Do you know someone who makes Swale special?

Someone who gives up their time to help others and their community?

Swale council and the KM Group are recognising the hard work of those special individuals within the borough who give their time to put something back into their community.

Nominations for the second annual Volunteer Swale Awards have now opened and a special presentation evening will be held at the Coniston Hotel on March 12.

Swale council’s cabinet member for localism, Cllr Mike Whiting, said: “Volunteering is not about society getting something for nothing, it is about the pride people take in helping others and creating the glue that helps bind communities together.

“Here in Swale, we have never shied away from doing our bit, and I am really grateful to all of our sponsors for getting involved in this genuine recognition of the fantastic things that people do on behalf of others.”

This year’s categories are:

• Young Volunteer of the Year (18 or under).
• Adult Volunteer of the Year (19-plus).
• Volunteering contribution to the environment (a volunteer or team in the environmental sector).
• Fundraising Award (team or individual, focusing on the method used rather than the amount raised).
• Volunteering contribution to sport (a volunteer or team in the sport and leisure sector).
• Volunteer team of the year (recognising the achievements and hard work of a team – this could be the management team of a voluntary or community organisation, a board of school governors, board of trustees or a coaching team for a local sports club).
• Volunteering contribution to creativity, culture or heritage (an individual or team impacting on local culture, heritage or creativity).

One person from all the nominations will be selected as the winner for our Outstanding Achievement Award.

Entering is easy, just visit www.swale.gov.uk/volunteer-swale