Celebration of Volunteering

Nominees:

• Amnesty International 
• LGBT+ and GARPs 
• Once A Month Reading
• Punjabi Society, Ronnie Narang 
• Reading University Hockey Club
• University of Monsters 

Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a new volunteering group this year and already one of our biggest with over 34 members. They have collaborated with the local group and Choose a Challenge Fundraisers to expand their reach across campus, raise awareness and campaign for change.

Working closely with the Welfare Officer on White Ribbon activity, they co-hosted Treats Tuesday to educate others about White Ribbon/Reclaim the Night, made banners and gave an inspiring speech during the march itself. They have done a great job of building their community on and off campus and have achieved a lot in a small space of time.

LGBT+ and GARPS

LGBT+ and GARPS societies have been nominated for their organisation of the Big Gay Games Night, a 24-hour fundraiser event. This was for the charity AKT which helps LGBTQ+ youth across the UK aged 16-25 and living in a hostile environment, at risk of homelessness or already experiencing it. This was a big fundraiser event run by these societies, alongside a bake sale the day before to raise some extra money. The event followed last year’s big gay games event as the societies believe it very important to support our wider community.

Once a Month

Once A Month is a group of ambitious and compassionate students, united by aspirations to change the conversation around period poverty and provide practical support to those in need. It is now entering its fourth year at the University of Reading and has become an important presence, both on campus and in the wider community.

Over the past few years, they have raised thousands of pounds to benefit hundreds of individuals facing period poverty in the Reading community.

This was made possible by volunteers, who took part in their reps' programme which welcomes all students and mobilises them to be more active in the community. Several reps have gone on to become committee members, encouraged and supported by the committees who came before them.

This academic year, they donated almost £300 worth of period products to Berkshire Women's Aid and Launchpad, and are projected to donate further £600 by June. The money allowed them to buy 1800 sanitary pads so far, with the hope to donate a total of 5400 by the end of the academic year.

This year, they made considerable strides to become more involved with the Students' Union. As well as their own events, they collaborated with the full and part-time officers to host tote-bag painting and a packing session where students were able to take home their finished pack.

They take great pride in the impact they make, but more importantly, look forward to how both current and future members can take the society further.

Punjabi Society, Ronnie Narang

Ronnie is the founder and president of the Punjabi society. "Being an international student, connecting to your culture and heritage is very important when settling into a new country. I was fortunate enough to make friends from my ethnicity during the freshers week and in my halls of accommodation. Together, we decided, having been friends for only weeks, that it was only right that we start a society.

"It is rewarding to create such a big footprint in the Student Union of the University of Reading. Most importantly, we wanted to create a space where the Punjabi diaspora can unite by creating a platform for forging friendships and celebrating our rich culture and values. Creating the space for my people in a span of a few months while adapting to settling in the UK sounds challenging. But through passion, resilience, and great company, it happened with ease, and I look back with proud eyes. So much has been done in just one semester at Reading. This just goes to show how fun the university life is here as this can be your incredible journey, new chapter, new beginning, a new life as well!"

The society is still very active after hosting many events in the first semester. This included games night, movie nights, winning a society football tournament and hosting a meet and greet with over 100 people. This demonstrates how quickly the society has thrived and reflects what it means when a community passionately comes together.

Reading University Hockey Club

Reading University Hockey Club raised over £4,750 this year through different initiatives. The first was for Movember, which raised over £4,200 for men's health. The club raised a further £600 for the annual alumni day, raising awareness for Support Our Paras and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Peter Jenkins, an older gentlemen who sadly passed away in 2022, held both charities close to his heart. Alumni came back to the university to play a game against current students to remember what Peter loved doing whilst he was at university.

University of Monsters, Anson Wong

Anson singlehandedly developed the University of Monsters project this year, increasing overall engagement and tripling membership of the group. He brought new ideas to the project by connecting with staff, classes and fellow volunteers.

He dedicated hours to the project with faultless organisation and the project would not have been as successful without his dedication. He ensured all new volunteers felt welcome, understood the project well and got as involved with the project as they wished, from attending to presenting lectures. Engagement from students and other societies increased beyond that of previous years and volunteers expressed great interest in taking on bigger roles next year, making the project a priority alongside their studies.

Whilst Anson was key to this work, the project would not have been successful without the work of the other volunteers. They dedicated entire days to provide support, making sure the children were happy and learning more about university. Teachers have been really impressed by the volunteers and children have asked for them by name when they have not been able to attend, demonstrating the bond they created with students.

Nominees:

• Abigail Thomas
• Albert Burdett
• Alex Guidi
• Alexandra Blackwell
• Bea Anderson
• Hattie Jones
• Isabella Harrington
• Issy Small
• Jacob Jones
• Joshua Kerton
• Katie-Jane Sollars
• Keira Garrod
• Laycee Stephens
• Madison Carter
• Mahnoor Fatima
• Max Cooke
• Molly Hayles
• Poppy Thorne
• Sahra Faqi
• Sofea Aqeela Rohaizad
• Anson (Sze Hang) Wong
• Tanishqa Borges

Abigail Thomas

Abigail constantly goes above and beyond for her department. She is not only a senior rep, but advocates for her Art and English Literature degree alongside other joint courses across the department and university, out of the goodness of her heart. She regularly goes above and beyond, helping younger years within the department despite being busy with her own projects. She is always so happy, smiley, and lovely and the amount she does should not go unnoticed.

Albert Burdett

Albert currently volunteers as an advisor at CommuniCare, a non-profit organisation designed to help people in Berkshire. They provide advice and guidance on benefits, housing, debt support and employment alongside minute matters such as form filling, carers assessments, signposting & referrals. Legal advice is also available as they work alongside local solicitors at the Pro-Bono Legal Clinic to advise to the best of their abilities. Albert has been advising since November and still actively participates in this role due to the deep connection and empathy he feels for clients. Easing the minds of clients, even just a minute amount, provides Albert with a great feeling.

He has also volunteered for Wokingham Borough Council, the Rainbow Community Centre in Winnersh, and Winter Warmer Lunch. He had an amazing time at this lunch, which aimed to encourage older people to socialise and be less dependent. Guests were fed and entertained by a singer, allowing lifelong friends to have an amazing time together.

“I believe that I went above and beyond in this role as I was responsible for hosting the raffle at the end of the lunch, as I had to really step out of my comfort zone and be confident in a large group of people, where all eyes were on me. Overall, an amazing experience and I would love to participate in something of similar nature in the future."

Alex Guidi

Alex has been a fantastic volunteer with University of Monsters, a project that allows primary school students to visit the university and experience what it is like. Since joining the University of Reading this academic year, Alex has given over six hours to the project, by helping with campus tours, leading activities, and playing games with the children to ensure they are engaged and having fun during their visit. Alex's friendly and proactive attitude has made a real difference, creating a welcoming and exciting experience for everyone involved in the project.

