Take the plunge…volunteer - it's Student Volunteering Week
Student Volunteering Week started on Monday and runs for the
rest of the week ending on Sunday. This
is the 18th year the week has run in the UK, last year students and staff from
over 60 Higher and Further Education Institutions led over 300 events.
Student Volunteering Week celebrates student
volunteering in the following ways:
- Improves student wellbeing
- Develops students' employability
- Contributes positively to the wider and local community life
If going green or working with wildlife is your thing then
have a look at our volunteering section for some ideas of what you might be
able to do during the week - or beyond.
There are volunteering opportunities ranging from an hour a month to
full time placements, for this week look at the list of Organisations to find
one in your area who might welcome some assistance. The most suitable section for this week is
the Practical Work Days; this is when you spend a day or more helping to manage
an area, conserve a species, improve habitats and learn the necessary skills
'on the job'. Tasks range from practical countryside conservation
including general habitat maintenance and creation to specific management such
as pulling up Himalayan balsam, an invasive alien species that is difficult to
eradicate, to more gentle gardening and horticulture and general clean up tasks
such as clearing up fly-tipped rubbish or a litter pick. Rewards come in the
form of practical skills gained along with a little training, a day of friendly
companionship, the satisfaction of a job well done and maybe even a baked
potato (if you pick the right day!). Find one here.
Student Volunteering Week is a unique week-long opportunity
where the whole of the country will be getting involved offering a chance for
organisations to showcase projects and events and for students there is the
opportunity to gain skills, learn best practice, have a go at a 'job' to see if
it might be right for them long term, and to make vital contacts for future
networking.
Student Volunteering Week have written an article all about
the week for this week's Focus edition, they've taken this year's tag line as
their lead in: Take the plunge…volunteer.