Victoria is Volunteer of the Year

Victoria Nunn, a third year Psychology student, is pictured here being presented with the Frank May Cup after being named 'Volunteer of the Year' at the annual Contact Student Volunteers awards evening.

Contact Student Volunteers is our student volunteering association and the largest society in the Students’ Union, with more than 1,600 members. Contact matches eager students with volunteering opportunities that benefit the local community while providing valuable experience for the students themselves. In a tough graduate job market, voluntary work always looks good on a CV!

A few days ago, Contact organised their annual celebratory event when volunteers were presented with certificates and a student who has shown outstanding dedication and commitment to volunteering, nominated by the organisation(s) which they help, is named Volunteer of the Year.

Victoria was nominated twice. For several months she has been a 'Learning Mentor' for the charity Learning for the 4th Age, helping elderly people with dementia in care homes or sheltered accommodation to learn new things, stimulate their minds and enjoy life. Project co-ordinator Melissa March described her as "amazing with an impressive amount of energy, individualism and innovation. She would always arrive full of ideas for conversation topics to stimulate the residents."

At the same time, Victoria has been a 'Volunteer Befriender' for the National Autistic Society, supporting a young adult with autism. Project co-ordinator Gill Keeling said, "Victoria is a fine representative for the University of Leicester and we have been very pleased and lucky to have her as part of the befriending team in Leicester."

Dr Frank May, a great benefactor of the University, donated the Frank May Cup a few years ago, an engraved replica of which is awarded to the Volunteer of the Year.

Congratulations to Victoria and a hearty thanks to every one of our student volunteers – you’re a credit to the University.