This week, the University proudly celebrated the incredible contributions of our student volunteers and Peer Support community at two vibrant ceremonies held in the Whitworth Hall on Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th May. 

The 2025 Volunteer of the Year Awards and Peer Support Awards were a celebration of commitment, innovation and empathy—values that run deep across the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. Whether guiding first-year students through their early weeks at university or tackling critical public health and sustainability challenges, FBMH students are leaving a meaningful mark on campus and beyond.

This year’s Peer Support Awards shone a spotlight on the tireless work of Peer Mentors, PASS Leaders, and Student Coordinators—many from the School of Biological Sciences, School of Health Sciences and School of Medical Sciences—who dedicate their time to easing the transition into university life for new students.

With more than 1,700 student volunteers involved across the University, Peer Support in FBMH plays a crucial role in building academic confidence, mental wellbeing and community for our first years.

The keynote speaker, Dr Martin Simmons, Senior Lecturer and PASS Academic Coordinator in the School of Engineering, praised the resilience and leadership of Peer Supporters, noting their impact on shaping a more inclusive learning environment.

Celebrating Impact: Volunteer of the Year Awards
The annual Volunteer of the Year Awards—a joint celebration by the University and Students’ Union—shone a spotlight on students making a real difference on campus and in communities. Among this year’s inspiring winners was Lily Turnbull, a standout representative from the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.

Lily Turnbull: Tackling Period Poverty Head-On
Lily, a Zoology student, has gone above and beyond in her volunteer work with Once a Month (OaM), a student group committed to breaking down stigma around menstruation and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health education. Since joining in 2023, Lily has transformed OaM’s outreach—launching a newsletter, revamping the website, and organising the group’s first external event, which raised over £300 and secured more than £1,000 in donated sanitary products.

As Events and Social Media Manager, Lily has been instrumental in growing OaM’s visibility and impact, empowering volunteers and educating the wider student body. Her dedication earned her not only the Volunteer of the Year Award in the Students in the Community category but also the prestigious University Medal for Social Responsibility, watch Lily’s film.

Shoutout to All Our Changemakers, other award winners included –

Students Supporting other students category

• 2^ndplace: Rhianna Patel, School of Biological Sciences

Student groups category

• Highly Commended: Dentists in Primary Schools
• Highly Commended: International Dentists in Primary Schools.

Students Supporting the Wider Community category

• Highly Commended: Jeremy Rumball, School of Medical Sciences

• Highly Commended: Nadin Hawwash, School of Medical Sciences
• Highly Commended: Ellis Critchley, School of Medical Sciences

• Commended: Denise Cheah Ching Yeah, School of Health Sciences

• Commended: Madeleine Follis, School of Medical Sciences

• Commended: Manoochehr Nazem, School of Medical Sciences

In addition Nick Pearson (School of Biological Sciences) also gave a wonderful keynote talk about his own experiences with volunteering and SR in action in curriculum at the event.

For more information on peer support, contact Gabriele Wegner at gabriele.wegner@manchester.ac.uk.

To learn more about student volunteering, please visit the volunteers website.

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