The Newport City Show

Lamsie welcomes Sam from GAVO (Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations) to talk about the 2026 Volunteer Awards. GAVO is a charity that supports the third sector, including charities, community interest companies and community groups, and celebrates its centenary next year.
The awards take place each year to recognise the outstanding contribution of volunteers and community groups across Newport. Nominations are made through an open portal and scored by an independent judging panel. Sam says the aim is to shine a light on unsung heroes and show the calibre of work happening across the city every day.

The categories
Leadership: the conversation highlights people such as Jeff Nolan and Paul Loughlin, who take on real responsibility in steering their charities forward.
Food Sustainability: with the cost of living still biting, food banks and pantries remain essential, even for people in full-time work. FoodCycle, a national charity, is nominated for its community meals, which tackle food waste and reduce stigma by bringing people from all backgrounds together around the same table.
Community Advocate: this award recognises people who champion the rights and causes of others. Jackie Edwards spotted a gap and set up a peer support group for people using neuro exercise services.
Environmental: nominees include Deepika Patel, who volunteers with Green Maindee to create green spaces for biodiversity, and a bike repair workshop that cuts waste while supporting asylum seekers and refugees.
Inspirational Young Person (ages 14 to 25): Lamsie and Sam agree this is a vital category. Young volunteers bring fresh perspectives, digital skills and new ideas that complement the experience of older volunteers. They are often unfairly stereotyped, but many genuinely want to make a difference.
Supporting Families: groups such as Girlguiding units and after-school clubs offer families respite and young people the chance to grow. Nominees include Rewild Play, which supports neurodivergent families, and Newport junior parkrun, which brings generations together through health and community.
Homelessness: Home Life is recognised for supporting people experiencing homelessness, meeting immediate needs while also tackling the root causes.
Inspirational Journey: this one resonates with Lamsie. It celebrates volunteers who grow over time while making a difference to others. He reflects on how Newport City Radio started from a simple love of playing music and has grown into a community organisation that has changed lives over eighteen years. Volunteers often underestimate their impact, but small everyday actions add up.
Culture and Heritage: celebrating Newport’s diversity and history. Nominees include Grenville Pow of the Friends of Newport Transporter Bridge and the Newport Kerala community for its enrichment programmes.

Special awards: the High Sheriff of Gwent Award and the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Award will be surprise announcements on the night.

The night
The awards take place on Thursday 15 October at the Holiday Inn, Newport. As well as celebrating winners, the evening is a chance for volunteers and community groups to connect, share ideas and build partnerships across Newport’s third sector, which plays a vital role alongside public services in health, social care and community development.

The ceremony will be live-streamed on Facebook. Thanks go to the sponsors who make it possible: CODI, Headin, Kassan Cymru, EAST, Monmouthshire Building Society and SF Accounts.

Luke chats to PC Connie Brown from the Neighbourhood Policing Team at Newport Central ahead of Anti Social Behaviour Awareness Week.

Lamsie chats to Leeanne from KLAR HR on the latest episode of The Newport City Show.