Nominate your community champion for a Penistone Volunteer Award

Do you know an unsung hero from the Penistone area who deserves long overdue recognition? Penistone Ward Alliance are inviting nominations for their 2026 Volunteer Awards, which recognise people who go above and beyond to make a difference in their community.

From volunteers who routinely give up their time and skills to lead, run or support groups in their area, to those who befriend or mentor others, the awards offer an opportunity to say “thank you”.

There are nine awards to be presented at Wortley Hall on the evening of Thursday 22 October, and nominations are now open in the following categories:

• Volunteer of the year

• Young volunteer of the year

• Community group of the year

• Environmental awards

• Outstanding contribution to health and wellbeing

• Outstanding contribution to sport

• Outstanding contribution arts and culture

• Outstanding contribution to older people

• Outstanding contribution to younger people

Cllr Sam Burdett, Cabinet Spokesperson for Communities, said: “Volunteers of all ages play a vital role in Barnsley and give their time and energy to support local charities, schools, sports clubs, community groups and countless other good causes, often without seeking recognition.

“Whether they are raising funds, organising activities, supporting neighbours or helping to keep our neighbourhoods clean and welcoming, their contribution makes a real and lasting difference.

“It is wonderful to see Penistone Ward Alliance recognising these local champions and celebrating the dedication, kindness, and community spirit they show every day.

“If you know someone in the Penistone area who goes above and beyond for others, I encourage you to nominate them before the deadline and help give them the recognition they deserve.”

The awards are open to anyone volunteering in the Penistone West and Penistone East wards.

For any volunteers to be considered for one of the nine awards, the individual or group has to be formally nominated. The closing date for nominations is Friday 11 September.

Nomination forms are available by emailing RebeccaBattye@barnsley.gov.uk or by messaging the Penistone Ward Alliance through their Facebook page.

The Penistone Ward Alliance is a volunteer-led community group that works alongside local councillors in the Penistone East and Penistone West electoral wards of Barnsley.

Their role is to set local priorities and to help manage council grant funding for neighbourhood groups, environmental projects and to offer support to other volunteering activities.

Interested in getting more involved in your community? There are many volunteering opportunities available right across Barnsley – find out more on our Volunteering in Your Local Area webpage.