NOMINATIONS NEEDED FOR AWARDS FOR OUR VOLUNTEERING HEROES
COMMUNITY heroes who dedicate their time and skills to volunteering will be celebrated in an awards scheme – and nominations are now open.
The Excellence in Volunteering Awards Folkestone and Hythe District is calling for nominations for people doing good work in the area.
The scheme run by Kent Coast Volunteering on behalf of Folkestone & Hythe District Council aims to raise the profile of volunteering.
There are six award categories – individual volunteer, group of volunteers, school/college/youth group/youth club (Volunteers ages under 18), governance and corporate. A new Environmental award has been added for 2026.
Nominations opened on Monday 12th January. This year’s celebration will be in Folkestone during Volunteers Week in June.
Cllr Mike Blakemore, Folkestone & Hythe District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Collaboration, who helped launch the awards in 2024, said: “I’m delighted that we have continued to develop these awards, shining an ever-brighter spotlight on volunteering in our district. New for 2026 is an environmental award, celebrating those protecting and enhancing the environment. We want to encourage as many people as possible to consider volunteering by sharing the stories of those already doing so, who gain as much from the experience as those their volunteering helps.”
Emma Cooney, Charity Manager at Kent Coast Volunteering (KCV), which helps people find volunteering opportunities, said there were more than 200 volunteers at last year’s event.
“Feedback from last year included people feeling humbled to be in the same room with so many wonderful people who do so much for their communities.
“We love this opportunity provided by Folkestone & Hythe District Council to recognise people volunteering in our community and the difference they make, and we want as many people as possible to enter. It’s a great opportunity for meet other volunteers and hear about what they are doing.”
Volunteering is widely seen as a way for people to give back to their community. Not only in times of crisis, but all year round. Whether it’s packing parcels at a food bank, providing care in the community, lifeguarding at the pool or leading community groups at the local church, there are many opportunities to help out.
Information on how to enter can be found at https://www.kcv.org.uk/folkestone-hythe-district-excellence-in-volunteering-awards-2026/ The deadline for nominations is 11.45pm Friday 17th April 2026. The awards will be presented at Harbour Church, Folkestone on Thursday 4 June 2026. All nominees will be invited to the celebration.
If you need more information on the awards or are interested in volunteering, please contact Kay McLoughlin, Volunteer Connector Folkestone and Hythe District, at kay.mcloughlin@kcv.org.uk, 07817040451 or call 01304 367898 and leave a message.