Now in its 21st year, Student Volunteering Week (SVW) is an annual celebration of the diverse range of volunteering opportunities available to students. Colleges, universities and students’ unions celebrate by taking part in events and activities during the week.

Student Volunteering Week also celebrates student volunteering as an opportunity to improve student wellbeing, develop employability skills and also champion the positive contributions students make to the wider community.

A study from NUS and the Guardian found that nearly a third of students volunteer alongside their studies and the benefits of volunteering for young people are well documented. Research carried out by the #iwill campaign shows young people who volunteer have stronger personal networks and higher life skills.

Student Volunteering – my experience by Ellie Clapham

I started volunteering with mum when I was 10. My first experience was dressed as a carrot handing out leaflets for the Home Grown Food Festival in Northallerton! I have helped at this event every year, and this year I am going to help with coordinating the other volunteers needed to help run things like this. I have also volunteered at festivals, helped set up and run community events, face painted, been a first aider, baked and sold cakes, visited older people and fundraised.

The benefits to me from volunteering have been many and varied. I have met new people and made new friends. I have given something back to my village, my school, my community, as well as having fun. I have been able to put my volunteering on my CV. I have real life examples of situations I can use at interview. A number of people have offered to be a reference for me. I think I am better able to communicate with others, work as part of a team, organise and manage my time better and make decisions.

I feel I am more confident and have been able to try out so many different things, volunteering is great!

How to get involved

Students and young people

You can volunteer from home and also from your place of study. Most schools, colleges and universities also run their own volunteering programmes, your student services team will be able to tell you more about the opportunities available.

Charities and volunteering groups

For many young people the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge to prepare them for working life is very important; in your advert make sure that you highlight any training and how volunteering with you will develop skills and knowledge. Make contact with your local colleges, sixth forms and universities to let them about your volunteering opportunities.

Places of study

The Student Volunteering Network has lots more information about Student Volunteers Week and guidance for places of study.

Further support and information

Search for volunteering roles on the NCVO (the National Council for Volunteering Organisation) website. There are links to multiple volunteering websites from organisations such as Vinspired, Step on Board and Volunteering Matters.

If you have any further questions or need support with any aspect of volunteering, please do get in touch info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk.

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