Voluntary Action South West Surrey’s own heroes recognised in Mayor of Guildford’s awards

Carol Dunnett has recently retired as Chief Officer of Voluntary Action South West Surrey. She received the mayor’s award for service to the community for her help and support over more than a decade to hundreds of voluntary groups and charities in the region.

Our volunteers who received the same award are: Teresa Male, who volunteers at our office in Castle Street as well as helping people in her own community. Recently, she has also been volunteering as a marshal at the COVID-19 vaccination centre at G Live in Guildford.

David Sindall volunteers with our Welcome Buddies project that matches volunteers with people who require support to move forward and out of services designed for mental ill health and into the community. He also volunteers at Headway Surrey, the charity based in Stoughton that supports individuals and families with brain injuries.

Marion Thompson, who has volunteered for three local charities, Guildford Action, The Canterbury Care Centre and Voluntary Action South West Surrey, for almost 10 years.

Marion Thompson has volunteered for Voluntary Action South West Surrey in an admin role and minute taker at meetings for over 10 years. She also takes minutes voluntarily for Guildford Action and The Canterbury Care Centre.

More than 60 residents and groups have been recognised in the 2021 awards for making a real difference, especially during the pandemic.

Recipients are those who Guildford Borough Council recognises as improving the lives of others, fostering good relationships and encouraging positive community spirit.

This year’s awards event, which was broadcast on the council’s YouTube channel on 10^th  May, also included a new Community Heroes award to celebrate groups whose activities have supported residents affected by Coronavirus.

It can be watched via this link: The 2021 Mayor of Guildford’s Awards for Service to the Community