Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action (CAVA) hosted its Volunteer Recognition & Reward Event on Thursday 12th June 2025, honouring the exceptional contributions of local volunteers who dedicate their time, skills, and energy to supporting others across the region.
Held at Ambleside Sports Club, the event brought together over 160 attendees, including volunteers, community leaders, and dignitaries, for an evening of appreciation, storytelling, and community spirit.
Organised by CAVA’s Northern team, the event was led by Alison Thompson, Area Manager, who warmly welcomed guests and paid tribute to the many individuals who help build stronger, more connected communities.
“It’s not about winners and losers,” “Everyone who has been nominated is a winner. This evening is about recognising all of you who make our communities stronger.” Alison Thompson Area Manager.
The event honoured 87 nominees from across North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth, celebrating volunteers in categories including Community Impact, Environmental Action, Sport, Youth Involvement, and Long Service. All were presented with certificates and tokens of appreciation, with inspiring stories of dedication shared throughout the evening.
In attendance were a number of esteemed guests, including:
- The Worshipful Mayors of Nuneaton & Bedworth and North Warwickshire
- Karen Lynch, High Sheriff of Warwickshire
- Clare Sawdon, Deputy Lieutenant of Warwickshire
- Karen Winchcombe, CAVA Chief Executive, and members of the board of trustees Judith Widig and Sarah Wier-Smith
- Aspire in Arts, a youth-led creative organisation, who delivered a special performance.
The event also highlighted the crucial economic and social value of volunteering. With more than 3,000 voluntary and community organisations operating in Northern Warwickshire – many of them run by volunteers – CAVA estimates the annual economic value of volunteering in the area exceeds £220 million.
As part of ongoing efforts to better understand and support the sector, CAVA is encouraging all voluntary and community groups to complete the 2025 “State of the Sector” survey. This vital research helps to shape future services, funding, and support strategies.
Paper copies of the survey can be collected from The Newtown Centre, Newtown Road, Nuneaton, CV11 4HG, and it is also available online via https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CAVASOS2025/
The evening concluded with thanks to key supporters of the event, including Warwickshire County Council, TNT Atherstone’s social group, Sharp Business Systems, and the team at Ambleside Sports Club. A special round of applause was given to CAVA’s Volunteering Coordinators, Tina Wragg (Nuneaton & Bedworth District) and Ellen Alcock (North Warwickshire) for their exceptional work in organising the event, alongside administrative support from Dionne Uden.
The event served not only as a celebration, but as a poignant reminder of the dedication, kindness, and resilience that volunteers bring to their communities every day.
