Volunteers of the Year 2025
This year’s awards, kindly sponsored once again by DoubleTree by Hilton London Angel Kings Cross and introduced by HW the Mayor of Islington, Cllr. Jason Jackson, took at London Metropolitan University’s Great Hall on the evening of November 6th.
Please enjoy this year’s introductory video here: Islington Volunteer of the Year Awards 2025
Older Volunteer of the Year 60+:
Winner: Friday Bayo Osa-Emmanuel, Say It Loud Club
Since 2018, Friday has been a dedicated Lead Ambassador for Say It Loud Club, showing compassion, leadership, and commitment.
Based in Cardiff, he travels to London twice a month to support LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees, offering guidance and warmth to new members. He visits detention centres, attends court hearings and Home Office appointments, providing vital moral support. Known for his humility, patience, and kindness, Friday treats everyone equally and inspires fellow Ambassadors to take active roles. His tireless efforts have transformed lives and strengthened the community, truly embodying the Club’s values of kindness, solidarity, empowerment, and care.
Highly Commended: Mary Stanfield, The Good Neighbours Scheme, Help on Your Doorstep
Mary has raised over £2,000 through her £1 stall, funding garden boxes, gazebos, and craft supplies for the community. She supports Macmillan Coffee Mornings, keeps groups running smoothly, manages communal gardens, teaches crafts, and bakes for lunch clubs and birthdays. Volunteering has transformed her life, helping her overcome isolation and build strong connections. At 74, her energy, resilience, and generosity make her the heart of the Canonbury Good Neighbours Scheme and a true inspiration.
Commended: Erif Rison, Pakeman Primary School
Erif has volunteered at Pakeman Primary School for over 15 years, supporting children one-on-one with reading. As a long-time Islington resident, former paralegal and Citizens’ Advice information writer, she brings her experience – and fluent Spanish – to weekly sessions. Her creative cards and illustrated books have inspired a love of reading in many children, while she’s also mentored new volunteers and supported teachers.
Commended: Jane Walker, Friendship Works (Family Action)
Jane, a retired primary school teacher, joined a two-year mentoring programme to support young people facing challenges. She was matched with Sarah (not their real name), a young carer from Kings Cross, who helps care for her siblings due to her parents’ full-time responsibility for her uncle with complex health needs. Jane built a trusting relationship with Sarah through weekly outings. When the programme ended, Jane continued mentoring Sarah, showing lasting commitment and care. Their journey has also inspired other mentors and mentees too.
Volunteering Team of the Year:
Winner: Arachne Women’s Support Welfare Advice Volunteer Team
Catherine Bermeo Alban, Daria Eremina, Bethany Velardiez Lindon, Harriet Millard, Amani Noor and Aaliyar Sylvan-Amada
Arachne’s dedicated volunteers have been vital in helping local women navigate housing, health, and financial challenges. Last year, they supported 367 women with welfare advice and advocacy, securing £366,374 in long-term support and £57,472 in immediate benefits. Volunteers helped with complex forms, benefit applications, and emotional support, ensuring no one felt alone. Each volunteer completed training and shadowing to build confidence and skills. Beyond practical help, they’ve created a strong sense of community, helping women feel supported and empowered. Arachne’s work wouldn’t be possible without their kindness, commitment, and care.
Highly Commended: Residents Without Borders Volunteer Team
Mike Joseph, Elizabeth Sartorius, Geraldine Pettersson, Phaik Connor, Jose Berenguer, Ellen Joe, Mayfair Ken-Lewis, Kenesha Mills, Desjoniah Mills-Campbell, Rona Topaz, June Steadman, and Rose-Marie McDonald
Residents Without Borders is a charity tackling poverty and promoting inclusion through education, connection, and empowerment. Its diverse volunteer team – including elderly, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals – helps reduce isolation by supporting events, transporting attendees, serving meals, and distributing food parcels. Since November 2024, they’ve run 20 activities for over 2,300 people and delivered 568 food parcels. Their work has fostered community cohesion and inspired others.
Commended: Galbur Foundation Volunteer Team
Jamad Abdi, Ahmed Hassan, Faisa Ahmed, Ilhan Said, Sabir Abukar, Sumaya Wardhere, Omar Moudadou and Abdulrahman Jimale
Galbur Foundation offers free football sessions for girls in the borough, removing financial barriers and creating an inclusive space for all abilities. Starting with a small group, they’ve built a welcoming environment that boosts confidence, teamwork, and community spirit. Their sessions unite families, strengthen local networks, and inspire youth to volunteer in grassroots sport. Through passion and kindness, Galbur Foundation is shaping the future of girls’ sport and creating lasting change.
Young Volunteer of the Year 16-25:
Winner: Sarah Drouazi, Minority Matters
At just 19, Sarah has shown exceptional dedication to Minority Matters, volunteering 12 hours a week for seven months while starting university. She’s designed outreach materials, helped lead Community Unity Day for 150 attendees, and played a key role in the Eid ul-Adha party for 200 young people. Her maturity shone in the ‘Crisis to Change’ programme, supporting sessions on issues like drug abuse and knife crime for 80 people. With empathy, creativity, and commitment, Sarah has become a powerful force for change and a true Volunteer of the Year.
