A VOLUNTEER described as “an absolute godsend” has won an award for his efforts.

Ricardo Reveron Blanco has been named Community Volunteer of the Year at the 2019 Sussex Student Awards, hosted by the University of Sussex Students’ Union.

To boost his work, the Co-op in Bramber House, Falmer, has made a donation of £500 to the charity he volunteers at, Chomp at Fabrica.

Fabrica in Duke Street is a contemporary art gallery.

Chomp holds artist-led workshops for families in need, building confidence and collaborative skills through creativity along with a nutritious and varied lunch.

A delighted Ricardo said: “I am truly grateful to receive this award, as it acknowledges all the valuable work that has gone into my volunteering at Fabrica, Brighton’s Centre for Contemporary Art.

“I am proud to have helped an organisation with their community engagement projects such as Chomp.

“This award gives credence to the hard work that goes into everything that Fabrica does and should be recognised for all the extraordinary work it does for the community.”

A panel of Students’ Union staff chose Ricardo as the winner.

The nomination from the charity showed he had made a huge impact not just within the organisation but also for residents of Brighton and Hove.

This ranges from his work with children and families through the Chomp project to running dementia friendly workshops in senior housing.

The nomination described him as “an absolute godsend to the project, as his light humour, kind spirit and flawless style has made him a popular figure among all our participants”.

Ricardo praised the Fabrica charity for giving him the opportunity to express himself.

He said: “Volunteering at Fabrica has helped me start my career in the arts and I am filled with joy to have met and continue to work alongside an outstanding group of people.

“My volunteer work has allowed me to understand my own capabilities and quickly further my professional skills.

“It has made me the confident front-of-house co-ordinator that I am now at Fabrica.”

Fabrica has been running free Chomp activities since 2016, as part of a wider network across Brighton and Hove run by One Church Brighton.

The initiative started as a way to provide healthy, warm meals to families with primary school children who struggle to eat well during the school holidays.

Chomp at Fabrica is described as “a place where artists come to make new work”.

The organisation, based in a former Regency Church, encourages them to be adventurous.

Clare Hankinson, of Fabrica, said: “Our volunteer team is instrumental to the success of Chomp at Fabrica, supported by staff throughout.

“Student placement volunteers co-ordinate the delivery of Chomp at every stage, planning the menu and liaising with the team to make every session a success.

“Volunteers at the event support the workshop led by artist Helen Goodwin and give valuable one-to-one support to participants.

“Many of our families return every time and we have seen a great development in our repeat visitors as they learn and grow through the sessions.”