Student volunteering
ProjectS handbook 2011-12 www.su.nottingham.ac.uk
Student Volunteer Centre Projects Handbook
What is the Student Volunteer Centre?
It’s THE place to come if you want to get involved in the Students’ Union, charities and much more. We’re here to help you make the most out of your time at University – either on campus or in the city. We won’t stop until we’ve helped you get involved with something you love doing – from coaching sports to working with refugees to running a fair trade cafe. We all love sitting on the sofa, having a cup of tea and watching Hollyoaks but if you want to do something else too, then give us a shout!
Why Volunteer?
Easy
It couldn’t be easier to get involved. We’ll help you every step of the way, supporting you to make sure you get the most out of volunteering.
Experience
Volunteering will help you develop new skills and enjoy experiences you can’t find anywhere else at University. As well as helping others you’ll be helping yourself to become even more attractive to future employers.
Flexible
You can commit as much or as little of your time as you want. From a oneoff taster event to setting up your own project – it’s up to you how involved you get.
Fun, Fun, Fun!
None of this would matter if volunteering wasn’t actually fun. It’s a great way to make new friends AND it’s all about the feel-good factor. So sign up to our mailing list today… We’ll keep you up-to-date with all the latest opportunities and what’s going on in your Students’ Union, your community, and beyond.
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www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering
Enjoyed every minute of it!
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Why the heck not! 3000 students have already!
University of Nottingham Students’ Union
One-Off Volunteering Fancy volunteering but not sure you can do it regularly? Enjoy working in a team rather than on your own?
Tasters are your chance to get stuck into some one-off volunteering. If you’ve not volunteered before why not get involved today. In the past we’ve spent an afternoon planting an orchard, organised Christmas parties for the elderly, and built a pig paddock on a farm! Meanwhile, our intrepid volunteers had a laugh, saw a different side of Nottingham and got that warm, fuzzy feeling that only volunteering can give.
Want to have a go at something a bit different? Sounds like you need a TASTER!
We’re always looking for new oneoff stuff to do. Maybe you’ve been volunteering at a project and noticed they need help with a big event. Wherever we can help make a difference we want to get involved. This year we have loads of tasters planned, so keep a look out for upcoming tasters on our website and in the newsletter. Oh, and if you fancy coordinating a taster we’re always on the look-out for people to organise and lead one-off events too!
www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering
Student Volunteer Centre Projects Handbook
Introducing…
Now you know what we do, it’s time to meet the team… BRIDGET LITCHFIELD Student Volunteer Centre Manager I oversee all of SVC’s work and I think I’m pretty lucky really. After all, I must have one of the best jobs in the Students’ Union! Everyone who works within the Centre is committed to making sure that you find an exciting volunteering opportunity to meet your individual needs so that you have a great time doing something that you’re passionate about. When I am not in the Centre, I am an amateur Ghostbuster, visiting spooky places and seeking out spirits from the other side - “Who ya gonna call…?”
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The Student Volunteer Centre is really well organised, lots of options and very easy for beginners
Amman Johal Development Worker My role is about organising quality one-off events, so if you fancy a bite size chunk of fun give me a shout! In the past we have helped the homeless and made snake draught excluders. This year we have planned loads of one-off volunteeering opportunities, so make sure you get involved! I also look after some of our ongoing projects, which include eco and conservation projects, volunteering for Oxfam and recruiting students for Lenton’s award-winning Crocus Cafe. I love all things volunteering. In the past I have volunteered on the NHS Community Befriending scheme and organised one day activities with different local organisations. My toughest but most rewarding volunteering was in a slum in Bangalore, India where I supported child labourers and orphans.
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www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering
University of Nottingham Students’ Union
STEPHEN BARTON Development Worker My job involves finding as many great opportunities to volunteer all over Nottingham (the rest of country and the world!) as possible. There are over 100 volunteering projects to choose from so I’m busy all year round researching projects and asking you guys what you thought of your volunteering. I also do a lot of work with the SU’s Societies and Sports Clubs. Last year I helped Dodgeball Soc, Taekwondo Soc and Role Playing Soc (to name but a few) get volunteering in the community. I want to do even more this year so if you’re a member of a club and want to make the most of your skills and abilities then let me know. I run the Tag Rugby project each year too. This brings together local schools and students for a fun-filled face-off pitting our volunteer coaches against Nottingham Trent University. Fun fact about me? I once owned a pet lobster! And I love getting behind the wheel of everything from a go-kart to a Lamborghini.
CATIE SMITH Development Worker Want to start your own volunteering project? From nostalgic film nights for your older neighbours to online English classes for people in developing countries – I can help turn your idea in to a reality! I also get volunteers involved with all kinds of projects from hanging out and helping refugees to supporting staff in hospitals. In my spare time I like to travel, go to Salsa classes and also do a spot of volunteering myself. The most rewarding experience has been lending a hand at homeless projects with mates from church. This has been humbling and sometimes almost heart-breaking but also amazing and fun too.
www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering
Student Volunteer Centre Projects Handbook
Introducing…
Also, if you pop into the Student Volunteer Centre you’re likely to find these lovely people … JULIA SEAL Accommodation & Community Officer “I’m here to represent students wherever they live, on campus and around, and to be a point of contact for students wanting to get out there and make a difference in their local community. The Centre supports my role by developing student input in our community and our Union. Through its passion for volunteering and dedication to student support, the Centre is a great way to get out there, get active, and make a real difference! Any questions? Feel free to contact sucommunity@nottingham.ac.uk.”
SVC Volunteer Team
Chances are you’ll have already seen one of our volunteers at Freshers Fair or at one of our promotional events. These volunteers help us spread the word about the joys of getting involved with the various opportunities and organisations on offer. From shouting about sports to harping on about helping the homeless, they’re passionate about volunteering. The volunteer team also can organise and lead Tasters. They love to give advice and are here to help you find just the right project for you! * We will be recruiting later in the year for the above roles so please ask us (or visit our website) if you’d like more information.
Julia Seal
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You will have the satisfaction of knowing you have helped people and done something good
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www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering
University of Nottingham Students’ Union
Volunteering in the Students’ Union You don’t have to go out into the community to be a volunteer. We’re always looking for enthusiastic people to help out within the Students’ Union too. There’s so much to get involved in so please pop into the Student Volunteer Centre for more information. If you are volunteering through the Students’ Union and want to develop your skills and get some recognition you can complete the Nottingham Advantage Award Students’ Union module. You can use the Award to gain more knowledge and really develop those skills to help you get that dream job.
Representation
There are tonnes of opportunities to get involved with the SU’s representative and decision making groups. You can have a say in the Students’ Union’s policy as a member of the Union Council, iron out any problems in your school as an Academic Rep or make sure every student’s voice is heard with one of the Representational Networks like LGBT or the Disabilities Students’ Association. If you’re in halls, you can run for a position on your JCR Committee in the elections in October. Don’t forget the SU elections in March. Everyone’s free to run for a position and if elected you’ll spend a year working either full or part time to improve the student experience for everyone. Exec positions are paid, so it’s not strictly volunteering, but it’s such a great opportunity we thought it was worth mentioning anyway!
Clubs and Societies Volunteering in the Community
The Students’ Union has over 250 clubs and societies, if you have a great idea of how your Club or Society can volunteer in the community then pop by and we’ll give you all you need to get going! So far we have helped the Dodgeball Club volunteer in local schools and assisted the Riding Club in their project Riding for the Disabled, both of which have proven to be great successes!
