DOWNLOAD >> You can read about all the charity award winners by downloading the brochure for the event here
On Sunday 11 January, the Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN) hosted its annual awards ceremony, A Lifetime of Volunteering – JVN Awards 2025, at The Grove Hotel, bringing together 350 guests to celebrate the extraordinary contribution of volunteers across the UK Jewish community.
The event also marked the official launch of the JVN Living Volunteer Archive - an evolving, multimedia installation designed to honour and preserve the stories of volunteers for generations to come. The Archive debuted with a special focus on lifetime achievers, whose volunteering journeys were exhibited through video and print.
JVN was honoured to welcome a number of distinguished guests, including His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CSTJ, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Rabbi Josh Levy, Co-Lead of Progressive Judaism, and Dame Maureen Lipman.
JVN also premiered their latest film by director, David Coleman
This year, JVN honoured 91 winners across four award categories:
- Volunteer of the Year
- Volunteer Team of the Year
- Young Adult Volunteer of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
An independent judging panel also selected Outstanding Achievers in three categories. The Outstanding Award recipients were:
- Outstanding Volunteer of the Year: Helen Stone, New Citizens' Gateway
- Outstanding Volunteer Team of the Year: Volunteers from Manchester Jewish Museum, and Israel Tour Madrichim 2025 from UJIA
- Outstanding Young Adult Volunteer of the Year: Natasha Lush, Kisharon Langdon
A total of 28 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients were recognised this year, with their volunteering stories forming the heart of the Living Volunteer Archive exhibition.
The ceremony also paid special tribute to JVN’s Life President, Ros Preston OBE, who celebrated her 90th birthday recently and was honoured for a lifetime of service to the community.
Speakers on the day included JVN Chair Clive Nathan, JVN President and owner of The Grove Hotel Daniel Levy, and JVN Chief Executive Nicky Goldman.
Reflecting on the day, Nicky Goldman said:
“What a special day it was yesterday, celebrating volunteers across our community. The atmosphere in the room was wholehearted and supportive, cheering those who give so much to others.
The particular focus this year on lifetime achievers, starting with the brand-new Living Archive Exhibit of their volunteering stories, was inspiring. We were especially delighted to celebrate JVN’s Life President, Ros Preston OBE, for her lifetime of volunteering and her 90th birthday.
Thank you to all those who volunteer. You make a difference in the world.”
Clive Nathan, JVN Chair said “The event was truly inspiring. We came together to honour the unsung heroes who give their time and energy just because they want to and they can. Not because they seek recognition The Jewish Volunteering Network plays a vital role in connecting willing hands with meaningful opportunities, and I’m proud to play a part in making volunteering accessible and impactful. The JVN team delivered the best awards yet! That is what everyone told me afterwards!”
During the evening, The Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, said “Thank you so much to JVN for everything that you are doing to inspire our community to go to even greater heights and levels of exceptional giving. And thank you so much to every single one of you here for the manner in which you are giving out of the goodness of your hearts. I'm so very proud of the achievements of our community.
Not just for being exceptional to win your awards today, but for what you do throughout the entire year, paving the way as outstanding role models within the Jewish people, so that we will always be a nation defined not by what we've got, but rather by what we give. Thank you very much.”
Rabbi Josh Levy, Co-Lead of Progressive Judaism said “Volunteering sits at the heart of our communal life and is one of the most meaningful ways our shared Jewish values are lived out in practice. Through JVN that commitment is made possible, connecting Jewish volunteers not only to Jewish charities, but to the wider voluntary sector as well.
JVN enables charities to draw on the skills and generosity of our community, including many organisations across the wider sector that are led or founded by Jews. In doing so, it reflects the depth of the Jewish contribution to caring for the world beyond our own community”
The JVN Awards continue to shine a light on the vital role volunteers play in strengthening charities, supporting communities and inspiring others to get involved.
The outstanding winners:
Wohl Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award was Helen Stone, volunteer at New Citizen’s GatewayFarida Stanikzai, Head of Community Engagement at New Citizen’s Gateway said: ‘Helen Stone has been an extraordinary volunteer at New Citizens’ Gateway for over 15 years. She goes far beyond teaching English, inspiring, supporting, and empowering refugees, especially women. JVN’s recognition of her work is a testament to her dedication, compassion, and the lasting impact she has on our community.’
Outstanding Volunteer Team of the Year Award:
Israel Tour Madrichim 2025 from UJIAAdam Waters, Director of Experiencing Israel said: “This summer Israel Tour madrichim from across all the Youth Movements showed what true Jewish leadership looks like – resilience under pressure, care for others, and an unwavering commitment to Israel and young people. UJIA is incredibly proud that their dedication and impact have been recognised through this award.”
Manchester Jewish Museum Volunteers:Sue Shave said “As the new Interim CEO of Manchester Jewish Museum, I am immensely proud that our volunteers have won the Volunteering Team of the Year 2025 Award at the Jewish Volunteering Network Awards Ceremony on Sunday 11 January. This is a very well deserved recognition of the work of our volunteers in providing an outstanding visitor experience for all our visitors, as well as supporting every aspect of the operation of the Museum. Our staff and volunteers are a fantastic team and we are delighted that the essential role of our volunteers has been recognised by JVN in this way "
Edwards Family Foundation Outstanding Young Adult Volunteer of the Year Award was Natasha Lush, volunteer at Kisharon Langdon.Michelle Janes, CEO of Kisharon Langdon said “Thank you to you and the team for making the whole experience for Natasha a really positive one. Aside from the wonderful demonstration of her achievement in winning the outstanding volunteer in the category, your approach to supporting her inclusion in the event and considering her needs in advance was really special, thank you!”
The JVN Awards continue to shine a light on the vital role volunteers play in strengthening charities, supporting communities and inspiring others to get involved.
DOWNLOAD >> You can read about all the charity award winners by downloading the brochure for the event here
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Album 1 Photos by Emma Ziff Photography
Album 2: Photos by Godfrey Dyan
Album 3: Photos by Stan Kaye
