Tuesday 18-04-2017 - 10:57

The amazingly committed Durham Nightline volunteers were at the Nightline Association’s Spring Conference this month, and at the annual Awards Dinner they were presented with an award: ‘Most Supportive University/Students’ Union’.

This award is testament to the hard work done by our staff team to support Durham Nightline’s transition from the University (Durham Student Organisation (DSO) framework) to the Students’ Union. It is also testament to the excellent partnership formed by Durham Nightline and the Students’ Union over the last year. We are committed to doing all we can to support this vital student-run service thrive in the coming years.

We are extremely proud of this award and the fact that our own Nightline nominated us makes it all the more special! We were shortlisted alongside Aberystwyth, Sheffield and Warwick – so we beat some pretty strong competition.

The last year has been difficult for Durham Nightline – with policy and philosophical differences making life under the University framework rather challenging. Rosa, Hannah and the volunteer team dealt with these issues in an extremely diplomatic way and we supported them throughout a long period of negotiation. In October 2016 we put forward an alternative support framework for Durham Nightline, which received unanimous support from the volunteers. The physical move then happened in January 2017.

Rosa Tallack, ex Nightline Director, commented: “We’re really happy to now be part of the Students’ Union. As a student-run organisation, the fit with the Union is ideal. They have welcomed us into their home and since we moved they have found office space; agreed a funding package; provided staff contacts within the Union; supported the volunteers with website development; and solved various teething problems. They have also helped establish a Nightline Steering Group, which will provide policy and governance support, whilst enabling our volunteers to uphold autonomy of the day-to-day running of the service.”

The Nightline volunteers have adapted really well to their new surroundings and we know they are enjoying the freedom and support provided by the Students’ Union.

All Durham Nightline volunteers should be very proud of themselves, but a special mention must go to Rosa Tallack (Ex Director), Hannah Arnold (Treasurer) and the other Exec members. Indeed, Rosa was shortlisted for ‘Volunteer of the Year’ and Durham Nightline was also shortlisted for ‘Best Volunteer Welfare’.