A University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) journalism student has been named Student Volunteer of the Year in recognition of the work she does for Preston homelessness charity Emmaus.
Sophie Swain, who dedicates much of her time at Emmaus as a social media volunteer, received her award at the University’s annual Centre of Volunteering and Community Leadership (CVCL) Awards, which this year honoured 60 students who collectively completed 19,000 hours of volunteering over the last year.
Emmaus Preston provides a home, support and work opportunities for people with experience of homelessness. Sophie has been working with the charity since January 2023, regularly donating her time to plan, capture and share social media posts of preloved fashion styles and gift ideas from the vintage items available from Emmaus Preston Fashion, Vintage and Retro charity shop on Fishergate. In in the last 12 weeks alone, she has grown Emmaus’ TikTok following by 563%.
"I’ve really enjoyed getting to know everyone at Emmaus Preston. What makes the charity so special is that you’re working with the people you are helping and seeing on a day-"
— Student Volunteer of the Year Sophie Swain
The 20-year-old said: “It was such a great night. It was amazing for my parents to be able to meet [Deputy Chief Executive of Emmaus Preston] Karen. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know everyone at Emmaus Preston. What makes the charity so special is that you’re working with the people you are helping and seeing on a day-to-day basis the impact you’re having.
“In the future, I would like to continue working with people who don’t have a voice and help challenge misconceptions about homeless people, particularly given all that’s been said in the media about these people in the Criminal Justice Bill.”
As well as volunteering at Emmaus, Sophie also works as a community journalism intern at Blog Preston where she covers what’s happening in the city as well as a series of features about homelessness.
"Volunteering gives you the space to learn and give. It’s like a hobby you don’t have to pay for. You can volunteer with people working towards a similar goal and help other people in some way."
— Vice Chancellor's Award of Excellence winner Daisy Campion
Ed Walker, founder and co-editor of Blog Preston, said: “It’s no surprise to us to see Sophie recognised for her commitment and talent.
“She’s quickly become an important part of our team and has all the attributes of a great local news reporter.”
Other winners on the night included Daisy Campion, a Horticultural Science and Management student, who was given the Vice Chancellor's Award of Excellence for volunteering more than 500 hours during her time as a student with Let’s grow Preston, Brockholes Nature Reserve and Action Tutoring. She has also undertaken training with the Samaritans and plans to start volunteering with them in the near future.
Daisy said: “Volunteering gives you the space to learn and give. It’s like a hobby you don’t have to pay for. You can volunteer with people working towards a similar goal and help other people in some way.”
"As a University we want to take time every year to thank volunteers for the skills, commitment and thousands of volunteer hours given."
— Claire Eustace, Volunteering Coordinator
Biomedical science student Momoh ‘Mustapha’ Kamara was presented with the Outstanding Achievement in Mentoring Award for his volunteering role as a mentor to first-year biomedical science students.
60 students and guests attended the awards evening to recognise students' hard work and dedication throughout the year and celebrate the positive impact of students' volunteering hours across a wide range of charity and community organisations.
Claire Eustace, Volunteering Coordinator, said: "The CVCL recognises the achievements of students and community volunteers and leaders from across Lancashire as part of an annual celebration event. As a University we want to take time every year to thank volunteers for the skills, commitment and thousands of volunteer hours given."