SERC Students Recognised with Volunteer Now Impact Awards

In June, several first year Level 3 BTEC Uniformed Protective Services students from the Bangor campus had their volunteering achievements recognised during Volunteers Week 2023.

The students have successfully completed voluntary tasks with a range of organisations throughout their time at SERC; and were recognised with Volunteer Now Impact Awards which aim to support, encourage, and reward individuals for their standout volunteering contributions. These nationally recognised achievements will be an asset to the students in pursuing employment in the Uniformed Protective Services industry. 

Volunteering certificates were earned by the following students: 10-hour certificate, Charlotte Houillebecq; 20-hour certificate, Dylan McLaughlin and Jack Lyttle; 30-hour certificate, Julia Kutyla, Rachel Dunne, Ellie Mayne and Grace Mercer; 40-hour certificate, Daniel Gaw and Orla Dempster; 50-hour certificate, Jacob O’Neill and Kobi Galbraith.

Success was also recognised for achievement throughout the course programme, with the Royal Navy Shield awarded to Dylan McLaughlin and the RAF Cup awarded to Rachel Dunne.

Irwin Pryce, Lecturer in Public Services says, “During the year, the class have volunteered at several events, including the Balmoral Show to support Cancer Focus, which involved providing information to the public, supervising a fundraising activity, and carrying out bucket collections.

“The students also completed a litter pick in Castle Park Bangor, organised a food bank collection in December, and volunteered as stewards at the Belfast City Marathon for Cancer Focus NI and Air Ambulance NI. Several students have also gained extra experience by volunteering in local charity shops, whilst others have given up their time to coach children in sports.

“Having recently returned from an overnight expedition in Tollymore Forest Park, the students have been able to use hours accrued from volunteering towards completing the volunteering requirement of their Duke of Edinburgh Awards. From the eleven students in the class, six have completed their Bronze Award, two have completed their Silver Award and one has completed their Gold Award.”

Congratulations to all the students on their volunteering efforts.

Visit www.serc.ac.uk to unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC.

Photo Caption: (Front row L-R) Level 3 BTEC Uniformed Protective Services students Jacob O’Neill, Rachel Dunne (with RAF Cup), Orla Dempster, Ellie Mayne, (back row L-R) Jack Lyttle, Kobe Galbraith, Daniel Gaw and Dylan McLaughlin (with Royal Navy Shield).