Dedicated volunteers from across Sefton have been honoured for their outstanding contribution to life in the borough.

Representatives of more than 25 organisations attended Volunteer Centre Sefton’s annual volunteer celebration event which this year was held at Bootle Cricket Club.

The volunteers received certificates marking their invaluable contributions from the VIP guests at the event who included Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Mark Blundell, Mayor of Sefton Cllr Clare Louise Carragher and Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, Cllr Trish Hardy.

The ceremony also featured a special award for Marie Richardson from Sefton Opera who was honoured as Sefton Volunteer of the Year 2022.

Marie has volunteered with the older people’s charity for more than 20 years in various roles including complementary therapy and an intergenerational project.

She is also a Trustee of the charity and according to the award citation ‘has continued volunteering with a smile on her face and a positive attitude throughout, despite dealing with a number of personal problems’.

Following the presentation ceremony guests enjoyed a special afternoon tea to mark the Queen’s recent Platinum Jubilee.

Commenting on the event Cllr Trish Hardy said: “As a Trustee myself I appreciate the true value of volunteers for organisations in the voluntary, community and faith sector.

“Volunteers give their valuable time to provide much-needed support in so many ways, from walking dogs to befriending lonely people.

“Each volunteer is so valued and we hope this event demonstrates the real appreciation that every organisation that works with volunteers has for them. It was certainly an honour for me to be able to present these certificates,” added Cllr Hardy.

Volunteer Centre Sefton Co-ordinator, Lauren Jones, said: “We would all like to say a big thank you to every volunteer in the borough who gives their time to others – they are the lifeblood of many charities who could not function without them.

“Their hard work and commitment makes a massive difference to the lives of a huge number of local people, in particular some of Sefton’s most vulnerable residents.”
To find out more about volunteering opportunities in Sefton contact Volunteer Centre Sefton by ringing 0151 920 0726 or emailing info@volunteeringsefton.org.uk.

Photo: Three cheers for Sefton’s volunteers - sitting (from left) Sefton CVS Chief Executive Angela White, Cllr Trish Hardy, Mayor of Sefton Cllr Clare Gallagher, Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Mark Blundell and Volunteer of the Year Marie Richardson pictured with other guests at the celebration event.