Awards for Teesside’s student volunteers

University volunteers and partner organisations have been honoured at an awards ceremony recognising their important contribution to the community.

The first annual Volun-cheers event took place in the Hub, at Teesside University Students’ Union, where student volunteers and organisations who had been nominated were presented with awards.

The ceremony was 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.

Reflecting on the awards, Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Henderson CBE DL said: 'The Volun-cheers Awards 2014 was a great opportunity to celebrate Student Volunteering and its important contribution to both the University and the local community.

'My warmest congratulations go to all those who were nominated and those who received awards, as well as to those who achieved the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards for their contribution to volunteering.'

The winners and runners-up were chosen by a panel of judges, chaired by Paul Wales, Operating Director of Actes (formerly the West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust).

Paul said: 'It was extremely pleasing to see so many nominations this year for the Volun-cheers awards. The hardest part was picking winners and runners-up as everyone’s contribution is highly valued.

'The contribution of individuals, groups and organisations help many people in the local area and long may Teesside University’s volunteering programme continue.'

Awards were also given in celebration of volunteer organisations that provide valuable support and experience for individuals and groups.

The Trinity Youth and Children’s Project won the award for Outstanding Organisation, and volunteering co-ordinator Jenna Johnson was ecstatic with the project’s awards success.

'We were very honoured to receive this award,' said Jenna.

'95% of our volunteers are current students or graduates and we are extremely grateful to Volun-tees for helping us to recruit a reliable group of motivated individuals.'

Amongst the Trinity Project’s volunteers are Alexandra Tombling, who was runner up in the Outstanding Contribution, and Alaethea Gamblin, who won the judging panel’s overall award.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

Individual Volunteer Award - Nathan Duke (Runner up: Natalie Hume)

Outstanding Contribution Award - Kate Byrnes (Runner up: Alexandra Tombling)

VIP (Volun-tees Impact Programme Award) - Tien Sing Au Yong (Runners up: Leonie Garlick and Jade Owens)

Group Award - PASS Leaders (Runner up: Cookery Club)

Volunteer Mentor Award - Yvonne Cotton

Organisation Award - Victim Support

Outstanding Organisation Award - Trinity Youth and Children’s Project

Volun-tees Panel Award - Alaethea Gamblin

Gold Award Winner - Les Curvis

Volun-tees Award - Michaela Maddren

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More information about Volun-tees