An event to celebrate volunteers in the Scottish Borders was held on Valentine’s Day in Kelso.
Organised by Volunteer Centre Borders (VCB), the”Loving Our Volunteers” event recognised volunteering in eight categories.
Among the winners at the awards were a campaigner for people with mental ill health, a volunteer adviser with the Citizens Advice Bureau with over 36 years of providing help to Borders residents, and a young volunteer from Kelso who gives up her time for three organisations every week.
Winners
Young Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Scottish Borders Council)
Caitlin Revel, for volunteering with the Brownies, Stable Life and Cheviot Youth
Adult Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Eildon Housing Association)
Gale Coates, for volunteering with the Splash Project in Eyemouth
Golden Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Scottish Borders Housing Association)
Jean Murray, for volunteering with Central Borders Citizens Advice Bureau
Long Service to Volunteering Award
Jenny Mushlin, for volunteering with Borders Care Voice
Hidden Asset Award
Ruth Jones, for volunteering with Escape Youth Services in Hawick
Barry J Jackson Local Hero Award
Joe Devlin, for volunteering with Borders College and Momentum
Thinking Differently Award
Jock Shiells, for volunteering with Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland
Loving Our Volunteers Award
Rowlands Selkirk
VCB Executive Officer, Gordon Brown, said: “Communities across the Scottish Borders, from Coldingham to West Linton, Newcastleton to Denholm, would not be as healthy and vibrant without the network of volunteers in those areas.
“‘Loving Our Volunteers’ is a chance to acknowledge some of the outstanding efforts from just some of the thousands of volunteers in the Scottish Borders who everyday take part in activities which address such issues as social isolation, deprivation, inactivity, and inequality and contribute to sporting and cultural pursuits.
“By celebrating volunteers in this way, we hope volunteers feel valued, and that this will encourage more people in the area to volunteer. This is also a reminder that volunteers are not a resource to be taken for granted, but to celebrated as often as possible.”
Main photo by Alwyn Johnston, BA Images, Galashiels