On Tuesday 3 June 2025, CVS Falkirk & District hosted an event ceremony to mark the 26^th year of our annual Volunteering Awards. As every year, we were blown away by the time, energy and commitment shown by the many organisations and volunteers across the Falkirk District area making a difference to others in their communities. CEO, Victoria McRae captured this as she opened the event:

“To all our volunteers: thank you. Thank you for showing up, for going the extra mile, and for reminding us all of what community truly means. Your kindness and commitment do not go unnoticed, and tonight is just a small way for us to say how much you are valued.”

An independent panel reviewed 111 nominations, and the winners of the CVS Falkirk & District 2025 Volunteering Award winners were:

Green Award: 3^rd Bo’ness Scout Group

3rd Bo’ness Scout Group is a dynamic youth organisation committed to empowering 5–18year-olds through skills development, teamwork and environmental projects. Three years ago, 3rd Bo’ness Scout Group embarked on an ambitious journey to upgrade the hall to a completely Net-Zero facility by 2026. This project has had a profound community impact as their young scouts actively engage in sustainability initiatives and participate in recycling and conservation projects. This integrated approach combining renewable energy technology, educational empowerment and community engagement creates a replicable blueprint for sustainable transformation.

Health and Wellbeing Award: Slamannan Action Group

Slamannan Action Group brings vital services and activities to a rural community located more than five miles from key amenities and with limited public transport. The group are all volunteers, tirelessly showing up and creating new initiatives to reduce social isolation, ease financial pressures, and promote community heath and wellbeing. From Kids Lunch Club, helping families connect and thrive to children during school holidays to Brunch and Blether, tackling loneliness and supporting wellbeing – Slamannan Action Group is committed to empowering their community, reducing isolation, and supporting residents in their health and wellbeing through the challenges of rural life.

Young Volunteer of the Year: Liam Landsman, Food Train

Initially shy, Liam began volunteering to build confidence and make a positive difference—and has done exactly that. A dedicated volunteer with Food Train, he has made a significant impact on older people in the Falkirk area, especially through his weekly visits as a befriender and his support on group outings. Members often share how much they appreciate his kindness, saying he makes them feel “young again.” Liam consistently goes above and beyond, from stepping in at short notice to deliver groceries to surprising members with flowers, he always puts others first. On outings, his patience and respect—especially when helping those with mobility issues—reflect his genuine care. Liam is kind, reliable, and deeply valued by both members and fellow volunteers. His commitment and compassion make him a true asset.

Volunteer of the Year: John Somerville, Forth Valley Sensory Centre

John plays an essential role at the Centre, generously giving his time, skills, and energy to support everything from repairs and construction to events and fundraising. His passion lies in making life easier and safer for others—without ever seeking recognition. Over the past year, John has raised more than £600 through handcrafted game stalls, including medieval stocks, a crazy golf course, a tombola machine, and more—offering fun, inclusive experiences for our blind and deaf community. He also regularly carries out maintenance, making the Centre safer and more accessible – and, with the value of his donated time and supplies, has contributed over £10,000 in total. His presence, dedication, and kindness are invaluable.

Organisation of the Year: Bailliefields Community Hub

Bailliefields Community Hub (BCH), based in the Upper Braes, is a charity dedicated to building a more inclusive and supportive community. Driven by an ‘extra ordinary’ team of dedicated volunteers, BCH is a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation who continues to adapt and grow to meet community needs—delivering essential services, fostering inclusion, and building a connected, resilient community. In essence, BCH combines significant tangible achievements (new facilities, job creation, community support, community usage, volunteering opportunities) with a strong ethos of community care, inclusivity, and collaboration. They are building a stronger, more connected, and more supportive community. They are providing ‘A Place for All’.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Murray McIntyre, Falkirk Foundation Blind Club

Despite being almost 91, Murray is the heart and soul of the Falkirk Foundation Blind Club and ensures that every member is greeted on entry and all their needs are catered for. The lead volunteer of this group for over 25 years, Murray has always had the members best interest at heart and strived to provide them with the best possible experience – including organising tickets to Falkirk FC games with headsets so members can follow commentary of what is happening during the game. Murray has an infectious personality and has built the club to be a successful hub of the community for those with visual impairment and gives a lot of people a purpose in their life.

Congratulations to all our winners – presenting you with a certificate and trophy can never truly encapsulate the depth of your volunteering achievements, but we are so privileged to recognise and share this moment with you. It has been so touching watching all of your responses flood social media throughout this week, and how each of your successes has been celebrated by so many:

“We were completely blown away to have won CVS Organisation of the Year 2025! Well done to everyone who is part of the Bailliefields Community Hub this award is for every single one of you. We can’t think of a better way to thank you for all your time, energy, support, fun and laughter you make Bailliefields the Place for All!!!” Bailliefields

“Tonight we had a wonderful time at CVS Falkirk‘s Volunteer Celebration 2025. Our volunteers John and Kyle were nominated. John for Volunteer of the Year and Kyle for Young Volunteer of the Year. We’re delighted to say that both were shortlisted and John won! Both are indispensable volunteers for the Centre and have done so much for us over the years. Here’s to everything they’ve done and for many more years of working together!” Forth Valley Sensory Centre

“This award recognises their [3^rd Bo’ness Scouts] significant efforts in supporting sustainable and environmental practices, creating a phenomenal impact on the community. A huge thank you to every single one of their volunteers. This recognition is for them and all the hard work, time, and passion they give each week.” Falkirk District Scouts

Choosing our Award Winners is never an easy task, and we are so thankful for our independent panel for their time and dedication in selecting our winners. This year, we were delighted to accept their request to create a ‘Highly Commended’ Lifetime Achievement Award for Agnes Forsyth. With over 30 years experience volunteering, helping to promote and make her community better, Agnes is the face of Dalgrain Community Hall. Supportive, passionate and strong with a continuing commitment to her groups and her community, Agnes’s dedication is never in doubt.

Our 2025 winners are emblematic of the many individuals and organisations committed to ensuring the Falkirk District continues to develop and improve – and as we say CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU to both our winners and nominees, please read the full list of our 2025 Nominees (linked for your convenience). We are truly delighted to play a part in recognising the wonderful impact you make, and the commitment you show to supporting Falkirk & District. Watching you support each other through social media and on the night, and utilise this opportunity to celebrate all volunteers truly demonstrates the strength of community and positivity flooding our third sector:

“Thank you CVS Falkirk for our nomination for Organisation of the Year and for an amazing award ceremony! Congratulations to all the other winners and nominees! We don’t do this work to win awards but we appreciate that volunteers across Falkirk are getting recognised for the outstanding work they do!” Falkirk Foodbank

“In the spirit of National Volunteer Week, we were so excited and honoured to be nominated for Organisation of the Year at the CVS Falkirk Volunteer awards ceremony last night. Our chairperson Alison and active volunteer Lia were both also nominated for Volunteer of the Year – congratulations ladies. Thank you to everyone who continues to support us and congratulations to all of our fellow nominees and winners!! Such an inspiring room to sit in last night and hear all of your stories” Polmont Together

Without the extensive network of volunteers, heroes behind the scenes, the beating hearts of our communities, we would not have the rich culture and community spirit that we all thrive on. And it is for this, that we say once more, THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!