Alexandra Blackwell

Alexandra was vice-president of the Pole Fitness Society for 2 years before becoming president this year. They have guided the committee through hard times as president, which included qualifying and insuring 10 volunteer instructors in 2 weeks on a tight budget and increasing overall safety. They also had to negotiate with Sports Park as to their new policies, which required regular meetings and contact during their deadline and exam season. Successfully keeping up with academics, they averaged 87% across three modules and 5 deadlines within this time.

Alexandra also implemented a lot of welfare socials this year including 'Late Night Inspire', where beginners watched the advanced students to see what beginner moves can lead to. This received great feedback of increased motivation.

In 2023 in their first year on committee, they introduced a showcase concept and have since developed this further. Last year they hosted nearly 120 people and raised nearly £500 for charity.

“Half the time this role feels like a full-time job, however I love it so much that I would not change it for the world. It has been a true privilege to be such a big part of RUPFS, and now my degree is coming to an end, it truly would mean a lot to be recognised for my hard work and commitment. This whole experience has made me who I am today, I never saw myself in a leadership role due to lack of trust in myself, yet here I am. I also never saw myself being able to present on stage, yet here I am! I truly believe this role has made me believe in myself, thank you.”

Bea Anderson

During the winter of 2024, Bea spent one month volunteering on a small sheep farm in East Yorkshire. Growing up in the city, she decided to try farming and found she had never been so challenged in her life. She worked from 7:00am to 7:00pm every day, often without a lunch break and with just a sandwich in her pocket. Looking back at her time on the farm, she appreciates everything she has and ensures to always buy British food. She looked after 750 sheep which included de-worming, feeding, moving them, and treating illness.

“Although volunteering was extremely hard it was an essential part of my personal development, and I am so happy I did it. Thank you to the owner Steven of Millington Pastures for allowing me to volunteer with him and for him to show me his way of life. It was truly inspiring.”

Isabella Harrington

"Isabella is one of the most hardworking people I know, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving. Ever since I met her in our first year she has always gone above and beyond to volunteer her time and help children in schools. She does so much for the children she works with, and I believe she deserves some recognition for all the effort she puts in."

Issy Small

Issy is Reading Students' Union's LGBT+ Students' Part-time Officer for this year and has done incredible work in the role, going above and beyond to represent LGBT+ students.

Balancing her degree, part-time work, role as a Part-time Officer, and volunteering for the art department, Issy has excelled in building connections and representing the LGBT+ community, Students Union, and university in an admirable way. She has fundraised for the art department, spoken at Trans Day of Remembrance, and led Trans Awareness Week and LGBT+ History Month events and sessions for staff and students on LGBT+ awareness and wellbeing.

One of her recent achievements was helping to plan the Punk and Queerness event with a project team at the Students Union. Issy organised stall holders, managed a stall, assisted others and was a helpful addition to the team in setting up and packing down the long event on a Sunday.

Jacob Jones

Jacob has been volunteering for Universal Voices for two years. Universal Voices is a children's choir run through the Institute of Education.

"Volunteering with the choir is definitely the highlight of my week! My role as a Universal Voices volunteer involves me supervising children during weekly rehearsals, planning, and leading musicianship teaching to a small group, and leading the choir as a conductor. In addition to this, he is a mentor to a first-year student, supporting her development as a musicianship teacher. This year he is working on a project for Universal Voices called Soundscape as a member of the steering group. Soundscape focusses on teaching musicianship inclusively for all children which is something that he is passionate about.

“I have had the opportunity to present sessions about musicianship teaching and Soundscape on behalf of Universal Voices the Music Teacher's Association conference and the Association of British Choral Directors convention.”

Joshua Kerton

Joshua took up the role of president of the Tennis society this year. The society has had a successful year in terms of membership numbers, events, and turnout. Membership increased by 43% by adding sessions, actioning feedback on costs and use of equipment from students, hosting and running internal tournaments, and engaging with the whole society.

“This has helped grow our club massively which I felt like I have helped support and create this growth which aims to be sustained. From making sure all the sessions are organised, equipment is available, additional activities are well structured and planned and the addition of tournaments has taken time from myself to complete but felt more than worthwhile witnessing the growth of the club and success now and yet to come.”

Katie-Jane Sollars

For the past two years, Katie-Jane has volunteered with Universal Voices, a children's choir at the Institute of Education. They teach musicianship to Years 1-3, support choir rehearsals, and conduct the choir at any opportunity. They are also student lead for our new inclusive music teaching project, SOUNDSCAPE, which has been awarded the PLANT grant and funding from the Arts committee.

“Soundscape is a huge part of me as I am diagnosed as neurodiverse, and being able to teach children inclusively has made it all worthwhile.”

Keira Garrod

Keira has been the loud voice of WaterAid on campus this year as president of the committee. She has been a proactive Ambassador, organised engaging events, successfully maintained WaterAid's presence within the student body, recruited student volunteers and delegated responsibility in her busy final year at university.

“I want to nominate her as Student Volunteer of the Year because she has really demonstrated her ability to balance her role with her studies and has gone above and beyond in her mission of promoting the important cause.”

Laycee Stephens

Prior to university, Laycee volunteered in Thailand at the elephant rescue sanctuary in Chang Mai for two weeks.

“Each day consisted of preparation of meals, cleaning the park, and ensuring the health and wellbeing of the beautiful animals. This cherished experience articulated my compassion and opened my mind to another world.”

In their first year of university, they volunteered with a charitable organisation called Nature Nurture as a project developer and researcher. They have also volunteered in local youth clubs, primary schools, and pop-up events around Reading. Finally, they volunteer as a listener on the online mental health platform 7 Cups, where they received training on active listening skills.

“I am trained on listening to people who seek help regarding their personal problems, and I offer support and understanding to those who need it.”

Madison Carter

Madison is Reading Stundent Union's Women's Officer this year, and has been incredible in her role, consistently bringing fresh ideas and passion to the table. Madison has volunteered on several projects so far including ones with heavy time commitments that pushed her out of her comfort zone, like White Ribbon Day. Madison helped organise and lead the march and spoke at the event to a large crowd of people.

“Madison's community building and networking is to be praised, and she has put a huge amount of work into representing women across the university.”

Mahnoor Fatima

Mahnoor Fatima is an exceptional volunteer whose dedication to empowering others has left a lasting impact across multiple communities. Her commitment to education, legal awareness, and social justice is evident in her extensive volunteer work with Mencap, CoachBright, Learning to Work, Street Law, Citizens Advice, and the Labour Party.

Through Mencap, Mahnoor has supported individuals with learning disabilities, fostering their confidence and independence. As a CoachBright mentor, she has helped disadvantaged students overcome educational barriers and unlock their potential. With Learning to Work, she has equipped young people with career guidance, employability skills, and professional insights, helping them prepare for the future.

Mahnoor's passion for law and justice shines through her work with Street Law, where she delivers legal education workshops, empowering individuals with knowledge of their rights. At Citizens Advice, she supports people facing legal, financial, and social challenges, ensuring they access informed guidance. Additionally, her work with the Labour Party demonstrates her commitment to civic engagement, encouraging democratic participation and supporting community-driven change.

