MONDAY, 23 MARCH 2026

Photographs attached: 1 – Leon Yu, 2 – Peace Onyeama, 3 – Avril Lai, 4 – Hawa Sadat, 5 – Zara Mason and 6 – Gabrielle Forbes

Young people recognised for over 300 hours of volunteering with NHS Tayside

Fourteen NHS Tayside volunteers have been presented with a national award which recognises 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.

Leon Yu volunteers on ward 18 in Ninewells and has racked up a staggering 100 volunteering hours. On this incredible achievement, he said, “I am really pleased to receive my 100 hours Saltire Award and was surprised I had reached this number of hours already. I look forward to my volunteering shift each week and enjoy spending time with the patients. It’s good to hear their stories. Volunteering has increased my confidence so much.”

Saltire Award certificates were presented to the following volunteers for their efforts in NHS Tayside:

100 hours

Leon Yu, Ward 18, Ninewells

50 Hours
Thaveesa Dayaratne, Ward 16, Ninewells
Avril Lai, Ward 26, Ninewells
Peace Onyeama, Ward 18, Ninewells

25 hours

Shindara Edalere, Ward 3, Ninewells

Toluwalashe Oladokun, Ward 16, Ninewells

10 Hours

Iqra Amin, Ward 4, Ninewells

Saif Jabbar, Ward 1, Ninewells

Eshall Raqshid, Ward 17, Ninewells

Aleksandra Topolewska, Ward 16, Ninewells

Marvel Ukuesam, Ward 3, Ninewells

Zara Mason, Roxburghe House

Gabrielle Forbes, Roxburghe House

Hawa Sadat, Stroke/Tay Wards, Perth Royal Infirmary

Avril Lai, who has now completed an incredible 50 hours of volunteering in ward 26 at Ninewells, said, “I felt a sense of accomplishment when I first received the email about the 50-hour Saltire Award, as well as surprised it had already been that long. The people I meet during my volunteering, and listening to their stories and lifestyles, are amazing. Volunteering has increased my confidence and my communication skills dramatically. It has made me realise how much I value human interaction and it is something I will prioritise in my future career.”

Zara Mason volunteers at Roxburghe House. She said, “I am thoroughly enjoying my time at Roxburghe House with my mentor Paula, who has been great.”

Fellow Roxburghe House volunteer, Gabrielle Forbes said, “I'm enjoying my volunteering. Everyone is friendly and welcoming.”

Hawa Sadat, who volunteers on the Stroke/Tay wards at Perth Royal Infirmary, said “Volunteering has helped me grow both personally and professionally. It has improved my communication skills, patience, and confidence when supporting patients through recovery.

“I have learned how small acts of kindness and reassurance can make a big difference to someone adjusting to life after an illness. This experience has strengthened my understanding of compassionate, person-centred care and continues to motivate me in my journey to becoming a nurse.”

Volunteer services manager Val Ewan added, “We are very fortunate these young people choose to give up their time and volunteer for NHS Tayside. Saltire Awards offer a great recognition of the contributions young people make to our organisation.

“Volunteers tell us the difference the opportunity makes to them in terms of increasing their confidence as well as providing an insight into what it is like to be in a clinical environment. Well done to them all and we look forward to recognising their next milestone award soon.”

Contact:

Cara Longmuir

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740720