Volunteering Handbook 2012

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•Create chaos on campus for good causes. Join RAG !

Get to know the community you

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Whatever your interests and experience, we a project for y have ou!

Make frie nds, learn new skill s, fil spare tim l your e, e the camp scape us bubble !

One-off and longer term opportunities... we have it all!

Volunteering at Reading Reading University Volunteering Society Reading University Students’ Union (RUSU) runs a wide range of volunteering projects; designed to support and benefit our local community, whilst providing you with an opportunity to get to know the area you live in, acquire key transferable skills, and fundamentally, enhance your university experience.

The University of Reading also co-ordinates several volunteering projects and these are included within this handbook.

Reading University Volunteering Society formed in February 2012 and is aiming this year, to become the biggest student-run group at Reading University! The society works alongside RUSU to run a huge range of fun and exciting projects; from tea parties for local elderly residents and vegetable growing on campus; to fundraising for charity, running after school clubs for children and everything in between! You’ll find one-off and flexible opportunities as well as longer term options – all a great way to fill your spare time, make new friends and learn new skills.

Meet team V! Get in touch and get involved! You can pop in to the Students’ Union and talk to the Societies and Volunteering Co-ordinator about opportunities at any time; or you can contact the Volunteering Society Exec Committee, who oversee the studentled projects.

The co-ordinator is the member of staff that oversees student volunteering by supporting the day-to-day running of projects and their volunteers. The co-ordinator works in the Students’ Union, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm, all year round; except for when the university is closed at Easter, Christmas and on Bank Holidays.

Emily Shaw Societies & Volunteering Co-ordinator volunteer@reading.ac.uk 0118 378 4111

The Executive Committee An elected body of student volunteers who support the Societies & Volunteering Co-ordinator, in running our student volunteering programme.

Make sure yo join ‘Re u ad Univers ing Volunte ity er Society ing ’o Facebo n ok too!

Children’s Projects’ Reps:

Michelle Cowcher and Kayleigh Williams

volunteer.youth@reading.ac.uk

Disability Projects’ Rep:

Lucy McAnallen

volunteer.keen@reading.ac.uk

Elderly Projects’ Rep:

Alice Gingell

volunteer.senior@reading.ac.uk

Fundraising Rep (RAG):

Sophie Parker

volunteer.fundraising@reading.ac.uk

How to get involved... In just 3 simple steps!

1 2 3

Have a browse through this booklet, come to the Sports and Volunteering Fayre on Thursday 4th October and join us on Facebook – ‘Reading University Volunteering Society’, to find out about why you should get involved with volunteering at Reading Join our mailing list by emailing volunteer@reading.ac.uk. From here you will receive a weekly newsletter with details of all the latest opportunities and be given all the information you need to sign up and start volunteering.

Once you have found an opportunity which suits you, notify the Societies and Volunteering Co-ordinator. You will be required to complete a brief form and once this is submitted to the Students’ Union, you are good to go!

Some of the projects require you to complete a Criminal Records Bureau che ck.

This is to ensure that it is safe for you to volunteer with children and other vulnerable people. The projects which require CRB checks are highlighted in this booklet. Completing a CRB 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 CRB check.

Training Training is offered to all students who want to volunteer in the community, and contributes to the RED Award. Email volunteer@reading.ac.uk to sign up to training on 17th October; from 4.30 – 6pm in the RUSU Boardroom (above the Hub in the Students’ Union).

It is not compulsory for you to attend this session in order to volunteer. Many of the projects offer their own training (some of which is compulsory) and opportunities will be available throughout the year for you to participate in additional training sessions.

What is creativity? ...How can you be creative? ...Can you define creativity? How can you innovate?

In addition to introducing you to all the volunteering projects RUSU runs and how to get involved, this training session will also get you thinking about creativity. So many volunteering opportunities require you to think outside the box; from developing an innovative fundraising strategy, to creating a game, with limited resources, for children to play at an afterschool club. This session will leave you buzzing with ideas.

A graduate recruiter from the charity ‘Teach First’ will be delivering this session. They will help you to develop your own ideas; just as they do with the graduates they work with – enabling them to provide inspirational teaching in schools facing challenging circumstances across England.

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 the Societies & Volunteering Co-ordinator, 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!

