Community volunteer awards seek firm sponsors for November event

Community CVS and Blackburn with Darwen Council are asking businesses and organisations to sponsor the Community Volunteer Awards, which are scheduled for 5 November 2026 and typically attract more than 1,000 nominations.

Community CVS and Blackburn with Darwen Council are again working together to organise the borough's annual Community Volunteer Awards and are seeking businesses and organisations to provide sponsorship. The awards recognise the work of volunteers and volunteer-led groups through a public nomination process. The ceremony is held each November and typically attracts over 1,000 nominations. The 2026 awards are scheduled for Thursday 5 November. What we know: - Community CVS and Blackburn with Darwen Council are co-ordinating the Community Volunteer Awards. - The awards follow a public nomination process that usually draws more than 1,000 entries. - The 2026 ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, 5 November 2026. - Organisers say funds raised from sponsorship go towards staging the event and supporting a memorable evening for nominees. - Past winners named in the announcement included Blackburn Empire Support Team, Shelter volunteers, BwD First Responders, Community Harmony, Blackburn Children's Storehouse; Volunteer of the Year was Yaqoob Hussain MBE and a special recognition award was given to Derek Estill. - A contact was provided for sponsorship enquiries: Donna Talbot on 01254 583957 or donna.talbot@communitycvs.org.uk. Summary: Organisers say sponsorship helps ensure the annual awards can be staged and enjoyed by nominees. The search for sponsors is ongoing ahead of the 5 November 2026 ceremony, and a contact was supplied for enquiries.