Celebrating Our Volunteers: 10 Years, 10 Awards
As we mark 10 incredible years of our service, we’ve taken a moment to celebrate the people who bring something truly special to what we do—our volunteers. Their generosity, passion, and unwavering commitment have added depth and real impact to the way we support others.
To celebrate this milestone, we hosted a special staff conference away day where we recognised ten standout volunteers with awards that reflect their unique contributions. It was an honour to present these awards to our entire team.
With it being Volunteers’ Week, we’re proud to showcase these awards on our website – a small way to highlight the big impact these individuals have had. Each award below was thoughtfully chosen to reflect our volunteers’ unique strengths and contributions. Whether they’ve gone above and beyond in their role, uplifted their peers, or brought creativity and leadership to the forefront, every award is a celebration of the incredible people behind our service, and we hope they inspire others as much as they’ve inspired us.
Thank you to all of our volunteers – this week is to celebrate you!
Our 10 Volunteer Awards:
Resilience in Action – Katy Mueller
This award recognises someone who consistently shows resilience in the way they show up and support others in the recovery community. Drawing from her own experiences, she brings empathy, strength and understanding to everything she does, using her journey to uplift those around her.
While working, she is also undergoing a counselling course – and if that wasn’t impressive enough, she still finds the time and energy to run a weekly women’s group where each session is thoughtfully planned with relevant and supportive topics tailored to what the women in the group need most, as well as supporting clients on a 1:1 basis on the TRS!
Oh – and she does all of that remotely, from over 200 miles away from North Yorkshire!
Wellbeing Warrior Award – Chris Kendell
This award goes to someone who lives and breathes wellbeing, not just for themselves but for everyone around them.
They are a compassionate presence who is always encouraging others to explore new ways of looking after their health, whether that’s through attending Andy’s man club, sea swimming, connecting with nature, staying active, or simply taking time to breathe.
They have become a vital part of the recovery support at the Scarborough hub and have fitted in effortlessly within the wider team. Always approachable, always supportive, and always willing to help, this person is truly valued by everyone who works with them.
Creative Leadership Award – Matt Smith
This award recognises someone who has flourished in their volunteering role. Over time, we’ve seen them grow in confidence, develop new skills and bring a real sense of enthusiasm to everything they do. They are always full of ideas and thinking creatively about how to improve our group offering to the people we support in Scarborough.
A recent highlight has been the art group he has been leading – it’s been fantastic to see how thoughtfully he has supported those who attend, offering encouragement and creating a welcoming and inspiring place for everyone involved.
All-Rounder Award – Dave Curtis
This award goes to someone who has become a real pillar of support at their local hub – someone who has got stuck into just about everything!
From helping to run the walking group, the allotment group, SMART and recovery groups, to now leading his very own art group, he’s been a consistent, positive presence across a wide range of activities.
He’s always ready to lend a hand wherever it’s needed and never shies away from a new challenge. His versatility, commitment and enthusiasm make him a true all-rounder.
Motivation Champion Award – Lisa Fox
This award goes to someone who is ALWAYS smiling, chatty, friendly and approachable, and who always brings an incredible energy and enthusiasm to everything she does.
Whether she’s supporting and running groups at the hub or in the community, or offering 1:1 support through the TRS, nothing ever seems to faze her. Her positivity is infectious, and her dedication is inspiring.
It’s no surprise that all of this has led to her landing a full-time role in the aftercare team at the Northallerton hub!
Unwavering Dedication Award – Shaun Ridsdale and Kerry Cousins
This award goes out to TWO incredible members of the volunteer team who embody consistency, care and commitment.
Rain or shine – whatever the weather – you can count on them to be there, making sure the Scarborough walking group goes ahead every single week. Their dedication never wavers, and their presence means so much to the people who attend. Together, they are the perfect team, bringing a mix of practical support and compassion to everyone they walk alongside.
Peer Champion Award – Jimi Wilson
This award goes to someone who has made a real difference by helping us extend vital support into rural areas like Craven and the Dales – bringing lived experience where it is needed most.
He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience, and his commitment to sharing his own personal journey has been truly powerful – he’s been open, honest and brave – sharing his story across online platforms to inspire hope and show that change is possible.
He is part of the lived experience council with WayThrough and has been a huge support to the whole team in Skipton – a real source of motivation to everyone he meets.
Outstanding Commitment Award – Sean McGrath
This award goes to someone who attends weekly support meetings in the community and shows up, without fail, week in, week out, to support our team in Northallerton.
He is reliable, consistent and always willing to help when needed, stepping in to facilitate groups in the absence of staff and offering his support at many of the community events we’ve been involved with.
He brings a steady presence, valuable insight and a real sense of calm to every SMART meeting at Northallerton.
Volunteer Legacy Award – Bill Sutherland
Last but by no means least, this award goes to a volunteer who has been a committed and valued member of the team for over 5 years.
He’s shown unwavering dedication to the service and the people we support, no matter what life has thrown his way. Through his own personal challenges, he has never stopped showing up for others.
He’s been involved in countless community events, recovery walks, groups at the hub, and Christmas celebrations – including famously dressing up as Santa! He runs not one, but TWO out-of-hours online support groups, he supports the online SMART recovery group, and continues to offer 1:1 support to clients through the TRS, having been one of the very first TRS volunteers to start it off 3 years ago.
And not forgetting, maybe what he is best known for – being the greatest quiz master of all time!
Thank you, Bill, for everything you’ve given over the past 5 years and more.