LLS students win big at Student Volunteering Awards 2020

Posted on 12 June 2020

University of York students win prestigious awards for their volunteering role in the local community

Following the inclusion of a regular Spotlight On... volunteering opportunities in the weekly departmental Careers newsletter, the Department of Language and Linguistic Science has seen a 93% increase in the number of students applying for volunteering opportunities this year compared to last. Among others fantastic achievements, seven LLS students have just won this year’s Student Volunteering Award for their outstanding contribution in the community.

The Student Volunteering Awards are held every year in the Summer Term, recognising and celebrating students who have made an incredible difference through their volunteering. Students are nominated for awards by local schools and charities, who wish to thank students for the generous donation of their time and skills. Unfortunately, the awards were unable to be held in person this year, so students were celebrated online via the Careers and Placements volunteering social media. The nominations show the positive impact these students have made to the local community.

Caroline Fairclough (UG in Linguistics with French)

As well as attending the weekly session, Caroline goes above and beyond to support Musical Connections and the wonderful work it does, from helping plan activities to making new members feel welcome. (Nominated by Abigail at Musical Connections)

Victoria Marriott (UG in Linguistics with French)

Victoria has put time and care into her role with Speak With IT and helped her client make progress with their speech. A consistent, reliable and all around great volunteer, and absolutely deserving of a Student Volunteering Award (Nominated by Hattie at Speak With IT).

Rebecca Shiel and Owen Dearman (UGs in English Language and Linguistics)

Rebecca and Owen have been supporting a student who doesn’t have English as their first language. As a result of tutoring he has progressed on to GCSE English (Nominated by Gill at City of York Council).

Harry Caulton (PG in Psycholinguistics)

Harry is greeted by 30 children shouting his name whenever he arrives in the classroom, and for good reason! From collecting paintbrushes to helping the children discover their creative side through drawing, Harry is a volunteer that’s valued by both staff and students (Nominated by Wendy at Heslington Pre School).

Chad Coombes (UG in French and German) and Eilidh Smith (UG in French and Spanish)

Eilidh and Chad have been helping sixth formers with their foreign language skills by delivering lessons and supporting classwork. They have massively benefited students’ conversation skills - great work! (Nominated by Richard at Archbishop Holgate School)

Mary McCormick (UG in English Language and Linguistics)

Mary is part of a team of virtual volunteers who have come together during lockdown creating fun activities and videos to support York Museums Trust, as they move the Eboracum Roman Festival to an online event. (Nominated by The Volunteering Team)

What some of our winners have to say about their placement:

"I’ve taken great pleasure in volunteering with Musical Connections over the past 18 months. My role involves helping to run weekly music sessions at a York Medical Group surgery, as well as taking part in rehearsals in primary schools and sheltered accommodation. It’s been a real privilege to get to know those who attend the groups each week, using music to promote wellbeing and bonding over a shared love of a good sing-along!" - Caroline Fairclough

"In my role with Speak with IT I worked closely with a client who had speech and language difficulties as a result of a stroke. It was so rewarding to help him overcome his difficulties and make progress with his communication. I feel very lucky to have had this opportunity; it has reinforced my passion for Speech and Language Therapy and provided me with invaluable experience for my future." - Victoria Marriott

"My role as a classroom assistant involved doing many things with the children: reading stories, playing games, exploring nature, helping them learn numbers and basic phonics and so much more. Having only ever taught adults before this, the thought of teaching children so young was quite daunting as I'd no idea what to expect. I needn't have worried. The staff were lovely, always happy to answer my questions (and I had many!) and let me take the lead in activities throughout my time at the pre-school.

The children were the best part though. They were such a pleasure to get to know so well. Their perspective of the world was truly fascinating, and always managed to surprise me. I have so many memories of the group that make me smile. I wish all of the students success in primary school and beyond.

This volunteering experience has greatly expanded on my perspective of teaching, and I am very excited to use this experience to further enhance future lessons. If you have the opportunity to volunteer with YSIS, I'd recommend that you give it a shot. I found volunteering with YSIS to be straightforward and very rewarding." - Harry Caulton

To read more about this and read about volunteering opportunities: UoY Volunteering