Mayor of Chelmsford presents awards to Chelmsford’s outstanding volunteers

Yesterday, the Mayor of Chelmsford, Cllr Sue Dobson, presented awards and commendations to Chelmsford’s brilliant volunteers at the Chelmsford Awards for Outstanding Voluntary Service.

The awards were formed eight years ago by the independent charity, Chelmsford CVS. They are presented to local people across the district for outstanding voluntary contributions to their communities.

This year the Chelmsford Awards for Outstanding Voluntary Service had three categories.

Winner, Adult category: Louisa Di Marco

Winner of the Adult category was Luisa Di Marco (above) for her work on bringing the Knife Angel to Chelmsford. In 2020, Luisa set up Keep It 100 Essex CIC – a collaborative voluntary organisation which works to champion positive and productive life choices for under 25s. Since then, she has helped bring about the installation of many new knife banks and provided support to many young people at risk of exploitation.

A Highly Commended certificate was also presented to Rebecca Mabey for her contribution to 5th/9th Chelmsford Scout Group and Chelmsford Scout & Guide Gang Show.

Winner, Young Person category: Isabelle Chambers

Isabelle Chambers was winner of the Young Person category. Isabelle has volunteered as a Young Leader every week for more than four years at 6th Chelmsford Beavers. She has been a badge tester for hundreds of badges; regularly teaches archery, and presented brilliant Zoom activities during lockdown.

Winner, Team category: Danbury First Responders

The Danbury First Responders were awarded the Team category. This volunteer team provides trained emergency first response to local communities in Danbury, Bicknacre, Sandon, Little Baddow, and the surrounding areas. Between them, they’ve responded to thousands of 999 emergency calls, despatched by the ambulance service. In total, they’ve assisted 8,499 patients and families in the past 10 years.

The Mayor of Chelmsford highlighted the positive impact of the work of local volunteers around Chelmsford:

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"Throughout my Mayoral year, I have met many outstanding volunteers in various groups around the City and I have been astounded at how much good work really goes on.

Today’s awards are just a snapshot of this incredible work and there are many other unsung heroes out there! I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the contributions they make in helping people of all ages to improve their lives."

Mayor of Chelmsford, Cllr Sue Dobson

Lorraine Jarvis from Chelmsford CVS says these awards provide an opportunity to commend Chelmsford’s generous volunteers:

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"Chelmsford is a place where people give and give and just keep on giving! These Awards shine the spotlight on the fantastic contribution volunteers make across the community."

Lorraine Jarvis, Chief Officer, Chelmsford CVS

Following the presentation, recipients and their families enjoyed a talk on the mayoral regalia from the Mayor and a celebration afternoon tea in the Mayor’s Parlour.

Chelmsford CVS offers help and guidance to voluntary organisations, community groups and charities across Chelmsford. To find out more about the work they do and volunteering roles available throughout the city, visit their website: www.chelmsfordcvs.org