Every year around 300 students sign up to Kingston University's Stand Out volunteering scheme, lending a hand at the borough's schools, charities and community organisations.
They also have the chance to launch their own projects. This year that work has included befriending adults with learning difficulties and building bird boxes to improve wildlife diversity.
At the ceremony, at The Space in Penrhyn Road on June 4, certificates were handed out and awards given to students nominated by the community. These included school volunteer of the year Gabi Field, who provides classroom support to disabled pupils at Bedelsford School.
Nicola Archer was commended for giving time to six projects in her first Gopalan and Rhiannon Lewis, were commended for their work at King Athelstan Primary School and Tolworth Junior School.
The third Gold Award winner, Sarah Taylor, was recognised for her work with Girl Guiding. She has helped with 1st Long Ditton Rainbows throughout her time at Kingston, running activities and camps.
Claire Harrison's young mentee came along to speak about why she should receive an award for working with the Big Buddy Scheme, which supports young people in the borough with additional needs.
Three students were selected to receive a nationally-recognised Student Volunteering England Gold Award. Two winners, Jayanthi.
