Volunteer Awards 2025

On 5 June 2025, 85 volunteers, service users, colleagues, and corporate partners came together to celebrate the incredible contributions of Hestia’s volunteers at our annual awards ceremony. 

The day began with a warm and welcoming lunch, which provided an opportunity for volunteers to connect with one another, Hestia colleagues, corporate partners, and senior leadership, including Hestia’s CEO, Directors, and Trustees. Everyone enjoyed the delicious food and left feeling appreciated and uplifted. 

Our CEO, Pat Ryan, opened the event expressing gratitude to our 1,300 plus volunteers who have generously supported Hestia over the past year. He highlighted the vital role volunteers play in supporting men, women, and children across London and the Southeast. During the ceremony, Pat presented the Long Service Awards to volunteers celebrating over five and 15 years of commitment. A Special Recognition Award was also given to Kelsey Dowie from HSBC for her exceptional dedication to corporate volunteering and fundraising efforts. 

This year’s awards saw an unprecedented number of nominations, the highest in the history of the Volunteer Awards, making the shortlisting process incredibly competitive. Every volunteer who supports Hestia is truly deserving of recognition for their dedication and impact. 

Award category winners

Volunteer of the Year Award

Collaborative Award

Courageous Award

Dedicated Award

Genuine Award

Respectful Award

Supervisor of the Year Award

More special mentions

As well as our amazing volunteers, the night would not have been complete without acknowledging some very special people who have contributed enormously to the volunteering service here at Hestia.

We'd like to say a special congratulations to:

Kelsey Downie, for her Outstanding Contribution to Hestia's volunteer service.

Mary Carroll - who received the Gold Long Service Award

Sherina Daryanani - who received the Bronze Long Service Award

Winston - who received a Special Announcement Award.

Mary Carroll

Gold Long Service Award

Sherina Daryanani

Bronze Long Service Award

Kelsey Downie

Outstanding Contribution Award

Winston Belgrave

Special Announcement

And finally, thank you to our corporate partners

Gayle Lowery-Jones, Executive Director of Development, introduced and thanked our corporate partners, HSBC, Bird & Bird, Kingfisher, Tokio Marine HCC, BCD, Virgin, and Royal Mail Group, who proudly presented each of the seven awards. The Volunteer Awards event was described as the “highlight of the Hestia calendar,” bringing joy and inspiration to all who attended.