“What sets Mahnoor apart is her willingness to go above and beyond-taking leadership roles, organizing events, and continuously seeking new ways to create a positive impact. Her passion, dedication, and ability to inspire others make her a truly deserving candidate for this award.”

Max Cooke

Max has shown his dedication and commitment to Reading Futsal this year, where he has played a key role in leading and growing society. As the head of operations, he successfully managed trials, secured sponsorships, and built strong relationships with external teams and sponsors. These efforts ensured the club's sustainability whilst strengthening their presence within the wider futsal community.

Beyond administrative responsibilities, Max took the initiative to structure and oversee more than five major society events, including pre-season friendlies and taster sessions with teams such as Berkshire Futsal. These events provided new and existing members with valuable competitive experience and fostered a greater sense of community within the society. Through meticulous planning and execution, he developed his project management skills, ensuring each event ran smoothly while aligning with key event marketing strategies.

What sets his contributions apart is the commitment to enhancing the overall futsal experience at Reading. He went beyond the expected duties by securing sponsorship deals that benefited both the club and its members, providing financial support for kits and training sessions. Additionally, he worked tirelessly to create new opportunities for the players to engage with external teams, expanding our network and improving our competitive edge.

“My passion for Futsal and dedication to society's growth have been at the core of my volunteering efforts. By combining leadership, strategic planning, and relationship management, I have played an instrumental role in shaping the future of Reading Futsal and ensuring its continued success.”

Molly Hayles

Molly has been a big part of the Pole Fitness Society as secretary. They have learned a lot about time management, balancing their core committee role alongside their university course, part-time job, supporting and meeting with friends.

Whilst attaining first class grades in their university course, they spent countless hours teaching, attending lessons, supporting members, organising meetings, and keeping the society running which required a lot of dedication.

“It is so important to create a safe, positive space for everyone at university, and I am so glad that our society is one, and that I have worked to upkeep this via my role on committee. Without our volunteer instructors we cannot provide lessons to our members. By becoming a teacher, I have given my time each week to help members develop and grow in their pole journey and create a welcoming space where we can answer questions about university life too. Though I have had to work hard to manage my time, I am very proud of all I have achieved throughout my time as a part of RUPFS, and I do hope that the extremely hard work that full time students put into being committee members does not go unnoticed.”

Poppy Thorne

Poppy has gone above and beyond to support fellow Care Experienced and Estranged students. She led a WhatsApp support group, delivered numerous activities, and provided one-to-one support to students who have been in care or are estranged from their families. Working with the Transition and Retention team, she secured funding to provide a safe space for these students to enjoy food, crafting and games, and to access funding and welfare support. As a care experienced and neurodivergent student herself, Poppy led by example. She provided much needed understanding to this group who enjoyed a West Wnd show, pizza afternoons and festive crafting at a difficult time of year for these students.

“Poppy's passion, drive and determination has been instrumental to ensuring this group exists and thrives and I feel that now in her final year, she deserves recognition for her 4 years of dedication to volunteering in this role. Thank-you Poppy!”

Sahra Faqi

Sahra has been volunteering as a Young Leader for three years at The Brokerage, a social mobility charity who advise corporate firms how to better attract, recruit, and retain diverse talent. This included a focus group with the company IQUW to enhance marketing strategy on the recruitment process including social media channels, website copywriting, and design. They are also mentoring three new Young Leaders for 6 months on public speaking, personal branding, making impactful change, DEI, and corporate responsible business. Sahra has also delivered speeches and assisted in masterclasses, boot camps, and conferences.

“In November 2024, I received the Young Leader of the Year Award for demonstrating exceptional leadership, using my skills and influence to inspire others, and creating positive change.

“Moreover, I have been volunteering as a Blog Writer and Community Advisory Member for 3 years at the charity FirstGens. Our mission is to empower first-generation students to navigate university and to break down socioeconomic barriers. They have written and published student life content on '5 Programmes for First-Generation Students in Their First Year' and 'Top 3 Tips on Finding, Getting, and Using a Marketing Internship'. They also worked on a project with UCAS on a website strategy about first-generation information for FirstGens' webpage on UCAS."

Sofea Aqeela Rohaizad

Sofea has demonstrated her outstanding dedication, commitment, and selflessness in every CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) she has undertaken. She consistently goes above and beyond in contributing her time, energy, and personal resources to ensure the success of initiatives.

Her unwavering support and willingness to take on responsibilities, such as contacting and coordinating organizations and individuals involved in projects, have been instrumental in ensuring seamless execution. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills, serving as the backbone of the team. Her efforts to establish meaningful connections with the communities they aim to support have significantly enhanced the impact of events.

What truly sets Sofea apart is her willingness to make personal sacrifices for the greater good. She has never hesitated to dedicate her weekends, cover transportation costs, or spend countless hours ensuring that every detail is taken care of. Her generosity, passion, and ability to inspire others reflect her genuine commitment to helping those in need.

“Her contributions have not only made a tangible difference in the lives of the people we have supported but have also fostered a spirit of collaboration and compassion within our team.”

Anson (Sze Hang) Wong

Anson has spent more than 60 hours since November 2023 with the University of Monsters, a project that aims to bring higher education closer to local primary school children, becoming president in June 2024. He has planned campus tours, mini-lectures, and run taster sessions that provide enriching experiences for children and motivate them to think about higher education. He expanded the volunteer team from fewer than 10 to about 30 members this year via active recruitment. His organisational skill and dedication to this project have been praised by other volunteers and children always provided positive feedback, keen to visit again in future.

Anson has also volunteered 42 hours with Students in Schools and completed all three RED awards through this scheme. Between January and March 2024, he supported a year 4 class in maths lessons to enhance student confidence and learning. From October to December 2024, he supported students at a secondary school for whom English was an additional language (EAL). He translated educational materials into their native language, making lessons easier for them to understand and engage with.

From January 2024 to January 2025, he was a co-opted governor at Alfred Sutton Primary School. Appointed aged 18, he was one of the youngest school governors in the UK at the time. He worked with other governors in setting the strategic direction of the school and was also the first ever link governor for EAL, using his experience to help the school better support EAL pupils.

Tanishqa Borges

Tanishqa has made diverse and meaningful contributions by volunteering, demonstrating commitment to creating positive change.

As a Course Representative, they volunteered time to ensuring their peers' voices were heard and their feedback is actioned to foster a supportive academic environment. They also volunteer with the Hedgehog Society, actively contributing to biodiversity initiatives that protect hedgehogs and promote ecological awareness. They also volunteered with the Salsa Society to help cultivate an inclusive space for students to enjoy cultural exchange and personal expression through dance. Through involvement with Once a Month, they engaged with projects that prioritise student well-being and inclusivity.

They also holds a voluntary role of student ambassador for Olio, an organisation that tackles food waste by encouraging sustainable habits and reducing the environmental impact of excess food disposal. On a more individual level, they regularly participates in Freerice, where their recreational efforts translate into tangible contributions to combat global hunger.