Students’ Union Opportunities
The Students’ Union boasts a number of Student-Run Services, which include the radio station URN, NUTS TV station, the New Theatre and Nightline. The Student-Run Services are run by extremely professional and dedicated students and are always looking for new people to get involved.
Campaigning
The Students’ Union runs a number of campaigns throughout the year to raise awareness about the issues that matter. If you’d like to help out with an existing campaign, or even start one of your own, we can point you in the right direction.
www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering
Student Volunteer Centre Projects Handbook
Student-Led Projects Got an idea that could help people? From DJ workshops in local youth clubs to baking cakes and buddy schemes, come and have a chat to us about it and we’ll help you get started!
Case Studies · After being frustrated about not being able to help a friend with an eating disorder, Nicola set up B-eat, a self help group for University of Nottingham students with eating disorders. · Chris volunteered in Uganda and was shocked by the level of suffering. So when he came to study at the University of Nottingham he set up a Student-led Project (SHARE Uganda) to raise awareness and funds to help kids go to school.
The Student Volunteer Centre can give you grants, support and training to help you start your own Student Led Project.
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Contact Catie Smith on 0115 8468751 or volunteering@nottingham.ac.uk to find out more.
www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to meet people, relax and contribute to the community. Loads of fun and satisfaction guaranteed.
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· Judith, an environmental student, decided to help Trent Vale Primary School become green (through the Eco-Schools scheme). She shared her knowledge and got some great practical experience to add to her CV in the process.
Volunteering into Employability Volunteering will help you get a job! “73% of employers would rather employ someone with voluntary experience, than someone without”
Volunteering provides you with the platform to develop skills employers are looking for, such as: • Motivation • Team Working • Enthusiasm • Adaptability • Communication ...as well as building self esteem and confidence Graduate recruiters are looking for something extra than your educational attainment, and volunteering is just the thing!
Timebank 2009
Rob Wilson
Led the READ International Student-led Project. Once he graduated he developed the project into a successful Charity which now has over 1000 volunteers across 50 universities.
Magalie Rouschmeyer
Volunteered at a taster collecting clothes for refugees then went on to lead the British Red Clothes Donation Project. She then secured employment with the British Red Cross as Extended Schools Project Manager.
The Student Volunteer Centre Presents . . .
Find out what’s on offer in 2011/12 Speak to our projects to find out how you can volunteer The series of fairs are as follows: Community Fair
Wednesday 5th October Portland Building University Park
Social Sciences Fair Tuesday 11th October Psychology Building University Park
Business Fair
Tuesday 18th October Atrium B52, Business School Jubilee Campus
International Fair
Coming in the new year International House Jubilee Campus visit www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering for more information
University of Nottingham Students’ Union
Project Index
Use the symbols below to select the project that’s right for you.
Art
Disabled
Health
Refugee/ Ethnicity
Support & Advice
Befriending/ Mentoring
Elderly
Housing
School
Youth Groups & Clubs
Children
Enterprise
International
Sport
Community
Environmental
Literacy & Language
Student-Led
Acorn Resource Centre Activ8 Uth @ The Lenton Centre Alzheimer’s Society - Side by Side Befriending Scheme Any-Buddy Scheme Aspire ATE Superweeks Barnardos Independent Visitors Beeston Toy Library British Red Cross - Youth & Schools British Science Association BTCV Carers Federation - Mentoring Project Carrington Kids Club CHICKS Childline/NSPCC Community Befriending Crocus Café Crocus Fields Culture Vulture Emagine Emmanuel House Employability Skills (Education Business Futures)
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Student Volunteer Centre Projects Handbook
Art Befriending/ Mentoring Children Community Disabled Elderly Enterprise Environmental Health Housing International Literacy & Language Refugee/ Ethnicity School Sport Student-Led Support & Advice Youth Groups & Clubs
English Conversation Group Golden Futures Groundwork Greater Nottingham Guides Headway House Headway the Brain Injury Association The Helpful Bureau Homework Centres in Nottingham City Libraries Inspire InterVol Knit-a-Soc Learn2Learn Comprehensive The Lenton Centre (TLC) Literacy Volunteers Love Your Uni Marrow National Self-Harm Network (NSHN) New Art Exchange (NAE) NHS Healthcare Trust Nottingham Arimathea Trust Nottingham and Notts Refugee Forum Nottingham Chinese Welfare Association Nottingham City Museums and Galleries (NCMG) Nottingham Forest Community Coaching Nottingham Mencap Nottingham Women’s Centre Nottingham University Hospitals, Division of Nursing Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust NUH Youth Service Nottinghamshire County Council – Sports Development Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust (NWT) Nottinghamshire YMCA Notts Housing Advice (previously Shelter)
12 www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering
University of Nottingham Students’ Union
NRSB (Nottinghamshire Royal Society for the Blind) – Sport & Health NUSA (Nottingham University Samworth Academy) Oakfield School Over The Wall Oxfam Pearson Centre for Young People Playworks The Reach Probation Project Reading Aunties & Uncles Ridewise Riding for the Disabled Rosehill School RSPB The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Salvation Army Aspley Samaritans School Governors One-Stop Shop (SGOSS) Scouts Sea Cadets SHARE Uganda SIFE Nottingham St. Ann’s Allotments (STAA) Stonebridge City Farm Students’ Union Opportunities Surface Gallery Tag Rugby Coaching Tools For Self Reliance (TFSR) UoN Estates (Landscaping) Victim Support in Nottinghamshire Vitalise Voluntary Action Broxtowe Working in Tandem (WiT) Young Enterprise – Secondary School Programmes Young Potential ZambiAIDS
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Student Volunteer Centre Projects Handbook
The Projects... Acorn Resource Centre
This Centre offers a range of activities for adults (18+ years) with a physical disability. Volunteers are needed to help with music/craft workshops, discussion groups, quizzes and health & beauty sessions. You can also go out on day trips/outings including bowling, gardening, cinema or theatre visits, or help out on their coffee bar. If you have any ideas for new activities, Acorn are always happy to hear them too! Commitment: Minimum 2 -3 hours per week Location: Hyson Green
Activ8 Uth @ The Lenton Centre
Activ8 Uth provides play, sport, educational and creative activities for ages 8 - 18. The project addresses and tackles the problems faced by young people, particularly those connected with social exclusion and disadvantage. You can help coach sports; teach digital photography/ video making; lead a music, dance, drama or healthy eating group. You name it, they do it – and if they don’t, they can always start! Commitment: Minimum 1 hour per week Location: Lenton
Alzheimer’s Society Side by Side Befriending Scheme
This scheme provides volunteer befrienders for people in the early stages of dementia who live at home. They aim to maintain links with the community, reduce isolation, and provide stimulation through companionship and support. Your role can vary depending on each person’s needs. It may involve going to the pub, walking, visiting places, or simply chatting over a cup of tea. Commitment: 2 hours per week Location: Various
Any-Buddy Scheme
If you love sport, helping people and making friends, then the Any-Buddy Scheme might well be a voluntary project that you want to get involved in. This Scheme has been designed primarily to provide non disabled and disabled students who find it difficult to make friends and access sport, with the opportunity to get involved, get fit and have some fun. You will receive training and support as part of the Any-Buddy Scheme. Your role will involve helping to get students engaged in sport and recreational activities, as well as assisting with the smooth running of the Any-Body Club and Any-Body Month initiatives. Commitment: 2 – 3 hours per week Location: University Park, Jubilee and Sutton Bonington Campuses
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University of Nottingham Students’ Union
Aspire aims to improve access to higher education for bright young pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through a range of initiatives and activities working with primary/secondary pupils, you can help raise their expectations and aspirations, as well as their achievements. You can help support Breakfast/After-School clubs, and also in the classroom, with Sports, Arts and Languages particularly Latin. Commitment: Minimum 1 hour per week Location: Various (Schools in Bilborough, Strelley and Broxtowe)
ATE Superweeks
ATE is a not-for-profit Trust that organises educational breaks (during the summer hols) for children aged 8-16. As a volunteer you can lead a group at an ATE Superweek. The training for a Superweek takes place over Easter. At this you’ll learn loads of games, songs and crafts which you can then use at any time to keep your troop entertained and happy. You’ll gain so much confidence from this training and leading a Superweek. You’ll also meet lots of like-minded people and work together as a team to make it a truly memorable week for everyone.
