Celebrating student commitment and community impact

Teesside University has proudly celebrated the commitment, passion and enthusiasm of its student volunteers at this year’s Volun-cheers Awards, recognising the outstanding contribution students make to communities across the Tees Valley and wider region.

Held in the University’s award-winning Digital Life Building, the Volun-cheers event brought together students, staff, community partners and civic leaders to shine a spotlight on the powerful impact of volunteering, from improving wellbeing and supporting vulnerable groups, to strengthening local communities and charities.

Organised by Volun-tees, Teesside University’s student volunteering programme, the evening celebrated both the breadth and depth of student engagement, with students receiving Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum volunteering awards in recognition of their sustained commitment throughout the academic year.

Alongside these, special awards recognised exceptional students, a dedicated mentor and an outstanding partner organisation.

Professor Paul Croney OBE, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Teesside University, praised the dedication of students and the University’s civic role.

He said: 'The Volun-cheers Awards are a powerful reminder of what makes Teesside University so distinctive, our students’ generosity of spirit, their commitment to making a difference, and their deep connection to this region.

'I am immensely proud of every student recognised this evening and of the partnerships that make this work possible.'

The awards showcased volunteering activity delivered through Volun-tees, with students supporting charities, schools, health services, environmental initiatives and community organisations across the Tees Valley. This year also saw a record number of nominations, reflecting the growing scale, quality and impact of student volunteering at the University.

For many students, volunteering is a transformative experience. Mayowa Labiran, this year’s Tees Valley Shining Star award recipient, said: 'Volunteering has taught me how to build a life rooted in empathy and purpose. It has done more than help the community it has rebuilt me. Through volunteering I’ve learned that compassion is a universal language and that what we do truly matters.'

Paul Wales, Chair of the Volun-cheers Judging Panel and Chief Executive of ACTES, highlighted the significance of the contributions being made across the region: 'The commitment and dedication demonstrated by individuals, groups and organisations are making a meaningful difference across the Tees Valley. It is inspiring to see Teesside University’s volunteering programme continue to grow and thrive.'

Jayne Golden, Volunteer Opportunities Manager, added: 'Our students have achieved so much through their volunteering this year, showing dedication, compassion and making a real difference in their communities.

'We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished, congratulations to every award winner. We also extend our sincere thanks to the organisations who support and guide our volunteers throughout their journeys.'

The Volun-cheers Awards concluded with celebrations of students, mentors, partner organisations and staff whose shared commitment continues to strengthen communities and exemplify Teesside University’s values of ambition, innovation and social responsibility.

The full list of winners were:

• Tees Valley Shining Star - Mayowa Labiran
• Community Impact - Deepika Jain
• Making a Difference - Khalid Mahmoud
• Inspiring Volunteer - Corinna Russell
• Transforming Lives - Tia Robinson
• Outstanding Contribution to the University - Kunal Ladhani
• Community Hero - Amy Wilson
• Special Recognition - FareShare North East
• Exceptional Mentor - Emma Davisworth, Middlesbrough Council
• Volunteering Organisation of the Year - Teesside Hospice
• Volunteer of the Year - Ransford Kennedy Gyimah

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Volun-tees

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