Celebrating community spirit: Cumbria Waste supports Birtley Community Association's Volunteer Awards
In a meaningful display of community collaboration, Cumbria Waste has generously donated £500 towards a buffet lunch for Birtley Community Association's (BCA) Volunteer Award event, as part of their Social Value commitments to Gateshead Council. This contribution helped make the celebration on June 5th, 2025, a memorable occasion for the 22 dedicated volunteers who were honoured for their invaluable service.
Nestled in the Ravensworth Road area, right on the border of Birtley and Lamesley Council Wards, BCA has long been a cornerstone of the local community. Operating from a large centre entrusted to the people since the 1950s by the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO), BCA provides affordable space for a wide range of community groups - from Busy Bees Nursery and a local theatre group to karate, yoga, and model railway enthusiasts.
But BCA is more than just a venue. It's a lifeline for many in an area marked by high deprivation and social need. The centre runs numerous initiatives aimed at tackling social isolation, the cost-of-living crisis, and environmental challenges. At the heart of these efforts are the volunteers - individuals who give their time, energy, and compassion to keep the centre running and the community thriving.
Volunteers at BCA wear many hats: trustees, maintenance workers, key holders, gardeners, lunch club hosts, and coordinators of food and clothing banks. Their efforts have not only kept the centre alive but have also fostered deep connections among themselves and with the wider community. From the team that serves free soup lunches every Thursday to the gardening group building raised beds for community use, each volunteer plays a vital role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
Recognising the immeasurable value of these contributions, BCA seized the opportunity of Volunteer Week to celebrate their volunteers in style. The event featured a buffet lunch - made possible by Cumbria Waste's donation - and a heartfelt awards ceremony where each volunteer received a certificate and a gift. The atmosphere was one of joy, gratitude, and camaraderie, with many volunteers visibly moved by the recognition.
Birtley Community Association would like to thank Cumbria Waste for the generous donation and Gateshead Council for help with organising our volunteering event. Our volunteers were able to come together to enjoy the celebration to appreciate their hard work and dedication to the centre.
The celebration was more than just a thank you -it was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that community spirit can bring .As BCA continues its mission, the support from organisations like Cumbria Waste and the unwavering dedication of its volunteers help strengthen the fabric of the local community and ensure its continued growth and resilience.
BCA volunteer awards
BCA volunteer awards food 1
BCA volunteer awards