Volunteer awards
The award categories are:
Impact Award / Difference Maker
Inspirational Volunteer
Young Volunteer
Long-service award
Volunteer team award
Health and wellbeing award
Fundraiser of the year
Runnymede and Spelthorne Volunteer Awards were hosted and jointly held with Royal Holloway University on Monday 5th June.
Congratulations to all of our impressive winners. Solette Sheppardson, VSNS CEO, said, "Tonight is more than recognition. It’s a coming together of minds highlighting good work by good people."

Initially there were seven awards but given the strength of the nominations the judges made the decision to give two awards in the Impact Award category, one for an individual and one for an organisation, and two awards in the Inspirational Award category. An additional award for Environment Champion was also created.

Special mention was also made for Ari Zoides – a posthumous award. Ari founded the Tea Boat Project, This community project on the river by Staines Bridge provides a floating café while seeking to inspire and rejuvenate the local community, improving the natural environment and providing opportunities that enthuse and engage people from less privileged circumstances. All work is carried out by volunteers from the local community, local firms and businesses and long-term unemployed in collaboration with Jobcentre Plus (Department of Works and Pensions). The project is not only a testament to Ari’s vision, but also to his ability to inspire and drive volunteers to achieve great things.

Here are our winners:
Volunteer (individual) who has made the most impact:
Jason Lane, Spelthorne Parkies - supporting people living with Parkinson's and their families
Volunteer Team that has made the most impact:
Village Centre volunteers from Engelfield Green, which offers services such as a community fridge, café, child contact centre and baby basics
Young Volunteer:
Matthew Neathey, Staines and Egham Sea Cadets
Inspirational Volunteers:
Ari Zoides, Tea Boat Project
Lizzie Wayland, Elevate Life and Little Lights
John Martin, White Lodge
Long Service Award:
Lesley Windle, SCAN (Spelthorne Committee for Access Now)
Fundraiser Award:
Jane Cawsey, White Lodge
Health and Wellbeing Award:
Mel Connolly – Local Conversation Stanwell
Volunteer Team Award:
Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne Court Desk Team, supporting some of the most vulnerable in society who find themselves in court facing homelessness, repossession, debt and other issues
Environmental Champion Award:
Neil Maitland-Walker, Spelthorne Litter Pickers

A big thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate the volunteers who make such a difference to our communities.