Anne, Duchess of Norfolk Volunteer of the Year Award

We know that volunteers are invaluable to hospices across the UK.

The Anne, Duchess of Norfolk Volunteer of the Year Award recognises this very special contribution to hospice care that is made each year by dedicated individuals.

We would like hear from you if you have a volunteer at your hospice whose working practices have enhanced your organisation, inspired others with their values and commitment or has delivered quantifiable benefits to hospice care.

Hospice volunteers are nominated to celebrate the impact of their role at our National Conference. 

The Award is named in honour of Anne, Duchess of Norfolk, founder and former co-chair of Hospice UK (then called Help the Hospices), who died in 2013.

Read our submission criteria and general guidance:

• Why is this person being nominated?
• How many years have they been volunteering? 
• What is the impact of their commitment locally, nationally and internationally – where this is relevant.

This award incorporates volunteers of all ages.

The winners have been announced at our National Conference in Glasgow.

By translating written information in Punjabi and Urdu, visiting local places of worship, and supporting community open day events, his contribution has had a lasting impact on reducing inequity of access to care. 

The panel added, “Harbhajan is a fantastic example of how hospices can work differently with volunteers, and ensure that volunteers can contribute to hospice care in the most innovative and meaningful ways.”

Pictured above, left to right from Compton Care are: Karen Evans, Business and Partnership Development Manager, Ros Keeton, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Harbhajan Singh Surj, Winner of the Anne, Duchess of Norfolk Volunteer of the Year Award 2024, and Rachel Overfield, CEO.

By describing the catastrophic effect of losing her mum as a teenager and its impact on her academic career and her personal life, Jess has been able to offer advice to other bereaved young people, acting as a role model and helping them to connect and support each other. 

As Young People’s Ambassador for the hospice Jess has taken opportunities to speak to the Mayor of Bath about her work, and the Daily Mail about her experience of childhood bereavement and her role.

The Awards Panel, who were unanimous in their selection, commented: “We are thrilled and moved to recognise Jess’s achievement on becoming a Young Ambassador. Thank you, Jess, for your dedication and hard work.”

Judges added, “the financial contribution of raising over £1.1 million is a huge achievement, but we were equally struck by how much time and energy she has poured into caring for her community through the hospice. We’re delighted to choose Mary Bolshaw for this award”.