Haverhill volunteer Kelly Bennett says late mum’s words have been her inspiration after winning accolade at Suffolk Community Awards

A Haverhill woman said she was inspired by her mum to ‘be the reason that someone smiled every day’ as she collected a volunteer of the year award.

Kelly Bennett credited her mum as the inspiration behind her community work when she received the Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering Award at the Suffolk Community Awards, held at the Food Museum in Stowmarket on Monday.

The accolade formed part of the Community Action Suffolk Volunteering Awards.

Presenting her with the award, MC Rachel Sloane said: “Kelly has for decades been committed to a wide range of volunteering work in the community.

“Kelly is a wonderful example of volunteering being a community connector.

“She is highly respected in the town of Haverhill for her efforts and her contributions, which are done tirelessly but with warmth and with love.

“She is a strong voice in the community and is passionate about how helping and volunteering can make a difference to people’s lives.

“Her volunteering spans a multitude of events and causes over many years.

“In the pandemic getting medicines and essential shopping to people in the community, as a telephone befriender to those in isolation and in vaccination clinics.

“Kelly is a fantastic role role model for her selfless dedication to her community. She has raised through her work tens of thousands of pounds for local charities and her commitment to supporting local events and causes goes beyond the simple act of volunteering.

“Haverhill is definitely all the better for Kelly’s massive contribution over the years.”

Accepting the award, Kelly, who is also the treasurer for the Haverhill Show committee, said: “If it wasn’t for the wonderful organisations I’m involved with, their opportunities to make the world a better place is what makes me a better person and I just love what I do.”

She added: “My mum, when i was very young, said I had to be the reason that someone smiled every day. I lost my mum over 20 years ago but that stays with me and I do that every day.”

Cllr Katie Graham, East Suffolk cabinet Member for communities, leisure and tourism, was one of the judges assigned the challenging task of selecting winners.

She said: “We are thrilled to have been able to honour so many wonderful projects, individuals and organisations for their great work in the community.

“The ceremony is always an emotional but wonderful celebratory occasion and we extend our best wishes to every single winner.”

Chris Abraham, CEO of Community Action Suffolk, said: “An occasion like this is so important for Suffolk, as it really shines the spotlight on the great work being carried out by so many volunteers across their communities.

“Congratulations to everyone on their award.”

Monday’s occasion was jointly staged by Community Action Suffolk, Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Association of Local Councils.

A total of 15 awards were presented on the night, following a summer of judging which saw a haul of 162 nominations painstakingly assessed by representatives from the trio of organising bodies.

The accolades were collated into five different categories on the night – CAS Community Awards, SALC Town and Village of the Year Awards, CAS Children and Young People Awards, Suffolk’s Most Active Community Awards, and CAS Volunteering Awards.