AN appeal has been launched to recognise people who give their own time for the benefit of others.

Local volunteers, charities and organisations are to be celebrated at a prestigious awards ceremony later this year.

But at the moment organisers do not have enough nominations so they are urging residents to make sure they put forward worthy candidates before the deadline this month.

The Oxfordshire Charity and Volunteer Awards, now in its second year, aims to celebrate the contribution of local organisations.

Last year it awarded charities such as SeeSaw, which helps children and families through bereavement, and mental health charity Restore.

Leah Fowler, 74, has volunteered at SeeSaw for the past 11-and-a-half years and won an award for her work supporting children.

She said: “I was very thrilled and I felt as though it was a reward for SeeSaw, which won the award for the best training of volunteers.

“You don’t do things for the thanks but it was nice nevertheless. It was lovely to meet the young, and the very old, volunteers at the ceremony.”

Charity of the year award went to Restore, based in Manzil Way, which provides rehabilitation, employment and training support for people with mental health problems.

Spokesman Gemma Hum-phrey said: “Winning the award has helped us raise the profile of the work we do and challenge stigma and discrimination around mental illness.

“It has also been a positive thing to tell potential funders.”

Others include the environmental award, partnership award, best use of online tools and best community project.

Sarah Beer, spokeswoman for OCVA, said: “We really want people to come forward and nominate people and charities they think would be worthy winners for these awards.

“We have only had the names of a couple of volunteers so far but we would love lots more.

Individuals can be nominated for an outstanding volunteer award for any service they give to a community or voluntary organisation. There will also be charity of the year, best new group, lifetime achievement and other accolades.

A ceremony will be held at Oxford Town Hall on October 23. Organisers also need sponsors to help fund the awards.

  • To nominate a volunteer or organisation visit ocva.org.uk/ awards2012 or phone 01865 251946. Deadline is 5pm on Monday, June 18. To provide sponsorship contact Kate Hill at kate.hill@ocva.org.uk or on 01865 251946.