Durham University’s Student Volunteering and Outreach have been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The University supports over 80 projects in North East England, covering social inclusion and complex needs, education, the environment and sport and physical activity.
Last year, over 2,500 people benefitted directly from these programmes, including people who are young, elderly, homeless or those with learning or physical disabilities.
Jeremy Cook, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Colleges and Student Experience) at Durham University, said:
“This is a great honour for Durham University, of which we are very proud.
“It is a tribute to all of our community-spirited students who give endless hours of their own time to supporting good causes, both locally and further afield.
“I also want to thank our many community partners who work with us to host student volunteers. Our students could not make the difference they make without your support. This Award is also a recognition of your success.”
Each year, over 2,000 Durham University students undertake volunteering; giving a total of over 40,000 hours of their time.
Lynn Stavers, a School and Family Worker at Pelton Community Primary School and Beamish Primary School (Federation) has referred children to CATSS for the past three years.
"I have witnessed the fantastic interaction between the student volunteers working on the project and the children – the students are enthusiastic, friendly and very welcoming.
“The project makes a massive difference to the children who attend. I can’t praise or thank this project enough for allowing some of our most vulnerable children to have this amazing experience,” said Lynn.
Julian Brandon, a Primary Education student and a project leader on CATSS, said:
“I have absolutely loved being involved with Durham University Student Volunteering and Outreach; it has been my favourite part of University.
“Leading the CATSS project for four years, I have been able to help transform children’s lives. The experience has been enjoyable, meaningful and very rewarding.”
Students and staff will receive the award from Mrs Sue Snowdon, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, later this summer.
Two volunteers will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2021, along with other recipients of this year’s award. Sue Snowdon said:
“Many congratulations to Durham University Student Volunteering and Outreach for winning The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
“This award is not given lightly or easily gained. It recognises hard work, vision, commitment and dedication. This award is highly prized and is recognised as a hall mark of excellence.
“The students run projects across the county, giving support to often hard-to-reach, disadvantaged people.
"The contribution they make in supporting disadvantaged communities both directly and in partnership with other charitable organisations cannot be overestimated.
"They make a lasting impact on the communities they work in.
“I am delighted that all that they do and all that they have achieved has been recognised and rewarded.”
The award is further recognition of Durham as one of the most active student volunteering communities in the country.
It comes as Durham University continues to encourage more students to volunteer, with the aim of increasing volunteering across its students and staff to 100,000 hours per year by 2027.
