This year we received a phenomenal 94 nominations from staff, volunteers and older people, eager to recognise the outstanding contributions of Re-engage's volunteers. It’s been an absolute pleasure reading the nominations and reflecting on the incredible kindness and generosity volunteers put into their roles.
Each of the 12 winners will receive £250 and have their achievements recognised and celebrated during an online awards ceremony in December.
Natalie March, Re-engage support manager, said: "It's incredibly moving and motivating to receive so many nominations, and though there could only be 12 winners, we want to thank every single volunteer who goes above and beyond to bring joy and connection to the lives of older people we support. We’re honoured to have such brilliant and dedicated volunteers and we can’t wait to celebrate everyone at our online awards ceremony.”
Bev Brush
Bev makes regular calls to two older people who are living with Parkinson’s and has been a dedicated carer all her life. She calls Rosemary and Carole every Sunday afternoon: “I like to make sure they are okay, and now I’ve been calling for a while, I can tell they feel comfortable with me.” As well as being a call companion, Bev also helps run breakfast and after school clubs at her local primary school. “I’m really quite flabbergasted that I’ve got this award,” she said. Her call companion, Carole, said: “Bev is amazing and calls me every week no matter what; she has really lifted me up. She’s lovely. She sang 'happy birthday’ to me when I had some guests round and the phone was on speaker. She’s better than Taylor Swift!”
Carl Gardner
Carl has been a Re-engage volunteer for over a decade, running a busy tea party group in Westminster, London, and always stepping in to assist with media enquiries, fundraising, sharing stories, or helping to organise other events - it’s testament to his hard work that he received an incredible four nominations, including from Re-engage founder, Trevor Lyttleton. Carl always speaks with confidence and passion about our work and the difference it makes to the lives of older people and is always willing and ready to support the wider Re-engage team to help spread the word. Re-engage media and pr officer, Barry, said: “Without the help of Carl, and other volunteers like him, we would find it harder to shine a light on what we do.”
Elaine Gordon
Elaine received a brilliant five nominations for her volunteering work in Cheshire, starting the Hale Teacakes tea party from scratch. Elaine has impressed both staff and volunteers alike with her brilliant organisation and communication skills. She spent time advertising for guests on social media, local supermarkets, GP surgeries including her own doctor, and had social prescriber meetings to spread the word and get more of the local community involved. She remembers every detail about her guests and always makes sure they feel seen and cared for. One of her nominators, Ruth, said: “Elaine started the group and goes beyond helping. She's amazing, selfless and brilliant, and we all love her to bits.”
Bob Jones
Retired army doctor Bob started the Doncaster 3 group in 2016 after retiring from his medical career, which included a 15-year stint with the army. Staff have been impressed by his dedication and resourcefulness in supporting his group. Bob said: “I enjoy the tea parties. They are great fun, and the guests get so much from them, the car journeys on the way home are full of good cheer.” Re-engage support and development officer, Elaine, who nominated him, said: “Bob is a pleasure to work with and brightens my day when I speak to him. Even when he’s not around on tea party day he makes sure the guests have transport to get there.”
Sarah Moulton
Sarah started volunteering with Re-engage this year, and her commitment led to staff member Safia nominating her for the award, when she noticed how joyfully and warmly her match Patricia spoke of her. Patricia said “Sarah is a wonderful friend and I am so grateful for her calls... we like to have a giggle!” Sarah says she too gets a great sense of satisfaction from the calls she makes to Patricia. She explained: “When she has said that the calls do her good, I always tell her that they do me the world of good too. I really look forward to our calls and we are always laughing by the end. I genuinely enjoy talking with Patricia, it’s one of my favourite parts of the week.”
Pam Ogilvy
Pam has been volunteering in Kirriemuir, Scotland, since 2016, first as a host and then stepping into a group coordinator role to ensure her local tea party kept going – the groups have proved so popular there are now two of them. Nominated by fellow volunteers Jean and Angela, both have been astounded by just how thoughtful and caring Pam is when coordinating the groups. Jean said: “Pam's tea parties reflect her personality: warm, caring and fun. They are incredibly happy occasions.” Angela added: “She always goes the extra mile to ensure the hosts are well supported and all guests are made to feel welcome.”
