We’re very pleased to announce that a number of our brilliant volunteers have recently received awards!
Room to Reward
Room to Reward has awarded three of our volunteers this year.
The initiative, which aims to recognise volunteers who are “Hidden heroes – inspirational people who do so much, for so many in the name of charity”, rewards individuals with a short break in a wide choice of hotels across the UK.
Jaci Dooley
Group Leader, GFS Pittington
Jaci has been running GFS Pittington for 16 years and has inspired hundreds of girls and young women, giving them a safe space to express themselves and grow in confidence. As well as her weekly commitment, Jaci has been instrumental in supporting new volunteers as they start their youth work and leadership journey with GFS – offering a warm welcome, listening ear and supportive advice.
Carly-Jo Dawney
Group Leader, GFS Felinfoel
Before getting involved with GFS as a volunteer, Carly-Jo attended the group as a young girl. When our previous Group Leader stepped down in 2016, Carly-Jo offered her support and leadership to keep the group running. As a result the group has been able to continue and provide a much needed space for local girls. Carly-Jo’s role, which she juggles with a busy working life as a nursing assistant at a local veterinary practice, involves running the weekly group for girls. She organises a varied range of activities focusing on building confidence and resilience and also provides a space for them to make friends and have fun!
Suzie Alavi
Group Leader, GFS Hackney
Suzie started volunteering as an Activity Leader with GFS Hackney and stepped up as Group Leader when the previous leader stepped down.
Despite heading to the GFS group after a full day at work, Suzie is full of energy when it comes to delivering sessions to the girls. She is always looking for new ways to make the sessions fun and exciting and is full of creative ideas. Suzie has a real talent for introducing big ideas in an age-appropriate way and she has created an environment where girls feel confident to share their opinions and take part in lively debates.
Watch the video of Suzie receiving her award here:
Shropshire Youth Association Awards
Shropshire Youth Association recognised our volunteers at GFS Market Drayton for their leadership and commitment.
Hannah Collins
Group Leader, GFS Market Drayton
Hannah Collins was Group Leader for GFS Market Drayton throughout 2018. During this time, the group grew in numbers of girls attending both Junior and Senior sessions. Hannah introduced some brilliant activities into the group which continually kept the girls and young women interested, challenged and inspired.
Leanne Massey
Activity Leader, GFS Market Drayton
Leanne really thought ‘outside the box’ when, using her own initiative, she approached Kate Pankhust with the vision of using her book “Fantastically Great Women who changed the World” to create a programme of activities. Based on different women from the book each week, Leanne has engaged the girls and young women to think about and shape their understanding of history’s awesome women.
We want to reward other volunteers too!
If you, or another volunteer in your group, has been volunteering with GFS for 25 years or more please let us know.
GFS long service awards are presented to a volunteer in five year intervals thereafter. For example, a volunteer would receive an award on their 25th, 30th, 35th (etc) year (we don’t count years attending as a GFS girl).
For volunteer achievements and upcoming GFS anniversaries, contact Carla, GFS Volunteer Support Coordinator, by emailing carla@girlsfriendlysociety.org.uk or calling 0203 968 9124. Alternatively, you can speak to your RDC.
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