Volunteers and community champions were celebrated at the 1V Awards in Blackburn, recognizing their impactful contributions since 2013.
The 1V Awards, organized by One Voice Blackburn, began at Maida Restaurant. Recently, they were held at King George’s Hall. This year, due to renovations, the ceremony took place at the museum. It will return to King George’s Hall in February 2026.
Attendees remembered Sadiq Patel, a past winner who passed away last year. The 2025 Leader’s Award went to The Billy Project, led by Leanne Procter. This initiative helps combat inactivity and isolation, empowering individuals to make positive choices.
The Billy Project, based in Mill Hill, offers support like a community fridge, hygiene bank, free SIM cards, warm meals, and utility vouchers for those facing fuel poverty. Cllr Phil Riley praised their transformational work.
Previous winners also shared their experiences. Tinta Ali, the 2021 Man of the Year, mentioned how winning the award helped him secure a university scholarship. He emphasized the awards’ positive impact on people’s lives.
Firoza Mohmed, who won the Group of the Year in 2013 and the Outstanding Achievement Award in 2023, shared her joy in receiving recognition. She noted how winning brought connections from people worldwide.
Dr. Alistair Murdoch, the 2018 Man of the Year, spoke about his surprise at winning. He highlighted the growth of the 1V Awards and the strong relationship with One Voice Blackburn.
Abrar Hussain, chair of One Voice Blackburn, expressed pride in the event’s evolution. He acknowledged the vital support from sponsors and supporters, looking forward to recognizing more volunteers in the future.
