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Get to know the community you live in!
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One-off and longer term opportunities... we have it all!
Whatever your inte experienrcees,tswaend a project for y have ou!
Volunteering 2013 – 2014
Volunteering at Reading Reading University Student’s Union (RUSU) runs a wide range of volunteering projects that are designed to enhance your employability, improve your transferable skills and ensure that your university experience is the best it can possibly be! The University of Reading also co-ordinates several volunteering projects and these are included within this handbook.
We have a huge range of projects on offer, from performing arts workshops with disabled children and vegetable growing on campus, to running your own youth club and coaching a sport you love! Whether you’re looking for a long term project to get your teeth into or fancy a one-off opportunity with a local charity, there is something for everyone!
Get involved You can pop into the Student’s Union and talk to Amy, the Volunteering and Social Enterprise Coordinator, about volunteering opportunities. She will be around all year from 9.00am-5.00pm Monday-Friday, except during Christmas, the Easter weekend and bank holidays! You can also chat to Katy, your Community & Development Officer!
Amy Moss
Katy Ashford
Volunteering & Social Enterprise Coordinator
Community & Development Officer
a.moss@reading.ac.uk (or volunteer@reading.ac.uk) 0118 378 4111
communityanddevelopment@rusu.co.uk 0118 378 4134
'Employers are desperate for students who have experiences to talk about and what better experience than volunteering? RUSU offers endless opportunities for you all to get involved in from climbing Kilimanjaro to having tea and cake with the elderly. It's a great way to meet new people and give back to the community, all while gaining invaluable skills to put on your CV.' Katy Ashford Community & Development Officer
How to get involved... In just 3 simple steps!
1
Have a browse! Look through this booklet, check out our website rusu.co.uk/volunteering and like the page ‘Reading University Volunteering’ facebook.com/RUSUVolunteering on Facebook – You can also become friends with the ‘Volunteering Coordinator!’
2
Find an opportunity that suits you and notify the Volunteering and Social Enterprise Coordinator! She will then arrange for you to have a chat with her, fill in the correct paperwork and get started in fulfilling your Some of the projects require you to volunteering ambitions! complete a Disc
3
Join the mailing list by emailing volunteer@reading.ac.uk! This will mean you will find out about the most recent volunteering opportunities first and be given all the information you need to sign up.
losure and Barring Service check. This is to ensure that it is saf e for you to volunteer with children and oth er vulnerable people. The projects which require DBS checks are highlighted in this booklet. Completing a DBS check require s you to fill in a form and provide proof of your identity. These can take up to 6 weeks to come back but it does not cost you any thing as a volunteer to have a DBS check.
Training Training is offered to all students who want to volunteer in the community and will contribute to your RED award.
TRAINING WILL NOT ONLY SHOW YOU HOW TO BE AN AMAZING VOLUNTEER WHILST YOU’RE A STUDENT, IT WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO USE THOSE SKILLS IN YOUR FUTURE. In addition to introducing you to the project you will be involved with, training will introduce you to how the volunteering you do now can help you gain key skills to improve your employability. The training will also cover essential volunteer knowledge such as how to risk assess projects, how to put on events and how to publicise projects effectively. It will leave you feeling mega excited about what volunteering can do for you, as well as what you can do for your community!
Projects We offer a wide range of volunteering projects, so hopefully you will find something that appeals. If you do have an idea for a new project however, do get in touch with Volunteering and Social Enterprise Coordinator, to discuss how we can help in getting your idea off the ground. Most of our projects run during term-time, with a few continuing in the holidays. Some have been going for years and others are brand new!
Projects are sorted into categories to make it easier to find what you are looking for. Nonetheless, do browse the whole booklet as your dream opportunity could be something you didn’t expect. It is indicated where projects are run by the University of Reading, as opposed to the Students’ Union.
