Huge congratulations to Children and Young People Volunteer, Umar Naeem, who has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Calderdale Community Spirit Awards 2026.

The Awards are organised by the Community Foundation for Calderdale to celebrate the amazing efforts by local charitable organisations and volunteers. 

Umar was nominated by Volunteering Services Lead, Stevie Cheesman. Part of her nomination reads: “Umar’s journey into volunteering is rooted in his own story, one shaped by adversity, diversity, and long stretches of time spent within hospital walls. Rather than letting those experiences weigh him down, he has transformed them into empathy and purpose.

“As a Children and Young People Volunteer, Umar offers far more than toys and activities with his Trolley of Sunshine. He provides engagement that sparks imagination, verbal interaction that builds confidence, gentle encouragement that promotes mobility, and emotional support that strengthens recovery.

“He supports group play, seasonal celebrations, and festive events—from Ramadan and Easter to Halloween and Christmas—often dressing up and immersing himself fully to inspire children to join in.

“Beyond the hospital, Umar also volunteers with organisations supporting homeless youth. He is, in every sense, an expert by experience and a shining example of how one person’s kindness can transform the world around them.”

Here is just some of the feedback Umar has received:

• “This service is a credit to the ward and brings a sense of calm to children and parents at a very stressful time. Volunteer Umar was very friendly, engaging, and able to show empathy.”
• “After a few long days and nights in hospital and being unable to leave our room, it made such a difference having someone come to play games and let my daughter choose toys. She went from being upset and bored to finally smiling and laughing again… It made her stay so much less scary.”

We wish Umar all the best at the Awards in April.