Work to raise awareness of both visible and invisible disabilities earned DH Billund special recognition on Friday evening. The association was named Social Association of the Year 2026 in Billund Municipality.

There were six nominees, but on Friday evening it was DH Billund that received the award for Social Association of the Year 2026.

The award was presented at the Volunteer Celebration in Viadukthallen in Filskov, where volunteers from social organisations across Billund Municipality had gathered for Volunteer Friday.

And although DH Billund has had a busy year, the recognition still came as a bit of a surprise to chair Allan Weingardt.

– I am a little surprised. I know we have worked hard. We have worked very hard this year, and we have also discussed many things that I think we have succeeded in changing – both politically and for ourselves, he tells BillundOnline.

Among other things, members have completed a volunteer training course, which the chair says has given the association a lot.

– It has raised our level a little, says Allan Weingardt.

Visible and invisible disabilities

In its reasoning, the Volunteer Council highlighted DH Billund’s work to raise awareness of the many different kinds of disabilities – both those you can see and those you might not notice straight away.

The association’s work to show that people with disabilities can be an asset in workplaces and leisure activities was also highlighted.

– DH Billund wins the award for its voluntary work to raise awareness of many different disabilities and highlight how fellow citizens with disabilities – visible or invisible – can also be an asset to workplaces and leisure activities, said Liga Larsen, deputy chair of the Volunteer Council.

And the award means a lot to this year’s winners.

– Well, it’s absolutely amazing. It really is, says Allan Weingardt.

The news quickly spread beyond Viadukthallen. Shortly after the announcement, the chair had already received congratulations from both DH’s national chair, Thorkild Olesen, and the organisation’s director.

– We’re all feeling on top of the world down there, says a delighted Allan Weingardt.

Six nominees

DH Billund was not the only nominee for this year’s award.

Natteravnene i Billund, headspace Billund, Danske Seniorer Billund, Danske Seniorer Grindsted and Naturplejeteamet i Billund Kommune were also nominated.

According to the Volunteer Council, choosing between the six was no easy task. They all volunteer to help other residents in the municipality in very different ways.

But on Friday evening, DH Billund received the award – and the prize and the accompanying basket of treats will now be taken to the association’s next meeting so the whole team can share them.

– Then it will belong to all of us, says Allan Weingardt.