“What sets me apart is the breadth of my volunteer work and my proactive approach to inspiring others. I strive to lead by example, encouraging peers to participate in these causes and demonstrating how even small actions can contribute to larger societal change. Whether I am supporting sustainability, fostering community, or advocating for students, my work reflects a commitment to diverse forms of impact that extend beyond personal benefit. Volunteering is not just an activity for me-it is a way to empower others, strengthen communities, and address global challenges.”

Nominees:

• Azra Polat 
• Desislava Petrova 
• Isabella Harrington 
• Sherrie Shakiba 
• Sophie Read 

Azra Polat

Azra supported Early Years Foundation Stage staff to communicate to the parents of one family in Turkish. This helped build a relationship with the parents and understand how to support their children. She even offered to attend a meeting during the half term holidays. She built a relationship with the twin pupils in school, translating and helping them to learn English.

Desislava Petrova

Desislava began volunteering in primary and secondary schools during sixth form, helping students with mathematics. Continuing this journey at university with the Students in Schools programme, she dedicated her Mondays to assist at Bulmershe School with Year 8-9 lower-set classes. Desislava worked alongside the class teacher to ensure that every student received help to make lessons more effective and inclusive. She helped simplify concepts and questions by breaking them down step by step and motivated students by affirming their efforts.

Desislava found that some students confided in her due to the close age, for example, a student being bullied sought her help outside of class. She helped to resolve a gap in communication between the class teacher and student which allowed them to move seats away from the bullies.

On another occasion, she managed a class when the teacher had to leave for a short time due to an emergency outside the classroom. She engaged students with lesson-related questions to maintain focus.

“Volunteering has allowed me to make a meaningful impact on young people's lives, not just academically by helping them overcome challenges in mathematics and boosting their confidence, but also by fostering a supportive environment where students feel comfortable. My time spent volunteering so far has been incredibly successful and rewarding.” 

Isabella Harrington

Isabella has put so much time and effort into volunteering. Last year she achieved 148 hours of volunteering at Coley Primary School and this year joined the student member group, whilst continuing to volunteer more of her time in the classroom.

Sherrie Shakiba

Sherrie has demonstrated great commitment to services beyond the classroom. She has actively engaged in global volunteer initiatives and represented the university in diverse capacities. She contributed to 7 Cups, a global online counselling platform, where she gained valuable experience in empathetic listening and providing emotional support to individuals in need. She also completed over 50 courses in relation to mental health issues and volunteered over 60 hours during the festive season.

Sherrie also participated in Zooniverse, contributing to scientific research by analysing rhesus macaque cells as part of the monkey health on Cayo Santiago in Puerto Rico.

“Me and my daughter recognised the importance of environmental conservation, I volunteered with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), contributing to their vital conservation efforts. My passion for history and social justice led me to volunteer at the Birmingham Museum, where I transcribed historical artifacts, deepening my understanding of colonialism and its impact. Me and my daughter made 31 handmade cards over Christmas and sent them to local nursing and residential homes and have been liaising with American network base Letters Against Isolation.” 

Sophie Read

Sophie helped with the scheme behind the scenes, making sure that things are up to date and run smoothly. This year the coordinator changed and without her assistance a lot of things would have been forgotten or not happened. Her hard work is truly appreciated.

Nominees:

• Akinlolu Falaye 
• Imogen Lawlor 
• Kira Lloyd 
• Sahra Faqi 
• Sherrie Shakiba 
• Tharindu Liyanagunawardena 

Akinlolu Falaye

Akinlolu has dedicating time to fostering inclusivity and supporting underrepresented groups within their community. As the First-Year Representative for the Afro-Caribbean Society (ACS), they ensured that first-year students felt welcomed and included. They organised cultural and social events including the Meet and Greet, which drew over 300 attendees, and the Valentine-themed “Take Me Out” event, which engaged over 200 students. These initiatives created safe spaces for students from diverse backgrounds to connect and celebrate their identities.

In addition, Akinlolu served as a STAR Mentor and provided academic and pastoral support to first-year students transitioning to university life, the majority of whom were international students from under-represented backgrounds. They helped mentees navigate challenges and adapt to a new environment, while encouraging them to participate in campus activities and engage with diverse communities. This role required empathy, strong communication skills, and a commitment to helping others thrive in an inclusive environment.

Through these roles, Akinlolu has consistently gone above and beyond by dedicating extra time and effort to understand the needs of peers and create initiatives that celebrate diversity. Their work has empowered students to embrace their identities and feel valued within the university community.

“I am proud to contribute to fostering a more inclusive environment and hope to inspire others to prioritise EDI in their work and volunteering efforts.” 

Imogen Lawlor

Since October 2023, Imogen has been committed and a dedicated member of the steering committee for the BAME Staff Network, leading on network events and communications. In addition to hosting regular network events and establishing a newsletter, Imogen went above and beyond the voluntary role to facilitate more tangible change for the network by advocating their needs at the highest level of the institution.

She also launched the 'No More Table Talk' series in May 2024, with a Black Inclusion Week listening exercise. This was attended by 25 people who bravely shared their personal experiences of discrimination while working at Reading. Imogen organised a sip and paint event for Black History Month, where 10 participants were given a stimulus document to inspire their protest artwork, which was displayed in the library foyer during Black History Month. Staff and students fed back in a survey that this made them feel "Proud" and "Recognised" by the university.

This series culminated with a Town Hall Event in November, attended by 30 people including the Vice Chancellor and senior HR colleagues. She delivered the opening speech, wrote minutes, and analysed the findings to create a detailed action plan for the University which notes 7 key areas, broken down into actions. This action plan sits alongside the Race Equality Charter targets, ensuring that concerns of the network are better represented in race equality work at the University. However, this work does not end here.

“I will continue to work with senior leaders in 2025 to facilitate this action plan, as our network members deserve to work and study in an institution that values race equality.”  

Kira Lloyd

Kira has been a dedicated volunteer at Reading Families' Forum, a charity that supports SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) young people and their families in Berkshire. Through her involvement, she played an active role in ensuring that these young people have a voice and access to the support they need to thrive.

One of her key contributions has been assisting in the piloting of the PINS (Partnership for Inclusion and Neurodiversity in Schools) and RISE (Reading Inclusion Support for Education) programmes. These aim to improve the quality of education for SEND students by fostering inclusivity, ensuring no child is overlooked in school, and educating teachers of the difficulties that SEND students face in education. Kira’s role in these projects has helped shape services that directly impact students' educational experiences and outcomes.

Kira also supports the charity's community fun days, where families come together to enjoy activities in an inclusive and welcoming space. She also welcomes attendees and assists with technology at coffee mornings for parents and carers of SEND children. These events host guest speakers including educational psychologists, professionals from the anti-racist and racial equality network, and the CAMHS service in Berkshire.

