Chance to nominate the region's best volunteers
BBCVolunteers who have made a significant impact in their communities are being looked for in Devon and Cornwall, to be celebrated as part of the fifth year of BBC make a difference awards.
In recent years winners of the volunteer category include wheelchair rugby coaches, hospital helpers, coastguard rescue officers, memory café organisers, first responders and CPR trainers.
Over the past four years, 32 local volunteers have been recognised by the BBC for their contribution to our local communities.
In 2025, Derrick Lawson won the award in Devon for his work with Cass+ which supports people through court.
He uses his own experience of the criminal justice system to help others coming to court, often for the first time.
He said: "Anyone that's got a purpose to help another person inspires you to be the person you should have been in the first place."
His own life flipped in 2014, when, after 40 years of being in and out of prison, he was supported through court by the charity he now gives his time to.
"It's given me a new life. It's turned it all around. I'm getting to know what's right and wrong, whereas I didn't before.
"With that past I suppose, I can support a person who's walking through those doors."
He added his motivation was simple: "It's nice to be able to help."
In 2024 Sheila Gill from St Austell, Cornwall, was recognised for making a positive contribution to her community.
She is a former teacher who volunteers at her grandchildren's primary school offering a listening ear to young readers.
She also supports the local amateur operatic community and pantomime.
She said: "I don't think about it is as giving up time - it's just good fun.
"As far as I'm concerned, I'm not doing anything special. I just do what I can."
The volunteer award is given to an "individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving up their time voluntarily to help others," organisers said.
People who know of volunteers they wish to nominate for the 2026 awards are encouraged to get in touch.