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It’s a nice change from regular student life
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Aspire
Barnardos Independent Visitors (Befrienders for children in care)
After training and approval, volunteers are carefully matched on a 1-to-1 basis with a child/young person who would benefit from an independent adult friend. You will befriend and support the young person by visiting them monthly but what you do is dependent on their interests. You could play sports together, introduce them to new hobbies, or just go for a walk in the park and a bite to eat. Barnardos provide a budget to allow you to engage in sports and recreational activities, and to travel to and from their home. Commitment: A day out at least once a month Location: Various in and around Nottingham Please note: A 2 year commitment is preferred to give the young person the stability and consistency they need in their lives.
Commitment: 1 training week + 1 ‘Superweek’ session Location: Training in Worcester + ‘Superweeks’ in various locations around the UK
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Student Volunteer Centre Projects Handbook
Beeston Toy Library
Play time for young children with parents, carers and other children teaches things like social skills, sharing, forming friendships and relationships. This Toy Library holds play sessions where under-5s come (with their parent or carer) to play and/or choose a toy to loan for a week or two at a nominal cost. Volunteers are needed to help run the play sessions and with the loaning of toys. Commitment: 2 hours per month Location: Beeston
British Red Cross Youth & Schools
Do you want to volunteer for an International Humanitarian Organisation? Do you enjoy working with children and young people? Then the Red Cross is the place for you. Volunteers are needed to go into local schools and help teach pupils First Aid and assist with the delivery of workshops on humanitarian issues. Commitment: 2 hours per week Location: Various Schools
British Science Association
Based in the Science Park opposite the University Park Campus, the British Science Association exist to extend the nation’s understanding of science and engineering. They are involved in running a variety of science and engineering weeks and funding local science events for schools. Volunteers are needed to help brainstorm new events and run them in the local community. Commitment: Minimum of 1 hour per month Location: Science Park and other locations
BTCV
This is the biggest practical conservation charity in Britain. If you like to get outdoors and get your hands dirty then this is the project for you! Each week a minibus takes volunteers from the city centre for a day of getting back to nature. You could be cutting down brambles, trimming trees, building footpaths, or creating butterfly habitats. Whatever is needed at each site - whether it’s a nature reserve or woodlands you’re helping to maintain. You’ll be making a massive difference to improve local access/enjoyment of the countryside and hidden urban green spaces. BTCV also offer skills development and leadership training. Commitment: Flexible (1 full day volunteering whenever you’re free) Location: Various – Notts (transport provided)
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University of Nottingham Students’ Union
CHICKS
Carers Federation Mentoring Project
Are you positive, reliable and interested in supporting people? The Mentoring Project is looking for volunteer mentors to work with young adults who care for a family member or partner. You will help them identify their interests and goals, and support them to take steps to try new things. This could be anything from sports / fitness to helping them enrol at college – whatever gives them confidence to do something new.
CHICKS offer holidays for underprivileged and abused children or child carers who look after disabled/sick parents. These children don’t often have the chance to act as children and enjoy their youth. A holiday allows them to laugh, play and express themselves in a caring, friendly and stress-free environment. You will help to provide as much attention as possible, and join in all the games/activities.
Commitment: 1 - 2 hours per week (for 1 year) Location: City Centre
Commitment: A 5 day session (at various times through the year) Location: Devon or Cornwall
Carrington Kids Club
Childline/NSPCC
Carrington Kids Club provides a lively, fun, child centred play space for local children. Children are encouraged to put down their computer games and screen toys and join in with team games, wacky crafts, gizmo making, planting, digging, etc. You can get involved in all aspects of the Club, from designing publicity materials, helping with funding bids, organising and refereeing team games, serving our famous tea time treats or getting covered in glue along with the kids. They are a wonderful lively bunch mostly around seven to ten years olds. Commitment: 3 hours Friday afternoons Location: Carrington off Mansfield Road
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Good chance to give back to the community
ChildLine is the UK’s free 24 hour service for children/young people. Volunteers answer calls and online chats about a wide range of problems such as abuse, bullying, family problems, friends’ welfare and relationships. ChildLine’s aim is to answer every call from every child that needs to talk. We need more volunteers to talk to the children and young people who contact us. The demand is increasing so we need to expand our volunteer numbers. We would like to hear from you! This opportunity may be of particular interest to students studying Psychology, Social Sciences or Education, but we welcome applications from all schools at the University. Commitment: 1-4 hours per week Location: City Centre
www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering 17
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Student Volunteer Centre Projects Handbook
Community Befriending
Are you caring, patient and a good listener? This is your chance to get a buzz from befriending and gain valuable experience at the same time. New volunteers are always needed to befriend adults with mental ill health / learning disabilities. You can provide support to someone through home visits, trips to cafés, pubs, the theatre or cinema. Commitment: 2 hours per week (for a minimum of 6 months) Location: All over Nottingham
Crocus Café
This not-for-profit, volunteer-led vegetarian café aims to bring members of the community together, especially students and long term residents, in a relaxed and friendly environment. You can help in the kitchen and serve in the café but, more importantly, interact with the customers, develop their awareness of their community and form friendships. Volunteers can also showcase their art, photography or musical talents in the café and help organise events. Commitment: 2 hours per week Location: Lenton (Church Square – behind Savoy Cinema)
Crocus Fields
This is a short stay care unit for children/young people (ages 8 – 18) with a wide range of learning and physical disabilities. At Crocus Fields we want our volunteers to; Be funny and good at jokes, Be interested in football, Be patient, Take us to St. Tiggywinkles, Like bird spotting, Sing so that we can do a duet, Be kind and fun, Be helpful and strong, Be happy!! By Jasmine; Christian; James; Conor; Tyrone; Liam; Tommy. If you are any of these things, we’d love to hear from you. Commitment: 1 term minimum Location: The Meadows – close to City Centre
Culture Vulture
Do you love meeting people from other cultures? The Culture Vulture Buddy Programme is an exciting opportunity to allow current Nottingham University students the chance to help new international students ‘settle in’ to their new life in Nottingham. You’ll mostly keep in contact by email but you can meet up if you like. You’ll be answering questions about student life in the UK, pointing them in the right direction to get help and perhaps even introducing them to some of the activities that you enjoy doing! Commitment: 30 mins per week Location: University Park
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University of Nottingham Students’ Union
Emagine
Commitment: 2 hours per week Location: City secondary schools
Emmanuel House
This is your chance to volunteer with homeless people. This day centre provides a place where homeless and vulnerable people can go to find warmth, acceptance, encouragement, care and friendship. As a volunteer you can help out in the coffee bar, at their allotment or supporting people to use the computers. Due to cuts in funding they are also very keen for anyone who can help out with marketing and fundraising so that they can carry on supporting homeless people. Commitment: 2 hours per week Location: City Centre
Employability Skills (Education Business Futures)
If you fancy doing a one-off activity, you could help facilitate an Employability Skills Day in a local secondary school. Through activities that aim to unlock their key skills, pupils learn how to solve problems and achieve goals. You’ll help pupils practice and develop their problem solving, teamwork, communication and decision-making skills, all of which enhances their employability. It’s always good fun and a great way for you to improve your own skills too! You might also like to support young people to develop their interview techniques by participating in an Interview Skills Day. You will provide pupils with a one-to-one, 15 minute interview and give constructive feedback on performance and CV content. Commitment: 1 day event Location: Local secondary schools
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I have learnt new skills which will be transferable to interests and future jobs
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Many Black/Mixed Heritage pupils in secondary schools underachieve at GCSE when compared to other groups (despite good results at primary level). They’re also overrepresented in exclusion statistics. In an attempt to redress such inequalities, volunteers are needed to act as positive academic role models in the core subjects (English, Maths, Science, ICT). In particular, but not exclusively, male Black/Mixed Heritage students are needed to address the specific needs of Black/ Mixed Heritage boys.
