Surrey students shortlisted for National Volunteering Awards
Wednesday 12 May 2010
University of Surrey students Kirsty Stubbs and Daniel Rolfe have successfully made it through to the second round of the Higher Education Student Volunteering Awards, beating hundreds of other entrants in the individual Student Award category.
Volunteering can have a huge impact on the lives of thousands. The Higher Education Student Volunteering Awards recognise and reward outstanding contributions to the community. These UK-wide awards celebrate the fantastic volunteering work undertaken by many students in higher education.
Over the last year Kirsty has volunteered in a number of roles across the University and local community. She has volunteered at Guildford Grove Primary School as part of the University’s Educational Liaison Centre’s Tutoring Scheme, been secretary of the Students’ Union’s Psychology Society, a member of the Students’ Union’s Raising and Giving Society (RAG) committee raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital, Woking Football Club, and the DEC Haiti Appeal, as well as being part of the Students’ Union’s management team for the Guildford Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile 2010 and a volunteer at a National Autistic Society run youth club, working with four autistic adolescents.
Sarah Lyle, National Autistic Society, said: "Throughout her time working with me she has shown empathy and understanding towards the young people that attend helping to build their confidence within different social situations. She has shown eagerness and enthusiasm within her role at the Ash Zone Youth Club, forging good relationships with the young people, this in turn has made our young people feel comfortable at the club and she has helped to create an environment where we can help build the self esteem of the group."
Daniel’s volunteering journey started at Queen Eleanor’s CofE Junior School as a classroom assistant on the Educational Liaison Centre’s Tutoring Scheme. He quickly developed an excellent rapport with both the staff and pupils. Due to this positive relationship, he took the initiative to develop the Playground Activity Co-ordinators Scheme which has involved 30 University volunteers running positive play activities during lunch time. Daniel has also volunteered on the school’s Business Enterprise Day in conjunction with the Surrey Business Partnership. He has also acted as the lead male mentor on a reading project in a local secondary school working with the National Literacy Trust, where he has helped to promote a positive reading culture as well as raising an individual’s attainment. He is also an active member of St John’s Ambulance.
Hugh Rawson, Headteacher at Queen Eleanor’s CofE Junior School, said: "Daniel is highly reliable, enthusiastic and professional. He has became a valuable asset to the school."
If successful, both students will be invited to attend the Higher Education Academy’s Annual Conference, to be held 22-23 June 2010 at the University of Hertfordshire where they will have the opportunity to present their volunteering experiences to over 500 senior academics and managers.
Media Enquiries
Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 689191, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk
