The 13th annual Volunteer Awards took place on 28th September. We celebrated 11 individuals and groups who have made amazing contributions to the health and wellbeing of their communities. The awards represent those giving their time and passion to inspire others to walk, lead Health Walks, improve local paths and encourage people to travel actively.
MSP Paul McLennan sponsored the event with broadcaster Fiona Stalker hosting and awards being presented by Maree Todd Minister for Public Health, Women's Health, and Sport.
This year’s winners included a walking group supporting wellbeing within the refugee community in Glasgow, a project in Glenboig helping children to school safely on a walking bus and a community path group in Kingussie who have transformed the walking environment for locals and visitors to the village.
Kevin Lafferty, our CEO said:
The work carried out by volunteers is directly improving the nation’s physical, mental and social health, reducing social isolation and loneliness and helping people make more environmentally friendly lifestyle choices.
“This year we returned to an in-person event at Holyrood. It has been brilliant socialising with our amazing volunteers and to hear first-hand about the invaluable contributions they have been making.
“Our volunteers’ stories are always inspiring – and this year seems that little more exceptional knowing how many challenges have been faced along the way. Thank you to everyone for their efforts and ongoing dedication.”
The 2022 Volunteer Award Winners are:
- Active Travel Volunteer of the Year - George McDermid, Greener Kirkcaldy
- Active Travel Group of the Year - Glenboig Development Trust
- Community Path Volunteer of the Year - Maja Wojtowicz, Castlemilk Park Project
- Community Path Group of the Year - Kingussie Path Group Group
- Health Walk Volunteer of the Year - Shona Black, RNIB
- Health Walk Group of the Year - Positive Steps Kemnay
- Dementia Friendly Walking Volunteer of the Year - Mike Andrew, Active Stirling
- Volunteer Manager / Project Coordinator of the Year - Jenni Murray, Inverclyde Bothy
- Volunteer Diversity Award - Community InfoSource
- Step Count Champion of the Year - Sheena McLellan, NHS Highland
- Ian Findlay Outstanding Achievement Award - Chatelherault Health Walk Group
You can hear more about our winners' their stories in our Volunteer Award winners gallery..
Maree Todd, Minister for Public Health, Women's Health and Sport said,
Encouraging and supporting people in Scotland to walk and wheel is a key part of our vision of a country where more people are more active more often. A huge number of highly motivated and skilled people are helping us deliver this vision, not least the passionate and dedicated volunteers who do so much to help others overcome challenges to participation. They are an inspiration and I am delighted that their contribution is being recognised by Paths For All in these Awards.
Paul McLennan MSP who sponsored the event, congratulated the winners saying:
My congratulations go the inspiring group of volunteers awarded this evening. The range of talent across the country is extremely impressive, and this is reflected in the passion of all the volunteers towards supporting health, wellbeing, social inclusion and the many other benefits of getting out and about.
"Scotland’s outdoors are stunning and varied. My own patch, East Lothian, has stunning coastlines a few miles away from the rolling Lammermuir hills. It’s brilliant to know that across all of Scotland’s diverse outdoor spaces there are people like the volunteers recognised this evening who are working hard to make those spaces accessible and inclusive to all who live here.
"I’d like to commend the work of the volunteers and the team at Paths for All for going above and beyond to promote active travel and leisure. I look forward to seeing what the next year brings!"