Oxfordshire has well over 3,000 charities and community groups and tens of thousands of volunteers, and they all deserve recognition.

Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA) is asking you to shout about the work of voluntary sector groups and their amazing volunteers, by nominating them for an accolade at this year’s prestigious Oxfordshire Charity and Volunteer Awards — before nominations close at 5pm on May 20.

Alison Baxter, from OCVA, said: “It’s a great opportunity to showcase the sector which is working tirelessly in a harsh climate to deliver services to those who need their support. “Thanks to the support of local businesses such as Integration Technology, which is the main event sponsor for the second year running, we can celebrate the hard work and achievements of volunteers, charities and community projects with a wonderful event to show gratitude to those people who give so much to Oxfordshire.”

Last year, Prime Minister David Cameron sent a special message to the Awards event. He said: “The Oxfordshire Charity and Volunteer Awards are a celebration of the outstanding work carried out in communities across the county by charities and voluntary groups, along with the thousands of volunteers who take time to make a massive difference to the quality of life of people most in need.”

Individual volunteers can be nominated for a Volunteer Award to recognise the difference they have made in Oxfordshire.

Charity categories are: Charity of the Year (sponsored by Midcounties Cooperative); Lifetime achievement award; Best new group; Best fundraising work; Environmental Award; Management of volunteers; Working Together Award (sponsored by Critchleys Chartered Accountants); Best promotional campaign; Best community project; Best team of volunteers.

Anyone can nominate a charity or community projects for an award — whether you work for them, are a volunteer or just think they are doing a great job — but the main beneficiaries must be in Oxfordshire. It’s free and quick to nominate; download a nomination form at ocva.org.uk/awards2013 or telephone 01865 251 946 for a form.

Judging will be by an independent panel and the shortlist will be announced in June.

Shortlisted charities and volunteers will be invited to attend a ceremony at Oxford Town Hall on October 14 where the winners will be announced.

The deadline for nominations is 5pm, May 20, 2013.