We have tried to sort projects into categories to make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for. However to be honest, lots of projects cover several areas and it’s difficult to assign them to one category; so do browse through the whole booklet, as a gem of an opportunity may be hiding where you least expect it!

It is indicated where projects are run by the University of Reading, as opposed to the Students’ Union.

Who: Primary school ages fe Learning Lab @ The Play Ca fé Where: Palmer Park Play Ca When: Friday afternoons ing.ac.uk Contact: volunteer.youth@read 42370/ ok. bo com/groups/2534429614 More information: www.face Learning Lab is a brand new project for 2012/2013, run by Reading University Volunteering Society. The idea is simple: make homework a little easier by lending a helping hand to families who may need it.

Quick Info References required x CRB check required x Training provided x Expenses Paid ✓

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 5ish, 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 and help diffuse potential family conflicts, 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 a little more fun!

The PlayCafe are also looking to set up regular film and chess clubs. If either of these appeals, do get in contact and we can help you get involved in these projects.

t Re ad in g Bo ok Proj econdary schools

Primary and sec Who: t Leader t 8 hours a week to be a Projec bu le xib Fle

When: .org.uk volunteer@readinternational Contact: Int book.com/VolunteerwithREAD More information: www.face international.org.uk www.read READ International is a volunteering organisation that engages and empowers young people in international development through education-based projects. Our student-led Book Projects, run at 6th form colleges and universities across the UK, fundraise and collect and sort dis-used textbooks, which are then shipped to Tanzania and distributed to the schools that need them most. Since 2005 we have shipped over 1 million books! You can focus on fundraising, books, youth engagement, or a mixture of all three!

Quick Info References required CRB check required

x

(only if going into schools)

✓

Training provided Expenses Paid

✓

x

By volunteering with us you will develop key skills in communication, leadership, management and team work. You will receive training throughout the year and additional support developing your CV and interview skills. READ International volunteers also have the opportunity to travel to Tanzania to work directly with rural schools.

STarting point Reading When: Where: Contact: More information:

No regular time, although there will be periodic supervision and feedback sessions Typically public venues e.g. cafes rachel.green@themustardtree.org www.startingpointreading.co.uk References required ✓ Do you want to get off campus & engage with your town, help young people CRB check required ✓ navigate the system & improve your CV all in one go?

Training provided ✓ Starting Point Reading is a new project that has been set up in conjunction with a number of local Expenses Paid ✓ 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

(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 is likely to 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 Tuto ring 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 ✓ CRB check required x Training provided ✓ Expenses Paid ✓

Student Tutoring Sign-up and Training Meeting 10th October 2012, 2.45 – 5pm Madjeski Theatre, Agriculture Building, Whiteknights Campus This is your chance to learn a little more about the scheme and all the opportunities to get involved in 2012/13. The training session will be followed up by CRB checks, prior to your first visit to a school.

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

Quick Info References required x CRB check required x Training provided ✓ Expenses Paid ✓

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.

INTRODUCTION TO ST JOHN AMBULANCE

Over the last year 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.

This event is all about getting to know us, our society and St. John Ambulance as an organisation and its aims. At this event there will be demonstrations of what we do at our general weekly sessions and some more information of what we will be participating in over the forth coming year. This will then be followed by a social in Mojo’s or Café Mondial, where you can get to know some of the older members, as well as meeting those joining.

Tuesday 9th October, 7pm Venue to be confirmed

Voi ces of Rea din g

Who: University students, staff, local residents, school children, their

parents, teenagers, the elderly… everyone.

When: Monday evenings, 7 – 8pm Where: George Palmer Primary School, Northumberland Avenue, Reading, RG2 7PP Contact: volunteer@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 still a relatively new choir and 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 CRB check require d x Training provided x Expenses Paid x

First rehearsal of term Monday 8th October Meet outside Palmer Building at 6.20pm if you want to walk down as a group.

Whether or not you’ve sung in a choir before, join us for an hour and have a go at singing a whole variety of pieces, at the first rehearsal of the new university term. We perform everything without sheet music, so just bring your voice and lots of energy and we guarantee you will leave feeling relaxed and refreshed after the hype of Freshers’ Week.

it y Mu se ums an d Vo lu nt ee ri ng at th e Un iv ers rv ic e (UM AS CS ) Sp ec ia l Co ll ec ti on s Se Univ ersi ty of Read ing by the This volu ntee ring opp ortu nity is run

of work you do with UMASCS Flexible and depending on the type When: London Road Campus, the The Museum of English Rural Life on Where: ary), the Ure Museum of Special Collections (archives and libr

Cole Museum of Zoology ancient Greek Archaeology and the

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.

