14 Jul 2025
Maria has been volunteering for Hamelin for almost two-and-a-half years on our Links befriending programme.
Maria currently runs a social group for some participants and meets with them weekly to take part in activities in the local area, such as picnics, bowling and games. Maria manages the group herself and arranges the weekly meet ups. Her support has enabled participants to gain confidence and interact with other people in the group.
During the meetings Maria gets fully involved with the group, helping them to gain confidence and socialise in a supportive environment.
Her nomination reads: “Maria is always willing to help wherever she can and has previously participated in many other befriending events and activities.
She provides support with things such as meditation classes and many group social events where she chats with everyone and makes people we support feel relaxed and comfortable. She has even taken part in a carnival parade with participants!
She has also supported people with travel training, so they get used to travelling by train and bus, helping them to become more independent.
Maria is very reliable and really demonstrates our value of ‘we are community’ by being inclusive and open to everyone and understanding the needs of different people we support.”
Maria said: “It was a lovely surprise and I’m really pleased to win the award in recognition of my volunteering. I love helping people so to be rewarded for it too is even better! It’s much appreciated, thank you.”