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Student Volunteer Centre Projects Handbook
English Conversation Group
Commitment: 4-8 hours per month Location: City Centre
Golden Futures
Golden Futures offer support, advice and loans to young Cambodians leaving NGO care. They give people the chance to establish themselves in life - through a University education, vocational training, or by helping them to start a business. Volunteers are needed to help raise money and awareness - both on campus and around Nottingham. You could even join the project in Cambodia to see the fruits of your labour, and visit the orphanage Golden Futures works with. Commitment: One off and regular opportunities Location: University Park
Groundwork Greater Nottingham
Want to work for an environmental regeneration charity? Groundwork aims to create communities that people are proud to live and work in. There are many exciting opportunities, ranging from helping people become more engaged in games with their community to developing a community allotment or helping people discover nature and have fun outdoors. Commitment: Minimum 2 hours per week Location: Various across Greater Nottingham
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Volunteering has definitely been one of the best and most fulfilling things I did at university
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The aim of these group lessons is to help people learning English in Nottingham gain confidence in communicating and expand their knowledge. Users come from many different countries, and sessions are conducted in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. Volunteers are needed to help prepare and lead the sessions.
University of Nottingham Students’ Union
Guides
There are opportunities to work with Rainbows, Brownies, Rangers and Guides in the local area. Previous experience isn’t necessary, but warranted or part warranted Guiders are welcomed. All you really need to have is a responsible attitude towards personal safety and looking after children and young people. And lots of energy! Volunteers help with every aspect of the running of weekly meetings. This includes activities such as crafts, games, life skills and various outdoor activities. Commitment: 2 hours per week Location: Beeston, Chilwell, Bramcote
Headway House
Headway House is a day rehabilitation centre for people who have survived Brain Injuries, their families and carers. If you want to find out more about the specific disability and area of brain injury then this project is for you (it’s particularly suitable for psychology students but everyone is welcome). As a volunteer you’ll be supporting people to adapt to the change in their lifestyle through numerous activities such as helping with IT, playing games, arts and crafts and going out on trips. Commitment: 2 hours per week Location: Sherwood (close to City Centre)
Headway - the Brain Injury Association
Headway’s Helpline provides information and support to brain injury survivors, their family and carers. It also takes calls from professionals and non-professionals with queries about brain injuries. This is an interesting, challenging and varied opportunity, particularly suitable for people with an interest in the areas of Psychology and Health. Training (in brain injury and call handling skills) and full support will be given. Commitment: Minimum 4 hours per week (for at least 1 academic year) Location: Old Basford
The Helpful Bureau
Would you like to learn some new DIY skills? Do you like the idea of visiting local elderly people and helping keep their home safe? Students are wanted to accompany a handyman and help with things like gardening, putting up shelves and painting. Many of the elderly people may not have spoken to anyone all day so even just having a chat with you over a cup of tea and biscuits will brighten their day! Volunteers are also needed to help out with craft workshops, show elderly people how to use a computer and serve lunches in their day centre. Commitment: 2 hours per week Location: Stapleford
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Student Volunteer Centre Projects Handbook
Homework Centres in Nottingham City Libraries There are currently Homework Centres in 8 Community Libraries in Nottingham City. Each provides improved homework facilities and assistance for all children and young people (8-18). A homework Centre Officer is present at each informal drop in session, but volunteers are invaluable for giving 1-1 help/ support with homework such as work sheets, projects etc using computers and the wide range of library resources. You may also be asked to listen to children read and help with handwriting skills etc. A great way see if teaching/working with children is the career for you. Commitment: 2 hours per week Locations: Aspley, Basford, Bulwell, Clifton, Hyson Green, Meadows, Radford/Lenton and Sneinton
Inspire
Through Inspire you can empower others to enjoy their lives. The project works with people with learning disabilities, supporting them to develop their potential. There are lots of opportunities including marketing or office work, assisting with music, drama or art sessions or just going on trips to the pub, shops or library. All help build social and independentliving skills. Inspire even have a charity shop where you can support someone to lend a hand – or even just help out for an hour yourself.
InterVol
Want to volunteer abroad? You could go to Africa with this student-led project. Volunteers fundraise together as a group to raise the cash to travel to Uganda with a local health and sanitation NGO called Little Big Africa. Students build water tanks, protect water sources and build efficient stoves. Commitment: one off and regular opportunities Location: University Park
Knit-a-Soc
Never knitted before? Have hidden knitting talents? Want to brush up on your skills? Knit-a-Soc want YOU! Knitting is making a huge come back and Knit-a-Soc want to be able to use your enthusiasm for the craft to impact the lives of others. There are lots of different types of volunteering opportunities, from teaching other students to knit to knitting things for others. The two main projects running throughout the year are, knitting clothes for the QMC’s premature babies and knitting blankets for the elderly of Nottingham, although smaller projects run throughout the year. Commitment: One off and regular opportunities Location: University Park
Commitment: 3 hours per week Location: City Centre
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University of Nottingham Students’ Union
Learn2Learn Comprehensive
Commitment: 3 hours per week Location: Hyson Green and St Ann’s
The Lenton Centre (TLC)
This is a pioneering social enterprise at the heart of Lenton. Local people bought the Community/Leisure Centre from the City Council and are now entirely responsible for running it. It aims to be a hub of local activity for everyone offering education, health and therapy facilities. You can get involved with all aspects of the centre. From designing publicity materials, helping with funding bids, or just lending a hand in the gym for a few hours, there’s something for everyone.