Quick Info

References required ✓ CRB check required ✓ (sometimes)

Training provided ✓ Expenses Paid ✓ (to external events)

HAND S ON!

When: Where: Contact: More information:

Dependant on the requirements of Little Learner’s Nursery Little Learners’ Nursery (Whiteknight’s Campus) k.fielding@student.reading.ac.uk www.rusignlanguagesociety.co.uk

This year the Sign Language Society have been invited to begin supporting hearing impaired children who attend the university nursery. The project aims to provide a more inclusive and accessible setting for all children who attend the nursery and you will benefit as a volunteer by having the opportunity to build your confidence and experience of working with children, improve your knowledge of British Sign Language and develop the skills to teach it to others.

Quick Info References required CRB check required Training provided Expenses Paid

✓ ✓ ✓ N/A

Talking HANDS 9th October 2012, 6 – 7pm Mojo’s Bar, Reading University Students’ Union Talking Hands is an informal get together that the Sign Language Society runs for current and new members to come and meet one another and the committee. Attendees have the opportunity to practice their signing skills and build their confidence when signing in a social environment.

Come along and give it a go, whatever your experience.

Ke en re ad in g Who: When: Where: More information:

abilities 9 – 13 year olds with learning dis time, 2.30 – 5pm Saturday afternoons during term Reading Mencap Centre, Alexandra Road, volunteer.keen@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 CRB 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. As a thank you for getting through the training, we’ll even give you a free night out in the union!

Introduction to KEEN – 5th October, 1 – 3pm in The Lounge (Behind the Students’ Union)

Exploring your inner child – 24th October, 1.30pm at the Mencap Centre, Alexandra Road

Learn more about KEEN Reading – how it started, what it is and most importantly, why we want YOU! Some of last year’s volunteers will be around to tell you about their experiences and why KEEN Reading is so good! Feel free to bring lunch with you. If you have ID with you to process your CRB check, please bring it

An afternoon of fun! The KEEN Reading volunteers who were involved in the project last year, will spend a couple of hours introducing you to some of the children’s favourite games and activities, as well as giving you the chance to come up with some of your own. This session is not compulsory and you are welcome to attend as much or as little as you like.

to this session.

Compulsory training – 10th October, 1.30 – 7pm at the Mencap Centre, Alexandra Road This is a compulsory training session for all new volunteers. You will receive training from full-time members of staff at Mencap, in safeguarding children and working with children with learning disabilities. This training is not only essential to prepare you for this role, but will be hugely beneficial if you are looking to work with people with disabilities in the future.

Refreshments will be provided in the afternoon, but you should eat lunch before the training. If you do not know where the Mencap Centre is, meet outside Palmer Building at 12.45pm to walk down to the Mencap Centre as a group. If you wish to get your CRB check processed at this session, you should arrive at the Mencap Centre at 12.30.

Half term Halloween event – 31st October As a half-term treat, we are taking the children into Reading, and anyone signed up to the project, even if they are still waiting for their CRB check to be returned, is invited to come along for the afternoon. Any volunteer who comes along, and has also attended the compulsory training, will receive a free ticket to Wednesday’s Halloween themed union night!

The Christmas show will take place on Saturday 8th December, from 5.30 – 6.15pm at the Mencap Centre

A project so new it doesn’t even have a name!

Who: Students When: Anytime Where: Whiteknights Campus More information: volunteer@reading.ac.uk The mystery volunteering option! 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 day-to-day 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 harr is 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 CRB check required x Training provided ✓ Expenses Paid ✓

Quick Info References required CRB check required Training provided (informal)

Expenses Paid

x x ✓

x

ity

e local commun S TUDENT EAT S udents, university staff and members of th St Who: Flexible When: e garden campus vegetabl n O

Where: g.ac.uk volunteer@readin

: ct ta on C ats.org.uk www.studente More Information:

Quick Info References required CRB check required Training provided (informal)

Student Eats is a NEW, 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. We are working closely with Reading University Student Union’s Botanika Society, to help get this project off the ground; and 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 Contact: c.e.ross@student.reading.ac.uk 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 email c.e.ross@student.reading.ac.uk or like our Facebook group.