Sports
Who: Primary school ages fe Ca y Pla e Th @ Lab ng rni Lea fé Where: Palmer Park Play Ca When: Friday afternoons .uk Contact: a.moss@reading.ac 42370/ book.com/groups/2534429614 More information: www.face
Quick Info References required x DBS check required x Training provided x Expenses Paid ✓
Learning lab was a brand new project last year. The idea is simple: make homework a little easier by lending a helping hand to families who may need it. Based at the PlayCafé in Palmer Park, this after school club is open to primary school children and their parents and run by University of Reading students. We are looking for volunteers who are available from 3 until 5, on Friday afternoons during term time. Your role will vary from helping to explain long division to a struggling child and their parent, to running creative activities and games once homework has been finished! If you feel that you can be a calming presence, whilst promoting fun learning in a welcoming environment, then get involved! We all remember the pain of learning spellings and practicing handwriting! As a Learning Lab volunteer, you can help make it more fun!
The Playcafé have also set up a film club on Sunday afternoons and a ‘little chefs’ cookery club on Tuesdays from 3-5; they would love some volunteers to come and help with this so contact the Volunteering Coordinator if you are interested!”
H CL UB BU IL D YO UR OW N YO UT ng Adults Who: When: Contact:
Children and You You will decide! a.moss@reading.ac.uk
Quick Info References required
✓
DBS check required
✓
Training provided
✓
Expenses Paid
✓
This is a brand new project for 2013-2014 for a team to set up their very own Youth Club, working with the Volunteering Coordinator and Reading Council. You will be able to research what young people want, design sessions and eventually deliver the youth club to the attendees. This will be totally your vision; you decide when the sessions will be, what goes into them and how you market it, which is why we haven’t picked a name or logo! This is a fantastic opportunity to work with young people, improving your project management skills beyond belief!
Starting point Reading When: Where: Contact: More information:
One meeting per week Typically public venues e.g. cafés rachel.green@themustardtree.org www.startingpointreading.co.uk
Do you want to get off campus and engage with your town, help young people navigate the system & improve your CV all in one go? Starting Point Reading is a new project that has been set up in conjunction with a number of local partners. The aim of the project is to engage young people aged 16-24 who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). We aim to do this by providing young people with mentors, who will support
Quick Info
References required DBS check required Training provided Expenses Paid (for travel)
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
and encourage them into existing and new opportunities in education, employment or training. We are expecting that this project will have a profound impact on the lives of young people and their families in Reading, as they develop relationships with positive role models, as well as being encouraged to pursue their ambitions and develop skills for work. We are looking for student volunteers to support young people into existing and new opportunities in education and employment; primarily by being positive, encouraging and enthusiastic role models. This role will involve meeting with a young person for an hour or so once a week and also contacting them by telephone once a week, typically over a 3 month time period.
Stud ent Tutorin g Who: When: Where: Contact: More information:
Starting Point Reading Mentor Training
This 3 hour training session will cover safeguarding, confidentiality, best practice, roles and responsibilities, scenarios/role play and signposting to other organisations and will be held on London Street, Reading. Please email for details about dates and times of training.
This volunteeri ng opportuni ty is run by the University of Reading
Local primary and secondary school pupils Usually once a week for half a day over 10 consecutive weeks Local schools j.m.hodgson@reading.ac.uk www.reading.ac.uk/studenttutoring
If you’re passionate about raising the aspirations of pupils in schools and encouraging them to continue in education beyond the age of sixteen, then Student Tutoring could be for you. By working alongside classroom teachers and giving practical help with subject classes or projects, you’ll act as a positive role model for all the pupils you come into contact with and be directly involved in their learning. Sound interesting? This scheme places between two and three hundred Reading student volunteers in local primary and secondary schools each year, each of them committing to 10 half-day visits to their school of choice. 2012 saw our 4,000th volunteer, so you’ll be in good company! Get involved. It’s great for your CV. And we think you’ll love it!
Quick Info References required ✓ DBS check required x Training provided ✓ Expenses Paid ✓
St John Link s Who: When: Where: Contact: More information:
Students and members of the public Wednesday afternoon sports matches and at public events On campus and in the local community secretary@readinglinks.sja.org.uk www.facebook.com/groups/ReadingLinksSJA
We are a part of St. John Ambulance and so we teach vital first aid training which we then deliver at duties, both on and off campus. Our usual evening sessions consist of skill-based training in areas such as the use of defibrillators, resuscitation and bandaging, followed by scenario situations. Our society has covered a variety of events; from supporting the University of Reading’s sports teams each week during their fixtures, to providing first aid cover at the Madejski Stadium for Reading Town football matches, treating patients at the Reading Half Marathon and supporting other divisions of St. John Ambulance during the horse racing at Royal Ascot.
