Awards recognition for student volunteers
University volunteers and partner organisations have been honoured at an awards ceremony recognising their contribution to the community.
The annual Volun-cheers event was held at Teesside University Students’ Union, where awards were presented to student volunteers nominated in recognition of their work. Awards were also given in celebration of the variety of volunteer organisations which provide valuable support and experience for individuals and groups.
The awards were organised by Volun-tees, the University programme which supports staff, students and recent graduates to engage in volunteering activities both within the local community and on volunteering programmes.
Additional awards were presented to volunteers for their outstanding contribution to volunteering as well as awards for organisations which provide valuable support and experience for individuals and groups.
Among volunteers recognised was Kylie Allen, a therapeutic care volunteer at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, who won the Judging Panel Award.
Her voluntary work at the hospital involves helping patients to feel comfortable by lending a listening ear, providing a welcome cup of tea or a chance to have someone there to share their fears and concerns.
Psychology student Kylie also volunteers with the Resilience Project through the University’s Counselling Service, providing feedback to the Student Academic Literacy Tool (SALT) which addresses and helps with different aspects of academic writing.
It is always fantastic to see University students engaging in local community projects
The judges described Kylie as an 'inspiration' and praised her as a volunteer who 'is always willing to go the extra mile' while recognising her 'ability to support people at their most vulnerable'.
Jayne Golden, Teesside University Volunteer Project Co-ordinator, said: 'It is always fantastic to see University students engaging in local community projects and being a positive role model to all those they work with, so it is also fantastic to see them receive deserved recognition for the time they offer.
'The awards also aim to applaud the range of volunteer organisations which provide our students with the opportunity to get involved in volunteering and recognise the support they offer to our volunteers in return.'
Full list of winners:
Individual Volunteer Award – Shirley Fenn
Outstanding Contribution Award – Penny Coppard
M.a.D (Make a Difference) Award – Ellen Ramsay
International Award – Olalekan Odedeyi
Volunteer Mentor Award – Mel Roberts
Outstanding Organisation Award – The Bungalow Partnership
Judging Panel Award – Kylie Allen
Gold Award – Teri Ellis
Volun-tees Award – Stephanie Croden
Group Award – Changing Futures