Gr eat Big Gi ve away

Who: Students End of summer term When: Halls of residence Where: c.uk Contact volunteer@reading.a

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 CRB check required x Training provided x Expenses Paid ✓

Howa rd Leag ue for Pena l Refo rm!

When: Thursday lunchtimes Fox Hill House (Law School), Whiteknights Campus Where: howardleaguereading@gmail.com Contact: More information: 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.

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!

UNICEF ON CAMP US

Who: Children worldwide Fortnightly meetgins When: ruunicefoncampus@yahoo.co.uk Contact: More information: www.facebook.com/RUUNICEFonCampus

Quick Info References require d x CRB check require d x Training provided x Expenses Paid x

Quick Info References require d x CRB check require d x Training provided x Expenses Paid x

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!

Introductory Meeting

You are also all invited to attend our fortnightly update meetings, where society news and developments in UNICEF campaigns are shared. This academic year will see our biggest event yet, with a RUUCS Charity Ball in aid of UNICEF; where we aim to raise hundreds of pounds for children in need all over the world!

Come along and enjoy a complimentary drink and cupcake whilst you hear about all UNICEF does and why, and how you can get involved throughout the year!

Thursday 11 October, 5pm Palmer 103

RAISING and GIVING (RAG )

Who:

When: Contact: More information:

Quick Info

Fundraising for a whole range of charitable causes: local, national and international Run events throughout the year for you to support volunteer.fundraising@reading.ac.uk www.facebook.com/readingrag

References required x CRB check required x Training provided ✓ Expenses Paid ✓

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! Last year we raised over £80,000 for charity and this year we plan to raise even more; with RAG Raids (basically bucket collections in fancy dress) in Reading and London, an action packed RAG Week, the opportunity to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and much, much, more!

ChildLine is a service provided by the NSPCC. NSPCC registered charity numbers 216401 and SC037717. 0555/12.

Get in touch and get on board. RAG...everyone’s doing it!

RAG – Choose your challenge!

Friday 5th October, 3-4pm, The Lounge (Behind the Students’ Union) 1 night.

Every RAG opportunity explained. Be there!

Find out more about how we fundraise and why we need you more than ever this year.

With RAG Week not far around the corner (27th October – 4th November), we have all sorts of crazy events to plan and the more people on the RAG team, the more we can do and the more we can raise.

Leighton Park School Sunday 4th November 2012 E: greatbigswimreading@nspcc.org.uk T: 01908 328 060 Reading University Students’ Union

This meeting is a chance to learn more, meet the team and find out about how you can get involved in creating chaos on campus, for good causes!

Frien ds of lake side 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. 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. You may well have more in common with them than you think!

Quick Info References required CRB check required (sometimes)

x ✓

Training provided x Expenses Paid ✓

Peer Support – Support for studen ts, by studen ts

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?

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.

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.

Quick Info References required x CRB check required ✓ Training provided x Expenses Paid x

Essential Listening Skills Training The Essential Listening Skills Training involves 4 two-hour workshops, all of which need to be attended to become a Peer Supporter. The first of the training sessions is on Wednesday 17th October, but you need to apply by 11th October – application forms can be downloaded from the website address above.

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

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!

Course Reps, JCR Welfare Officers, and all students who have a support role of some kind.

The Peer Support Skills training will follow on from this training and takes place in the second half of the autumn term. There will be another opportunity to do both these training sessions in the spring term.

St ud en t Ru n Se lf He lp

Co nta ct: More information:

rea din g@ srs h.c o.u k www.srsh.co.uk

Student Run Self Help 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 CRB check required x Training provided ✓ Expenses Paid x

Tea and coffee with Student Run Self Help Monday 8th October, 12 noon The Lounge (Behind the Students’ Union) Come along to this first welcome session and learn a little more about Student Run Self Help and the people involved, in a relaxed and informal setting.

No Time?

