Individuals and groups that give up their time to make Teignbridge a better place were celebrated at a sparkling ceremony in Teignmouth on Friday (November 7).

The Stars of Teignbridge Awards, organised by Teignbridge Community and Voluntary Services (CVS), was held at the Pavilions Teignmouth to recognise the unsung heroes who dedicate their time and energy to improve others’ lives and make a difference to our communities.

The overall winner of the organisation of the year, was a Newton Abbot charity that supports young people to overcome challenging life experiences and succeed as adults.

Life Chance Trust, which was created just three years ago, was praised for its ‘outstanding commitment to celebrating, empowering and supporting volunteers’ who are described as ‘the heartbeat of the charity’.

‘I feel so humble and so privileged to be here,’ said Life Chance Trust chief executive Hannah Moon as she accepted the award. ‘We are a really small charity with an amazing group of volunteers. They make what we do possible. Our volunteers are everything. They are our family. What they do is game-changing and life-changing.’

The Volunteer of the Year was presented to Peter Taylor for ‘transforming the lives of blind and partially sighted adults across Teignmouth and the surrounding areas by founding and leading the local Macular Society Group’.

Peter paid tributes to all volunteers as he accepted his prize. ‘The whole community is amazing and the work everyone puts in is phenomenal. We’re all winners,’ he commented.

Through the monthly Teignmouth Macular Society meetings, Peter has created a safe space where members feel seen, supported and inspired. But Peter goes over and above and ensures no one facing sight loss is left unheard or isolated. He personally calls each member before meetings, arranges transport and ensures new joiners feel warmly welcomed.

‘Macular degeneration can create loneliness,’ Peter admitted. As someone who lives with sight loss, Peter’s own independence and technological know-how are contagious. And he continually challenges assumptions about what is possible. ‘The Macular Society brings people together to show that life goes on and there are ways to overcome all the challenges,’ he noted.

The Stars of Teignbridge categories are based on the Vision of Volunteering blueprint and each category has an organisation and individual award. Teignbridge CVS received over 360 nominations for the awards.

Individuals that raise the profile of volunteering and organisations that show their gratitude and appreciation of volunteers were put forward for the Awareness and Appreciation Award. Paul Burgess, who set up Teignmouth Promenade parkrun and helped establish the annual Teignmouth Pride event - both of which rely on volunteers - won the individual award. Teignmouth Football Club gained the organisation award for its work to run awards ceremonies and thank volunteer coaches despite the club facing a tricky year following two landslides that put its pitch out of action.

The Power award, which recognises volunteers who have spoken up and made a difference for a cause, went to Heidi Slatter from Hope To Inspire for her passion in sharing her story to raise awareness of autism.

The organisation winner of the Power award went to Phoenix Rising CIC, which works with victims of domestic and sexual abuse, for empowering past service users to become volunteers so they can support others with their own lived experience.

In the Equity and Inclusion category, which acknowledges volunteers and organisations who go the extra mile to include a diverse range of volunteers, the individual award went to Emma Scanlon who runs Slow Cooker Saturdays at the Courtenay Centre in Newton Abbot. The organisation award was won by The Fourth Trimester CIC for creating a relaxed space where mums and their babies can feel safe and supported.

The Collaboration award highlights the importance of bringing people and organisations together to achieve more. Andrew Wilson from Citizen’s Advice was the winner of the individual award for his commitment to creating connections and partnerships across the community.

Bovey Tracey-based Moorland Community Caring won the organisation award for moving its socials to the town’s Methodist church and working with other organisations to ensure the church is be open for the community more often.

Putting creative and innovative ideas into action is what the Experimentation award is all about. The individual winner was Tim Falla from ReadEasy for the variety of resources he provides to help coaches ensure their readers succeed.

The organisation award went to The Makery with the Alice Cross Centre for the 23-metre dragon they created for Dawlish Carnival.

A surprise award was given to drug and alcohol addiction charity Together Devon to recognise its vibrant and compassionate volunteers who are ‘deeply rooted in the community’.

Teignbridge CVS also created a category to recognise the importance of ensuring volunteers retain balance in their lives so they don’t burn out. The individual award was won by Kate Young from Assist Teignbridge for maintaining strict boundaries while discussing personal health and financial questions as she helps clients with benefits forms. The organisation winner was the National Youth Advocacy Service, which ensures volunteers are supported with regular check ins and additional support, particularly when they are dealing with sensitive cases.