Volunteers of the Year 2015
The Volunteer of the Year Awards for Islington 2016 is now open for nominations!!
The Doubletree by Hilton Volunteer of the Year Awards 2015 were presented by the Mayor and the young Mayor at the Voluntary Action Islington AGM:
Volunteer of the Year
Gareth Foreman – Gareth is a member of a team of volunteers at Single Homeless Project and supports some of the most vulnerable people in Camden and Islington. As “Recovery Peer” he is in recovery from a substance misuse issue and having turned his life around over 10 years ago he puts his experience to such valuable use and provides a role model.
Commended: Beverly Hardwick – Beverly is a member of a team of volunteers at Single Homeless Project and demonstrates that making positive, lasting change in your life is do-able and recovery is possible. She has real courage and is passionate in her approach, particularly regarding support for women, Hepatitis C survivors, and as well those who have been involved in sex work.
Commended: Kristian Hasler – Kristian is a volunteer at Single Homeless Project. Kristian is relatively new to his role but his flair, warmth, humility, sense of humour and passion is distinctive. He now supports people in the borough to access support services and engage in recovery activities to build confidence and connect with their community. He also volunteers for the Terrance Higgins Trust.
Commended: Suzanne York – Sue has volunteered with Highbury Estate Tenants & Residents Association (TRA) for almost 20 years. Throughout personal struggles and challenges she still has worked tirelessly for the TRA with a particular emphasis on providing much needed activities and projects for children and young people on the estate.
Young Volunteer of the Year 16-25
Med Janneh – Med began volunteering in 2012, when he was 16 years old. He volunteered as the Youth Ambassador of The Peel Centre for mental health awareness. During that time he researched and developed mental health activities, notably an interactive computer and an excellent family-friendly activity.
Commended: Onur Kurban – Despite being only 19 years old, Onur has shown great maturity in his commitment to his voluntary role at our Friday Night Social. He has been extremely reliable over the last year and never fails to help out where he can.
Older Volunteer of the Year 60+
Doris Hester – Doris organises as well as leads the drama group for children from 6 to 14 years old, which is running every week at Ringcross Community Centre. For 40 years children are coming to her classes. Doris has also been planning multiple events throughout the years.
Commended: Lou Baron – Lou Baron is an incredible Lady in her 80’s. She became a member of the steering group for setting up Stuart Low Trust after he took his own life. For many years she was a trustee. She is also famous for her wonderful cups of tea on Friday Evenings, 52 weeks a year, for between 60- to 100 people for the last 15 years.
Trustee of the Year
Jane Garfield – Jane started the TOYproject, which recycles TOYS, in 2013 to support bereaved children, children in hospitals, hospices, schools, nurseries and individuals. This summer Jane organised ‘thebigIZtoygive’, where more than 10 Islington schools took part. This was a huge success teaching children the importance of recycling.
Commended: Virginia Low – Since 1999, Virginia has been Chair of Trustees at Stuart Low Trust and held regular mothly/ 6-weekly meetings. Virginia is also a group leader for the monthly outings, ensuring participants enjoy their day and the picnic which is provided. She also attends and supports the Choir and has helped out at our Saturday Projects.
Employee of the Year
Alysson Taisson – Alysson signed up to mentor a 6th form student from Samuel Rhodes School. She supported this student, who has moderate learning difficulties, to develop her self confidence and giving her an insight about workplace tasks. Alysson has gone above and beyond the original 10 week mentoring programe to help the student become more independent.
Volunteer of the Year Awards photo gallery
To find out more about volunteering in Islington email the Volunteer Centre or visit the Volunteering Section on the website.
T 020 7832 5833
You can also drop in at 200A Pentonville Road on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 4pm
