Volunteer of the Month

Volunteer of the month August - Dan

Dan, gardener at Hollins Park was nominated by Kate Fletcher and Mike Cullum

Dan has been volunteering with the gardening team on Hollins Park site for 10 months now.  During this time he has shown a real dedication to the post and speaks highly of his role to staff and peers. Mike Cullum (head gardener)  said “Dan has grown over the past months in his communication skills.  He is always willing to learn and listens to instructions.  Dan has demonstrated good timekeeping and commitment, even when he is not feeling 100%.  Dan understands his roles and responsibilities and if no one is available at his start time he will go litter picking until he is instructed otherwise.  I have found Dan to be a polite and courteous volunteer and he is a credit to work with, his interaction skills with fellow employees and visitors is of a high standard.”

This shows that not only does volunteering improve people’s self-confidence and motivation it also can strengthen their skills in communicating in a range of settings.  Dan has demonstrated great initiative and also commitment, especially over the winter months when there were huge amounts of leaves to move from the paths.  Whilst it is not glamorous work it is essential to ensuring the site remains safe for everyone using it. 

Volunteer of the month October - Saama

Saama Biekpe, Community Inclusion Volunteer was nominated by Leila Saeed

Saama is an extraordinary volunteer who is currently volunteering at the Community Inclusion Team. She is selfless and dedicated member of the team. Her commitment and generosity serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the profound impact we can have when we choose to give our time and energy to support the most marginalised members of our society.  

Saama has recently been awarded a Distinction in Masters in Public Health and we would like to celebrate this achievement with her.”  

“Congratulations Saama you are an inspiration to us all.”