Pershore Plus Volunteer Centre Launches Second Annual INSPIRE Awards

Building on the success of last year, Pershore Plus Volunteer Centre is delighted to announce its second annual INSPIRE Awards, celebrating the amazing contributions of local volunteers across its service area.

The 2025 Award categories will be announced shortly, please check back here regularly for updates.

The inaugural ceremony, held in late 2024 at the charming Banking Hall, brought together community members for a three-course dinner and an awards presentation.

Five categories were introduced to honour exceptional volunteers:

• Fundraiser of the Year

• Special Achievement

• Young Volunteer

• Long Service Award

• Volunteer Team of the Year

The judging panel, kindly provided by Wychavon District Council’s Communities Team, selected winners from a strong field of nominees.

This year we aim to make the event bigger and better than the last and shine a spotlight on the exceptional work that the volunteers in our community carry out daily.

“Kicking off the INSPIRE Awards last year reminded us of the extraordinary power of volunteering in Pershore,” said Karon Swinburn, CEO of Pershore Plus. “We look forward to shining an even brighter spotlight on volunteers whose compassion, commitment, and creativity touch lives every day.”

Jeanette was recognised for her outstanding achievements and unwavering dedication to our community, where she has been volunteering since 1977.

Jeanette has been awarded this for her work with Pershore Plus Volunteer Centre, where she has volunteered over the last three decades, largely focusing on resource centre work.

Lacey has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to both the Monday Night Club at Pershore Riverside Centre, and her work with PAL Fitness, where she has proven to be a true asset to the community.

Lacey consistently sets a positive example for young people, demonstrating hard work and dedication in ensuring every participant is engaged and having fun. Her commitment extends beyond her duties, and she has shown remarkable determination in navigating challenges while embracing new environments with a willingness to learn. Her growing confidence and ability to face challenges head-on make her an invaluable volunteer and a role model for others in the community.

Founded in 1984 and now a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO 1166141), Pershore Plus Volunteer Centre is dedicated to putting volunteering and well being at the heart of the Wychavon community. Our services include community transport, lunch clubs, befriending, and a myriad other initiatives designed to tackle loneliness and social isolation.