Quick Info References required x DBS check required x Training provided ✓ Expenses Paid ✓
Voic es of Rea din g
Who: When: Where: Contact:
University students, staff, local residents, school children, their parents, teenagers, the elderly… everyone. Monday evenings, 7.00pm – 8.00pm London Road Campus voices.of.reading@reading.ac.uk
Voices of Reading is a choir all about community spirit. Founded through the University of Reading Volunteering Society, the choir brings together university students, staff, members of the community and their families. Voices of Reading is enjoying trying out an eclectic mix of styles, but the harmony never falters whether the tune is folk, gospel, pop or musical theatre. We would love you to join us at our free, weekly rehearsals, whatever your ability and singing experience. If you are interested in taking a more active role – such as helping organise concert performances and press releases or arranging socials, please get in touch using the contact details above.
Quick Info References require d x DBS check require d x Training provided x Expenses Paid x
Mus eums and Volunt ee rin g at th e Univ ersity Se rvic e (UM AS CS ) Sp eci al Coll ections the Univ ersi ty of Read ing
Quick Info
References required ✓ by run is This volu ntee ring opp ortu nity ASCS DBS check required ✓ ing on the type of work you do with UM end dep and ible (sometimes) Flex When: don Road Campus, the Lon on Life al Rur lish Eng of Trai eum ning provided ✓ The Mus Where: eum of ions (archives and library), the Ure Mus lect Col cial Spe Exp s Paid ✓ of Zoology (to exteense rnal events) Archaeology and the Cole Museum ek Gre ient anc Campus). (Whiteknights r.j.davies@reading.ac.uk Contact: .uk/merl More information: www.reading.ac Students have been volunteering at UMASCS for a long time, gaining and developing skills and using it as a stepping stone into careers in heritage, arts, teaching, marketing, and of course museums. Students volunteer on a range of activities, including: • Archiving • Marketing • Front of house • Tour guiding • Gardening As a volunteer you will receive training and support, be offered a reference and signposted to relevant jobs, internships and work experience. UMASCS is a fantastic organisation for people who would like to try something new, make new friends, build up their CV and have a chance to work with the local community. UMASCS have recently been awarded the Investing in Volunteers Award, marking us as a centre of volunteering excellence.
Keen reading Who: When: Where: More information:
9 – 13 year olds with learning disabilities Saturday afternoons during term time, 2.30pm – 5.00pm Mencap Centre, Alexandra Road, Reading volunteer@reading.ac.uk
KEEN Reading is a joint venture between Reading Mencap and Reading University Students’ Union and is based upon a similar project in Oxford, which has been running for over 25 years. Essentially, it’s all about having a lot of fun. Each Saturday we meet at the Mencap Centre in Reading and run a performing arts based club for children with learning disabilities and complex needs. The project is entirely dependent on student volunteers to run activities; whether it’s dancing, drumming, drama or dressing up – all of which we perform to parents at the end of each term in a showcase concert. As a volunteer you will develop skills in patience, creativity, adaptability and team work; make friends with a fantastic group of enthusiastic, like minded students and make a huge contribution to the lives of some very special children. The number of children we can support are limited by our volunteers, so we need YOU!
Computer wizard? KEEN Reading has its own website, but needs someone with IT know-how to help set it up, design the pages and update the content. If you are looking for volunteering which you can do at home, to fit around your other commitments and which would only require a few hours a month, please get in contact.
Quick Info References required x DBS check required ✓ Training provided ✓ Expenses Paid ✓
Essential KEEN Reading Training Whilst this project requires more training than some of the others, the rewards are huge, so please don’t be put off. Training is an opportunity to not only learn the skills you require for the role, but also to meet, make friends and socialise, with the other volunteers.
