There was no better time to launch the inaugural Kent Volunteering Awards than a nationwide celebration of people who step up for their local communities.

The awards are run by the KM Charity Team in partnership with Stronger Kent Communities, East Kent College, the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, Pfizer, and the KM Media Group.

The initiative was officially launched at Hempstead House in Sittingbourne on Monday (June 3) in the middle of national Volunteers’ Week, which runs from June 1 to 7.

Geraldine Allinson, chairman of the KM Media Group, said she hoped the awards would not only “raise the profile of people who are doing fantastic things in Kent, but also help encourage other people to step forward and do things, too.”

Nominations can be made for individuals or teams involved in educational and health sector volunteering; employer-assisted volunteering schemes; volunteer carer activity; and community volunteering through clubs, youth groups and charities.

“These awards celebrate the people who selflessly give their time, skills, and care to support a range of community services,” said KM Charity Team chief executive Simon Dolby. “They perform almost any role you can think of - fundraisers, charity shop workers, bookkeepers, befrienders, special constables, members of parent-teacher associations, the list goes on and on.

“Anyone can make a nomination and I would urge everyone to put forward a volunteer - or team of volunteers - who deserve a big thank you for all they do.”

Visit www.KentVolunteeringAwards.co.uk before the October 27 deadline.