Aida Ihsani We know how busy uni life can be. There’s a lot to cram in to 10 week terms: sports fixtures and society meetings, a part time job and busy social life; not to mention the odd coursework deadline. That’s why RUSU are always organising one-off, no commitment volunteering opportunities. Whether it’s painting a mural, planting trees or perhaps helping at a community event, the facebook group and newsletter will notify you of everything coming up.

We are always receiving requests, as well as organising some big one-off volunteering events of our own. You will feel a huge sense of achievement and satisfaction in just a few hours and get a decent break from the library, just as Aida found last year...

What have you enjoyed about volunteering?

There is nothing more rewarding than devoting part of my time to making someone else’s life better.

That’s what volunteering means to me – being able to put a smile on other people’s faces. It doesn’t require much from me, only time and dedication.

What have you enjoyed about being involved?

It’s the little things that make a huge difference. Be it helping out preparing a Christmas lunch, carrying out a bucket collection, cheering for a marathon or building a greenhouse. I believe being involved in each one of the activities has had a positive impact on someone’s life.

Volunteering has given me the opportunity to break away from my studies. Not only do I get to do something beneficial in my spare time but I can also gain a variety of skills by doing different volunteering activities.

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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, 9am – 5pm.

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 Co-ordinator and begin to put your plan in to action!

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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, while 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 Jaimal Patel who was heavily involved in running a Cultural Show on campus, Aida Ihsani for her willingness to get involved at the last minute with an urgent request for serving Christmas lunch and Andriy Aleksyeyev, who gave so much energy to designing and building a plastic bottle greenhouse for the nursery school on campus.

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.

The RAVE’s - 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.

Look out for the opportunity to nominate your fellow volunteers in the New Year!

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ACCREDITATION Rea din g Exp eri enc e an d 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

Volunteering?

Active member of a Sports Club or Society?

Course Representative?

Freshers’ Angel?

Peer Supporter?

Want to get more from your experiences?

Then the RED Award is what you need…

The RED Award is the employability certificate of the University, awarded alongside your degree. It is a great opportunity to be recognised for the things you do outside your studies and stand out from the crowd in an increasingly competitive job market.

You can register for the RED Award on RISIS: www.risisweb.reading.ac.uk/si/sits.urd/run/siw_lgn

Red award information Look out for the RED Award stand at the Freshers’ Fayre on Wednesday 3rd October & Thursday 4th October and come along to a RED Information Session in the autumn term: • Friday 5th October 12–12:30pm, Carrington Building Room 201 • Friday 12th October 11-11:30pm, location tbc •Thursday 18th October 1-1:30pm, Carrington Building Room 101 Call in and meet Vicki Short, the University’s ‘Student Engagement & RED Officer’, any weekday from 10am until 4:30pm in the Careers, Placement and Experience Centre, on the First Floor of the Carrington Building.

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ar ds St ud en t Co mm un it y 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.

Nominations are sought from students, university staff and local residents, and should normally be made without the student’s knowledge. The deadline for nominations is Saturday 23rd March 2013 and nominations can be made using a form available online (see website above). Awards will be presented in May, once nominations have been judged by a panel of stakeholders.

Duke of Edinbu rgh

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.

Dates for your diary .

Make a difference day: 27th October Be part of the UK’s biggest day of volunteering. In 2011, 71,000 people took part in 2,400 events across the UK, and this year, we are joining in! The exact details are still to be finalised but the idea is pretty simple. On 27th October 2012, Reading University Volunteering Society is going to transform a space in Reading. Be it by painting, clearing bushes, removing graffiti or planting spring bulbs, the exact details will soon be unveiled.

Join us and be part of the team making a difference.

RAG WEEK: 27th October – 4th November Organised by the RAG committee, RAG Week is an action packed few days of fun, fancy dress and fundraising. The exact plans will be revealed in the first few weeks of term, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled and get involved.

The BIG Volunteering Weekend: 9th – 10th February 2013 Following the warm up from Make a Difference Day, this is the big one for Volunteering! One weekend, one project, hundreds of student volunteers; marking the start of Student Volunteering Week.

Student Volunteering Week: 11th – 15th February (Volunteering Fayre 13th February) During the week there will be lots of one-off opportunities to give volunteering a go and get involved in your local community. The Volunteering Fayre in 3sixty on the Wednesday afternoon will be another opportunity to find out about all the fantastic projects you can get involved with.

Who knows, we may have some more to tell you about by then!