North Hertfordshire College is pleased to share that Autumn Barker, one of our Health & Social Care alumni, was named a finalist in the 2025 Good for Me Good for FE awards. The awards celebrate the amazing work of student and staff volunteers across the further education sector, from vocational colleges to sixth forms, and recognise the positive contributions these individuals make to their community.
Autumn’s nomination for Student Volunteer of the Year came fresh off the back of her recent win in NHC’s Student Showcase Awards, where her tutors commended her dedication to her studies, volunteering work, and supporting her peers. In just one year at NHC, Autumn had clocked up a phenomenal 100+ volunteering hours through her work with the Lister Hospital as part of the Carers Experience Team and her participation in the 5km Rainbow Run for the East & North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity.
Whilst volunteering with the Carers Experience Team, Autumn received exceptional feedback for her professionalism, compassion, and ability to build meaningful connections with service users and colleagues. Her mentor described her as a “true inspiration” for the empathy, maturity, and practical abilities she brings to her work.
It was this determination to go above and beyond, her clear passion for the NHS and caring, and her resilience that led the NHC team to nominate Autumn for the Student Volunteer of the Year award – and we’re delighted by the result!
Autumn was one of only three finalists in her category for this national award, which is an amazing achievement. She was invited to the House of Lords for a glitzy ceremony which honoured all the students in the audience and demonstrated the brilliant work young people and FE staff across the country are doing.
Nina Clutton, Head of Health & Social Care and Education & Early Years at NHC, commented: “I’m so proud that Autumn was a finalist in this award. She’s been an absolute credit to the course and demonstrates the NHS’s 6 Cs of care so well.
“She’s now working with the Lister Hospital as a result of her volunteering work, and to have been recognised on a national stage for her positivity and excellence is just brilliant.”
We’re so proud of everything Autumn has achieved during her time at North Hertfordshire College and are delighted that her work has now been celebrated on a national stage. We can’t wait to see what she achieves next!
Could you follow in Autumn’s footsteps? Check out North Hertfordshire College’s Health & Social Care pathways and start the journey to the best you. Ever.