Highly Commended: Muhammad Hammad, Say It Loud Club
Since 2024, Muhammad has been a committed member of Say It Loud Club, especially active during Friday Socials. He completed the Ambassadors Training Programme and represented the Club at Migrant Pride Fest, UK Black Pride, and as part of the Core Team and Crowd Control Committee at London Pride 2025. He’s also supported members at tribunal hearings, offering vital emotional support. Through his reliability, compassion, and dedication, Muhammad has grown into an outstanding Ambassador and a valued part of the community.
Highly Commended: Noeline Forbi, Say It Loud Club
Noeline joined Say It Loud Club in 2024 and quickly became one of its most active members. She supports Friday Socials by preparing food and warmly welcoming new members. Noeline played a key role at Migrant Pride Fest, UK Black Pride, and London Pride 2025, helping organise stalls and ensuring everyone felt included. She also provides emotional support at tribunal hearings. Energetic, positive, and committed, Noeline is a role model for young volunteers.
Commended: Suhana Jabbary, SANE
At just 22, Suhana provides emotional support over the phone to people facing complex challenges, often severe mental health struggles. She brings maturity and empathy to every call, offering vital validation in moments of distress. One of SANE’s most reliable volunteers, she travels over two hours weekly—including weekends—to their offices. Her dedication, warmth, and commitment make her a powerful example of care in action, and SANE are deeply grateful for her contribution.
Pat Haynes Memorial Trustee of the Year:
Winner: Barbara Ford, The Parent House
Barbara has been a long-standing trustee of The Parent House, bringing her expertise as a retired solicitor to strengthen governance and security. She played a key role in securing the charity’s premises during a critical period and led the complex transition to Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status – ensuring long-term sustainability. Beyond strategic leadership, Barbara volunteers at the annual open day, reflecting her commitment to community and The Parent House’s ethos.
Highly Commended: Marjorie Mayo, Community Plan for Holloway
As an Islington resident and active member of Islington Homes for All, Marjorie helped shape early discussions on the Holloway Park development. Since supporting the formal launch of Community Plan for Holloway in 2018, she’s been deeply involved – attending meetings with Peabody and the Council, developing fundraising strategies, sitting on recruitment panels, door-knocking locally, and supporting a youth research project. Marjorie remains committed to holding decision-makers accountable to ensure the development delivers on its promises.
Highly Commended: Attracta Roden, Copenhagen Street Foodbank
Attracta was instrumental in the founding of Copenhagen Street Foodbank in 2018 and became a Trustee when it gained charity status in 2023. Under her leadership, the foodbank grew from supporting 35 households weekly to over 220. She manages logistics, builds donor partnerships, and leads a team of 60+ volunteers, fostering teamwork and mentoring young people. Her resilience and commitment make her an outstanding role model for trusteeship.
Volunteer of the Year 26-60:
Winner: Chiann Wright, Hillside Clubhouse
Chiann joined Hillside in early 2024 and has become a vital part of the kitchen team and a regular volunteer at Hillside’s Cafés. A single mother of two and a survivor of complex trauma, she has rebuilt her life through volunteering, bringing warmth, resilience, and a passion for catering. She now volunteers four times a week across four projects: cooking 100+ free meals for those struggling with the cost of living, preparing soup for 30+ older residents, supporting recently employed and current mental health service users in the running of Hillside’s Café, and helping with the charity’s catering enterprise which helps fund the charity. Her journey shows that volunteering isn’t just about giving time – it’s about building something stronger within yourself and your community.
Highly Commended: John Savage, Friendship Works (Family Action)
John has devoted 8 years to mentoring Leroy (not real name) , who joined Friendship Works at age 9 during a difficult time. Initially struggling with friendships and school, Leroy found stability through John’s unwavering support. While volunteers commit to two years, John has continued meeting Leroy twice a month ever since. Now nearly 18, Leroy is thriving – thanks in part to John’s guidance with UCAS and Oxbridge applications and securing a volunteer role at Mencap. Leroy’s success is a testament to John’s dedication and impact.
Highly Commended: Geordie Fletcher, Street Storage
In 2022, Geordie came to Street Storage needing a safe place for his belongings while securing permanent housing. After moving into his home in early 2023, he began volunteering three times a week and has done so for 2.5 years – organising hundreds of bags for people using Street Storage with care and respect. He’s completed training, improved his literacy with staff support, run charity half-marathons, and filled the office with his artwork (and snacks!). Calling the team his family, Geordie is one of Street Storage’s most reliable volunteers, supporting both clients and staff with dedication and heart.
Commended: Malihe Sadeghipour, Food For Homeless Project
For over three years, Malihe has led the Food For Homeless Project, driven by her concern for rising homelessness and food insecurity. What began as sharing meals with a few individuals has grown into a respected community initiative tackling hunger, isolation, and mental health challenges. Malihe has invested countless hours and personal resources – preparing meals late at night, organising volunteers on weekends, and securing support to sustain the project.
Volunteers of the Year 2025 Picture Gallery
To find out more about volunteering in Islington email the Volunteer Centre or visit the Volunteering Section on the website. Phone: 020 7832 5826
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