Stars shine at evening of volunteering achievement

Volunteering spirit in Middlesbrough was recognised at a special evening to recognise those who give up their time to help others.

Among them was Teesside University graduate Jenny Hill, honoured for the second year running in the Middlesbrough Volunteering Star Awards.

Jenny, 23, who got involved in volunteering while a student at Teesside University, graduated last year from the MA Criminal Investigation.

The Middlesbrough Volunteering Star Awards are organised by a partnership of Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency, Teesside University, Middlesbrough Council, Middlesbrough BME Network, Community Voice FM and West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust.

The aim is to celebrate the work of volunteers, who make a difference to communities through their time, their energy, skills, individual perspectives and talents to help enhance communities, local services and lives.

Jenny won the Teesside University award for her voluntary work with Safe in Tees Valley’s National Citizen Service (NCS) programme. Last year she won the Teesside University Group award for her work with the Crimestoppers Youth Board.

She said: ‘I would recommend everyone to try volunteering. Most people have a few hours to spare and those few hours can have a huge impact on someone else.

‘It could just be that you are showing a young or vulnerable person that people do care about them or it could be that some one sees you as a good role model and encourages them in the right direction. You get such a sense of fulfilment when you see what a person has achieved knowing you were a part of that.’

She added: ‘Volunteering is definitely worth having on your CV, it’s one of the main things employers look for and it has also helped me decide on the path I would like to take in my career.’

Jenny was nominated for this year’s award by Clare Scott from Safe in Tees Valley, who said: ‘Jenny has acted as a wonderful peer mentor. She has been involved in some sensitive issues with the young people she has supported, but at all times has remained professional and approachable to meet the needs of the programme and the young people. She has been a real credit to volunteering.’

Jayne Villiers, Teesside University’s volunteer co-ordinator, said: 'Nominations were invited from across Middlesbrough, with an exceptionally high number of nominations received. The awards recognise the impact of volunteers and show how their work benefits the community.'

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