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Celebrating our winning Volunteers

9 June 2023
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Group of DUSVO Volunteering Awards winners 2023

Congratulations to the winners of this year's Durham University Volunteering and Outreach (DUVO) Awards.  These annual awards celebrate the positive impact the work of our volunteers has on individuals, the community, and our partners. Many of our students and staff were recognised for the invaluable contribution they make to over 20 different projects.

Attendees included nominees, volunteers, community partners and charities, VIP guests from the University and local community, as well as the special guest speaker, Lord Lieutenant of Durham, Sue Snowden.  

St Cuthbert’s Hospice is just one of the local organisations that benefit form the work of our volunteers,: Claire Sewell, Volunteer Coordinator attended the Awards on behalf of the charity said; "We were delighted to celebrate one of our Langley Moor Charity Shop volunteers Judith, as she won the Longstanding Volunteer (Staff) Award on the night. St Cuthbert’s Hospice is rooted in our local community and it’s fantastic to be able to continue to be a Community Partner with Durham University.”

Another guest who works with Durham Volunteers, Jonathan Wilbraham, Deputy Head of Sixth Form at Durham Johnston School, was inspired by the event. He said; "It was lovely to see so many Durham staff and students especially, being celebrated for going above and beyond. It was quite a humbling experience to hear what's been done and the positive and meaningful impact it's had. Durham University should share these stories as much as they can so as to inspire even more volunteering in the wider county.

Winners
There were 11 categories of award, ranging from environmental and cultural awards, to commending individuals and team projects.

Best Environmental Effort
An award for a volunteering effort that has made a positive impact and / or raised awareness for environmental and / or sustainability issues.
Staff winners – Linda Bosveld  and Helen Drinkall
Student winner – Gardening Project

Best Cultural Effort
An award for a volunteering effort that has widened access and participation to arts and cultural activities.
Winner – Durham Global Schools Project

Best Social Inclusion Effort
An award for a volunteering effort that has enriched the lives of people who are from traditionally socially isolated groups. For example, the elderly, the homeless, people living with disabilities and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Staff winner – Jane Dove
Student winner – Collingwood College Amateur Football Club

Best Educational Effort
An award for a volunteering effort that has increased educational opportunities and academic enrichment.
Staff winner – Katie Allen
Student winner – Tutor for Ukraine

Best New Volunteering Project
An award for a new volunteering project that has positively impacted the community.
Staff winner – The Government Support Services staff
Student winner – Mildert for Refugees

Longstanding Volunteer
An award for a volunteer who has shown inspiring levels of commitment and dedication to volunteering.
Staff winner – Judith Vincent
Student winner – Olivia Gaynard

Outstanding Newcomer
An award for a new member of Durham University, who has shown inspiring levels of commitment and dedication to volunteering.
Staff winner – Jack Dunn
Student winner – Flynn Edwards

Volunteer Leader of the Year
An award for a volunteer who has successfully led, developed and progressed a volunteering project or opportunity, to support the community.
Staff winners – Kathryn Elwick and Natalie Costello
Student winner – Ross Plowman

Volunteer of the Year
An award for a volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their volunteering role, by supporting the community, developing personally and inspiring others.
Staff winner – Paula Willerton
Student winner – Alex Vellins

Team of the Year
An award for a team (e.g. sports team, society, department) who have shown continued commitment and dedication to making a positive impact on the community through volunteering.
Staff winner – Geography department beach cleaning team 
Student winner – Collingwood Amateur Football Club

College of the Year
An award for a College who have shown continued commitment and dedication to making a positive impact on the community through volunteering.

Winners - St John’s and St Chad’s.

Commitment to volunteering

We take pride in the diverse range of volunteering opportunities on offer for our entire University community. Student volunteers can get involved in over 20 student-led projects, sessions with linked charities and partner organizations, or one-off opportunities.  While Staff are encouraged to take part in the DU Staff Volunteering scheme, which allows them to volunteer for up to 5 days each year during work time. They have the opportunity to join team challenges with colleagues, individual challenges, one-off sessions, or credit their own volunteering activity  which all counts towards the DU volunteering scheme

DUVO welcome project proposals or suggestions of volunteering activity all year round, to ensure support for ongoing community needs and individual passions and interests.

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