It is so rewarding to see the kids smiling! It's been great to get to know them and to watch them grow in confidence. I've made lots of good friends, and what's better than getting to act like a big kid! Charlie Mellor, one of KEEN’s Student Coordinators
Unicycle Who: Students When: Anytime Where: Whiteknights Campus More information: volunteer@reading.ac.uk Think you could hack The Apprentice or survive the Dragons Den? If the answers yes, then you might be just who we’re looking for; to get the wheels turning on a new social enterprise. RUSU have bikes, lots of them, and we are looking for a small team to take on the responsibility of running an on-campus bike hire scheme: promoting the service, issuing bike locks and taking payments. All the money received from the hire scheme will go towards funding the ongoing maintenance of the bikes and we will provide you with the opportunity to attend a training course to develop your own bike repair skills.
THE harris Gard en
Wednesday afternoons and Thursday mornings (flexible) When: The Harris Garden (Whiteknights Campus behind the Where: Harborne Building) volunteer@reading.ac.uk Contact: More information: www.friendsoftheharrisgarden.org.uk/garden
Join the team of hardy volunteers who work all year round alongside the university grounds team, to maintain the 11 acre garden of the University of Reading. From pond clearance and tree loping to hedge building and planting, there are tasks for everyone.
Quick Info References required x DBS check required x Training provided ✓ Expenses Paid ✓
Quick Info References required DBS check required Training provided (informal)
Expenses Paid
x x ✓
x
STU DE NT EATS
local community Students, university staff and members of the Who: When: Flexible On campus vegetable garden Where: volunteer@reading.ac.uk Contact: k More Information: www.studenteats.org.u
Quick Info References required DBS check required Training provided (informal)
Student Eats is a on-campus vegetable garden and your opportunity to get outdoors, eat healthily, try new foods and improve the campus environment. It isn’t just about growing a bit of veg; it’s about experimenting with new varieties and attempting to grow exotic produce. It’s about pop up kitchens cropping up on campus throughout the term and turning the on-campus produce into wholesome soups and stews. It’s about filling the shelves in Campus Central with affordable food for everyone, that couldn’t really get more local! From the nursery children to the Vice Chancellor, we want everyone to get involved in planting, picking and packing. If you enjoy getting your hands dirty, we think you would be a perfect addition to our team!
Expenses Paid
x x ✓
N/A
CoppaFee l!
Who: Students When: All year with certain key events Where: Whiteknights Campus More information: www.facebook.com/CoppaFeelAtReadingUniversity CoppaFeel! is the only breast cancer awareness charity that is aimed at 18-30 year olds. We exist to stamp out late detection and misdiagnosis of breast cancer, by ensuring that you know what the signs and symptoms of breast cancer are. We are currently recruiting members for Reading University’s Boob Team, to help spread the boob love and raise awareness on our campus. We have lots of exciting events planned for the next year so if you’d like to get involved in any way like our Facebook group.
Great big giveaway
Students (for Reading RAG) Who: End of summer term When: Halls of residence Where: Contact volunteer@reading.ac.uk
The Great Big Giveaway does what it says on the tin. Student volunteers collect unwanted clothes, pots, pans, mixing bowls, plates, crockery, notebooks, folders, files…the list goes on, from halls of residence and student houses at the end of the academic year. Having sorted everything, the team organise the Great Big Giveaway: allowing students to kit out their new rooms, all for a small donation to charity. Anything not snapped up by students, is donated to local charity shops. We are recruiting a Great Big Giveaway Team for this year as the earlier we start planning and getting the word out, the bigger the giveaway!
Quick Info References required x DBS check required x Training provided x Expenses Paid ✓
Howa rd Leag ue for Pena l Reform ! Where: Contact: More information:
Fox Hill House (Law School), Whiteknights Campus howardleaguereading@gmail.com www.facebook.com/UoRHowardLeagueForPenalReform
The Howard League for Penal Reform is the oldest legal reform charity in the UK. The charity aims to reduce offending and create safer communities. The Howard League believes that community sentences are more effective than putting people in prison, because they make the person take more responsibility.
Quick Info References require d x DBS check require d x Training provided x Expenses Paid x
As student representatives of the Howard League we have two aims; firstly to raise awareness of the charity and their campaigns through speaker events, and secondly, to fundraise for the Howard League. More members will give us greater strength in campaigning! Join us today!
