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Make your nomination for the 2026 Volunteer of the Year and Peer Support Awards

13 Feb 2026

Celebrating the very best of Volunteering and Peer Support, the awards are open to any undergraduate or postgraduate currently studying at our University and give us the opportunity to recognise those who epitomise what it means to make a difference.

Volunteer of the Year Awards

Our University is full of amazing students who, alongside their studies, give their time to a range of great causes. Now is your chance to recognise their efforts by nominating them.

Anyone can make a nomination – staff, students, family, friends, even self nominations are allowed!

Volunteer of the Year Awards 2026

Last year’s Volunteer of the Year winners included the Tree Musketeers, who have created significant impact through their dedicated research-based environmental conservation efforts, taking on major projects across Manchester, from restoring rivers and planting moss in the Peak District to managing urban woodlands in Didsbury. They have established strategic partnerships with key stakeholders including Groundwork, RSPB and Manchester City Council to deliver impactful conservation projects combining scientific know-how with hands-on fieldwork and sustainable planning, throughout Greater Manchester and beyond.

This year’s VOYA awards will include three categories:

  • Student of the Year (undertaking volunteering that benefits the wider community)
  • Student of the Year (undertaking volunteering that benefits other students)
  • Student Group of the Year

Make your nomination 

  • Volunteer of the Year award nominations are open until Monday 2 March 2026 (10am)
  • The awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday 5 May 2026
  • Make your nomination here.

Peer Support Awards

Peer Support is a vital part of the student experience at The University of Manchester, helping first-year students transition to university life through guidance from student volunteers in higher years on the same course. There are over 1500 Peer Support Volunteers from across the University comprising of PASS Leaders, Peer Mentors, Student and Staff Coordinators.

Every year the Peer Support team host their Peer Support Awards to celebrate the contribution of these volunteers and recognise their outstanding achievements in supporting first year students.