MS Ireland National Awards 2026 - Volunteer of the Year

Objective of the Award

Nominees for this award are People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) and other individuals within the wider MS community who undertake any volunteering activities in support of PwMS. Nominations continue to be encouraged from the branches and will be accepted from Community Workers, Staff and members of the public. Nominees cannot include members of the People and Organisation Committee.

The criteria for the award:

This award recognises individuals within the wider MS community who have demonstrated advocacy, impact and integrity. The award recognises those who are actively involved in supporting PwMS, going the extra mile in terms of hours, availability, and willingness to provide support

Your nominee will typically demonstrate how their volunteering efforts contribute positively to the lives of PwMS. The nominee will consistently demonstrate their dedication to raising public awareness of MS and are strong advocates for the wider MS community. They will act as a positive ambassador and encourage others to get involved.

It is essential that as much information as possible is given on the Nomination Form. This will ensure judges have a good understanding of the work of the Nominee. Please provide concrete examples.

Key nomination criteria which make a strong candidate:

· Their volunteering efforts have had a positive impact on PwMS

· They are strong advocates/networkers/influencers

· Any other quantitative examples demonstrating how the nominee has positively impacted on the branch and the wider MS Community.

Candidate Details

Candidate's Name

Candidate's Address

Candidate's Phone Number

Nominator Details

Name of Nominator

Relationship to Nominee

Nominator's Phone Number

Nominator's Email Address

Branch Name (If applicable)

Tell us about your nominee and why you think their efforts have contributed positively to people with MS...

A. Impact on People with MS

Please provide examples of how the nominee's volunteering efforts have made a positive difference to the lives of people with MS.

B. Advocacy, Networking and Leadership

Please describe how the nominee has demonstrated advocacy, raised awareness of MS, encouraged others to become involved, or acted as a positive ambassador for the MS community.

C. Wider Impact on the MS Community

Please provide any additional information or examples which demonstrate the nominee's contribution to their branch, local community or the wider MS community. Please include any achievements, press coverage, photographs or supporting material that may be relevant.

Declaration

All nominees must be made aware of their nomination by the nominator. They must agree to be involved in the process and consent to sharing their personal data with MS Ireland. They shall also be made aware and agree that they may be profiled on social media, promotional materials etc. MS Ireland shall contact nominees to confirm this in line with MS Ireland’s GDPR policy.

The following declaration must be signed by the nominator:

‘I declare that the nominee has been made aware of their nomination by me and that they are agreeable to allow their nomination to go forward’

Signed:

Date:

Closing date for receipt of nominations:

Friday, 4^th September 2026

Contact Information