Forward Leeds volunteers joined other volunteers from Waythrough-led services across at the Yorkshire Volunteer Awards Event and Awards.
The event, which was part of Volunteers’ Week 2026, took place at St George’s Centre in Leeds on 5 June 2026.
Volunteering Delivery Lead Ben Barlow said: “This event recognises the extraordinary contribution volunteers make every day. It’s about highlighting the difference they continue to make in the lives of individuals, families and communities.”
Volunteer Supervisor Lee Sandilands with Ben Barlow
Attendees were invited to reflect on just how much has been achieved during the first half of 2026. The answer, it seems, was quite a lot.
Throughout the year, volunteers played a key role in delivering and supporting a wide range of activities and services. From organising a Recovery Football League to attending the Waythrough Strategy Launch Conference in London, volunteers have continued to demonstrate commitment, professionalism and passion.
l to r: Waythrough Director Dr Roya Vaziri with volunteer Dan and Ben Barlow
Practical support has also been a major focus. Volunteers have helped prepare housing service gardens for incoming tenants, supported residents with gardening and DIY projects, organised cook-and-eat sessions, provided day-to-day assistance, and even arranged haircuts for residents in housing services.
Dr Vaziri, with volunteer Adam and Ben Barlow
Their impact has extended far beyond group work. Volunteers have supported outreach programmes, contributed to research projects, attended university and partnership events, promoted diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. They’ve worked alongside young people, families and individuals affected by addiction and co-occurring mental health challenges.
Alex Hamilton
Perhaps most importantly, volunteers have continued to serve as living proof that recovery is possible, offering hope, inspiration and understanding to those accessing services.
The event also celebrated the growth of the volunteer community itself. Since December, three volunteers have successfully moved into paid employment with Waythrough, while another volunteer has secured an apprenticeship opportunity. These achievements demonstrate the life-changing opportunities that volunteering can create, both for those being supported and for the volunteers themselves.
Volunteer Becky with Ben Barlow
Following a well-earned food break, attention turned to the awards ceremony, where volunteers were recognised for their outstanding contributions across several categories:
- Community Impact Award
- Creative Masterminds Award
- Independently Amazing Award
- Dedication Dynamo Award
- Taking the Leap Award
- Superstar Supervisor Award
The awards highlighted the diverse talents, resilience and commitment shown by volunteers throughout the year.
In the audience
The celebrations continued with a volunteer quiz before attendees took part in a reflection session focused on ambitions for the year ahead. Volunteers were encouraged to consider what they hoped to achieve by Volunteers’ Week 2027 and how they could continue building stronger communities across Yorkshire.
Volunteer Louise Rutherford with Ben Barlow
Former volunteer, now Forward Leeds apprentice, Alex Hamilton said: “Today has been really special. It’s been great to see everything that’s been achieved this year and to hear the stories from volunteers across different services. Sometimes you don’t realise how much of a difference you’re making until you hear it reflected back. Being recognised alongside so many inspiring people has made me feel proud to be part of something bigger, and it’s motivated me to keep giving back”.
The event concluded with applause, celebration and a shared sense of pride in what has already been achieved—and excitement for what lies ahead.