Student volunteers and peer supporters recognised at annual awards
08 May 2025
This week we celebrated the outstanding contributions of our student volunteers and Peer Support community in two inspiring award ceremonies held at Whitworth Hall on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 May.
The Volunteer of the Year Awards and Peer Support Awards highlighted the passion, commitment and creativity of students who give their time to support their peers, communities, and causes close to their hearts.
From mentoring first-year students to leading sustainability and health initiatives, these students are making a real difference within and beyond our University community.
Peer Support Awards
This year’s Peer Support Awards celebrated the work of Peer Mentors, PASS Leaders, and Student and Staff Coordinators, who help first-year students settle into University life. The event’s keynote was delivered by Dr Martin Simmons, Senior Lecturer and PASS Academic Coordinator in the School of Engineering, who shared reflections from his experience supporting Peer Support.
With over 1,700 student volunteers involved in Peer Support, the programme continues to be a vital part of the student experience, offering community, guidance, and continuity.
For more information, contact Gabriele Wegner at gabriele.wegner@manchester.ac.uk.
Volunteer of the Year Awards
A joint initiative between the University and Students’ Union, this year’s Volunteer of the Year Awards brought together staff, students and community partners. Awards were presented by Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor.
Students in the Community: Lily Turnbull
Lily Turnbull, a Zoology student in the School of Biological Sciences, has truly made her mark as a volunteer by advocating for tackling the stigma and misinformation surrounding menstruation. Since joining Once a Month (OaM) in 2023, Lily has become the Events and Social Media Manager. She launched the society’s newsletter, redesigned its website, and organised OaM’s first external event, raising over £300 and securing £1,000+ worth of sanitary products. Lily’s work focuses on destigmatising periods and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health education through events, outreach, and media, while improving volunteer engagement and supporting OaM’s mission of tackling period poverty. Lily also received the University Medal for Social Responsibility, part of the suite of established President’s Distinguished Achievement Awards.
Students Helping Students: Luman Zhou
Luman Zhou is an PhD Education student whose creation of the Global PhD Network in Education (GPEDU) represents a truly innovative and transformative platform that has made a profound impact on global academic collaboration. Through her leadership, she has organised 30+ events that have connected students from across the world, dedicated over 1,000 hours, and benefiting at least 5,000 PGR students and scholars across the globe. GPEDU addresses the specific challenges faced by PGR students worldwide—such as academic isolation, mental health struggles, and the need for collaborative opportunities. Unlike conventional student networks, Luman’s network bridges the gap between local and international students, fostering an inclusive and diverse environment.
Student Groups: Tree Musketeers
The Tree Musketeer’s Society are a group who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and created significant impact through their dedicated environmental conservation efforts. This student-led organisation consisting of six members has established strategic partnerships with key environmental stakeholders including Groundwork, RSPB, and Manchester City Council to deliver impactful conservation projects throughout Greater Manchester and beyond. Their innovative approach combines practical conservation with educational outreach, addressing both immediate environmental needs and long-term sustainability awareness.
More information on student volunteering
- To learn more about student volunteering, please visit our volunteers website.