East Surrey vinvolved volunteer Matt Swinburn of Merstham, wins the 2009/2010 Mayors community award, in the category of Young Volunteer. The Mayor’s Annual Community Awards Scheme recognises the good work of individuals/groups that have benefitted their community!

Matthew has been volunteering since 2006, in a wide range of volunteering roles including: YMCA Playleader, conservation projects at Gatton Park Trust, Age Concern as a helper and befriender, Furnistore van & warehouse volunteer (was nominated as ‘Volunteer of the Month’), YMCA buildings maintenance support, committee member on both Surrey vinvolved Youth Action Team and OXFAM/Redfest project team.

A highlight of Matthew’s volunteering has been as a dedicated member of the Surrey vinvolved Youth Action Team, which promotes youth volunteering and youth led voluntary action. He has supported the team in promoting youth volunteering across surrey, at several events including a charity balloon race in Redhill town centre and the Redhill & Reigate Carnival parade. Here he was in his element, taking the lead by suggesting ideas for how the team might be dressed and contributing ideas about what people should do when marching. He has supported several fund-raising initiatives the team has been involved in, including refreshment stall at the annual YMCA fun run in Reigate Priory Park to raise money for YMCA projects and the Redfest/Oxjam two day music event, which raised an impressive amount for Oxfam.

Matthew is one of our most dedicated and reliable volunteers, who is always up for helping us at Surrey vinvolved. He has totally committed himself to self-development through volunteering and in doing so has helped so many local charities and the Surrey vinvolved project; he is an impressive role-model and an inspiration for other young people.

So very well done to Matthew from the whole Surrey vinvolved team!

Martine Sheppard (vinvolved youth volunteering adviser).

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