Community volunteers celebrated at 2025 Volunteer Awards

From an allotment export and a memory café helper to a lunch club organizer and a young quizmaster, volunteers from across South Wales were celebrated last week at the United Welsh Volunteer Awards 2025.

The event celebrated nearly 120 individuals who give their time, energy and care to support their communities in many meaningful ways. From organising community events and running weekly quizzes to supporting neighbours and learning new skills, the awards highlighted the many ways volunteers make a difference.

The nominations came from residents and staff and were judged by a panel of residents, making sure the winners truly reflected the voices of the communities they serve.

Runners up and winners

Community Champion – Sponsored by YourSpace Projects

Winner: John Kirwan – A dedicated volunteer at Plas Hyfryd’s memory café, John creates a warm, friendly space through music, games, and conversation.

Runner-up: Tony Davies – Vice Chair of the Dinas Powys Community Allotment, Tony is a daily presence at the plots. He offers his time to others and is a pillar of support for this community group.

Young Volunteer – Sponsored by Edenstone

Winner: Jake Turner – Jake runs weekly quizzes at Ty yn y Pwll, bringing laughter and connection to residents while growing in confidence himself.

Runner-up: Will Berry – A key member of our Residents Communications Group, helping to give feedback on our marketing and communications whilst learning new digital skills in return.

Outstanding Contribution – Sponsored by P&P Builders

Winner: Jill Beddoe – The heart of George Parry Court, Jill organises trips, events, and coffee mornings, always offering kindness and support.

Runner-up: Delwyn Davies – A long-time scheme representative at Fitzroy Lodge, Delwyn is known for his positivity, helpfulness, and community spirit.

Job Seekers Resilience – Sponsored by Castell Group

Winner: Dale Berry – Overcame personal challenges to secure work at Celtic Offsite while caring for his family during a difficult time.

Runners-up: Mark Butler – Rebuilt his life and confidence after mental health struggles, now a valued team member at Celtic Offsite. Joanna Mizikowska – An inspiring volunteer who progressed from an administrative assistant to a parent advocate role, now studying Law at the Open University.

Learner of the Year – Sponsored by TSW Training

Winner: Jayde Barnaby – Embraced a wide range of courses, from wellbeing to British Sign Language, to support others and grow personally.

Runner-up: Will Berry – Completed multiple training programmes to build skills and confidence, showing a passion for lifelong learning.

Teamwork and Collaboration – Sponsored by Kingfisher

Winner: Maggie Lane – Brings residents together across schemes through lunch clubs, bingo, and day trips, always with patience and care.

Runner-up: Laura Knowles – A key volunteer at Bryn Aber Hub, Laura supports events and encourages others to get involved.

Inspirational Volunteer – Sponsored by M&J Cosgrove

Winner: Donna Jones – From shy newcomer to community leader, Donna now helps shape the Bryn Aber Hub and supports others through training and panels.

Volunteer of the Year

Winner: Alison Petherick – Known as the “Chief Elf” on Santa Tours, Alison brings joy and support to Bryn Aber and beyond with her energy and dedication.

Runner-up: Pete Newman – A community connector and podcast creator, Pete shares stories and builds bonds through his thoughtful volunteering.

Julian Pike, Executive Director of Housing, Support and Communities at United Welsh, said: “Our volunteers are the heart of our communities. Their kindness, commitment and resilience are truly inspiring, and it was a privilege to celebrate everything they do.

“Whether it’s supporting neighbours, running events or learning new skills to help others, each volunteer makes a real difference. These awards are a way to celebrate the people who offer their time to make a real difference in the lives of our residents, our communities, and the services we offer.”

The awards were hosted at a ceremony in the New House Hotel in Thornhill on Thursday 3^rd July 2025.

To find out more about volunteering with United Welsh, visit unitedwelsh.com/volunteering/.