Volunteer Recognition Awards 2026

SMART Recovery (UK & Ireland) Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony

Date: Wednesday 30th September 2026
Time: 19:00 – 20:30
Place: Online via Zoom

This year’s awards are sponsored by the Thomson Family, in loving memory of Alex.

UK SMART Recovery are extremely grateful to the Thomson family for sponsoring this year’s awards. Alex Thomson attended SMART meetings as a participant prior to his sad passing in Autumn of last year. His family has chosen to honour Alex by raising money for UKSR, enabling more individuals and families to be supported through our meetings.

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SMART Recovery (UK & Ireland) Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony recognises and celebrates the successful and inspirational people within the SMART Recovery community. Since 1995, UK SMART Recovery and their volunteers have worked tirelessly towards making a difference in supporting others to gain and maintain their recovery. SMART Recovery (UK & Ireland) Volunteer Recognition Awards symbolise the hard work, passion and dedication that SMART Facilitators exhibit in their communities. These awards are open to all SMART Recovery Volunteer Facilitators in the UK, Ireland, and Isle of Man.

 

Our 2026 Award Categories

Significant Achievement Award
Celebrating an individual who’s made a truly special contribution.

Volunteer of the Year Award
For the SMART volunteer facilitator who consistently shows up and can always be relied on.

Annual Ambassador Award
For those who lead by example and inspire others along the way.

Campaigner of the Year Award
For the voice that carries SMART Recovery far and wide.

Veterans Award
Honouring those who have served.

The Alex Thomson Award for Family & Friends
Celebrating our Family & Friends Facilitators, in memory of Alex.

The Graham Rowson Award for Long Service
For loyal and regular facilitation, in memory of our Graham.

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To nominate an individual, you can do so via this form here – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VolunteerAwards2026

For all enquiries, email: [email protected]

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be nominated for a SMART Recovery UK and Ireland Volunteer Recognition Award?

Any qualified SMART Volunteer Facilitator within the UK, Ireland, and Isle of Man can be nominated for an award. Further details of who is eligible for each category can be found on the nomination form.

Can I nominate a SMART Recovery Facilitator who works at my local substance misuse service or who works for an organisation providing support to those in recovery?

As these awards are to celebrate those who volunteer, nominations are invited for all qualified SMART Volunteer Facilitators within the UK, Ireland, or Isle of Man, irrespective of whether they volunteer directly for UKSR or for one of our valued partnership organisations. If they facilitate SMART on a volunteer basis, you can nominate them!

Can I nominate myself for an award?

No, you cannot nominate yourself.  Nominations should be submitted by either your meeting participants or colleagues at our partner organisation. The UKSR staff team and board members can also nominate.

Can I nominate more than one SMART Facilitator for an award?

You can nominate as many SMART Volunteer Facilitators as you like, just complete a separate nomination form for each individual.

How can I nominate a SMART Facilitator for an award if I am unable to fill out the nomination form online?

Please send an email with your name and phone number to: [email protected]. A member of the Awards Committee will contact you and ask you the questions listed on the nomination form. Your answers will be submitted on your behalf by the member of the Awards Committee.

What is the last day that I can submit my award nominations?

Nominations will close on Sunday 21st June 2026 at midnight.

How do I find out if I won an award?

Winners will be notified in September, prior to the awards ceremony, so that you can attend and accept your award on the night.

Who can I contact if I have any questions?

Please send an email with your name and phone number to: [email protected]. A member of the Awards Committee will contact you.

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