Literacy Volunteers
This project helps children throughout Nottinghamshire to enjoy reading. Volunteers work in primary schools with children who are finding reading difficult. You won’t teach reading. Instead you’ll talk, read and play word games on a 1-to-1 basis to give children more confidence, and help them to enjoy reading. Training and support are given, and sessions are arranged at times/locations to suit you. Commitment: 1 morning/ afternoon per week Location: Nottingham City & County schools
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It is great to contribute my knowledge of Asian Culture
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Learn2Learn Comprehensive is an alternative education provider for young people aged 14-16 who have been excluded, or are at risk of exclusion from mainstream schools. The project provides a well-structured and respectful learning environment with a high staff-student ratio in order that the pupils we work with can be supported to overcome their problems and achieve their full potential. Volunteers at Learn2Learn will be entering a dynamic, diverse and challenging working environment, supervising classroom sessions and facilitating lessons in an education provision for excluded young people. They will also have the chance to mentor our pupils in 1-to-1 sessions, helping them with problematic areas of academic work or in discussion of personal issues.
Commitment: 3 hours per week Location: Lenton
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Student Volunteer Centre Projects Handbook
Love Your Uni
The idea behind this student-led project is to ‘be Jesus’ to your peers, following his example by serving those around you. Over the past year Love Your Uni have cleaned up after hall parties, served tea and coffee to students on their way to lectures, cleared gardens in Lenton, washedup in student houses and hall kitchenettes and (through their ‘club outreach’ team) served people water outside Ocean. Although Love Your Uni student leaders have Christian beliefs and values anyone is welcome to take part in the project’s activities.
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be a more rounded
Commitment: One off and regular opportunities Location: University Park
person as well as
Commitment: Minimum 3 hours per week Location: Various Campuses
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I have an aquired skill which I never thought I would have
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helping people that need support
Marrow
Marrow is the student branch of the Anthony Nolan Trust (ANT). Their aim is to “take back lives from leukaemia” through recruiting potential bone marrow donors to the national register. Volunteers are needed to help publicise Marrow’s cause, sign up fellow students to the ANT register and help raise vital funds to support the Trust.
It helps me to
National Self Harm Network (NSHN)
This freephone service offers support and guidance to people at risk of self-harm. The helpline operates in the evening and at weekends. As a volunteer you would be providing empathy and friendly support to those who self harm as well as their friends, family and carers. Full training will be given to all volunteers. If you already have experience / training then you could become a volunteer supervisor. Commitment: 4 hours per week (for at least 6 months) Location: City Centre
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24 www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering
University of Nottingham Students’ Union
New Art Exchange (NAE)
NAE is the largest space dedicated to Asian and African-Caribbean arts centre outside of London. This unique art/performance space needs volunteers to invigilate their galleries and commit to one weekly shift during the run of an exhibition. You can also act as an usher for performances, help with educational workshops, develop new projects and play a part in Volunteer Involvement Programme events (VIP). The VIP programme is an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to pursue a career in the arts and gain some work experience in this field. Commitment: Minimum 3 hours per week Location: Radford/Hyson Green
NHS Healthcare Trust
This is the major NHS provider of mental health services for children, adolescents, adults and older people, adult learning disability services and substance misuse services. Whether you have excellent people skills and want to befriend patients or clients, or specific skills and experience to offer alongside staff running groups or activities, however you want to get involved, there is an opportunity for you!
Nottingham Arimathea Trust
Do you remember what it was like when you first came to Nottingham? Imagine if you’d arrived in Nottingham after experiencing problems in your home country, perhaps separated from your own family and English not being your first language, trying to navigate yourself through a complicated asylum system. Wouldn’t you like a friendly face to be on your side to explain how things work over here? As a befriender to an asylum seeker you could find yourself going out for a coffee, a trip to an art gallery or showing your befriendee around places you know in Nottingham. It’s also a chance for you to learn about their culture and experiences of Nottingham, and learn about places in Nottingham that you may not have known about! Commitment: 2-3 hours a fortnight for at least 6 months Location: City Centre
Commitment: Minimum 2 hours per week (for at least 6 months) Location: Various
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Volunteering has greatly broadened my horizons
www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering 25
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Student Volunteer Centre Projects Handbook
Incredible experience. Meeting people who make you see life through a different perspective
Want to help improve a refugee’s experience of Nottingham? NNRF supports refugees and asylum seekers, providing advice services and social activities such as BBQs, film nights and football matches. Students hang out with refugees at the Square Centre on a Tuesday night (doing things like helping to cook a meal, playing pool or card games, or just chilling out, enjoying a meal and listening to music). You can also volunteer to help give advice and support to refugees and asylum seekers on immigration issues or help out on reception. Commitment: One off and regular opportunities Location: 15 minute walk from Nottingham City Centre
Nottingham Chinese Welfare Association
Do you want to volunteer with elderly people? Do you enjoy meeting people from different cultures? Or perhaps you speak a Chinese language and you would like to share your language skills? (Although it isn’t necessary to speak a Chinese language!) Volunteers are needed to help local elderly Chinese people who may be feeling isolated, lonely, or cut off from the local community, integrate more fully into English life. This could mean having a chat over a meal at the Community Centre, helping out in the office, assisting in an English class or even going on a sightseeing trip to London!
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Nottingham and Notts Refugee Forum (NNRF)
Nottingham City Museums and Galleries (NCMG)
NCMG sets out to inspire and challenge the way people experience, explore and develop their ideas about the diversity of the world, through the creative use of museum collections and cultural resources. You can get involved with Nottingham’s heritage by joining our team of museum volunteers in a variety of roles, from helping with fun family learning activities to supporting our local industrial heritage or working with our fascinating collections. Whatever your interests or skills, we would love to hear from you. Commitment: Minimum 3 hours per week Location: Across our sites (Nottingham Castle, Brewhouse Yard, Green’s Windmill, Wollaton Hall and Newstead Abbey).
Commitment: Minimum 3 hours per week Location: Nottingham City Centre
26 www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering
University of Nottingham Students’ Union
Nottingham Forest in the Community
An opportunity to work within the environment of a high profile professional Football Club, one of the country’s leading community football charities is looking for volunteers wanting to develop their skills in a wide range of roles based at the City Ground Stadium. Working as part of a team you will have the opportunity to showcase your talents as a coach, administrator IT developer or project manager delivering a wide range of programmes to all ages and communities in Nottingham. Commitment: Flexible Location: Nottingham Forest FC & various venues in and around Nottingham
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Volunteering allows me to share my skills that I have learnt and help others
Nottingham Mencap
Mencap enhances the quality of life of all those with a learning difficulty. They have 2 bases where volunteers can help. The first is a Social Enterprise with a café, shops, an IT centre and a basic skills centre. The second is Harpenden House which offers a variety of daytime activities from catering to horticulture, arts & crafts to work skills. Harpenden House also offers evening/weekend social clubs for adults and young people. If you’d like to support people to enjoy these activities, or have a skill that you could teach/ show off, then this could be the opportunity for you. Commitment: Minimum 2 hours per week Location: City Centre / Sherwood (near City Hospital)
Nottingham Women’s Centre
Nottingham Women’s Centre was founded in 1971 and is run by women, for women, offering a safe environment to gain access to crisis support, advice and counselling. They also help women get into employment and run a number of Holistic courses such as Reiki, Crystal Therapy and Yoga. Volunteers are needed in the Creche, to help run events and to undertake administrative tasks.
