Volunteering Awards
Volunteering Awards
The Durham University Volunteering Awards is a yearly event where we celebrate together the fantastic efforts of our volunteers whilst thanking our wonderful community partners for their continued support. We are big believers in recognising the efforts of others, whether it is giving up time to do something meaningful for the community or in the way that our community partners open their doors and welcome us in. Benefits to volunteering in the community can be seen on so many levels, whether that be the sense of greater wellbeing and skill development for the volunteers or the camaraderie and friendships that develop between the University and community and we are excited to spend the evening with you all celebrating this.
Volunteering Awards 2026
On Tuesday 9th June, staff, students, and community partners gathered to celebrate the people who give their time, energy, and care to make Durham a better place. The Volunteering Awards brought together an extraordinary range of individuals and organisations, from first-year students stepping into volunteering for the very first time, to staff who have dedicated years to causes close to their hearts.
The ceremony was opened with a fantastic performance from Parkside Drama Group – a school where Durham University students have been volunteering for several years, and a wonderful way to set the tone for the afternoon ahead. Throughout the event, awards were presented and speeches given by Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice Chancellor, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Mike Butterwick, Sam Dale, Director of Student Enrichment, Nathan Sempala-Ntege, Dean of Colleges, and Adam Stanley, Clerk to the City of Durham Parish Council.
With over 250 nominations received this year, the judging panel faced a genuinely difficult task – every nomination a testament to the depth of volunteering taking place across the university and the city. Senior Manager for Volunteering and Outreach, Katie Binks, set the tone beautifully: “Each nomination held inspiring stories of selfless acts, meaningful impact and heart-warming outcomes and we only wish that we could recognise and celebrate each and every one of our volunteers.”
That sentiment was echoed by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Mike Butterwick, who reflected on what volunteering truly means: “Those institutions, the organisations, the businesses, who support that spirit of volunteering are better institutions, organisations and businesses for it. What they are showing is their desire to make a difference, their desire to look at their community and make it stronger – and by doing so, this fantastic institution called Durham University is a better institution for it.”
Among the highlights of the afternoon was the inaugural New Volunteering Initiative award, won by the Collingwood Cheer Outreach Programme. Piloted at Framwellgate School Durham, the programme has engaged 35 Year 7 and 8 students in developing cheerleading skills alongside confidence, communication, and teamwork, with plans to expand into more schools next year.
The Outstanding Student Newcomer award was shared between two first-year students. Aiden Wilkinson has volunteered with local Scout units, supported district events and camps, and will take on responsibility for the Durham University Scouts and Guides Groups volunteering project next year. Anette Sanchez Guzman has delivered activities at a care home, supported primary school outreach, volunteered at Durham Fringe Festival and WorldFest, and commits weekly time to the Warm Hearts Project preparing gifts for NHS beneficiaries. Both are only at the beginning of their volunteering journeys – and what a beginning it has been.
Eleanor Wallace received the Longstanding Student Volunteer award for six years of dedication across multiple projects, including three years supporting adults with learning difficulties through Beyond Boundaries, growing Van Mildert Community Visiting Scheme to include monthly coffee afternoons and home visits for elderly residents, and serving as Head of Schools for Van Mildert Primary School Project and Art and Wellbeing Officer for Durham Minds.
Alanah Green was named Student Volunteer Leader of the Year for leading two of Van Mildert’s outreach projects – the Environmental Conservation Committee and Young Person’s Project – the latter culminating in a four-day residential at college for young people from two partner schools.
Durham for Refugees took home the DUSVO Project of the Year, having delivered weekly kids club, tutoring, family activities, a Sunday football session, and fundraising events in collaboration with Durham City of Sanctuary – logging over 750 volunteer hours and raising more than £2,300 in the process.
Stephenson College was named College of the Year for expanding its volunteering offer, including a new international placement with Future Hope in India, events for young people from deprived areas, the Spring Festival Schools Outreach Project, and ongoing community partnerships with Sherburn House Care Home, St. Cuthbert’s Hospice, and Merryoaks Community Hall.
Castle Community Action’s Homelessness Division was named Team of the Year. Students volunteer across six weekly sessions at a vital community café, supporting homeless clients and helping secure its sustainability, while also donating £700 of essential supplies including sleeping bags and warm clothing.
Lynn Wrightson received both staff volunteer awards in recognition of years of commitment across Stray Aid, the Pet Blood Bank, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, litter picks, the Friends of Linthorpe Committee, and Durham Fringe Festival, as well as her role leading university student volunteers at Stray Aid.
Abi Brown was named Student Volunteer of the Year for her work as Head of Castle Community Action’s primary school division, co-leading a concert for 60 children from three local schools, delivering a Christmas Family Fun Day, and providing a calm, reliable presence for volunteers throughout the year.
The afternoon closed with the introduction of the Making a Difference Award, a new addition to the Volunteer Awards. This award is not assessed by the judging panel, it is an award that we, as a team, wish to present to an individual or organisation to recognise and show our appreciation for the difference they make in the community. This year we selected two recipients of this award. Ken Judd was recognised for years of building relationships across the city with warmth, authenticity, and genuine care for students and residents alike. County Durham and Sunderland Foodbank, a partner of Durham University since 2014, supports over 2,000 people a month and has welcomed thousands of our students and staff through its doors – we were also honoured to receive their Winskill Award in recognition of that partnership.
To every volunteer and community partner recognised at this year’s awards, and to every one of the 250 people nominated – thank you. The work you do, often quietly and without expectation of recognition, strengthens the Durham community in ways that are difficult to measure but impossible to miss. We are incredibly proud of all of you, and we look forward to seeing what the year ahead brings.
Volunteering Awards 2025
On June 12th, we were delighted to host our Volunteering Awards celebration at Trevelyan College– a wonderful afternoon tea event filled with appreciation, good company, and plenty of cream cakes.
The event brought together volunteers from across the University community to acknowledge the invaluable contribution they make across County Durham. While no one volunteers for recognition, we believe it’s important to take the time to pause and celebrate the difference these individuals make – often quietly, behind the scenes, and with remarkable dedication.
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who attended, supported, or helped make the event possible – and most of all, to the volunteers and winners we were there to celebrate, your efforts do not go unnoticed.
You can view our 2025 winners and short list on the link below.
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGp9erV9tA/ImbfYGF_Wkk5lXGbNJIr7Q/watch