WEDNESDAY, 4 JUNE, 2025

Photographs attached: 1 – Head of Patient Safety, Clinical Governance and Risk, Strategic Lead for Volunteering Tracey Passway and Alex Mudie, 2 – Ayesha Arshad, 3 – Georgia Berry, 4 – Jack MacGregor, 5 - Nicoleta Simion

Young people recognised for volunteering with NHS Tayside

As part of Volunteers’ Week and Power of Youth Day 2025, a number of NHS Tayside volunteers have been presented with a national award to celebrate the commitment and contribution of young people in volunteering.

The Saltire Award is open to volunteers aged between 16 and 25 who can sign up to record their hours and learning gained through volunteering placements and claim certificates for key milestones.

Alex Mudie volunteers on ward 18 in Ninewells and has racked up a staggering 200 volunteering hours. On this incredible achievement, he said, “I joined the volunteering team to help other people and make good use of my free time. What I enjoy most about my time in the ward is meeting a variety of people and hearing their experiences. I look forward to my volunteering shift and feel very much part of the team.”

Following Alex receiving his award, Tracey Passway, Head of Patient Safety, Clinical Governance and Risk, Strategic Lead for Volunteering in NHS Tayside, said, “Alex has shown particular dedication and commitment in volunteering for 200 hours over the last three years on ward 18 at Ninewells.

“This is a remarkable achievement and it is so wonderful that he is an integral part of the team.”

Saltire Award certificates were presented to 22 volunteers across Tayside:

200 hours

Alex Mudie, ward 18, Ninewells

100 Hours

Sara Oussaiden, Dudhope Young Peoples Unit

50 Hours

Ayesha Arshad, ward 19, Ninewells

Georgia Berry, ward 16, Ninewells

Euan Burns, ward 7, Perth Royal Infirmary

Amy Wilson, ward 1, Perth Royal Infirmary

25 Hours

Haaris Afzal, ward 16, Ninewells

Lydia Escott, ward 3, Perth Royal Infirmary

Aima Hussain, ward 26, Ninewells

Khadijah Iman, ward 33, Ninewells

Jack MacGregor, Renal Dialysis Unit

Julia Nogowska, ward 26, Ninewells

Peace Onyeama, ward 18, Ninewells

Ailsa Robertson, ward 17, Ninewells

Methuli Sellahewa, ward 1, Perth Royal Infirmary

Nicolea Simion, ward 33, Ninewells

Kalindhu Wellakka, ward 18, Ninewells

Leon Yu, ward 1, Ninewells

10 hours

Marjiroghene Akene, ward 17, Ninewells

Keira Bartlett, ward 3, Perth Royal Infirmary

Lina Chi, ward 16, Ninewells

Benita Eze, ward 19, Ninewells

Ninewells ward 19 volunteer Ayesha Arshad said, “Every moment spent volunteering for NHS Tayside reminds me that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on someone’s life. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.”

Jack MacGregor volunteers with the Renal Dialysis team. He said, “The Saltire Award is a good thing to receive. It is nice for my commitment to volunteer to be recognised. I really enjoy volunteering.”

Nicoleta Simion, who volunteers on ward 33 at Ninewells, said, “Receiving the Saltire Award means a lot to me. I was really nervous about volunteering but this proves I can do it. It is nice for my volunteering to be recognised.”

Georgia Berry volunteers on ward 16 at Ninewells. She said, “It is nice to see the recognition in the award. I would recommend volunteering to everyone.”

Voluntary services manager Val Ewan said, “I am grateful for all of our volunteers and on Power of Youth Day I would particularly like to thank our young volunteers for giving up their time for us. They’re a great group of people who want to make a difference and their commitment to volunteering is fantastic.

“At this time of year many of them finish volunteering with us as they are moving away to study at university. I wish each of them well and thank them for their contributions. For those who remain with us, we look forward to seeing them collect their next Saltire Awards soon.”

Contact:

Cara Longmuir

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740720