Time2Volunteer Awards 2026 Finalists Announced

The finalists for the Time2Volunteer Awards 2026 have been announced, celebrating the exceptional individuals, groups and organisations who give their time, energy and skills to make a positive difference across Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Each day, volunteers play a vital role in the life of our region. They support people through challenging circumstances, create opportunities for others, strengthen local groups and charities, care for shared green spaces, encourage participation in sport and culture, and help build more connected communities.

The Time2Volunteer Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise that contribution and shine a light on the people whose efforts are often carried out quietly, without expectation of praise or reward.

This year’s finalists represent the breadth, compassion and commitment of volunteering in our area. From grassroots community activity and health and wellbeing support to environmental projects, youth work, fundraising and cultural initiatives, they demonstrate how volunteering helps communities across Hull and the Humber to flourish.

Congratulations to all those shortlisted for the Time2Volunteer Awards 2026. Being named a finalist is a well-deserved recognition of the difference you make to local people, organisations and communities.

Thank you to our fantastic partners – Hull CVS, East Riding Yorkshire Council, Hull City Council and City Healthcare Partnership – whose support makes these awards possible.

We are also incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors: Active Humber, Umber Creative, Transwaste, Mitsubishi Chemical UK, Jane Brooks Law, Smailes Goldie, Forrester Boyd, Eltherington, KCOM, Making an Difference Locally and Smile Chances Fund.

Many thanks also to our judges for their time and care in the difficult selection of this year’s outstanding volunteers and organisations. We’re excited to celebrate the exceptional individuals shortlisted across eleven diverse categories.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, 6th October

Location: Doubletree by Hilton

Tickets: £20 or £200 for a table of 10 (includes a welcome drink and sparkling light lunch).

To book your tickets, please email events@heysmilefoundation.org.

The 2026 finalists

Active & Sports Volunteer Award – Sponsored by Active Humber
Phoenix FC
William Wilson
Stuart Flynn

Behind The Scenes Volunteer Award – Sponsored by Umber Creative
James Gartshore – Lets Tech Together
Kay Page – Oldroyd’s Corner Yorkshire CIC
Ally English – Fitmums and Friends
Bruce Parkin – Southern Holderness Resource Centre

Environmental Volunteer Award – Sponsored by Transwaste
Antoinette Bamurange – Bora Shabaa Refugee Community Organisation
Victoria Whitfield – The Conservation Volunteers Hull & Humber
Karyn Murby – Molescroft Wildlife Network

Founding Volunteer Award – Sponsored by KCOM
Sue Connor – Voices of Weighton
Ryan Gardiner – A Shining Light
Lynne Maskill – Second Friends, HER Breast Friend
Samantha Catanach – Chasing Rainbows Charity

Good Neighbour Volunteer Award – Sponsored by Mitsubishi Chemicals
Chloe Hart
Christopher Palmer
Tim Potter – The Hinge Centre

Inclusive Volunteer Award – Supported by MADL
John Rutherford
Pam Lawson – IntoUniversity
Gatura – Refugee Council

Long Serving Volunteer Award – Sponsored by Forrester Boyd
Stuart Robinson – Hull and East Yorkshire Mind
Andy Forsey – Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University
David Howarth – Carers Advisory Group

Older Volunteer Award – Sponsored by Jane Brooks Law
Maureen Mulligan – Welcome House
Pauline Young – Humber Wellbeing Hub CIC and Skidby Village Hall
Rene James – Sight Support HEY

Volunteer Team – Supported by Smile Chances
Mysterious Minds
Valued Minds – Space2BHeard
One Stop Volunteers – The Salvation Army

Volunteer Trustee Award – Sponsored by Smailes Goldie Accountants
Rajwant Kaur Singh – Concrete Youth
Janet Adamson – Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University
Corina Matthews – Bora Shabba Refugee Community Organisation

Young Volunteer Award – Sponsored by Eltherington
Deborah Arikbe – Youth Aspire Connect Organisation
Quinn Watt – Platform Provision
Ellie White – The Peel Project CIC