The annual awards ceremony recognises the incredible contribution of those who give up their time to make the city a better place, expecting nothing in return.
More than 200 people attended the ceremony on Thursday 12 September at the Victory Suite, Fratton Park, which was organised by Together in Hive Portsmouth.
The Love of Portsmouth award was introduced this year to “celebrate someone who has devoted countless hours to volunteering, making a significant impact on the lives of many, whose dedication and love Portsmouth shines brightly”.
Terence Carvalho, who volunteers at a number of groups and organisations across the city, picked up the inaugural award. His nomination described him as: “a proud Portsmouth Ambassador who put his words into action always.” The prestigious Volunteer of the Year award was handed to James Coomber.
Andy Callender, lead facilitator at Andy’s Man Club Portsmouth, won the Education and Mentoring Awards for his work with the group. His nomination described how he “has made so many men's lives better, and I know he has saved a few as well, he has certainly talked people away from making a life changing decision. To say Andy is a good Samaritan would be an understatement, he is Portsmouth's own guardian angel”. The Team Award for Education and Mentoring was given to the Stay & Play volunteers at Home-Start, for their work offering emotional and practical support to parents and for helping to give local children the best start to life.
Portsmouth Breast Cancer Friends, a group which provides a safe space for mutual support after a breast cancer diagnosis were given the Health & Social Inclusion Team Award, and 22-year-old Darcie Balding-Rudd won the individual award in the same category for her work volunteering for Brendoncare. The Community Award went to Lucky Haque, with the Wetwheels Solent Volunteers picking up the Team Award in the same category.
The team behind the Portsmouth Chinese Sunday School category were recognised with the Arts, Culture & Heritage Award, with Andy White being named as the individual winner in the category.