“My commitment to volunteering stems from a strong belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, both in and outside of education. By actively contributing to these programmes and events, I am helping to make sure that SEND students receive the support they need, and that their transition to adulthood is as smooth as possible. Through my work with Reading Families' Forum, I have demonstrated passion, reliability, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of SEND young people and their families. I take pride in going beyond expectations to support this community and ensure that every child, regardless of their needs, has a fair chance at a bright future.” 

Sahra Faqi

Sahra has been volunteering as a Young Leader for three years at The Brokerage, a social mobility charity who advise corporate firms how to better attract, recruit, and retain diverse talent. This included a focus group with the company IQUW to enhance marketing strategy on the recruitment process including social media channels, website copywriting, and design. They are also mentoring three new Young Leaders for 6 months on public speaking, personal branding, making impactful change, DEI, and corporate responsible business. Sahra has also delivered speeches and assisted in masterclasses, boot camps, and conferences.

“In November 2024, I received the Young Leader of the Year Award for demonstrating exceptional leadership, using my skills and influence to inspire others, and creating positive change. 

“Moreover, I have been volunteering as a Blog Writer and Community Advisory Member for 3 years at the charity FirstGens. Our mission is to empower first-generation students to navigate university and to break down socioeconomic barriers. They have written and published student life content on '5 Programmes for First-Generation Students in Their First Year' and 'Top 3 Tips on Finding, Getting, and Using a Marketing Internship'. They also worked on a project with UCAS on a website strategy about first-generation information for FirstGens' webpage on UCAS.” 

Sherrie Shakiba

"Driven by a passion for global development and community connection, I actively engaged in several impactful volunteer initiatives. With Letters Against Isolation, I crafted personalized Valentine's and Christmas cards, sending warmth and cheer to residents of local care homes, while also connecting with the network's American chapter through their social media page, proudly representing my university in this international effort. My commitment to well-being extended to the Monkey Health Project, where I contributed to research and conservation efforts spanning parts of Asia and Africa, gaining valuable insight into global health challenges. The Monkey Health Project, focused on primate conservation and well-being, has significant implications for psychology, particularly in understanding stress, behaviour, and social dynamics. Studying stress hormones and behavioural patterns in primates within their natural habitats or in sanctuaries provides valuable insights into the psychological impact of environmental changes, social disruption, and human encroachment. This research can be extrapolated to understand human stress responses and coping mechanisms in similar situations. Furthermore, observing social structures, communication, and problem-solving in primates sheds light on the evolutionary roots of human social behaviour and cognition.  

By understanding the psychological well-being of our closest relatives, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and can develop more effective conservation strategies that consider the complex interplay between physical and psychological health in both animals and humans. Furthermore, I championed inclusivity through volunteering with the Student Minds campaign, working to create a welcoming environment for underrepresented groups at my university and fostering a stronger sense of belonging within the student body. I have also spent 70 hours volunteering through therapeutic organisation and completing an internship. As a trained active listener with 7 Cups, I provided emotional first aid and support to individuals navigating a wide range of challenges, from daily stress to more serious mental health concerns. This work directly relates to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, which emphasizes promoting mental health and well-being for all. By offering a safe and non-judgemental space for individuals to express themselves, I contributed to building healthier and more resilient communities. Furthermore, fostering emotional well-being has ripple effects, impacting other SDGs such as quality education (SDG 4) by enabling individuals to focus and learn effectively, and decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) by supporting a more productive and engaged workforce. Ultimately, my role as a listener with 7 Cups was a small but meaningful contribution to creating a more sustainable and supportive world, where mental health is prioritised as a crucial component of overall well-being. I have dedicated over 100 hours volunteering representing the School of Psychology. 

Tharindu Liyanagunawardena

Tharindu has demonstrated exceptional dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) through her voluntary work. She successfully funding to organize a White Ribbon Day event in collaboration with the Students' Union, raising awareness on violence against women and girls. The event brought together over 80 staff, students, and community members, included two self-defence workshops and a widely shareable video demonstrating self-defence techniques. Among workshop participants, 96% reported increased awareness of the risks of violence, and confidence in personal safety and self-defence skills rose from just over 30% to over 80%.

Beyond this initiative, Tharindu organized a 500-member celebration event for Women@Reading, where over 50 members gathered to celebrate achievements and plan future activities. Tharindu, alongside co-chair Anna and the steering group, is revitalising the Women@Reading network, driving engagement, fostering inclusivity, and demonstrating strong EDI leadership through initiatives and advocacy. 

Tharindu also volunteers her digital accessibility expertise to various projects. She played a key role in the British Council's Connecting Through Cultures project, which supports artisans in Sri Lanka. This initiative, which won a £10,000 grant, promotes unity by bringing together artisans from diverse backgrounds and ensuring the project's digital outputs are fully accessible.

Additionally, Tharindu provides free guidance to local charities, improving digital accessibility for organizations such as U3A Woodley and an Oxfordshire-based mental health recovery service.

“Her unwavering commitment to EDI is evident in her leadership, advocacy, and voluntary contributions-both as a Digital Accessibility Officer and as co-chair of Women@Reading. Her work has had a tangible impact locally and globally, making her a truly deserving recipient of this award.” 

Nominees:

• Ajay Lamba
• Ashley Stephy Bistoquet
• Brian Heathcote
• Charlotte Dormer
• Darren Staniforth
• David White
• Don Moseley
• Jennie Ellis
• John Westwood
• Keith Sanderson
• Lewis Paget
• Linda Hopper
• Maureen Paddick
• Michael Dornan
• Philip Cook
• Sarah Coles
• Zahra Gafuro

Ajay Lamba

Ajay has been an exceptional mentor at the University of Reading, supporting 5 students over the past two years while managing a full-time career in the mental health sector. He has gone above and beyond to provide tailored career advice, helping students gain clarity and confidence in shaping their futures.

Even when balancing his professional and personal commitments, he ensures his mentees always feel prioritised and supported. He is consistently available to guide them whenever they need help, demonstrating remarkable commitment and care. One student shared: "Ajay's advice and encouragement have been a cornerstone in my career journey."

"If I had a mentor like him when I was a student at the University of Reading, it would have transformed my experience, giving me the direction and confidence I needed at that stage. His selfless dedication, impactful guidance, and unwavering support make him a truly inspiring role model and a deserving nominee for this award."

Ashley Stephy Bistoquet

Ashley volunteered at Girls Brigade at Wycliffe Baptist Church every Monday evening for a year, supporting female youths in the community and helping develop their faith, skills, and communication skills. She also served as co-coordinator for Small World Café, part of the Christian Union on campus. Her role was to organise activities for mostly international students to help them feel welcome and make friends. This demanded her to attend Christian Union meetings, small world café meetings, prepare everything, shop and plan parties, but she had a lovely and supportive team.

“We go away for a few days and really get to disconnect from our phones and reconnect with one another. Greeting people on their way in and had some friendly conversations, volunteering at a food share (again at Wycliffe) every Saturday in my final year even after having an operation at the beginning of term, which was so impactful for me. It taught me to really appreciate what I have and to help others in whatever way I can. Also volunteered at 2 open days in my department.”