UNIC EF ON CAMP US
Who: Children worldwide Fortnightly meetings When: ruunicefoncampus@gmail.com Contact: More information: www.facebook.com/groups/ruunicefoncampus/ RUUCS aims to raise funds and awareness of the valuable work done by UNICEF through fundraising, campaigning and organising spectacular events for students! Volunteers have the opportunity to get involved in as much or as little as they would like; and activities range from gathering support on campus for children’s rights, showcasing your talents at a fundraising event, or simply attending one of our in-aid-of-UNICEF socials! You are also all invited to attend our fortnightly update meetings, where society news and developments in UNICEF campaigns are shared.
Quick Info References require d x DBS check require d x Training provided x Expenses Paid x
RAISING and GIVING (RAG) Who: When: Contact: More information:
Fundraising for a whole range of charitable causes: local, national and international Run events throughout the year for you to support rag@reading.ac.uk www.facebook.com/readingrag
RAG stands for Raising and Giving and that’s what we do: raise lots of money by running great events and giving it to charity. From bake sales to bungee jumping, RAG has it all - so you have no excuse not to get involved! Get in touch and get on board. RAG...everyone’s doing it!
Quick Info References required x DBS check required x Training provided ✓ Expenses Paid ✓
Tea Party Committ ee Who: When: Where: Contact:
Local elderly residents Flexible, plus one-off tea party events each term On campus and visiting local residential / care homes volunteer@reading.ac.uk
Volunteers host tea parties each term; transforming 3sixty into a dance hall, organising refreshments and entertainment and most importantly, offering their time and company to residents of a local elderly people’s home’. You may then choose to visit the people you meet more regularly - popping to visit them or becoming pen pals. These elderly people are our neighbours and several of them have strong links with the university, some having worked here in the past. This is the perfect chance to get to know them and find out some incredible stories.
Quick Info References required DBS check required (sometimes)
x ✓
Training provided x Expenses Paid ✓
Peer Support – Support for students, by students
Quick Info
This volunteering opportunity is run by the University of Reading
When: Where: Contact: More information:
Two hours a week (plus fortnightly team meetings) Whiteknights Campus peersupport@reading.ac.uk www.reading.ac.uk/peersupport
Are you a good listener? Are you warm, positive, and thoughtful? Could you be helpful, empathetic and reliable?
References required x DBS check required ✓ Training provided x Expenses Paid x
Essential Listening Skills Training
Make it count by becoming a Peer Supporter. Peer Support is a system of informal, friendly and confidential support, available to all students at the University of Reading.
The Essential Listening Skills Training involves 4 two-hour workshops, all of which need to be attended to become a Peer Supporter.
As a Peer Supporter you will be formally trained in listening and support skills, so that you can provide a listening ear to fellow students. Your role will be to make the university a friendlier and more welcoming place, by reaching out to other students in halls and departments who may be struggling to adjust to university life. You will sometimes function as the first port of call for students with specific concerns and dilemmas and will learn how to help students find additional sources of support. You will also be involved in the publicity and organisation of Peer Support activities on campus.
The training will count towards the ‘Training & Development’ element of the RED Award (all four workshops need to be attended). The training is open to anyone who is interested in developing their ‘people skills’ and learning how to listen to what other people are really saying. It is specifically designed to be the first part of the training for Peer Supporters, but would also be useful for Course Reps, JCR Welfare Officers, and all students who have a support role of some kind.
In return you will get transferable skills to put on your CV, experience in organising events and activities, experience of marketing and publicity campaigns, volunteering hours for the RED award, the chance to tap into a great network of friendly and like-minded fellow-volunteers and to top it off, a fantastic opportunity to support other students and make the campus a happier, more supportive community!
Please contact the email address above for information about applying to be a peer supporter and the training dates
Stud ent M inds
Co nta ct: More information:
rea din g@ srs h.c o.u k www.srsh.co.uk
Student Minds is the only eating disorders oriented society on campus, and aims to help students overcome one of the most difficult parts of university (nutrition), through work with fellow students. We hold fortnightly meetings, encouraging positive progress on the road to recovery, and are open to not only the university community, but the wider Reading one as well. We not only help students on a personal level, but also spread awareness of the prevalence of eating disorder; seeking to remove the taboo that currently surrounds any form of mental illness, not least ED. Please join us if you have an interest in helping fellow students and community members who are suffering, are interested in mental health issues, or would just like the opportunity to meet passionate individuals who want to make a difference in our community! We also encourage everyone to bear us and our goals in mind, if any nutrition related anxiety arises, whether among you or your friends. We’re a safety net here on campus, and always encourage more help and awareness. Just by mentioning us, you’re helping volunteer!
