More than 400 nominations narrowed down to Volunteer Awards finalists in Blackburn with Darwen

Blackburn with Darwen Council and Community CVS have revealed the finalists for this year’s Community Volunteer Awards, after more than 400 nominations were submitted across eight categories.

The judging, organised in partnership between Community Volunteer Service and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, took place on Thursday 10 September 2026. Winners will be announced at a special awards presentation evening at King Georges Hall on Thursday 05 November 2026.

Among the shortlisted names are Olive Bolton, listed under People – Individual with Girl Guides Darwen, and Luca Morini, listed under People – Individual with SEND Youth Voice Forum. Darwen Ducks appears in the People – Group category, while Volunteer of the Year will be announced on the night of the event.

Garth Hodgkinson, Chief Executive of Community CVS, said the nominations showed an “incredible range” and thanked people for getting involved. Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said it was “fantastic to see such a strong response” to this year’s awards.

The awards are intended to recognise local volunteering across the borough, from individual effort to group activity, with the finalists now waiting to see who will be named winners in November.

Source: Blackburn with Darwen Council / The Shuttle. Original announcement.