Brian Heathcote

Brian has volunteered over the past five decades in various roles. He has volunteered with the Task Force service, Voluntary Sector Youth Group Leadership, Volunteer Lecturer in Higher Education in the "Third World", Voluntary Management of Youth Hostels, and Voluntary National Park Ranger.

He has recently established a Neighbourhood Watch scheme from scratch in a semi rural area, many of whose residents are elderly and vulnerable. This provides active support to the whole community, dedicated to neighbourhood integration.

HIs work has attracted National recognition resulting in a National Community Award Nomination, the citation from the National Chair of Neighbourhood Watch read:

"These awards demonstrate the breadth of amazing work being undertaken to raise awareness, reach out to communities and include others in our network. It was really inspiring to read about your achievements and accomplishments.

"As voluntary award nominees, you should be hugely proud of this achievement - you have given your time, energy, and commitment to help others and make a different to people's lives. Thank you so much for your work and very many congratulations."

Charlotte Dormer

Charlotte is one of the 2025 Carnegie Award judges, which means she is currently reading 119 books as part of the judging process.

Charlotte said: "The Carnegie Awards are an integral part of introducing teachers to the best of new literature for children, and I'm so excited to part of the judging team."

The Carnegies are the UK's longest running and best-loved children's book awards, recognising outstanding reading experiences created through written and illustrated books. These awards help readers to find the books that provide that feeling of coming out of the story and feeling like a different person. They also champion librarians to inspire and empower the next generation to create a better world through books and reading. The Carnegies could not happen without judges like Charlotte committing their time to the judging process.

There are 14 judges and each of them reads every single book, ranging from picture books to graphic novels. They conduct a first read before creating a longlist of 20 books, then narrowing this down to a shortlist. They then re-read them at least twice more before announcing the winner around July 2025.

Charlotte is a huge champion of inclusivity in books, which was a key element of her application to become a judge. She believes it is so important for a child not just to see themselves in books, but to also see children different to them as the hero, to increase their empathy. Charlotte previously volunteered with an adult education college in Sweden.

Darren Staniforth

Darren has been a student mentor for several years. Mentoring multiple students at a time, his impact is visible within the University and beyond. Darren offers technical guidance, networking opportunities, employee suggestions and links but also provides support, reassurance, and encouragement to an exceptional level. International students find this last point of immense value, as he "takes them under his wing" and provides an additional point of reassurance as they go into industry. He has also introduced a new mentor to the programme, showing his commitment and belief in the value this has to students.

David White

Since graduation, David has supported the work of Reading Real Estate Foundation (RREF) and alumni from the Department of Real Estate & Planning as chair of the RG10 Committee. In this role, he has helped to devise events that allow graduates and current students to network, facilitated alumni webinars, and held other knowledge-based events.

Alongside this, David has been a Mentor offering his experience and expertise to current students. David has said about this mentor relationship. "While I was studying at Reading I had an excellent mentor in Doug Stevens and learnt so much from him, not just about working in real estate but also about how to be a mentor, the importance of building and maintaining relationships as well as supporting students and those in the early stages of their careers, something which I hope my mentees will also continue as they progress and become mentors themselves."

His continued support and encouragement for other alumni to volunteer and support current students or recent graduates has made a real impact.

Don Moseley

Don is a longstanding member of the "Wednesday Wheelbarrows", a small team of seven who volunteer their time every week throughout the year to maintain Garden at The Museum of English Rural Life. Over the past five years alone, Don has contributed 400 hours of his time to look after the garden for our visitors and visiting community groups.

Don brings a real passion to his role as Volunteer Gardener. He takes the lead in planning and managing the vegetable beds, ensuring that they are productive so that both volunteers and community group members benefit from the fresh produce. Members of Reading Community Learning Centre, Reading Mencap and students from Cranbury College have loved harvesting these plots and taking them away to cook. Don is also our expert seed-sower and his green fingers mean that we produce these crops sustainably for very little money.

Don truly goes above and beyond during the summer months when he volunteers additional time to water the garden and literally keep our community growing spaces alive! This often means attending early in the morning, ensuring that the hoses are packed away prior to public events taking place in the garden.

Don is also a wonderful mentor. He is very happy to work alongside those with less gardening experience and enables their confidence to grow. He has supported Ways into Work students and members of Launchpad 135 on placement, playing a key role in ensuring that they thoroughly enjoyed their time in the garden.

Finally, Don is well known for his delicious homemade Florentine biscuits which certainly add to team bonding at tea break!

Jennie Ellis

"Jennie is my Thrive mentor, who has provided me with invaluable support and guidance. From our first meeting, I felt comfortable and at ease which allowed me to feel open to her advice.

"She has opened up opportunities and led me to explore career paths from my degree in Architecture that I would not have considered otherwise. Jennie organised for me to have meetings with professionals in similar fields, which gave me further insight into the roles and unveiled a range of possible options, that I had not previously considered, to explore after my degree.

"Thanks to Jennie's support with refining my CV and her encouragement, I received an interview for a Summer internship in Surveying. This will allow me to explore another field of work that involves my degree. She organised a day at Wates' site in Finchampstead, where I spoke to a senior design manager, and I was shown round the 96 new homes by a site manager. This day made me feel inspired and excited about getting a career after university.

"Often, Jennie contacts me outside of our meetings to check in or provide updates, which makes me feel that she is really passionate about my success. For example, she recently let me know about the opportunity of work experience with architects over the summer, which will allow me to build my CV, develop my skills and curate my career path after university.

"I have since recommended Thrive to many of my friends because of my positive experience of the scheme through Jennie. I have told others looking at going to university to consider the University of Reading or look at whether universities offer schemes like the Thrive scheme, as I believe Jennie's help and encouragement have been invaluable to me during my time at university."

John Westwood

John is a member of the "Wednesday Wheelbarrows" who volunteer their time every week, throughout the year, to look after the Garden at The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL). John is one of a team of seven, performing a vital role in looking after the space for our visitors and community groups. Over the past five years alone, John has contributed 400 hours to this volunteering role.

John stands out in terms of his reliability as a volunteer. He always turns up whatever the weather! He has a "can-do" attitude and is prepared to get stuck into whatever needs doing. This includes bramble removal around our paths and woodland spaces to keep the area safe, especially for our younger visitors. John also manages the hazel coppice, ensuring an ongoing supply of hazel plant supports for MERL community gardeners. John saves us money in other ways too! He looks after our composting system ensuring the production of a huge amount of free compost for the garden. John is extremely diligent, making sure that jobs are completed to a high standard and will often stay beyond the session to make sure tasks are finished and all tools and equipment are put away.

With his many years of gardening experience, John is a real asset to the team and the Volunteer Coordinator for Garden Projects. He will happily share pearls of wisdom, such as tips for growing parsnips. He is quietly observant and will often notice upcoming jobs in the garden during his work.

