Celebrating volunteering at Teesside University

Volunteering projects which students, staff and external organisations have been involved in were celebrated and showcased at the annual Volun-cheers award, held in May at the Students’ Union.

The celebration 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.

During the evening, individuals and groups were recognised for their significant contributions to volunteering and there were also awards for organisations which provide valuable support and experience.

Over 80 certificates were presented, ranging from bronze to platinum awards, and there were also 19 additional awards for students, staff and organisations.

This academic year, students have recorded over 14,000 hours of volunteering through the Volun-tees platform, with 120 students achieving awards this year.

Paul Wales, CEO of charity and social enterprise ACTES, was chair of the judging panel for the additional 19 awards and was pleased to see so many nominations. He said: “Individuals, groups and organisations contribute significantly in supporting many people in the local area and Teesside University’s volunteering programme goes a long way in providing a route for this to happen.”

Jayne Golden, Volunteer Co-ordinator, said: “This year has seen an amazing number of students engaged in volunteering both within the University and the local community. We fully appreciate the value of all the skills that our students gain through volunteering and the positive impact it can have on their future career. To all the organisations who support our volunteers, may we say a huge thank you for continuing to offer opportunities to our students and for guiding them through their volunteering experience. To the students who received awards this year, many congratulations to you on your amazing achievements.”

Abbie Crawford, who is studying BSc (Hons) Psychology with Clinical Psychology, won the Judging Panel Award. She volunteered with Changing Futures NE and Rubies. Abbie said: “The awards evening was full of love and pride. I've never attended something like this, so it felt really special. Words can't explain how truly wonderful the whole experience was. It was also really nice to see the Bungalow Partnership there too, as I have just accepted a role with them as emotional wellbeing practitioner volunteer, so to all three organisations in the same room felt like I came full circle. I have really enjoyed getting this invaluable experience, and I mean it when I say my life has thoroughly been changed.”

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