We are ecstatic! For the first time, not one but two of our fabulous volunteers not only got shortlisted but went on to win in each of their categories at the Time2Volunteer Awards!
Janet has been a valued member of our Board of Trustees since 2012 and also sits on our board’s REMCO sub committee and is always willing to sit on our interview panel when we recruit. She was shortlisted for the Trustee Award. In the past 14 years Janet has supported us grow and become what we are today. but it’s not just our charity she volunteers for, she somehow finds time to fit in also being a trustee at Artlink (Chair of the Board), a trustee at Teeth Team (Associate Chair), and a trustee at Scrapstore. Beyond her trustee duties and the extra support she gives us, she also gives her time to HEY Volunteering, both in general duties and as Volunteer Voice, she volunteers at Hull Maritime where she is an accredited tour guide, volunteers at Freedom Festival and is a volunteer member of the Independent Panel for School Appeals! Giving about 20 hours every week to help others in the local community.
Asking how she manages to fit everything in and keep on top of so many projects, Janet states, ‘Juggling is my superpower! Prioritisation is the key. Being a trustee comes with peaks and troughs in relation to need and time. The statutory is essential, and then additional events are just for fun. When it's quiet I breathe and when it's busy I run a bit faster!’. We are all in awe of Janet and her commitment to so many charitable causes.
Andy has volunteered with us since year one of Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University, and it being our 30th birthday this year we thought it the perfect time to put him forward for the Long Standing Volunteer Award. Andy is such a wonderful, warm and caring person. We create experiences designed to support aspirations, build confidence and encourage engagement, and Andy joins these experiences to care for and inspire children to dream big. He volunteers on both our Schools team (supporting primary school children) and our CLA team (children who are care experienced aged 7-16). Andy is a regular volunteer on all trips, but prefers our longer trips, such as York, London and Edinburgh which range from 10-36 hours. There are not many volunteers that are able (or willing!) to give up such a large portion of their week to accompany thirty 10 year olds to Edinburgh or London but Andy is always quick to offer his support, a friendly face and a calm and reassuring energy to nervous children who are stepping onto a train for the first time.
Back in 1996, Andy saw an advert calling for volunteers to work with children which was placed in a Hull City Council bulletin where he then worked. Both his employers, Hull City Council and latterly East Riding Council encouraged staff to use volunteer days, but he also took annual leave and flexi leave in order to volunteer with us as much as possible. He also gives thanks to his wonderful wife (pictured alongside Andy above) who supported his calling as a volunteer. Andy has cut down his work hours in the lead up to retirement but his commitment to HEYCU still stands strong, with him recently upping his responsibilities by starting to bring his expertise to leading our school experiences alongside his volunteering.
On the day of the awards, we were all very excited and after taking our seats and listening to some powerful speeches we were given a lovely meal before the awards began. Andy kept saying how if he won then it would be fantastic but it was great for the charity either way by getting our name out there – always wanting to promote our cause that he believes in so strongly. Whereas we (HEYCU staff) were quietly desperate for this wonderful human to get the recognition he deserved. And he did! As Andy went up to collect his award we, left at the table, shed a few happy tears at his achievement.
And then, with barely time to dry our eyes, Janet won her Trustee Award! We were over the moon! And as Janet was sadly unable to attend the event, I went up to accept her award in her stead. Returning to the table and knowing that two of our amazing team had won in their categories was so wonderful. We are always looking for ways to let our volunteers know how appreciated they are and this felt really perfect. I can’t wait to present Janet with her award on her return.
We spent the rest of the event grinning and are so happy we got to celebrate not only our wonderful volunteers but so many other people and the contributions they make all over our Hull & East Yorkshire community. It was an uplifting experience so be surrounded by so many selfless people who give their time to make the world a better place.
Congratulations Janet and Andy, and all the other winners on Wednesday, your awards were well deserved and the world is lucky to have people like you.
Nic James
Schools & Volunteer Coordinator
If you have been inspired by Andy or Janet’s story and would like to join our team, please click here and sign up today.