Meet Merton's Volunteers Of The Year

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Prizes awarded at prestigious event

A prestigious award ceremony has recognised those who give to their community in Merton and it was the young people who stole the show with their inspiring stories.

The Merton Partnership was joined by 200 guests at The Hub in Morden on Wednesday (June 11) including Mayor of Merton Councillor Agatha Akyigyina, Leader of the Council Councillor Stephen Alambritis, Chief Executive of LBM Ged Curran and Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Stuart McLeod.

The evening began with a Volunteer Fair showcasing a variety of exciting volunteering opportunities offered by 28 groups and organisations, followed by inspirational stories of the individuals, businesses and organisations that have given hundreds of hours of time.

Ian Beever, Chief Executive of MVSC, recognised the impact that volunteers have on the lives of people across Merton. He said: "The awards are our chance to celebrate not only the excellence of volunteers but the amazing things we can accomplish when we work together."

"We were delighted to see so many businesses nominated too. Those businesses supporting local organisations and individuals benefit in so many ways. We want to ensure that our volunteers don’t go unrecognised for the huge contribution their efforts make by offering help, skills and support through volunteering."

Congratulations to the final winners:

Merton Volunteer of the Year - Ragavendira Jeyamohan, Metropolitan Police Service

Merton Young Volunteer of the Year - Tamasine Shears, Metropolitan Police Service

Best Volunteer Involving Organisation of the Year - Fulham Football Club Foundation: Community Champions Programme

Employee Volunteer/Volunteer Team - Robert Myers and Jason Garrett of Loyal Brush Decorators

Innovative Volunteering Opportunity of the Year - Merton Centre for Independent Living Engagement Project.

Ragavendira Jeyamohan, aged 21, said: "Thanks for everyone who came to awards. Well done to everyone nominated - we are all winners. I am proud to receive this Award, but truly without my team our work is nothing."

Cadet Tamasine Shears, 18, added: "I cannot believe I won Merton Young Volunteer of the year, so over the moon that I won something out of so many amazing people! So truly grateful, thank you!"

Merton borough commander, Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart MacLeod, said: "Tonight really shows how amazing our young people are in Merton. I’d like to congratulate our Cadets team, and thank them for all their hard work which these Awards reflect so well. I would also like to congratulate all those who were nominated on behalf of all the categories.”

The event also marked the final day of police duty for Merton PC Elaine Brown.

After 30 years dedicated service to London from 1984, and from being a Police Cadet herself before that from 1982, Elaine said she was was proud to end her service in her Cadet Staff role with her colleagues at this prestigious local event,

She said: "I am so hugely proud of our brilliant Merton Volunteer Police Cadets team, it's hard to put into words. I joined the Met in 1982 as a full time Police Cadet at Hendon and then as a PC from 1984. To end my service tonight, as a Cadet instructor with my Cadets team at these Awards ceremony, is something I'll always remember. Thank you and well done!"

• For further information about opportunities to give your time or about the Merton Partnership Volunteer Awards please contact Sarah Hannigan at Volunteer Centre Merton on 020 8640 7355 or sarah@volunteercentremerton.org.uk.

June 13, 2014