A Commitment to Kindness: Student Honoured for Charity Volunteering

ACS Hillingdon student Daniel, Class of 2028, has been named Adopt a Grandparent’s Volunteer of the Year, recognising more than three and a half years of volunteering with the charity and his commitment to building meaningful connections with older people.

Daniel’s commitment is a great example of what it means to be a Caring Contributor, one of ACS Hillingdon’s core learning results, putting empathy and action into practice beyond the classroom. Daniel joined the charity Adopt a Grandparent in January 2023, aged just 13, as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. What began as a volunteering placement has developed into a long-term commitment. More than three and a half years later, Daniel continues to volunteer with the charity and is now its longest-standing active volunteer.

Adopt a Grandparent recognised Daniel for the patience, reliability and genuine interest he has shown in building friendships across generations. He has also taken on an ambassadorial role for the charity, representing its work in the media, including on the BBC.

Daniel’s experience with Adopt a Grandparent

Daniel reflects on his time with Adopt a grandparent:

“As a volunteer, I’ve regularly connected with care home residents over the years to build meaningful relationships, offer companionship and help reduce loneliness within the elderly community. Through the programme, I’ve formed a special connection with my adopted grandparent, Linda, who lives in the Midlands. Our conversations have allowed me to learn so much about her life, from her love of football to her experiences working as a nurse and have shown me how powerful something as simple as a weekly phone call can be. I’m also an Ambassador for the charity, having represented Adopt a Grandparent in the media, including on the BBC, to help raise awareness of its work and mission.”

More than a volunteering commitment

Sadie Lovell, Head of Upper School at ACS Hillingdon speaks on Daniel’s achievement saying, “What stands out to me about Daniel’s involvement with Adopt a Grandparent is the genuine commitment he has shown over time. This isn’t simply about volunteering or fulfilling a service requirement; it’s about building a meaningful relationship with another person and recognising the difference that small, consistent acts of kindness can make.

Through his friendship with Linda, Daniel has demonstrated empathy, maturity and a genuine curiosity about the lives and experiences of others. His willingness to take on an ambassadorial role also speaks to his initiative and desire to make a difference beyond his own involvement.”

Developing Caring Contributors at ACS Hillingdon

At ACS Hillingdon, experiential and service learning helps students develop into Caring Contributors for our immediate community and the wider world. This can be achieved through a number of programmes offered at ACS Hillingdon, including the Duke of Edinburgh programme, which gives students the opportunity to volunteer as part of their award.

Daniel’s experience demonstrates how a volunteering opportunity can become something much more meaningful when students are encouraged to follow their interests, build relationships and contribute consistently to the wider community. His commitment has continued well beyond the requirements of his DofE Bronze and Silver Award, developing into a lasting relationship with Adopt a Grandparent and a leadership role as one of the charity’s Ambassadors.

At ACS Hillingdon, we want our students to aim high academically, but equally importantly, to grow into thoughtful, compassionate individuals who actively contribute to the world around them. Daniel is a wonderful example of this, and he should be very proud of the difference he’s making.