Quick Info References required x DBS check required x Training provided ✓ Expenses Paid x
SPORTS Quick Info
Whiteknights Football Club When: Where: Contact:
Training is on Friday or Saturdays (matches on Saturday mornings) Whiteknights Campus jamie.fahey@theguardian.com
Ever fancied yourself as a children’s football coach? Well, Whiteknights FC might just be the place for you. The friendly grassroots club, which carries the FA Charter Standard hallmark and is based at your very own Whiteknights Campus (where else?), is seeking eager volunteers to help with training/matches for our teams aged 6-16. Training is normally Fridays or Saturdays and teams in leagues play matches on Saturday mornings. Whiteknights FC has long had links with the University (the club was founded nearly 30 years ago on the campus) and we’ve recently been awarded a Football Foundation “Grow the Game” grant to widen our reach in East Reading. This means we can offer you help towards the cost of FA coaching courses.
No experience is necessary (mentoring from a licensed FA coach will be provided) and the extent of your involvement is entirely flexible ... so if you’re at all interested please contact Jamie on the above email address!
References required x DBS check required ✓ Training provided ✓ Expenses Paid ✓
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s e i t i n u t r o p p O r e Oth Why not join a society or sports club? Did you know that all of our societies, sports clubs and media streams are run entirely by student volunteers. The students who run them give up hours each week to organise training, events, rehearsals, matches, teams and programmes; all of which directly enhance the student experience. If you are interested in getting involved with one of these groups, contact the Student Activities Team. The Student Activities Team can be found in the Students’ Union, Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm.
Got your own idea for a project? We can help you set it up! Student-led volunteering at its very best! If you can see an opportunity for a new community project, then we will support you all the way in getting it off the ground. From putting together a budget, to finding community partners and recruiting student volunteers; we have the resources to help make things happen. Pop in to the Students’ Union to discuss your idea with the Societies and Volunteering Coordinator and begin to put your plan in to action!
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR? This year the Volunteering and Social Enterprise Coordinator wants to help YOU set up your very own social enterprise! Social Enterprises are businesses that use market-based strategies to make money but do it for some sort of social purpose! For example, our Unicycle scheme is a social enterprise because it operates like a business but puts the money it makes back into looking after and maintaining the bikes to make our campus, and our city, greener! If you have an idea for our next big social enterprise contact a.moss@reading.ac.uk to discuss in more detail. NOTE: Budding Social Entrepreneurs keep your eyes peeled for the opportunity to apply for funding for your idea! There will be funding available for you to get your social enterprise off the ground this academic year and we are SO excited about working with you!
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t n e d u t s l a n o i t a n r e Int Even if you’re only here for a few months, there are still lots of opportunities to get involved. We have lots of international students every year who have fantastic experiences volunteering whilst studying at Reading. Whilst some projects require fluent English, for many it is not essential and there are even some where speaking another language can be an advantage. There are certain circumstances where your choices may be limited due to restrictions on the visa you hold. • If you have a Tier 4 Visa you are eligible to take part in volunteering activities and/or paid work. This means that you are allowed to take part in on-going/ regular volunteering or paid employment. However, you are only allowed to take part in any of these activities up to maximum of 20 hours per week. For example, you could take part in a combination of 5 hours volunteering and 15 hours of paid work; totalling 20 hours. • If you hold a Student Visitor Visa, you are not allowed to take part in on-going volunteering activities. However, you can get involved in one-off opportunities which will be advertised in the weekly volunteering newsletter and on the Facebook page. Please come in to the Students’ Union if you have any questions or email volunteer@reading.ac.uk.
