A volunteer who helps people fleeing war, conflict and persecution rebuild their lives in Hull has received the Special Recognition Award at the Time2Volunteer Awards 2026.
Maureen Mulligan, from Welcome House, was honoured at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hull on Wednesday 7 October, at a celebration of volunteers and community organisations across Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Since 2022, Maureen has given around 15 hours each week to supporting people seeking sanctuary, contributing more than 700 hours in the past year alone.
Her work includes a free Corner Store providing essentials such as toiletries and period products to people living on very limited weekly allowances.
She has also created a football team which has travelled across the North to play other asylum-seeker teams, and developed photography groups that help people build confidence, make connections and share their experiences.
One young man arrived deeply traumatised and unable to speak to anyone. Through photography, he gradually began to engage with others and share his story, which has helped inspire a theatre project giving a voice to people too often known only through headlines.
Described in her nomination as “the mother that many families no longer have”, Maureen is always ready to listen, offer advice or remind someone that they belong. Her nominator said she had not wanted to be put forward for an award, believing that seeing the difference she makes was reward enough.
On receiving the award, Maureen, a retired secondary school teacher, said: “I had no idea I was up for an award. When the team came to make the video, I thought it was to promote the service. I wanted the people we support to be the main focus, because it’s not about me.
“Through our theatre project, we want to help refugees and asylum seekers share their stories and give a wider audience the chance to understand what they have been through. Hearing each other’s experiences also helps them realise they are not alone.”
Time2Volunteer Winners
Thirty-five individuals and teams were shortlisted across eleven categories, recognising contributions including reducing isolation, supporting young people, protecting green spaces and encouraging participation in sport, culture and wellbeing activities.
Jamie Lewis MBE, CEO of HEY Smile Foundation, said: “Maureen’s story captures what these awards are all about. Through practical support, kindness and a determination to help people feel they belong, she is making a lasting difference to people rebuilding their lives in Hull.
“Our winners and finalists show the extraordinary breadth of volunteering across Hull and the East Riding. This afternoon was an opportunity to thank them and celebrate the many ways they make our communities stronger.”
The winners and sponsors for all categories include:
- Active and Sport Award, sponsored by Active Humber – Phoenix FC
- Behind the Scenes Volunteer Award, sponsored by Umber Creative – Bruce Parkin, Southern Holderness Resource Centre
- Environmental Volunteer Award, sponsored by Transwaste Recycling – Karyn Murby, Molescroft Wildlife Network
- Founding Volunteer Award, sponsored by KCOM – Ryan Gardiner, A Shining Light
- Founding Volunteer, sponsored by KCOM – Highly Commended – Samantha Catanach, Chasing Rainbows Charity
- Good Neighbour Volunteer Award sponsored by Mitsubishi Chemical Group – Christopher Palmer
- Inclusive Volunteer Award, supported by Making a Difference Locally – John Rutherford
- Long Serving Volunteer Award, sponsored by Forrester Boyd – Andy Forsey, Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University
- Older Volunteer Award, sponsored by Jane Brooks Law – Rene James, Sight Support HEY
- Volunteer Team Award, supported by Smile Chances – Mysterious Minds
- Volunteer Trustee, supported by Smailes Gold – Janet Adamson, Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University
- Young Volunteer, sponsored by Eltherington Group – Ellie White, Peel Project CIC
- Special Recognition – Maureen Mulligan, Welcome House
The Time2Volunteer Awards are funded and delivered by HEY Smile Foundation and partners Hull CVS, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Hull City Council and City Healthcare Partnership (CHCP).
We would also like to thank team behind the event
- MADL – our drinks sponsor
- Matthew Good Foundation and Big Picture Charity Films – for filming on the day and the Special Recognition film.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hull – for hosting us.
- Ben Blundell – Aperture Blundell – for photography.
- Sparq – for creative and technical support.
- Darren Lethem – our fantastic host who sews the event together on the day.
Thank you also to our speakers, Councillor Victoria Aitken and Councillor Mike Ross, and our special guests: Deputy Lieutenant Mrs Julie Good, Lord Mayor Cllr Maria Coward and Chairman of East Riding of Yorkshire Council Cllr Linda Johnson.
To every volunteer, nominator, guest and supporter who joined us – thank you for helping us give these remarkable people the recognition they deserve.
Together, we are stronger.