Paula Protheroe
Nominated by Re-engage staff member Rae, and fellow volunteer Lorna, Paula’s dedication to organising four tea party groups (and now helping to set up a fifth!) since 2016, hasn’t gone unnoticed. Lorna said: “She coordinates the drivers and hosts, steps up and fills spaces as and when, either with driving or hosting at her home… she has even done a double group on occasion, so no one missed out! Birthdays are celebrated; Christmas party organised. She really is amazing and works full time!” Paula also makes sure her group is connected to other opportunities in the area, which means a lot to service delivery officer Rae. Rae explained, “Paula and her volunteers ensure their guests are aware of other community events in the area, believing that it doesn't matter who is providing them, as all support and community access is a positive outcome. Paula truly recognises the needs of her guests above all else.”
Zuzana Rakova-Probin
Since 2019, Zuzana has been volunteering in Northwich, Cheshire, driving guests and coordinating tea party groups. Zuzana was nominated by fellow volunteer Trish, who said: “Zuzana is dedicated to ensuring that all of our guests receive the best experience at our tea parties. Her passion and enthusiasm towards the group are unwavering and show the true spirit of volunteering. She is a cherished member of our team, and her contributions have positively impacted not only our guests but all of us who work alongside her.” Zuzana is always looking for creative ways to engage her group through fun activities and recently went above and beyond to ensure a guest didn’t miss out on celebrating their 90th birthday together at a tea party.
Sandy Wilkinson
Sandy’s caring approach to life crosses the generations, from fostering children to organising tea parties for older people in Bognor Regis, West Sussex. Sandy is a coordinator, host and driver for the group. She said: “It’s an absolute pleasure - the guests have such good stories to tell because of their experiences. And I know what we’re doing is worthwhile because one lady who comes says she moved to the area five years ago but has only just found people to talk to – at the tea parties.” Adam, a volunteer driver for the Bognor Regis group, said: “Sandy is more than a coordinator. She’s chief organiser, transport hub, communications chief and problem solver. She has an intuitive knack for knowing what older people need and has shown how the cocktail of empathy, instinct and resourcefulness can help volunteers and older people alike.”
Julie has been an activity group coordinator since 2023 in Yorkshire. She was nominated by Re-engage engagement officer, Deb, who said: “She initially helped to promote and launch the group in an area where services for older people are limited. She worked tirelessly for months with enthusiasm and passion, putting up posters, creating Facebook posts and attending network meetings. She really is a hero for the Brighouse area championing many voices.” Julie’s group continues to thrive thanks to her passion and tenacity, even organising community transport so more older people can attend. Julie said “When they keep coming, we know it’s going right. It’s great to see people getting to know each other and forming friendships in the group.”
Danii began volunteering for Re-engage in 2023 and is a highly dedicated volunteer for both our call companion and rainbow call companion services. They have been speaking with one of their matches, Sally, for almost two years – they often read our magazine, Time Together, over the phone, and always share some laughs. Sally even sends guests home when she receives her call from Danii as she wants to be fully invested in their conversation. Danii says they have grown incredibly close. They said: “We are family.” They were nominated by Re-engage staff member Eilidh, for their ‘kindness and dedication to volunteering’.
Runners up
This year, we also want to recognise each of our runners up for their outstanding work:
- Alicia, Oldham (Group coordinator, host, driver, advisory group member, Christmas call companion)
- Amy, Bristol (Group coordinator, driver, host, Christmas call companion, advisory group member)
- Andrew, Manchester (Call companion)
- Anne, Westminster (Group coordinator)
- Arlene, Laurencekirk (Driver and host)
- Bhavya, Camden (Activity group lead and coordinator)
- Bridget, Willenhall (Group coordinator, host and driver)
- Catherine, Kirkcaldy (Host and driver)
- Daryl, Cannock (Group coordinator)
- Debbie, Stirling (Group coordinator and driver)
- Emma, Bridgend (Call companion)
- Fern, St Albans (Group coordinator, driver and host)
- Fred, Bognor Regis (Call companion and rainbow call companion)
- Irene, Angus (Group coordinator and driver)
- Jan, Stockton (Group coordinator and driver)
- Jane, Bracknell (Driver)
- Jean, Westminster (Group coordinator and driver)
- Jean, Montrose and Laurencekirk (Driver and host)
- Karen, North London (Group coordinator and driver)
- Lesley, Epsom and Ewell (Group coordinator and driver)
- Marion, West Midlands (Call companion)
- Mary, Glasgow (Group coordinator and driver)
- Nikki, Colchester (Host and driver)
- Pat, Bromley (Host)
- Susan and Roy, Chesham (Group coordinators, drivers and hosts)
- Susan, Bury (Group coordinator, host and driver)
- Viv, Harrow (Group coordinator)