition back into work or to see additional opportunities within ReConnect, for example as Stroke Mentors, Experts by Experience or Digital Champions. 

KIRSTY

Kirsty is a warm-hearted and dependable neighbour who brings kindness and community spirit to our new-build estate in Coleford.  

Despite being in her late thirties, She connects effortlessly with neighbours of all ages, including my husband (83) and me (72). When my husband had knee replacement surgery, Kirsty ensured we had groceries and everything we needed. She regularly helps others too; doing school runs for neighbours when their cars break down, offering lifts, and even babysitting when needed.  She never hesitates to help and often brings little treats to brighten our day. When we’re away, she kindly lets our dog out so he’s not left alone. Kirsty’s generosity comes without expectation—she truly believes in looking out for one another.  

Her selfless actions and gentle nature make her a cherished part of our community. Knowing she’s next door gives us great comfort. Kirsty is simply someone you can always count on. 

E G CARTER & CO

E G Carter & Co Ltd believes construction is about building relationships and communities, not just structures.  

They actively support local charities and community groups, with long-standing partnerships such as Gloucester Feed the Hungry, providing time and financial help to ensure no one goes without a meal, even on Christmas Day. Another key partnership is with Wheels for All, funding access to specialist bikes for people with additional needs. Their commitment to supporting the vulnerable extends to donating winter coats to the Salvation Army, participating in World Clean Up Day, and organizing events like the Gloucester 10K to raise funds for local causes.  

E G Carter & Co also invests in education, with their Marketing Manager serving as an Enterprise Adviser at Belong School, helping shape career education for young people.  

Volunteering is central to their mission, driving their efforts to make a lasting difference in the communities they serve. 

ALISHA

Alisha, Chair of Trustees at Inclusion Gloucestershire, is an inspiring example of inclusive leadership. Joining the board at just 17, she has spent the past 10 years championing underrepresented voices—particularly as a young, British Indian woman in a governance role. Throughout her university studies and developing career, she has remained a committed, passionate trustee, consistently offering support to the wider board and Senior Leadership Team while providing thoughtful, constructive scrutiny. 

Alisha brings a unique perspective, fresh ideas, and unwavering dedication to ensuring Inclusion Gloucestershire is well governed and truly inclusive. She is a powerful ally to her disabled colleagues, always working to ensure everyone feels valued, heard, and able to contribute meaningfully. 

As Chair, she makes accessibility and adaptability central to meetings and decision-making. Her leadership has helped shape an inclusive culture that reflects the charity’s mission. Inclusion Gloucestershire has flourished thanks to her insight, energy, and commitment—and wishes more boards had a trustee like Alisha. 

HOLLY

Holly is an exceptional young leader who brings her training and passion into every aspect of her community work.  

She actively encourages her peers to avoid antisocial behaviour, explaining its consequences in relatable ways. As a dedicated advocate for her local youth club, The Pod, Holly promotes respect for the space and the people within it, even outside of official sessions. Known at school as “my Pod young leader,” she’s been a strong source of support, especially for new Year 7 students.  

Holly constantly looks for ways to expand The Door’s reach, including encouraging others to connect with leadership at different schools. She prioritises best practices, supports peers on a peer-to-peer level, and never misuses her role. During debriefs, she responsibly shares key information, even when it involves friends, showing strong boundaries and maturity.  

Holly's dedication, empathy, and drive to grow make her a powerful role model and a valuable asset to The Door. 

ALAN

Alan has been a dedicated volunteer in Scouting since the age of 18 and continues to serve at 75. He began his Scouting journey at age 8 with the Elmbridge school cub pack and then moved to the Scout Troop at Lonsdale Church where he became a leader at 18 to prevent the group from closing due to a volunteer shortage. Since 1988, Alan has served as Group Lead Volunteer, supporting section leaders, organising programs and skiing trips, and acting as a trustee. Since the mid-1970s, he has coordinated the Scout Cotswold Marathon, a challenging night-time event, overseeing logistics and ensuring safety for up to 500 participants.  

Alan is Vice Chair at Gloucester Scout Gang Show which he has been involved with for 60 years. His leadership has shaped the experiences of thousands of young people in Gloucestershire. Alan continues with frontline volunteering, his unwavering dedication and impact on the community remain profound. 

VICKY

Vicky has been a dedicated lead volunteer at Gloucester Foodbank for over 8 years, offering both leadership and compassion. She manages a team of volunteers to deliver weekly sessions, providing crucial support to those in need. Vicky’s empathetic nature and clear advocacy make her a pillar in the local community, particularly for Gloucester’s refugee and asylum seeker population. She identified gaps in the foodbank’s offerings, recognizing that the standard parcels didn’t meet the cultural and dietary needs of many clients. In response, Vicky worked tirelessly to ensure food options were more inclusive, including catering to halal diets and offering alternatives to British tinned staples. 

As a strong advocate for both the foodbank users and volunteers, Vicky has guided the hub through times of change, helping individuals lift themselves from crisis to independence. She is also a trustee of the Gloucestershire Family History Society and volunteers at the Heritage Hub, always striving to give back to her community.