Volunteers across Hull took a well-deserved afternoon off to attend the Time2Volunteer Awards at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. Thirty-five individuals and teams were shortlisted across eleven categories, recognising contributions including reducing isolation, supporting young people, protecting green spaces and encouraging participation in sport, culture and wellbeing activities.
Winners included a long-serving volunteer, a young volunteer and a good neighbour. Winner of the Special Recognition Award was Maureen Mulligan from Welcome House. Since 2022, Maureen has given around 15 hours each week to supporting people seeking sanctuary.
Her work includes a free Corner Store providing essentials such as toiletries and period products to people living on very limited weekly allowances. She has also created a football team which has travelled across the North to play other asylum-seeker teams, and developed photography groups that help people build confidence and connection.
Jamie Lewis MBE, CEO of HEY Smile Foundation, said: “Our winners and finalists show the extraordinary breadth of volunteering across Hull and the East Riding. This afternoon was an opportunity to thank them and celebrate the many ways they make our communities stronger.”
The winners and sponsors for all categories:
Active and Sport Award, sponsored by Active Humber – Phoenix FC
Behind the Scenes Volunteer Award, sponsored by Umber Creative – Bruce Parkin, Southern Holderness Resource Centre
Environmental Volunteer Award, sponsored by Transwaste Recycling – Karyn Murby, Molescroft Wildlife Network
Founding Volunteer Award, sponsored by KCOM – Ryan Gardiner, A Shining Light
Founding Volunteer, sponsored by KCOM – Highly Commended – Samantha Catanach, Chasing Rainbows Charity
Good Neighbour Volunteer Award sponsored by Mitsubishi Chemical Group – Christopher Palmer
Inclusive Volunteer Award, supported by Making a Difference Locally – John Rutherford
Long Serving Volunteer Award, sponsored by Forrester Boyd – Andy Forsey, Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University
Older Volunteer Award, sponsored by Jane Brooks Law – Rene James, Sight Support HEY
Volunteer Team Award, supported by Smile Chances – Mysterious Minds
Volunteer Trustee, supported by Smailes Gold – Janet Adamson, Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University
Young Volunteer, sponsored by Eltherington Group – Ellie White, Peel Project CIC
Special Recognition – Maureen Mulligan, Welcome House
The Time2Volunteer Awards are funded and delivered by HEY Smile Foundation and partners Hull CVS, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Hull City Council and City Healthcare Partnership (CHCP).
Photos provided by Time2Volunteer Awards/Divine PR
Did you know you can make Hull Live a preferred source of Hull news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it straight away by clicking here.