Student Community Awards 2014/15
Friday, 12 June 2015
The University of Reading Student Community Award Winners
The University of Reading Student Community Awards (SCA) recognise the contribution made by Reading students to the local community. This year the SCA panel had a tough time separating the winners from the seventeen students who received an award and so for the first time chose three individuals to receive a winner’s award of £60 each.
Ann Westgarth, UoR Community Relations Manager said: ‘Many of our students make a valuable contribution to the lives of others but our winners have shown outstanding commitment to organisations and individuals and this is what singled them out for our top award’.
Student Community Award Winners
Emma Foster
Emma is a third undergraduate Law student. She was nominated by fellow student James Medhurst. In Emma’s first and second year at university she helped at a charity, Starting Point Reading which aims to get young people into work or education. Emma supported a young man who had left school with no qualifications and had been diagnosed with Asperger’s. James said: ‘She helped him with his maths and English skills and made a significant difference to his abilities which meant he was later able to find employment.’
Emma also volunteered with The Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality in Reading. Her work at the charity has made a genuine impact on marginalised groups in Reading.
Emma also supported a young woman with autism, who required additional help. She provided stimulation and social interaction outside of the family, enabling this young woman’s mother to take breaks from caring for her daughter.
James said: ‘Emma has been inspired by her involvement in the Reading community and when she graduates has secured a job with an educational charity where she will train to be a teacher. She hopes to continue to have a positive impact on the local community’.
James Mulligan
James is a third year undegraduate studying Economics & Politics. James was nominated by his sister Claire. James is the leader at the 3rd Woodley Cub Group. James does this every Thursday evening organising activities for 7 – 12 yr olds. James organises camping trips as well as the annual swimming gala, getting a team together, training them and managing them on the day. James has also been involved in fundraising for a cancer charity. Claire said: ‘One of James’ friends was diagnosed with Sarcoma. James with a number of friends raised over £13,00 having their heads shaved which was featured in the Reading Chronicle as the biggest local Just Giving campaign.’
James said: ‘I have been a volunteer leader at 3rd Woodley Scout Group for seven years. This has been a hugely enjoyable and rewarding experience which has allowed me to develop a range of skills whilst providing the children with fun and challenging activities. Volunteering has been a fulfilling and valuable opportunity which I would recommend to anyone who is considering getting involved.
ÔÇïI'm very pleased and honoured to win the universities community award this year. I have really enjoyed my time at the University of Reading and receiving this award has been one of the highlights.’
Josie Hollywood
Josie is a third year undergraduate studying Psychology. She was nominated by Wendy Williams, Project Manager at Catsypp Reading, an organisation which supports young people aged 8 – 16 with a diagnosis of ASD but who attend mainstream school.
Wendy said: ‘Over the last two years Josie has worked with and supported many of our members and she has consistently done so with patience, kindness and common sense. At my request she began to provide greater one-to-one support to one of our girls who was struggling with acute social anxiety and low self-esteem.’ The mother of Susan (name changed to protect her identity) said: ‘Josie has been pivotal in Susan gaining life skills that have totally changed Susan’s life in so many ways. Her calm and well-judged encouragement has helped Susan to pay in a shop, make a choice and order in a restaurant, learn new ways to stay calm and think about life, I couldn’t possibly list everything! Whilst all this sounds so simple, these skills have transformed Susan’s life. I don’t think we could ever thank Josie enough…but all I can say is the impact on Susan’s life will last a lifetime.’
Josie said: "Volunteering throughout university has been the most rewarding experience, it has really given me a better idea of the direction I want to go in career-wise after graduating. I would recommend that everyone get involved in something they enjoy!"
Student Community Awards Runners up
There were two runners up, Carly Wright for her outreach work in schools and being an excellent role model by inspiring young girls to take up Physics as well as a Brownie Pack Leader, and Katherine Staveley who has been supporting young people with complex learning, social and emotional needs at John Madejski Academy.
A Special Commendation was awarded this year to Joseph Schroeter and Brendan Hill for their acts of spontaneous kindness in supporting a family who were the victims of a house fire in Green Road.