A ‘spectacular’ night to remember

AOD volunteer awardAward of Excellence through Millennium volunteers

On the 3rd April 2014 four volunteers from USDT’s Action on Disability; Thomas Devlin, Ciaran Matthews, Sean Donnelly and Roisin Campbell went to Titanic Belfast to receive their awards of excellence.  The young volunteers received their Millennium Volunteers Award of Excellence from Mervyn Storey MLA, Chair of the Northern Ireland Education Committee. The Awards recognise the sustained volunteering commitment given by young people through the Millennium Volunteers Programme.  Each young person has given at least 200 hours of their own time, skills and enthusiasm to help individuals or organisations in their community

 Speaking at the event Councillor Storey said,

“I welcome the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of this year’s volunteers and hear their experiences and achievements.  Giving up to 200 hours to be a Millennium Volunteer is a significant commitment and I am always impressed that these young people from across Northern Ireland give up their time to help others.”

Wendy Osborne OBE, Chief Executive, Volunteer Now said, “ The Millennium Volunteers programme continues to grow and offers young people the opportunity to gain skills, build confidence and to get involved in new experiences.  For many employers and education providers it is the young person’s ability to prove sustained commitment, dedication and a willingness to give of their own time and energy without financial gain which is the attraction.  We hear story after story of young people who have gained their dream job or university place as a result of their volunteering experience.”

Leanne Mulhern Project Worker/Volunteer Co-ordinator said, “It was a really special night in a beautiful location in the Titanic building.  The night focused on how much young people give to their communities and helping others.  We know that with the support of the volunteers we have at Action on Disability we are able to deliver a higher standard of service. It was a real celebration for all. We are especially proud of the volunteers who have progressed from using our services to now supporting them.”

Thomas Devlin, Volunteer said, “I felt very excited, a bit nervous and very proud of myself to feel that I had represented my family and my community and made my family proud. I also felt that from I started volunteering I believe that I have made a difference to the children, young people and also the adults that I have and still work with. This experience will help to progress me into the future.”