Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) is excited to announce the finalists for the 2024 VAL Awards. Supported by Hastings Direct as the headline sponsor, these prestigious awards celebrate the exceptional individuals and organisations that make invaluable contributions to our local communities in Leicester and Leicestershire.
The VAL Awards, originally established in 2019, celebrate the incredible contributions made by the voluntary and charity sector across Leicester and Leicestershire. This year’s event promises to be another memorable evening dedicated to acknowledging the tireless work of volunteers and community heroes who selflessly give their time and energy to make a positive impact on the lives of others across our city and county.
The ticketed event will be held on Friday 18 October in The King’s Hall at Leicester’s The Grand Hotel.
The awards are made possible by the generous support of local businesses, which include headline sponsor, Hastings Direct. Confirmed category sponsors include Gambit Insurance Solutions, PPL PRS, Leicester University Business School, Aspire Pharma and Belgrave Neighbourhood Co-Operative Association. Monies raised allow the event to run without charge to nominees and their guests.
Finalists for each category are as follows:
City Charity of the Year – Sponsored by Gambit Insurance Solutions
- Trade Sexual Health
- Rachel’s Table
- The Olive Trust
- Leicester Hospital’s Charity
County Charity of the Year – Sponsored by Gambit Insurance Solutions
- Marlene Reid Centre
- PACE
- Warning Zone
- Voluntary Action South Leicestershire (VASL)
Social Enterprise of the Year – Sponsored by University of Leicester Business School/Community Business/CASE
- The People’s Buddhi CIC
- Coalville CAN
- Buzzing Roots
Volunteer Led Organisation of the Year – Sponsored by Hastings Direct
- Alice Hawkins Community Projects CIC
- Diabetes Self-Help Group
- HAB – Anti Bullying & Mental Health
Trustee of the Year – Sponsored by East Midlands Chamber
- Peter Smith – Cook-E Learning Foundation
- Usha Mehta – Jain Samaj Europe
- Nigel Swan – Helping Hands
- William Richardson – Sue Young Cancer Support
- Helen Stone – Goodacres Almshouse Charity
Kathryn Burgess Volunteer of the Year – Sponsored by Aspire Pharma
- Lynda Green – VAL
- Jasu Tailor – Leicester Community Links
- Khadeeja Saleh – CKI School of Martial Arts
- James Chantry – After18
- Kath Allen – VASL
Inspiring Leader of the Year – Sponsored by Belgrave Neighbourhood Co-Operative Housing Association
- Suki Kaur – Freeva
- Chris Desai – UOCEAN and UEARTH
- Rana Rajput – MindAid UK
- Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan – Zinthiya Trust
- Danny Aldred – Pedestrian
Fundraiser of the Year – Sponsored by Paragon Sales Solutions
- Emily Corrigan – Living Without Abuse
- Joanna Burrows – Love4Life
- Margaret Green – Arthritis Support
Charity & Business Partnership of the Year – Sponsored by PPL PRS
- Café No:7 and One Roof Leicester
- Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland MIND and Northwest Leicestershire GP Federation
- Heartwize and Druck
Kevin Allen-Khimani, CEO of VAL, commented:
“The calibre of entries for this year’s VAL Awards was outstanding, and we feel the shortlist showcases the dedication and resilience of the charity sector over the past year. These organisations and individuals represent the very best of our community, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate their achievements.”
Julie Taylor, Hastings Direct Chief Customer and Operations Officer, said:
“We are proud to be sponsoring and supporting the Voluntary Action LeicesterShire Awards. The awards and ceremony shine a well-deserved spotlight on those who have gone above and beyond in our local community, and we are honoured to play a part in recognising and celebrating these extraordinary individuals and groups in Leicestershire.”
Voluntary Action LeicesterShire looks forward to another unforgettable awards ceremony and invites you to join them in celebrating the outstanding individuals and groups that make our community stronger and more vibrant. For tickets to the awards, visit https://valonline.org.uk/valawards/