Inspiring the next generation - from classroom to community
This year, as part of Student Volunteering Week, our Volunteer Support Officers have been out and about in local schools and colleges at events to champion the benefits of volunteering to students.
Our teams have been on hand to explain how volunteering gives students the opportunity to build confidence, develop key skills, and gain real-world experience while making a positive difference in their community.
Here's our summary of our engagement as part of Student Volunteering Week:
- We've been at Edgar Wood Academy in Rochdale, where Volunteer Support Officer Phil Greenwood, joined their Year 9 students for a 'Meet the Professionals' speed networking event
- Volunteer Support Officer, Jess Longden from our Oldham team popped along to The Blue Coat School for an Exhibitions event where she spoke with students aged 14 to 17 about our services and the benefits of volunteering whilst in education
- We joined the 'Year 12 Progression Day' at Rochdale Sixth Form College where Phil enjoyed some great conversations with over 30 students - and even came away with 6 new registrations from young people at the event!
- Volunteer Support Officer Asma joined the Year 12 and 13 students at Cardinal Langley Sixth Form hosting a pop-up stand during the lunch break, sharing information about volunteering opportunities, with several students signing up on the spot!
It's been inspiring to see the keen interest shown by many of the young people we've connected with over the last few weeks. We've shared lots of information about our services and how we can help young people on their path to volunteering, but we've also seen lots of genuine enthusiasm and willingness to get involved which has been amazing.
The benefits of volunteering for students
Why should students volunteer?
Volunteering helps students build confidence, develop valuable skills, and strengthen university, UCAS and job applications. It shows commitment, reliability and enthusiasm - all qualities that employers and education providers really value.
It’s also a great way to gain real-world experience, explore potential career paths, and meet people who can offer guidance, references or future opportunities. Many roles include training, such as communication skills, first aid, health and safety, or specialist equipment use.
Where can students volunteer?
Students can volunteer in a wide range of settings (depending on age), including local community groups, schools, charities and faith organisations. There are opportunities to suit most interests and career goals, and trying something new can be just as rewarding as following a familiar path.
Age limits may apply to some roles due to insurance or safeguarding requirements. Some organisations cannot accept volunteers under 16, while certain roles may require volunteers to be over 18 or 21. It’s always best to check the requirements before expressing an interest in a volunteer role.
Get involved!
Below are just a few of the many opportunities, listed on our online Volunteer Directory, which we've handpicked as being suitable for students. Or you can search the full directory at: www.actiontogether.org.uk/volunteering
- Volunteer Sports Development Coach | Better Active Oldham
- Photography/Content Creator | Better Active Oldham
- Primary School Reading Helper | Coram Beanstalk
- Retail Shop Volunteers | Dr Kershaw's Hospice (Shaw outlet)