Blaenau Gwent Volunteering Awards 2026: Meet this year's finalists!
Every year, GAVO celebrates the volunteers and groups across Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire and Newport, who give their time, skills and energy to support others.
The GAVO Blaenau Gwent Volunteering Awards are an opportunity to recognise these contributions, celebrate the people behind them and thank them for the work they do.
Are you a finalist? Scroll down to download your finalist graphics and share the news!
This year, we received 37 nominations, highlighting the commitment and dedication of volunteers across a range of categories. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated, and to all those who have made it through to the finalist stage.
Meet the finalists
Trustee and Director Award
Kathryn Learwood - Sirhowy Hill Woodlands
Eryl Dykes - Ebenezer Baptist Church
Inspirational Young Person
Abi Phillips -BGFM
Amy Bowd - Ebbw Fawr Learning Community
Sport and Leisure
Aimee Russell - Ebbw Vale Leisure Centre
Abertillery Youth and Drama Society
Environmental Award
Abertillery Aspiration Group
Beaufort Hill Ponds and Woodlands Preservation Society
Culture and Heritage Award
Rodger Burchell - Blaenau Gwent Heritage Forum
Abertillery Museum Volunteers
Community Advocate Award
Connect Volunteers
Zion Miners Chapel Volunteers
Family Champion Award
Joanne French - Rewild Play
Big Bocs Bwyd Volunteers
Food Sustainability Award
Pentref Tyleri
Coed Cae Community House
Health and Wellbeing Award
Luncheon Club- Llanhilleth Miners Institute
Sue Davies- Ebbw Vale Institute
Inspirational Journey
Jamie Williams- Llanhilleth Miners Institute
Erin Richards- Ebbw Vale Institute
Share the News!
We've created graphics in different formats for you to share on your social media or website and let everyone know you're a finalist!
Simply click on the formats you need and download them directly from our website to share with your friends, family and supporters.
Congratulations to all our finalists! We look forward to celebrating YOU!
Being named a finalist is something to be proud of! Someone took the time to nominate you, and you've impressed our independent panel. We hope you feel proud of the difference you make and the recognition you've received.
These evenings are all about recognising the incredible work volunteers do in Blaenau Gwent, helping to make a difference to people's lives, one act of kindness at a time.
