Posted on 08/06/2015
The hard work of a number of Community Action student volunteers from Royal Holloway, University of London was recognised at the first annual Runnymede Volunteer Awards on 1 June.
English and French student Freya McIntosh was awarded the Mayor’s Cup for Student Volunteer of the Year 2015, for leading a project which tutors young refugees in English and for her volunteering work the British Heart Foundation. The award was presented by the Mayor of Runnymede, Councillor Derek Cotty.
The Community Action Cup for Volunteering Group of the Year 2015 was awarded by Royal Holloway’s Principal, Paul Layzell to the Students’ Union Computing Society who have started several school code clubs and supported The Village Centre in Englefield Green by helping them keep their computer room open to the public.
Partner of the Year 2015 was deservedly awarded to Age UK Runnymede and Spelthorne for their ongoing support of Royal Holloway’s Community Action programme.
Guest speaker Charlotte Hill, Chief Executive of Step Up To Serve gave an inspiring speech on the importance of young people volunteering. Step Up To Serve coordinates the campaign #iwill, a national campaign that aims to make social action part of life for as many 10 to 20 year-olds as possible by the year 2020.
Royal Holloway has over 3000 registered Community Action student volunteers who regularly help out in local community projects.
The Runnymede Volunteer Awards provide special recognition of individuals and groups within the local community who have contributed their time and abilities to helping others without expecting anything in return. The awards are held in association with Voluntary Support North Surrey and Runnymede Borough Council.
Principal Paul Layzell, said: “Thank you to our community partners for all the support given to our students throughout the year, they learn and grow so much through the experience of volunteering with your organisations. And the biggest thanks goes to all the volunteers who give of their own time and energy to better our communities every day of the year”.