Students from Bath Spa University have been awarded for their volunteering achievements within the local community at this year’s B&NES Council Chairman’s Community Awards.
On Thursday 29th January 2015, the annual awards ceremony for The Chairman’s Community Awards 2014 took place at The Guildhall, Bath.
A total of 79 nominations were made for this year’s awards including three for Bath Spa University.
Kathryn Jeanes, a second year student at Bath Spa University, won the award for Young Volunteer of the Year.
Kathryn achieved the award for using her own experience of suffering from anxiety to help other students in a similar situation. Kathryn is an active member of the ‘Stamp Out Stigma’ campaign which involves talking to students about mental health.
The award for Young Volunteer Leader was given to third year student, Emma Hindesley for her part in setting up a society that encourages students to volunteer within the community.
The society now has 55 members and has so far organised a children’s Halloween party, knitting parties to raise money for Age UK, fundraising campaigns for Children in Need and Christmas hampers that have been donated to day centres.
Emma described attending the award ceremony as “a blessing in itself, the atmosphere was buzzing and I was in such good company. I was moved by the stories, proud of Bath Spa’s success and feel really proud to live among such an inspiring community.”
The Bath Spa Students’ Union Buddy Team 2014 won the award for the Good Neighbours Team.
The team helps new students during their first year at the University as well as providing a social hub. They also provide health and safety information for issues including alcohol awareness, sexual health and river safety.
Bath Spa University Vice-President Welfare, Robert Gould commented: “We are immensely proud of this year’s buddy team for this well-deserved accolade.
“The team worked day and night (literally) over Freshers’ Week to ensure that the incoming students felt comfortable and welcome, and that they knew where to go for support.”
