The annual Youth Work Ireland Volunteer Achievement Awards were first established in 1999 to recognise the contribution volunteers make to the organisation. Theprogramme goes from strength to strength and the awards night is now seen as one of the highlights of the Youth Work Ireland annual calendar.

On 11 October 2008 volunteers working throughout Youth Work Ireland will receive a Volunteer Achievement Award for their valuable commitment to young people. The categories in which they are nominated are as follows: 

1 Direct work with young people in the programme activity area.

2 Young volunteer currently participating and contributing to programme activities.

3 Contribution to the development of the local Youth Service.

4 Direct work with young people at risk

5 Young Volunteer contributing to the work of the Local Youth Service.

6 Long term service award.

7 The Siobhan Cotter Award. (This is a Board award for national contribution to the organisation)