Latest news with #YoungVolunteeroftheYear
Edinburgh Live
5 hours ago
- General
- Edinburgh Live
Blind Edinburgh man recognised for 'bringing so much joy and reassurance' to others
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Edinburgh man has been recognised for his incredible efforts and 'energy, kindness, and commitment'. Daryl Stewart, 23, a volunteer with sight loss charity The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), was commended for 'bringing so much joy and reassurance' to many. Daryl, who is registered blind, began volunteering with the organisation after feeling 'isolated' at his mainstream school. He first became involved at 14-years-old, and has now received the Special Recognition Award for Young Volunteer of the Year. Over his time, he's helped over 50 blind and partially sighted people access support. Jane Coates, Community Social Action Manager at RNIB Scotland, said: "Mention Daryl's name to anyone who comes through our doors, and they instantly smile. 'His energy, kindness, and commitment bring so much joy and reassurance to the people we support.' Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Since joining the RNIB, Daryl was able to make friends and found his community. The youth group offered a 'transformative space' for him. He's grown from a participant to a 'key figure' in the volunteer network. In the last year, Daryl had stepped into a leadership role. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. He now independently plans and runs sessions, offering guidance, encouragement, and a warm welcome to participants of all ages. A spokesperson for RNBI added: "When RNIB Scotland's main Edinburgh office temporarily closed for refurbishment, Daryl didn't hesitate to go above and beyond. "He worked with staff to ensure that community members could still attend groups and sessions - sometimes accompanying them on public transport, and in other cases meeting them at home to coordinate transport with drivers. He's also taken part in multiple Kiltwalk fundraising events, helping raise money to support RNIB Scotland's various services."
Edinburgh Reporter
7 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
Daryl becomes young volunteer of the year
Daryl Stewart (23), a long-standing volunteer with sight loss charity RNIB Scotland, has been awarded the Special Recognition Award for Young Volunteer of the Year at the 2025 Inspiring Volunteer Awards, run by Volunteer Edinburgh. The award ceremony, which took place on Monday at the City Chambers, marked the beginning of Volunteers' Week – a national celebration of the vital role that volunteers play across the UK. Daryl received his award from The Rt Hon. Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to supporting blind and partially sighted people in Scotland. Daryl, who has a cerebral visual impairment, first became involved with RNIB Scotland at the age of 14 when he joined the charity's youth forum. At the time, he felt isolated at his mainstream school. RNIB's youth group offered a transformative space where Daryl made friends and found his community. Since then, he has grown from a participant into a key figure in RNIB Scotland's volunteer network. He began volunteering at 16 and has since supported a wide range of groups and activities, from youth sessions to craft groups, walking clubs, and tandem cycling. This year, however, has seen Daryl step confidently into a leadership role, making his contribution more impactful than ever. Over the past 12 months, Daryl has taken on new responsibilities, moving beyond support to organising and leading multiple RNIB groups and activities across Edinburgh. He now independently plans and runs sessions, offering guidance, encouragement, and a warm welcome to participants of all ages. In addition, Daryl delivers Visual Awareness training to RNIB Scotland's partner organisations, equipping staff and volunteers with the knowledge and confidence to better support blind and partially sighted people in their own services. He has also played a key role in the reopening of RNIB Scotland's community café this year at their Edinburgh office, where he regularly volunteers by greeting visitors, giving tours of the newly refurbished space, and serving refreshments with professionalism and kindness. Daryl's commitment has had a measurable and lasting impact. as follows: Over 50 blind and partially sighted people have accessed group support because of Daryl's work. He's introduced 10 people to tandem cycling and 12 new players to the inclusive sport of Showdown. He's currently collaborating with Scottish Disability Sport to expand Showdown across Scotland, with ambitions to launch a national league hosted at RNIB Scotland's offices. He supports dozens of community members each week through his work at RNIB Scotland's café and local groups. When RNIB Scotland's main Edinburgh office temporarily closed for refurbishment, Daryl did not hesitate to go above and beyond. He worked with staff to ensure that community members could still attend groups and sessions – sometimes accompanying them on public transport, and in other cases meeting them at home to coordinate transport with drivers. He's also taken part in multiple Kiltwalk fundraising events, helping raise money to support RNIB Scotland's various services. 'Mention Daryl's name to anyone who comes through our doors, and they instantly smile,' said Jane Coates, Community Social Action Manager at RNIB Scotland. 'His energy, kindness, and commitment bring so much joy and reassurance to the people we support.' On receiving his award, a delighted Daryl said, 'I have loved my time at RNIB, I never want to leave!' Like this: Like Related
Perth Now
18-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Huge honour for young WA nurse at Volunteer awards
Lancelin local Bree Del Borrello has a reputation for keeping cool in a crisis. The enrolled nurse is known among her community for her calm and confident demeanour in high-pressure emergencies — traits that have made her stand out during her time volunteering for St John Ambulance. But the moment she was crowned WA's Young Volunteer of the Year for her efforts, Ms Del Borrello admitted she didn't known how to respond. 'I did not expect to win at all,' she told The Sunday Times. 'I just thought it was going to be a really nice night, and then when they called my name I just froze for a bit.' Ms Del Borrello started her volunteering journey in 2018 at Perth Children's Hospital. Credit: Supplied The 25-year-old has been donating her time and energy to St John WA's Lancelin sub centre since 2022 alongside her mother-in-law and her partner, Tyler. Ms Del Borrello started her volunteering journey in 2018 at Perth Children's Hospital, where she currently works as a nurse in the emergency department. 'I'd always hear stories about the need for volunteers and it just felt fitting to give back to my community with the skills I already had,' she said. With more than 1000 operational hours and hundreds more spent mentoring and training new volunteers, Ms Del Borrello's contributions, mentorship and commitment to public health through St John WA have made an extraordinary impact. All Winners, pictured with His Excellency Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia; Tina Williams Volunteering WA CEO; and Volunteering Minister Hannah Beazley. Credit: Supplied Her calm, confident presence in high-pressure emergencies ensures the best outcomes for patients, while her leadership creates a welcoming and supportive volunteer community. Beyond frontline work, Ms Del Borrello educates the public on first aid, engaging all ages in lifesaving skills. Her selfless contributions, mentorship, and commitment to public health make her an role model and an asset. 'It's such a huge honour, there were so many amazing nominations. It hasn't truly sunk in yet to be honest.' Hosted by Volunteering WA, the peak body for volunteering, the awards recognise the outstanding contributions of volunteers and organisations across the State, highlighting their impact on the social, cultural, economic, and environmental wellbeing of our communities. This year, 21 finalists were shortlisted from 230 nominations; with winners announced alongside special addresses from Governor of Western Australia, Chris Dawson AC APM, and Minister for Volunteering Hannah Beazley MLA. Ms Del Borrello has a reputation for keeping cool in a crisis. Credit: Supplied WA volunteers contribute 400 million hours of time and create $64 billion in economic value every year. And according to recent data, the future is promising, with West Australians under 25 volunteering at a higher rate (78.2 per cent) than any other age group — considerably higher than in the rest of Australia (70.5 per cent). With studies finding that people who volunteer reporting higher levels of life satisfaction, Ms Del Borrello encouraged anyone thinking of trying it out to go for it. 'Don't hesitate,' she said. 'It's one of the most rewarding things that you can do, to give back. It's such an honourable thing and it doesn't have to be hours and hours. Everything makes a big difference.'
