THE 1999 St Helens Volunteer Awards were officially launched on Friday, February 19 by St Helens North MP, Dave Watts.

Invited representatives from the voluntary sector and key organisations were present at St Helens Town Hall to hear how the awards celebrate the work of volunteers.

In addition, Mayor of St Helens, Councillor David Craig, presented certificates to volunteers who had completed 100 hours voluntary work with their chosen organisation.

This year's awards follow the outstanding success of the first-ever Volunteer Awards held last year. Sponsors, NatWest have increased their support in recognition of the positive impact made by the awards, in acknowledging and rewarding the amount, and scope, of work undertaken by volunteers in our communities. The awards have attracted support from other key organisations in the borough through sponsorship of the individual categories.

Nominations are invited in the following categories and can be made by individuals or groups:

Community Volunteer (sponsored by St Helens College).

Employed Volunteer (sponsored by St Helens Chamber).

Young Volunteer (sponsored by St Helens Chamber).

Older Volunteer (sponsored by Newton 21 SRB).

Volunteer with a Disability (sponsored by Coalition of Disabled People).

Health and Social Care Volunteer (sponsored by St Helens and Knowsley Health Authority).

Community Safety Volunteer (sponsored by Safer Merseyside Partnership).

The awards evening will take place on Tuesday, June 1, 1999 at Haydock Park Racecourse.

Nomination forms and further details can be obtained by ringing the Volunteer Information Base on 623761/5.

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