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Commitment: Minimum 3 hours per week Location: City Centre
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Student Volunteer Centre Projects Handbook
Nottingham University Hospitals NUH Youth Service
Nottingham University Hospitals, Division of Nursing
Want to cheer up children in hospital or young people with long-term medical conditions? The Nottingham University Hospitals’ daily dropin sessions give young people on the wards an opportunity for fun, activities and support. Volunteers are also needed to help at a nearby Youth Club that gives young people a chance to take part in a range of activities whilst meeting others in similar situations. This is your chance to join a nationally recognised service and make a real difference to young people’s lives.
Volunteers are needed for NUHActive, a workplace wellness programme. You’ll be organising events and activities to encourage employees and students to improve their health and wellbeing over 3 hospital sites. You can assist with health promotion campaigns, office admin and help update website materials. You can even use this project for your dissertation or research if you are a postgraduate. Past volunteers have written articles that have been published in books and academic journals.
Commitment: Minimum 3 hours per week for 6 months. Location: QMC Campus / Monty Hind Youth Centre (next to the QMC)
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Many of the local hospitals’ departments need regular help from volunteers. You can help provide a personal service which complements the provision of clinical care for patients served by the QMC / City sites. Volunteers must have good verbal communication skills and be flexible to meet the diverse needs of patients.
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On a personal and occupational level it’s a unique experience that I would recommend to anyone
Commitment: 2 hours per week (for 6 months) Location: QMC or City Hospital
28 www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering
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Commitment: 3 hours per week Location: NUH Trust (mostly QMC site)
University of Nottingham Students’ Union
Want to make yourself more employable when you graduate? Why not become a sports volunteer? You don’t have to be sporty to be a sports volunteer! You can get involved as a secretary, treasurer or fundraiser for a local club,or you can volunteer at one of the many sports events across the county - either as a coach, official or just helping out. NCCSD also run the Championing Notts Project where you can get involved in a range of sporting events throughout the year. Commitment: Minimum 3 hours per week Location: Various
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust (NWT)
NWT is the county’s leading wildlife conservation charity working to protect and enhance local wildlife and habitats. They manage over 60 Nature Reserves from woodland to wetland and there are plenty of ways volunteers can help. You can stay in the warmth of the office with their busy communications, membership, development or finance teams (supporting with admin, PR, marketing, campaigning or organising events). Also, you can assist with educational activities or get out on their reserves for practical conservation tasks. NWT has groups out volunteering across the county every week day, but there are special city-based outings every Wednesday – perfect for student volunteers!
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I have really enjoyed volunteering so far. I would love to get involved with more stuff!
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Nottinghamshire County Council – Sports Development
Nottinghamshire YMCA
Volunteers can help with a range of roles to help promote health, wellbeing and build stronger families and communities. Friendly, enthusiastic volunteers are needed to support staff and help young people of all ages and cultures enjoy positive experiences. You could help children aged 5-14 get involved with sports, games and crafts at holiday camps or after school clubs. If you relate well to young people and think you could be a positive role model you can support sessions with 11-19 year olds including music, radio, film and dance. Commitment: 2 – 3 hours per week / 1 or more days in the holidays Location: Nottingham City and beyond
Commitment: Minimum 3 hours per week Location: Greater Nottingham countywide
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Student Volunteer Centre Projects Handbook
Notts Housing Advice (previously Shelter)
NHA offers confidential, independent and free advice on homelessness prevention, domestic violence, disrepair and rent/mortgage arrears. Its aim is to empower and support people to take control of their housing issues. In order to do this, reliable volunteers are vital in a range of roles including housing advice, admin and reception. Commitment: 1 day per week (for at least 6 months) Location: City Centre
NRSB (Nottinghamshire Royal Society for the Blind) – Sport & Health
NRSB is a charity at the forefront of the local voluntary sector, empowering service users to achieve independence within the community. This is done using staff and volunteers to support over 2,000 visually impaired people throughout Nottinghamshire. Volunteers are needed to help with Weekly Gym & Swim sessions that take place at Nottingham University sites. The sessions are open to all regardless of experience or current fitness levels. NRSB also have roles available at their eye clinic in the QMC Hospital! Commitment: Approx. 3 hours per week and longer commitments for the eye clinic Location: University Park / Jubilee campus / QMC
NUSA (Nottingham University Samworth Academy)
This academy opened in September 2010 and its aim is to transform aspirations and opportunities in the local area. The school is looking for an imaginative and passionate group of student volunteers who will work with staff to make a difference to the school and the local area of Bilborough. Successful projects have included mentoring in literacy, music and modern foreign languages, coaching pupils towards examinations and supporting artistic and health projects. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to play a fundamental part in a project of national significance. Commitment: Minimum 3 hours per week Location: Bilborough, Nottingham
Oakfield School
All of Oakfield’s pupils (aged 3-19 years) have learning disabilities. Some also have physical disabilities. The school has a high number of teaching staff as well as assistants, therapists and medical staff. Pupils have gained from the input of lively and creative volunteers, who in turn have developed skills and an understanding of disabilities and special education. You can get involved in supporting extracurricular drama, arts, dance, and poetry evening classes – as well as sports and general classroom support. Commitment: 2 hours per week Location: Near Nottingham City Centre (Bilborough)
30 www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering
University of Nottingham Students’ Union
Over The Wall
Over The Wall offer residential camps for children and young people aged 8-16 affected by serious illness. The aim is to provide fun, creative and challenging activities in a safe, secure and medically supervised environment. Campers enjoy drama, arts and crafts, sports, swimming, a chance to camp out, a disco night, talent shows and much more. You can assist and encourage the campers during their stay. Commitment: 1 week + training Location: Dorset, Scotland and the Midlands
Oxfam
Oxfam works to find lasting solutions to poverty and suffering around the world. Over 700 shops and 22,000 volunteers help to raise the funds for their work. There are shops in Beeston and Nottingham city centre (including a Books & Music shop and a and a Clothing DIY shop). You can be involved in all aspects of these: customer service; merchandising; sorting/pricing donations; even helping with their online sales. Commitment: Minimum 4 hours per week Location: Beeston / Nottingham City Centre
Pearson Centre for Young People
This youth and community centre works mainly with children/ young people aged 5 – 18 years. Volunteers work with the Nottingham Boys’/Girls’ Brigade and help lead the ‘Friday Night Live’ youth work sessions. Through various activities you can help build confidence/self esteem, life and leadership skills. The activities include sports, arts and crafts, drama, music, IT and day trips. The Centre also has a recording studio for volunteers and the children to use! Commitment: 2 – 3 hours per week (for min. of 4 weeks) Location: Beeston
Playworks
Want to work with children, young people and their families in the community? If you like playing games, sports, or doing arts & crafts activities, this is for you! Playworks help children and families to reclaim their streets and local parks as places to play. As a volunteer you would help Playworks staff and other volunteers to deliver play sessions. By increasing the chances to play you will be helping to bring children, families and communities together, improve people’s sense of safety and help community cohesion. Playworks offer lots of training and support to volunteers. Commitment: Minimum 2 hours per week Location: Nottingham City Centre
