Buckinghamshire volunteers honoured for community work

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Winners recognised across Buckinghamshire
Nearly 250 nominations point to local volunteer effort
Council and sponsor praise nominees

Nearly 250 nominations from across Buckinghamshire were recognised at this year’s Proud of Bucks Awards, as local volunteers, councils, schools and community groups were celebrated for work ranging from mental health support to environmental projects.

The 2026 ceremony took place on Monday 1 June, during National Volunteers’ Week. Sponsored by The Clare Foundation, the annual awards highlight residents and organisations whose work has helped neighbourhoods stay connected, inclusive and resilient over the past year.

Winners recognised across Buckinghamshire

This year’s winners included Switch Lanes CIC, which received the Newcomer Award, and Oscar Boyson, named Young Volunteer of the Year. Marieke Bosman received the Environmental Impact Award, while Amy Scullard was recognised with the Improving Health and Wellbeing Award.

Slapton Lunch Club, represented by Margaret Newton, won the Reducing Social Isolation Award. Wooburn and Bourne End Parish Council received the Town and Parish Council Community Award, and Chalfont St Peter Community Library was recognised for Community Connectedness.

St Mary’s CS School Young Carers Group won the School/College Community Contribution Award. Michelle Robinson-Boyce was named Volunteer of the Year, while Clare Clarke received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Buckinghamshire volunteers honoured for community work

Nearly 250 nominations point to local volunteer effort

Buckinghamshire Council said nominations reflected long-standing service, grassroots volunteering and newer community projects. The work recognised included lunch clubs, inclusive spaces, environmental initiatives, mentoring for young people and projects designed to reduce isolation.

For readers following similar local recognition schemes elsewhere, Demoduck has also covered community award nominations in Wandsworth and local hero nominations in Harrow.

Council and sponsor praise nominees

Steve Bowles, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said the nominees and winners showed “compassion, dedication and innovation” across the county.

Mike Clare, Founder and President of The Clare Foundation, said the stories behind the nominations showed “the real difference that community action can make to people’s lives.”

Source: Buckinghamshire Council