Recognising community volunteers

Nationwide believes in recognising and encouraging ‘local heroes’, both inside and outside our organisation, whose voluntary work makes a real difference to people’s lives.

Nationwide Awards for Voluntary Endeavour

Organised by Nationwide in association with The Heritage Lottery Fund and Business in the Community, these awards, recognise members of the public who do voluntary work in communities. To celebrate ten successful years of the scheme, it will be enhanced and relaunched in 2008. More than 13,000 nominations were received and everyone's contribution was acknowledged. The 2006 national winners (under 18s and adults; individuals and groups) were as follows.

Ben Sawyers – Port Talbot, Wales: Ben is a young person who gives his time most evenings and weekends to a wide variety of community-based projects, enthusiastically engaging people of all ages in his local area.

City Angels – Woodthorpe, Yorkshire, Tyne Tees & Borders: This group was set up by young people two years ago to address the problem of bullying. They have since coached over 60 people in their own age group in non-confrontational ways of tackling the issue.

Henry Wiltshire – Birmingham, Central: In 1984 Henry formed the West Indian People’s Association to help senior citizens and has since secured £32,000 of lottery funding. Despite hip and knee replacements, Henry continues his role with great enthusiasm and motivation.

Inside Outside – London: This group helps elderly people around their homes, despite all the volunteers having a disability. The 26 members have spent many hours helping others in 94 households, some giving up to three or four days a week of their time.

Employee Community and Environment Awards

At the annual awards for Nationwide’s own ‘local heroes’, our employee volunteers and fundraisers scored top marks for commitment, enthusiasm and sheer hard work, which resulted in thousands of pounds for good causes over the year. Fundraising efforts ranged from a sponsored walk over the 13 bridges of London, to marathons, golf tournaments, abseils and bike rides – not to mention discos, raffles, collections and lunch-time stalls.

Our outgoing chief executive, Philip Williamson was presented with a special award for his work with disadvantaged members of the community and for his support for Nationwide’s community initiatives.

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