“In short, John is a hugely valued member of our volunteer gardening team. This Award would be a wonderful acknowledgement of his years of quiet, diligent service to The MERL garden.”

Keith Sanderson

"Agriculture in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe has benefitted from Reading University alumni recruited over the years. After my arrival in 1964, we organised an informal and thriving Reading Alumni group, called 'Reading Reunion'. The group was 20-25 alumni strong and operated for some fifteen years before Zimbabwe politics forced many of us to seek pastures new. The camaraderie within the group was enormous, our special bond being created by our experiences and the culture of the Reading campus. I was jointly responsible for the group and arranging functions around the country.

"Moving to South Africa in 1982, I detected through my agricultural and rural development work that significant numbers of Reading alumni resided in the five southern African countries - South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland. With some communication difficulty, I identified and catalogued their details and, by 2005, had listed some 300 alumni.

"I wrote and distributed a series of alumni newsletters for several years, including the need for support of the University's website and Alumni services.

"On campus in 2006, my discussions with Trish O'Neill and Marion Armson focussed on the essential ingredients of an effective alumni organisation and the important role of the international Overseas Secretaries. I hopefully contributed positively to the changes and improvements that have now become the Alumni and Supporter Engagement Office.

"I continued as unofficial Overseas Secretary for the five southern African countries for some seven years.

"In 2018, I created and now manage a WhatsApp Group which we appropriately named 'Reading in Rhodesia', with its own icon (illustrated). This has enabled a small group of older alumni to be still in communication after 60 years.

"In summary, I have provided voluntary alumnus communication and services in various ways to the five countries of southern Africa for a period of some 60 years."

Lewis Paget

Whilst Lewis was a student he passionately volunteered for the Marrow Society, a student group which supports Anthony Nolan. Driven by his personal experience with the charity, he continually shared his story with whoever would listen to encourage young people to join the stem cell register. As president of this society, he demonstrated essential leadership, organisation, and teamwork skills to oversee multiple successful events, from bake sales to quiz and game nights. These events raised over £1000 for the charity and recruited 150+ new potential donors. Since graduation he continues to volunteer for Anthony Nolan, primarily by delivering educational talks to students in schools to help them make an informed choice about joining the stem cell register.

“By sharing my personal story in my local community, I have inspired the next generation to create positive change, whilst also providing a lifeline to those less fortunate than themselves.”

Linda Hopper

Linda has made significant contributions to the Kitega Community Centre in Uganda. As an 83-year-old alumna, Linda exemplifies the values instilled in her during her time at the university, showcasing the impact of her education on her lifelong commitment to service.

Linda's journey began in childhood, inspired by a cherished black doll named Lulu, which fostered her passion for diversity and inclusivity. Throughout her life, she has consistently served her community through teaching and counselling roles, working with disabled children, and leading youth groups.

A pivotal moment came when Linda visited a children's home in Nairobi, Kenya, coinciding with her 66th birthday, which reignited her desire to help children in Africa. Utilising her counselling training, she addressed the emotional needs of vulnerable children and trained housemothers in effective caregiving.

Linda's work included connecting orphaned children with their extended families and collaborating on sustainable projects, such as providing access to clean water, significantly improving community health. One of her most impactful initiatives involves producing reusable sanitary pads for girls, addressing barriers to education by enabling them to attend school with dignity.

Linda's values and work reflect the investment the University of Reading made in her education. Her dedication to service continues to inspire current students and alumni, highlighting the vital role of volunteers in creating a more equitable world.

For these reasons, we wholeheartedly nominate Linda Hopper for the University of Reading's Celebrating Volunteering Award. Her remarkable journey and commitment to serving others are a testament to the principles of compassion and community that the university fosters.

Maureen Paddick

Maureen welcomes visitors to The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) week-in, week-out - in fact, for much of the year she volunteers twice a week. Since 2020, Maureen has contributed an amazing 850 hours.

Maureen's warm and friendly words and smile greet all who visit the shop, cafe, garden, and galleries. She is focussed on the visitor and their needs, ensuring they are aware of family trail resources, or the current exhibitions, and taking the time to hear why they chose to visit. She joined the volunteering team as we reopened the museum after the first lockdown, and her reassuring presence put returning visitors at their ease in those uncertain times.

Maureen was soon invited to act as a friend for our supported volunteer scheme. She was matched to a person new to volunteering, who wanted to improve their spoken English by shadowing the visitor welcome role. Maureen's calm and encouraging manner was a perfect match and in due course the volunteer progressed to volunteer independently. She enhances the visitor welcome at the MERL, turning her hand to any task, from removing fingerprints on display cases to doggedly tracking down further information relating to visitors' queries about collection items.

“Maureen is a very humble person who does not seek the limelight. We want to recognise her dedication to the University by highlighting just how much she is appreciated.”

Michael Dornan

"Michael’s mentorship has been a crucial experience for me. He played a pivotal role in helping me secure a placement in Formula 1, which has always been my dream. Michael selflessly shared his time, knowledge, and experience to guide me through every step of the process. His tailored advice helped me excel during the interview and stand out from other candidates. Beyond providing practical tips, he supported me emotionally, instilling confidence when I doubted myself and reminding me of my potential.

"What makes Michael truly remarkable is how much he goes above and beyond as a mentor. Despite his busy schedule, he made himself available for countless conversations, always patient and genuinely invested in my success. He did not just help me with this opportunity but also taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, humility, and personal growth, which will stay with me for life.

"We have met in person twice and spoken for hours, and each interaction has been inspiring. Michael's incredible stories, passion for motorsport, and wealth of knowledge have not only motivated me but deepened my love for the field. His ability to connect on a personal level, finding common ground and encouraging me with his own experiences, makes him an extraordinary mentor.

“Michael's commitment to supporting others, his generous spirit, and the profound impact he's had on my life and career make him truly deserving of recognition.”

Philip Cook

In the past year, Philip has led the Town Study, Members' Meetings and Church Building visits within the local University of the Third Age (U3A). His role has been to lead 'from the front' or find speakers, researchers, churches, and to co-ordinate the meeting. Attendance for Town Study, Members' Meetings and outings can reach about 40 people. Philip has served as leader or joint leader for these groups for about ten years.

Phillip has been on the Committee of the Berkshire Environmental Association for over ten years, leading several events each year. This includes a guided tour of Thame, for which he hosts a home-made cream tea for members. He has been a member of a west Reading church for over 25 years and led the Link/Fellowship group for 15 years. He assists with Sunday worship readings, prayers and welcoming, provides organisation and running of Lent Lunches, and leads the monthly 'Open Group' with outside speakers.

He has also been a Treasurer for the Berkshire Gay Link organisation for 22 years and plays a major part in organising and hosting the twice monthly events. This includes hosting (and catering) for 'significant' birthday meals for up to 10, the AGM buffet, and firework night with traditional home-cooked food.

