A Victim Support volunteer has won a British Citizen Award for his outstanding services to volunteering.

Mohammed Saddique, who volunteers with our West Yorkshire team, has dedicated more than 40 years to supporting people affected by crime.

66-year-old Saddique started as a community volunteer for Victim Support in 1976, and gives emotional and practical support to people affected by a range of crimes, such as burglary or assault.

During his 40 years as a volunteer, he has helped more than 1,000 people in his local community, often going above and beyond in the support he provides, by accompanying people to court and acting as a translator.

Part of Saddique’s inspiration to start volunteering came during his time as a bus driver in Bradford. Many people told him they had experienced crime but few people from the Asian community spoke English at the time.

Saddique spends time raising awareness of Victim Support’s services within his local community and fundraising for the charity alongside his support role. In 2014, members of our West Yorkshire team took part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, with Saddique volunteering on the day and keeping everyone’s spirits up.

In addition to his volunteering at Victim Support, Saddique has supported the British Red Cross and Meals on Wheels, as well as being a school governor and teaching English, Arabic and Urdu, both from his home and at his local mosque.

Speaking about the award, Saddique said:

‘I am pleased and delighted, and this award is for all those victims I have had the opportunity to work with.

‘Those with nothing need most, but often get least, in any society. I will be happy to receive their call if they wish.’

Saddique was nominated for a BCA by his Volunteer Manager Emma Stafford, who said:

‘Despite illness and other difficulties over recent years, Saddique has always been dependable, cheerful and committed to Victim Support.

‘Saddique is a regular friendly visitor to the Victim Support Bradford office, and is well known amongst our staff. Saddique looks out for us all, and we are often lucky enough to receive the gift of his homemade food which is absolutely delicious!

‘Saddique has contributed enormously to the Bradford community during his many years of volunteering, which is why I feel he stands out as an award-winning volunteer and deserves this recognition.’

The British Citizen Awards (BCAs) recognise exceptional individuals who give their time to make a positive impact on their local community.

Saddique will join 28 other medallists at the BCA award ceremony at the Palace of Westminster on 26 January.

Every day Victim Support volunteers help people move beyond the impact of crime. If you feel inspired by Saddique’s story and would like to help us make a difference, find out more about volunteering today.