Claudia Ruiz Mendoza Masters student from Mexico I had an opportunity to meet wonderful people when I was volunteering. I had time to practice English, I took part in all types of activities, I learned more about British culture, I visited parks and different areas in Reading and the most important thing was that I had the opportunity to help others to achieve a goal. For example, I helped to build a greenhouse at the nursery school on campus while having fun with kids, I helped to encourage women to participate in a marathon to raise funds for Cancer Research and I helped with cleaning some areas around my neighbourhood, whilst practicing English with neighbours and friends. Volunteering not only gives you the opportunity to experience new activities, have fun and meet new friends, but it also gives you the opportunity to do something good for someone else.
ACCREDITATION Of course nothing beats the feel good feeling you get from volunteering, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get recognised for what you do. Volunteers from Reading University make an invaluable contribution to so many communities, both locally and internationally, and we want to celebrate that.
RUSU’s Volunteer of the Month Each month, RUSU presents a certificate to a volunteer who has gone above and beyond. Winners from last year include Kassie Headon, who organised a summer tea party with local elderly people, Evette Hillman who helped create an eco garden at a local primary school and Reading University Mountaineering Club for working with young people at the local climbing centre. If you wish to nominate an individual or group of people for Volunteer of the Month, email volunteer@reading.ac.uk with a brief summary of the reasons why that individual/s deserves the award. All winners are recorded on the RUSU website and displayed on the volunteering noticeboard in the Students’ Union.
Reading’s Awards for Volunteering Excellence The Oscars of the volunteering world! The red carpet will be rolled out and the champagne corks will pop for all you wonderful people. This end of year party is a chance to reflect on the work of all our fantastic community volunteers, JCR committees and members of RAG; and to congratulate those of you who have done something special, tried something new, given your all and made a difference.
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ACCREDITATION Rea din g Exp eri enc e and Dev elo pm ent Aw ard ( RED ) Cont act:
red @ read ing.a c.uk More infor mati on: www.read ing.a c.uk /red awar d
WHat is the red award
The RED Employability Award recognises the extra-curricular activities Reading students get involved with. It is included on your degree transcript as evidence of the skills you develop outside of your academic studies.
Why complete the red employability award
The RED Employability Award will help you stand out from the crowd in today’s increasing competitive jobs market. Over 300,000 students graduate from UK universities each year. Have you thought about how you can differentiate yourself? This scheme is designed to provide you with precisely the examples of self-development that employers are looking for.
How easy is it to complete the red award
It couldn’t be easier to complete the RED Employability Award. Any extra-curricular activities you are involved with from your first day at University can count towards the scheme so you may already be well on your way to achieving the RED Award without even realising it!
What do you have todo?
You will need to register in order to take part via the RISISweb Portal. To complete the RED Award you will need to participate in 50 hours of extra-curricular activities outside of your academic studies. The 50 hours of extra-curricular experiences must include: • a minimum of 5 hours training & development • a minimum of 10 hours volunteering The remaining 35 hours can be: • more volunteering • work experience • internship or summer placement which is not part of your course • paid work • or a combination of these.
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ards Stud ent Community Awrea din g.a c.u k
com mu nic atio ns @ Co nta ct: ard s.a spx ing .ac .uk /ab out /ab out -sc aaw Mo re inf orm atio n: ww w.r ead The University of Reading’s ‘Student Community Awards’ scheme aims to recognise students who give up their spare time on their own initiative; to provide support to others, by making a contribution to community life, or for acts of kindness or good neighbourliness. The award is funded by donations received from alumni to the Annual Fund. For information about nominations please see the website above
Duke of Edinbur gh
enquiries. rude @ gmail.com Contact: More informatio n: www.faceb ook.com/g roups/4137 3043024 D of E is a nationally recognised award which looks fantastic on your CV and also provides you with skills applicable to everyday life. At Reading University we give you the opportunity to complete your GOLD Award; and whether you’re starting afresh, or just finishing off a few sections, we would like to help you! The main event on our calendar is organising and running the GOLD expedition, but D of E can support you in completing the volunteering and skills section of the award too.
“Volunteering is my hobby, my passion – I love helping others overcome the obstacles that are keeping them from being 100% their brilliant selves” (Anja Nielson- Peer Support, Student Minds and RAG Volunteer)