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Student Volunteer Centre Projects Handbook
The Reach Probation Project
REACH is an employability project that aids and supports offenders by providing an intensive case management approach for those furthest away from employment. A participant on the Reach Project will have the opportunity to be allocated a Volunteer Mentor who will be able to offer additional support and guidance. This scheme offers the opportunity to build positive relationships as well as assistance and encouragement when completing forms, attending appointments and job interviews. Commitment: 2 hours per week Location: Lenton and various locations in Nottingham
Reading Aunties & Uncles
Practising reading is an invaluable way to progress and gain confidence but children don’t always have this opportunity. Five Nottingham libraries run the Reading Aunties & Uncles scheme and need volunteers to read with children in their local library after school. This is a great way to get started in working with children and is an easy and flexible way to see if teaching/education is for you. Commitment: 1 hour per week (min. of half a term) Location: Meadows, Radford/ Lenton, Hyson Green, Sneinton, Southglade Libraries
RideWise
RideWise aims to get more people cycling more safely. Our work helps individuals and groups take up or get back into cycling, get trained to cycle safely and we then provide ongoing group rides. We help people who would benefit from cycling for health, economic and environmental reasons plus those who want to have better access to employment, learning and social opportunities. Volunteers can lead regular hour long rides in the more deprived areas of Nottingham and evening and weekend social rides around the City. Training is provided and there are further opportunities to become an accredited cycle instructor. Ridewise also have volunteers to help with marketing, administration and even simple maintenance on old bikes which we loan back into the community. Commitment: Minimum 1-2 hours per week for ride leaders. Location: Most City neighbourhoods
Riding for the Disabled
Want to have fun in the country helping disabled children and adults enjoy sessions at a local riding school? This group of enthusiastic volunteers meet up twice a week to enable people of all ages to achieve their dreams and fulfil their potential. Volunteers assist with therapeutic and skills building sessions and games. The Nottingham University Riding Club also assist new members and have links with a variety of new stables. Three helpers are needed for each horse so bring some friends or expect to make some new ones! Commitment: 2-4 hours per month Location: Keyworth, Nottingham
32 www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering
University of Nottingham Students’ Union
Rosehill School
This is a specialist school for pupils with a diagnosis of an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The School has its own distinctive approach, employing a range of methods including Art, Music and Speech Therapy, and with a great emphasis on Creative and Sensory interaction to deliver the Curriculum. All these approaches help to decrease the pupil’s anxieties and help them to reach their full potential. As a volunteer you would provide support to students and staff. Rosehill have recently had a new school built and are keen to recruit new volunteers to help share this new environment with the children. Commitment: 2-4 hours per week Location: Carlton
RSPB
If you enjoy the countryside and nature you could spend a week away from it all on the cheap with RSPB! The Royal Society for Protection of Birds offer volunteering holidays all over the UK. They are available throughout the year and are a great chance to help with conservation work, meet new people, explore new areas and keep fit in the great outdoors!
Salvation Army Aspley
The Aspley Salvation Army provide a variety of services for the community; from their popular café and busy after school club to their allotment which provides fruit and veg for a lot of the café’s recipes and emergency food parcels. They welcome volunteers to get involved in all of these activities, which offer great experience in working with the community and children. Commiment: 3 hours per week Location: Aspley
Samaritans
This is a long standing, national organisation that provides a 24hour service offering confidential, emotional support by phone, e-mail, letter and face-to-face contact. This is for anyone experiencing feelings of distress and despair, including those that may lead to suicide. Each branch is completely volunteer-run, and Nottingham Samaritans have opportunities for both Samaritan and fundraising work. Commitment: 4 hours per week Location: City Centre
Please note: A minimum commitment of 1 year is preferred so final years are not recommended to apply.
Commitment: 1 week (residential) Location: All over the UK
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Student Volunteer Centre Projects Handbook
Primary Schools Ambleside Primary:
runs an enrichment academy which gives children opportunities to take part in a range of different workshops such as cooking, cycling, sports coaching, gardening and Spanish.
Beeston Fields:
a large primary school close to University Park’s West Entrance. Volunteers can be involved in a variety of classes with a focus on helping some of the younger children with their reading.
Beeston Rylands:
this junior school believes in teamwork: staff, parents, volunteers, governors and the local community working together, to make the school a place to be proud of!
Berridge Infants:
A small multicultural city school with a vibrant atmosphere. They participate in a lot of trips with volunteers and encourage literacy with volunteers.
Dunkirk Primary:
needs a small group of volunteers to regularly attend the school and be involved in lessons and activities. They must be dedicated and become part of the school community.
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I learnt to speak confidently and communicate with young children
John Clifford Primary:
volunteers are needed to help run enrichment sessions. You can help teach children a variety of extracurricular activities each week, as well as supporting the many events that are run at the school throughout the year.
Radford Primary School:
this bustling primary school has all kinds of fun activities happening all day for volunteers to get stuck into!
Robert Shaw Primary:
volunteers are involved in all aspects of this school and teachers like having extra help in the classes they run. (Close to Jubilee Campus)
Southwold Primary:
this school (also close to Jubilee) has various curricular & extracurricular activities. They need students with a range of skills to help in classes – from reading stories to assisting with science / music lessons.
Sutton Bonington:
if you live / have classes in Sutton Bonington this is the perfect volunteer project for you. Integrate with the school and also help brighten their expanding outdoor areas.
Trent Vale Infants:
this school (in the Rylands area of Beeston) is set in spacious grounds which the pupils and volunteers gardening club help maintain. You can also help encourage reading and take part in art workshops.
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Most schools need volunteers for approx. 1 morning / afternoon per week.
34 www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering
University of Nottingham Students’ Union
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School Governors One-Stop Shop (SGOSS)
Commitment: Three meetings per year Location: Various Schools in the Nottingham area Please note: as SGOSS asks for a substantial commitment (over 1 year) it is not recommended that final year students apply
Scouts
Nottinghamshire Scouts is part of the world’s biggest youth organisation with over 10 million youth members. Scouting gives opportunities to all young people to experience a wide range of activities ranging from climbing to kayaking, rafting to pot holing. You can get involved at all levels from helping to run and plan activities to administration. The organisation has now been running for 100 years providing fun and activities, which encourage young people to work together and get outdoors. Commitment – 3 hours per week Location – Various around Nottinghamshire (including Lenton Abbey)
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This charity recruits volunteers to become governors in schools. Schools really benefit from having a mixed group of School Governors. Students (along with their CVs and future employment prospects!) benefit hugely from volunteering as School Governors too. If you’d like to make a real difference to the education system and lives of local school pupils this is your chance.