“I would describe myself as an effective organiser and facilitator with a reputation of being reliable, hard-working, good timekeeping, excellent working relationships and endeavouring to include, encourage and steer to fruition those who may feel rejected, shy, or burdened with life. I hate tension and will do all in my power to diffuse, mediate and resolve by encouraging forgiveness, reconciliation, and positive/optimistic outlook (stemming from my 'glass half full' mentality). My modest 1898 terraced home has a reputation for hosting events for up to 20 people and often with friends who need care or respite. I live life to the full but, like others who volunteer, will always find time to take on extra tasks with both gusto and enjoyment of fulfilling a need together with the reward of happy faces.”

Sarah Coles

"Like many people, I enjoy walking, and I try to get out every day to walk in my neighbourhood. It bothered me how much rubbish there was along my routes; rubbish dropped by people and thrown from cars. Not only is it ugly to look at, but it also pollutes waterways and harms wildlife. I decided not to just complain about it but to act, so I litter pick every day. I like that I leave the paths behind me looking better on account of my efforts. There is a sizeable army of people like me, quietly doing our bit to show we love where we live; I am proud to wield my litter picker and do this small thing for my community."

Zahra Gafuro

"Zahra has demonstrated her exceptional dedication and unwavering support as a mentor. Despite not being officially matched through the Thrive Mentor Scheme, Zahra took the initiative to reach out to me after reviewing my profile. She saw potential in me and believed in my goals, which played a crucial role in boosting my confidence during my internship applications and interviews.

Z"ahra went above and beyond by setting up Zoom meetings to share her own journey and provide tailored guidance, even though we were in different career fields. Her willingness to accommodate last-minute calls before my interviews demonstrated her genuine commitment to my success. Her mentorship was not just about career advice-it was about instilling confidence, offering encouragement, and ensuring I had the support I needed at every stage.

“Zahra's proactive approach and dedication exemplify what it means to be an outstanding mentor. Her selfless support has had a lasting impact on my professional growth, and I am truly grateful for her guidance."

Nominees:

• Andrew Burrell 
• Cat Redding 
• Nathan Bingham 
• Nick Bathurst 
• Scott O’Brien 
• Stéphanie Mitchell 

Andrew Burrell

Andrew served as a parent governor at Alfred Sutton Primary School between July 2021 and January 2025. After the federation of the schools took place, he was re-elected to the position of parent governor within the new East Reading Federation in January 2025- showing appreciation by parents for his service in the school community. Andrew took on governing board leadership responsibilities, and showed his commitment to the school community by attending meetings and visiting the school consistently.

“I have had the opportunity to work with Andrew from January 2024 to January 2025, as a new governor, I have valued his guidance and support. His leadership and commitment have made a real difference to the school, and his ongoing support for others makes him well deserving of this award.”

Cat Redding

Cat co-founded Bracknell's toy bank appeal, which provides gifts for hundreds of children at Christmas. Started in 2023, it has grown over recent years with over 60 parents collecting gifts for their children last year and supporting more than 175 children. Cat gave up countless hours over the autumn period to organise the whole project to collect, sort and display toys so that other families had one space they could come to get presents for free.

Cat built relationships with different organisations including Bracknell Fire Service, who created a donation drop off point and local councillors who gave their time on the day to support the project.

The difference it made to the local community cannot be put into words. For most, it was the difference between their children having gifts or not. Cat went above and beyond to ensure that batteries and other key items were available. This meant that parents did not need to worry about anything except choosing, or letting their children choose, what they wanted to give at Christmas.

Nathan Bingham

Nathan has supported mental health charity Sport in Mind with awareness and fundraising work for over five years. In 2024, he took by far his most significant 'step' by walking 150 miles across 5 days from Lyme Regis to Reading with his best friend. Instead of asking for sponsorship, Nathan asked others to pledge their own walking activity with a friend or loved one for a meaningful conversation. Nathan worked hard to promote the initiative as widely as possible through the charity, university, and his personal contacts.

Amazingly, more than 100 groups in spots all over the world went for a 'walk and talk’ - including in Australia, India, Japan, Peru, USA, Canada, and Spain. More locally on campus, various teams headed out for walks and talks on campus including the Vice Chancellor’s Executive Support team. In addition, around 50 people joined Nathan during his walk en-route, including 30 at various points on the final day as he made his way to the finish line in Reading.

Nathan strongly believes that talking while walking provides a more relaxed environment and can lead to deeper and more impactful conversations. These check-in walks go a long way in providing physical and emotional benefits.

On the pledge website, some comments included: “a peaceful walk around the lake with my son” “a lovely Sunday morning walk with two good friends: plenty of talk you would expect from a walk and the sun was out. It felt fantastic to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors and in nature” “Avoided the tube and walked to work”

Since the walk, Nathan has regularly supported wellbeing walks on campus hosted by SportsPark and Sport in Mind.

Scott O’Brien

"I would like to nominate Scott for the Volunteering Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to Graft Thames Valley's work placement programs. Scott's dedication and commitment to supporting individuals with barriers to employment, including those with autism, offenders, and adults with disabilities, have been truly inspiring.

"From my very first interaction with Scott, he demonstrated an impressive level of knowledge and enthusiasm for the placements he manages. He quickly brought me up to date with the various placements he has facilitated and provided a comprehensive tour of the laboratory facility. During our discussions, it became evident that Scott, supported by his equally kind and supportive team, takes immense care and interest in each placement.

"Scott goes above and beyond to understand the unique needs and challenges of each individual, ensuring that their placements are not only accommodating but also enjoyable. His attention to detail and genuine care for each person help build their confidence and skills, which are vital for their continued progress in the world of work.

"Recently, Scott and I have been exploring opportunities to expand the success of these placements to other areas of the university. Scott's vast knowledge and willingness to seek out additional resources and contacts when needed further highlight his dedication to the program's success. Every placement is meticulously organized, down to providing car park passes for visitors, and Scott always responds promptly to any inquiries.

“Scott's work is truly life-changing, providing the time and support needed to nurture exceptional talent in incredible individuals. As a beneficiary support for Graft Thames Valley, I wholeheartedly believe that Scott deserves recognition for his outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.”

Stéphanie Mitchell

Stéph is very engaged in the local community, volunteering her time as a school governor and supporting parents with children with autism and special educational needs.

Steph has done an incredible amount of work to raise over £20,000 for the Redlands Primary School library, being tireless in her fundraising efforts. She used her networking skills to engage celebrities on Twitter/X to solicit donations by asking them to nominate their favourite childhood book. She then organised a sold-out fundraising comedy night, headlined by Sarah Pascoe, who along with the other comedians donated her time for free. At the event, Stéph used her ingenuity and creative skills to build a huge tree with leaves, which had different children's books written on them. Attendees could choose a leaf, take it to a checkout and pay to have that book bought for the library. She has also worked behind the scenes, helping to get books bought for the library and spending her free time painting a mural on the library walls and helping with the installation. Steph engaged students to help with the painting and the Institute of Education’s Charlotte Dormer to advise on the library.