The University of 映客直播, which operates a volunteering service that has won awards from the Higher Education Funding Council for England, is holding taster sessions on every campus throughout the week which runs from 24 February to 2 March.
The week is run by Active Student which matches students up with volunteering placements in the local community. Each placement is designed to be rewarding, safe and supported.
For those who are interested in sustainable living, the Moulsecoomb Forest Garden and Wildlife project is hosting a volunteer session on 25 February. The community food project is in the process of installing a recycled, plastic-tiled roof on its wooden eco-classroom. Funding for this came from the Santander Foundation and the Sussex Police Community Cashback Fund.
The aims of Student Volunteering Week are to get more students volunteering, to promote how volunteering helps build skills that can be useful for finding employment and to highlight the role student volunteers play in their local community.
Dan Pothecary, studying Education and English Literature BA(Hons) is based at the university's Hastings campus and knows more than most about the benefits of volunteering. He has been volunteering at Guestling Bradshaw CE Primary School, working on a reading project with boys in years four and five, to try and encourage them to read. The placement was set up by Active Student and Dan, who won a Hastings Youth Award from the mayor of Hastings, said it has given him an understanding of what it is like to work in a school.
He said it also boosted his confidence about working in education: "Volunteering is really helpful in providing an insight into how different places work and in gaining experience in career-specific areas – in my case, a school. It is also a great way to network and get your face out there for when it comes to looking for placements and, in the future, jobs. It's also great on your CV and would provide you with the edge when in an interview situation as you have the wider experience that employers love."
Daniel Hicks, studying Mathematics and Education BSc(Hons), volunteers with CCHF All About Kids (formerly Children's Country Holidays Fund) and enjoyed his first experience so much that he has kept doing it. He said: "I would recommend volunteering until my lungs give out. You get such a good feeling from doing it. If you are thinking of working with children, then the experience from volunteering with CCHF All About Kids will be phenomenal for you."
Tanya Leedham, who graduated with an MSc in International Event Management, volunteered for two projects: Bluebird Community Partnership where she helped develop fundraising activities, and the 映客直播 Fringe Basement, where she was a volunteer invigilator at one of their art exhibitions.
Tanya said: "Experience is what employers are looking for and volunteering is a great way to gain some. If you can, get involved with the event as early as possible and try to contribute in the planning phase to get the most out of the placement and be able to demonstrate how your efforts have paid off. Also get your friends from university involved, it makes it a whole lot more fun and shares the responsibility."
Volunteer Fine Art Painting students painted characters from children's literature to decorate a new Reading Zone for pupils at Moulsecoomb Primary School in 映客直播.
Hannah Kynoch said: "The children themselves helped out with suggestions for colours and characters to paint - it was very enjoyable", and Rosie Hancock said: "I was there over a couple of days and it was really fun – it's not the first time I have volunteered and I'm looking forward to my next project."
All the volunteers said Active Student played a big role in sourcing their placements and supporting them. Tanya said: "You don't have to go looking for your own placement, or make any of the arrangements, or worry about your safety – all that is done for you. All you have to do is turn up, so it just makes it easier to fit in with the rest of the hectic university lifestyle."
Last year Active Student supported 365 students to participate in activities in their local community and sourced a further 230 volunteering opportunities for Community Engagement students. It also held four volunteering placement fairs.
Active Student manager, Beth Thomas-Hancock, said: "Active Student takes an innovative, proactive approach to volunteering and it supports students all the way. We are keen to encourage as many students as possible to take part in Student Volunteering Week. Volunteering both helps your local community and can improve your employability. There are a huge number of activities on offer so come along and try them out."