Big Society Award: Celebrating Innovative Volunteering for Social Impact
The Big Society Award is a remarkable initiative under the Government’s Big Society policy, designed to honor groups, individuals, and organizations that exemplify the spirit of civic engagement and social innovation. This award places a spotlight on three pivotal areas:
Promoting Social Action
Encouraging individuals to actively participate in their communities by offering their time, resources, and creativity. This aspect emphasizes creativity and innovation in engaging community members.
Empowering Communities
Facilitating local empowerment by enabling residents to take control of local affairs, supported by local government and other entities. This focus area aligns with the impact area of civic engagement.
Opening Up Public Services
Inspiring public sector organizations and individuals to innovate in delivering public services. This includes charities, social enterprises, and private companies finding new ways to enhance public service delivery.
It’s exciting to note that three of the eleven winners to date have been funded projects by Vinspired!
The Old Vic Tunnels
The Old Vic Tunnels is an extraordinary performance space in London, offering young people from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to gain experience in production and contribute to an innovative arts venue. With over 300 volunteers recruited through Vinspired, this venue has regularly sold out shows and hosted fantastic performances!
Make A Difference
Make A Difference, based in Milton Keynes, inspires young people to improve their lives and communities through volunteering. Over the past five years, this project has engaged over 3,000 young people, living up to its name by fostering community voluntary service.
FoodCycle
FoodCycle, initiated in 2008, empowers young people to address food poverty by creating nutritious meals from surplus food. This innovative project has been praised for its significant social impact in combating food waste.
Explore more about our ideas for social action projects to change the world and learn about recognising the inspiring contribution of young volunteers.