The v Awards

v is a national charity working to improve volunteering for 16-25 year olds across England. The v Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the time and effort you invest in volunteering.

They show to friends, colleges, universities (recognised by UCAS) and potential employers the positive difference and impact you have made through your volunteering along with the skills and experience you have gained from volunteering.

We regularly run awards ceremonies at which the Mayor of Merton personally presents Awards to volunteers.

Get a vThank you Certificate

The vThank You Certificate is available to volunteers aged 16-25 who have volunteered on a one-off basis for any number of hours within a day or 24 hours. The vThank You may also be awarded for exceptional voluntary work.

Get Accreditation of 50 hours Voluntary Work

The v50 Award is for volunteers aged 16-25 who complete 50 hours of volunteering in any twelve-month period or less. The 50 hours includes travel, meetings and training done as part of your voluntary work. If you volunteer for more than one organisation, the hours done in all the organisations count.

Get a vimpact Award

The vimpact Award is available to volunteers aged 16-25 who have already completed the v50 Award and have gone on to achieve 100 hours of volunteering in a year.

It’s all about making an impact. Making a difference. Changing the world. And changing yourself for the better.

The vinvolved Time Count

You’ll be given a v Awards booklet to record your volunteering time. Make sure you include time you spend preparing, planning, training, travelling to or attending meetings – it’s all vinvolved activity. Remember to get it signed by the responsible person where you are volunteering. To support your volunteering, collect some evidence of your work e.g. leaflets, email printouts, photos, copies of work.

And let us know once you have done 50 hours for a v50 Award or 100 hours for the vimpact Award. Likewise if you have attended a one-off volunteering session or event for a vThank You certificate.

We’re always here to give you advice and support in completing your v time and we want to hear how your voluntary work is going.