Graham Carpenter

An “exceptionally generous and humble” volunteer whose dedication supports two vital Reading charities has been nominated for the Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by AB Walker.

Graham Carpenter has been recognised for the remarkable amount of time, expertise and compassion he gives to both Citizens Advice Reading, and ReadiFood, helping strengthen services that support some of the town’s most vulnerable residents.

At Citizens Advice Reading, Graham volunteers every week as a supervisor, supporting administrative staff, advisers and caseworkers “to ensure local people receive high-quality advice and support,” the nominator said.

He regularly gives additional time to keep his knowledge up to date and is always willing to provide extra cover when another supervisor is unavailable. “His IT expertise has also proved invaluable in supporting the charity’s technology systems!” they added.

At ReadiFood, Graham volunteers for a day and a half each week, handling referrals, processing food parcel deliveries and helping manage IT systems. The nomination highlighted Graham’s judgement is so trusted “that colleagues frequently seek his advice and rely on his input when making decisions.”

“Across both organisations, Graham is calm, compassionate, dependable and utterly unflappable,” said the nominator. “He quietly gives a remarkable amount of his time and expertise to help others, without ever seeking recognition.”

“Graham truly embodies the spirit of community service,” the nominator added, “and is richly deserving of a Pride of Reading Award.”