Volunteering has provided me with experience I couldn’t get otherwise
Sea Cadets
Nottingham Sea Cadets provide opportunities to work with young people aged 10-17 in a nautical environment based on the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy. Chances to learn and instruct boat work and other qualifications are available to all. Enthusiasm and dedication is a must, but the rewards are great! All volunteers accepted, especially those with previous experience of working with young people or RYA qualifications. Commitment - 4 hours a week (individual circumstances considered) Location - Colwick (near the Racecourse)
SHARE Uganda
A group of students went to Uganda to volunteer and were shocked by what they saw. They came back with the passion and dedication to help fight AIDS and HIV and raise funds to enable more children to be able to attend school. You can play a vital role in this work by helping to organise and run events to raise funds and awareness. From 5-a-side football tournaments to club / film nights, it’s up to you what you do to get the cash rolling in! Commitment: One off and regular opportunities Location: University Park
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Student Volunteer Centre Projects Handbook
SIFE Nottingham
SIFE is a global not-for-profit organisation that encourages students to set up project teams to help the community in a sustainable and enterprising way. The Nottingham team continue to work with disadvantaged young people, school children, local charities and businesses and even run projects internationally. It’s a great way to improve your skills whilst helping others, and sponsors (including Accenture and PWC) often recruit directly from SIFE Nottingham. More enthusiastic volunteers are needed to get new projects underway this year. Commitment: One off and regular opportunities Location: Mainly Jubilee Campus
St. Ann’s Allotments (STAA)
Want to help improve the oldest and largest allotments in Europe? This Grade 2 listed site needs volunteers to help with practical conservation work. Come and get your hands dirty and renovate plots for new allotment owners to use. You’ll be helping local wildlife as well as the environment and the local community, not bad for an afternoon’s work! If you’re a budding Bill Oddie and fancy a bit of digging, clearing and planting get in touch… Commitment: 2 – 4 hours per month Location: Near City Centre
Stonebridge City Farm
This inner city farm is run for the benefit of users with a range of issues (including learning difficulties, physical disabilities, mental health issues and disadvantaged young people). All the work is done by the clients with staff/volunteer support. Using horticulture and animal husbandry, disadvantaged people are able to develop their work, social and personal skills in a real working environment. Ideal for anyone studying psychology, social work and care. Commitment: 2 hours per week Location: St Anns
Students’ Union Opportunities
There’s loads of stuff you can do to get involved and make a difference in the Students’ Union. From covering gigs for the award winning Impact magazine, to working behind the scenes for the UK’s first studentrun theatre to becoming the next Chris Moyles on the Union’s radio station, we’ve got something for everyone! Are you empathetic, nonjudgemental and a good listener? Then Nightline, a helpline run by students for students could be just the thing for you! Commitment: One off and regular opportunities Location: University Park
36 www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering
University of Nottingham Students’ Union
Surface Gallery
Interested in a career in the arts? Want to curate exhibitions? Are you a marketing mogul? This Gallery is an independent contemporary arts space in the City Centre that showcases new art from all over Britain and beyond. Since opening in 1999, it has been run entirely by volunteers on a not-for-profit basis. You can get involved in all areas of running the gallery from fundraising to setting up events and helping choose and curate shows for the Gallery. Commitment: Minimum ½ day Location: City Centre
Tag Rugby Coaching
Now in its 9th year, this project has successfully helped coach over 2000 primary school children. Coaching takes place at schools near the University for a 5 week period (from January – April). After this, a festival is held on campus and the winners of the tournament get to play against Trent’s winning team at a Varsity match. As with all the Varsity matches pride comes with victory and after a draw last year a win is all-important in 2011/12! All volunteer coaches gain a (FREE!) RFU-recognised coaching qualification. Commitment: 2 hours per week (for 5 – 6 weeks) Location: Various City / Beeston Primary Schools
Tools For Self Reliance (TFSR)
Want to help people in the developing world? TFSR volunteers repair old, unwanted tools and sewing machines to give them a valuable second lease of life overseas. Tools are collected, refurbished in the TFSR workshop (on campus) then sent in complete kits to Africa. The project has a massive impact both in the UK and abroad, creating new opportunities for people. It’s a very hands-on way to tackle the root causes of poverty and overseas debt. No experience is necessary and all students (male/female) are welcome. Commitment: 1 – 3 hours (Wednesday PM drop-in) Location: University Park Campus
UoN Estates (Landscaping)
Would you like to be involved in the maintenance and development of the University grounds? The Estates Office is looking for volunteers to be involved in Landscape renewal projects working alongside The Friends of University Park Volunteers. There will be an emphasis on sustainability, looking at new native plantings of trees and shrubs to increase Bio Diversity within the University’s Campuses. If you would like to be involved in the management and maintenance of all of the University Campuses, this opportunity is for you. Commitment: 3 hours per week, Location: University Park Campus
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Student Volunteer Centre Projects Handbook
Victim Support in Nottinghamshire
Voluntary Action Broxtowe
Commitment: Approx. 2-4 hours per fortnight (for at least 1 year) Location: Various (Nottinghamshire)
Commitment: 1 – 3 hours per week Location: Beeston
Victim Support is an independent charity for people who have been affected by crime. Volunteers offer free, confidential, emotional and practical support to victims of crime or people attending court as a witness. Specialist opportunities are available for suitable volunteers to provide support in the Coroner’s Court. Also, if appropriate, you could help children/young people, or victims of serious crimes. Accredited training, ongoing support and supervision are given.
Working in Tandem (WiT)
Vitalise
Vitalise provides respite care for people with disabilities at residential centres in Southport, Southampton and Essex. This allows the carer to have a break while the disabled person has the opportunity to go on a holiday. You can help with all aspects of the holiday to ensure guests have the best possible time. Training is provided and full time staff are on hand 24 hours a day to support you. Commitment: One-week residential Location: Southport, Southampton and Essex
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Based in Beeston Town Centre, this project needs volunteers for a variety of roles. You can help out as a receptionist welcoming people to the centre or gain office experience by offering admin support. Bilingual volunteers can also help the Black & Ethnic Minority support worker with the Language Buddies scheme. A range of language skills (from Arabic to Polish) are needed to help school pupils who are new to Beeston to improve their English writing and speaking.
Wonderful, interesting, challenging and meaningful
This student-led organisation supports educational projects in Tanzania. WiT currently support an education centre built by Nottingham students in 2005. It provides free education for the local community and now includes a kindergarten. WiT also supports a community primary school in a neighbouring village. They aim to raise awareness within the University and wider community about issues surrounding Africa and its development. Volunteers are needed to help publicise and raise funds and awareness for these centres. In the summer, you could also have the chance to travel to Tanzania to volunteer at the projects. Commitment: One off and regular opportunities Location: Mainly University Park
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38 www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering
University of Nottingham Students’ Union
Young Enterprise – Secondary Schools Programmes
ZambiAIDS
Designed for pupils aged 11-18 these are one day events at local schools providing “building blocks” for skills development and understanding the world of work through practical, fun activities. You can work as part of a team of volunteers who will help school pupils with the activities and have the opportunity to talk about your own education and work aspirations.
This student-led Project supports people with AIDS in Zambia by fundraising for the charity PEPAIDS. ZambiAIDS want people to join and help make a real difference to people’s lives in Zambia. We have lots of fundraising events planned and you can play a vital role by organising these events and helping out at them; it can be anything from an hour a week to an hour a month.
Commitment: 1 school day Location: Various
Commitment: One off and regular opportunities Location: University Park
Young Potential (YP)
Young Potential works with young people aged 13-25 who live with disadvantage such as crime, poverty, family breakdown, violence or abuse. They provide intensive coaching and ongoing support to enable young people to engage with social responsibility, citizenship and new opportunities in their communities. You can support the young people in different projects from schools, gardening or sports to 1-to-1 mentoring, one-off projects or helping with the project admin (including design/web development).
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Volunteering has been an important part to my university experience and I continue to see the benefit of this
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Commitment: Various Location: Beeston/City Centre
www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering 39
Presented to
A Volunteer in recognition of Impressive contribution and achievement
Mission Statement
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To provide a diverse range of volunteering opportunities to enable students to learn new skills and enhance their personal development.
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SVC volunteers are informed, supported and active within the Students’ Union and wider community.
The University of Nottingham Students’ Union (company limited by guarantee) Company Registration No. 7229624 Charity Registration No. 1136986 Registered Office: The Portland Building, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD.
Student Volunteer Centre (SVC) University of Nottingham Students’ Union B Floor, Portland Building University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD 0115 8468750 volunteering@nottingham.ac.uk www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/volunteering