Volunteer of the Year: Celebrating Victoria Mason

There are moments when someone receives an award and everyone who knows them simply nods and says, "Of course."

That was absolutely our reaction when Victoria Mason was named Volunteer of the Year at TSB's inaugural Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Awards.

We are absolutely thrilled for Victoria and couldn't think of a more deserving recipient of this recognition.

Behind every Own My Life course, every partnership, every conversation that helps a woman better understand her experiences and reclaim her future, there are women working tirelessly to make that possible. Victoria is one of those women. A true powerhouse, she has given her time, expertise, energy and unwavering commitment to helping women own their lives.

One of Victoria's most significant contributions has been her pioneering vision to see female police officers supported to own their lives. Thanks to her passion and determination, police forces across the England are now running Own My Life courses, resourcing officers and staff to build big and beautiful lives after they have been abused by a partner (who may also be a police officer). Those conversations are now extending even further, with discussions taking place about bringing Own My Life into the fire service and armed forces.

Victoria, MP Natalie Fleet, and Dr Nic Sharps-Jeffs

Victoria has also played a pivotal role in expanding Own My Life's reach in Northern Ireland. Her passion to see women there equipped to own their lives, with our reality-based method for making sense of what has been done to them led to an initial pilot with North Down and Ards Women's Aid. That early vision created the foundations for the wonderful work that followed, with the wonderful Victoria Gordon helping to grow and establish more Own My Life courses across the nation.

Much of Victoria's work happens quietly, behind the scenes. She builds relationships, creates opportunities, champions our mission and continually asks how more women can be reached. She cares so deeply for women and brings compassion, integrity and determination to everything she does; her impact has been felt by countless women whose lives have been changed through accessing Own My Life.

This award recognises exactly the kind of contribution that often goes unseen but makes all the difference. It celebrates the women who create opportunities for women to reclaim their lives and who work tirelessly to ensure support reaches those who need it most.

Victoria, we are all so utterly grateful for you. We are incredibly proud to have you as part of the Own My Life sisterhood, and we are delighted to see your extraordinary contribution recognised in this way.

Congratulations on being named Volunteer of the Year. This recognition is so richly deserved.

Finally, we would like to thank TSB Bank and everyone involved in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Awards for celebrating the remarkable women who are working every day to make the lives of women and children safer, stronger and better.

What an achievement. What a woman. What a moment. 🏆💚

Judges and winners of the 2026 VAWG awards!