Teesside volunteers in the awards spotlight

Dedication to helping others has earned two Teesside University students and a graduate special recognition in the third Middlesbrough Volunteering Star Awards.

The annual awards pay tribute to those who make a real difference to the lives of others though volunteering. The 2012 awards were hosted by Middlesbrough Council in partnership with Teesside University, the BME Network Community Interest Company, West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust, Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency and Community Voice FM Radio.

Teesside University students Charlotte Igoe, Emma Forster and graduate Jamie Walton were among those whose volunteering work was recognised.

Jamie and Charlotte earned praise for their voluntary work with the Trinity Youth Centre Project in North Ormesby, Middlesbrough. They have both contributed to holiday clubs and after school events at the centre, suggesting new ideas and helping to implement new activities to engage the children.

Jamie, a 22-year-old interior design graduate was named Young Volunteer of the Year, while Charlotte won the MVDA (Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency) Award.

Jamie, from Middlesbrough, said: 'Volunteering means a lot to me as it helps to make a difference to someone's life. I also get a sense of pride in giving my time to help other people. I am currently training to be a teaching assistant and volunteering has given me confidence and provided me with skills which I am able to use in the future.'

Charlotte, 21, third year BA (Hons) English Studies student, of Middlesbrough, said: 'Through volunteering I have become a more confident and energetic person. Seeing the difference I can make to the children's lives is extremely rewarding.

'My aim is to become a primary school teacher and the experience I have gained has developed my abilities and skills in working with children. The team at Trinity Youth Centre Project are amazing, they are extremely supportive and I have made so many new friends since becoming involved in the project. I would definitely recommend volunteering to everyone.'

Third year BSc (Hons) Sport Studies student Emma won the Teesside University Award. Emma has been involved in several community sports volunteering projects and helped to develop University student led projects including fundraising for Sport Relief, Nightstop and Middesbrough Sea Cadets.

Emma, 21, of Darlington, said: 'I first started volunteering to gain experience of working with children as I was aiming to become a teacher, but volunteering opened my eyes to other opportunities.

'I coach football within the community and seeing the kids improve each week is so rewarding. When I’ve promoted the University’s VIP (Volun-tees Impact Programme) to other students I’ve stressed that volunteers are VIPs, very important people, because if they didn’t help, then we wouldn’t have local charities, groups and community sports clubs.'

She added: 'As well as enhancing my CV through volunteering, I have also developed as a person. I get to lead projects and encourage other people to volunteer because you can gain so much from it. You become a little community and meet new people and get to help others.'

Jayne Villiers, Volunteer Co-ordinator, said: 'It’s been a huge privilege to see University students engaging in local community projects and being a positive role model to all those they work with. The Star Awards aim to highlight all the hard work carried out by the Volunteers of Middlesbrough, with the night itself highlighting the extremely valuable work of all volunteers.'

Other volunteers from Teesside University who earned recognition included criminology graduate Sarah Mahone, who was runner-up in the Teesside University Award. Sarah, of Cumbria, chaired the Community Action VIP Board (Voluntees Impact Programme). Forensic psychology graduate Daniella Christina Trow, from Middlesbrough, was also recognised for her work at Trinity Youth Centre.

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