Meet the Finalists
The Impact Awards celebrate the incredible work of charities in the Access Group community.
The Volunteer Champion of the Year Award winner will be chosen by you, and announced live at Access Donorfest.
Every vote counts - so support your favourite today! The fantastic finalists are ...
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Access Assemble
Sam Squire / Rainbows Hospice
In just two years, Sam Squire, Head of Volunteering, has completely transformed volunteering at Rainbows, reimagining how volunteers are recruited, supported and integrated into hospice care.
From moving volunteering into a fully digital system using Access Assemble, to designing new volunteer-led services and bringing volunteers back into the Care Team, Sam has built a culture where volunteers feel valued, listened to and proud to belong, and where their time directly translates into better experiences for children and families.
"Rainbows is the most amazing place to volunteer. It’s like being in a big family full of love and kindness."
Helped welcome 157+ new volunteers in the past year, with Rainbows on track for its highest-ever volunteer numbers, despite national declines 📈
Reintroduced volunteers into hospice care and launched new roles including telephone outreach, volunteer counsellors and memory makers, reducing waiting times and expanding family support 🧡
Achieved exceptional volunteer satisfaction: 98% feel appreciated, 98% enjoy volunteering, 100% feel proud, and 91% say Rainbows is committed to being a great place to volunteer ⭐
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Donorfy
MASH Volunteering Team
MASH’s volunteer programme puts care, safety and belonging at its centre, supporting over 90 volunteers who work alongside women experiencing homelessness and/or sex work.
Through consistent supervision, strong communication, wellbeing support and meaningful recognition, the team - Volunteer Coordinator Solomon in particular - has created an environment where volunteers feel seen, valued and empowered, often going on to build careers in the charity sector.
"From the first day, I felt seen, valued, and understood… Volunteering with MASH rebuilt my confidence and reconnected me with what I love most: helping others."
Support a volunteer team of 90+ people, with regular 1:1 supervision, briefings, debriefs and ongoing training including inclusion, drug & alcohol awareness and first aid 🤝
Foster strong connection through monthly newsletters, daily WhatsApp updates, socials, certificates, hotel breaks and an annual Winter Away Day 🎉
Seen volunteers grow in confidence, move into sector roles, and even join MASH staff, with 10+ current staff members being former volunteers 🌱
Donorfy
Yildiz Farfour
Yildiz Farfour is shaping the next generation of humanitarian surgeons, turning student passion into coordinated, life-saving impact.
As National Lead of Friends of the David Nott Foundation, Yildiz supports student-led societies across the UK, creating inclusive communities, mentoring emerging leaders and inspiring volunteers through his own remarkable journey from child refugee to medical student.
“Yildiz makes you feel like your work matters – because it does.”
Built a thriving national student network of 150+ volunteers, with a culture of collaboration, learning and shared humanitarian purpose 🌍
Organised and led the 2025 FDNF National Conference, bringing together students, surgeons and speakers to inspire action and skills-sharing 🩺
Helped universities launch new societies, increased national engagement, and created a welcoming culture where volunteers feel supported, valued and motivated to lead 💙
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