A group of students attending the volunteer fair at UWL
A group of students attending the volunteer fair at UWL

UWL students connect with more than 35 community partners at Volunteering Fair

Intro

Almost 400 students had the opportunity to discover some exciting opportunities to make a positive impact in the local community at our Volunteering Fair in Weston Hall on Thursday 19 October.

Whether passionate about sustainability, homelessness, youth education, mental health or many other causes, students could connect with charities and find out how they could gain new skills, confidence and experience.

More than 35 community partners and three University of West London stalls were on campus to share information and answer questions about the volunteering opportunities available.

Volunteering

Find out about volunteering and search for available opportunities.

Volunteers gardening outside.

Main body

Two people sitting at the City Harvest London stand at the volunteering fair.

Marcus from The Musical Museum in Brentford detailed the types of terrific opportunities they can provide, saying:

We’re looking for anyone studying creative media to come and get some hands-on knowledge and experience, be a tour guide, work on the administration side or do front of house.”

Further similar excellent opportunities are available from educational charity Literacy Pirates.

A group of students attending the Students' Union stand at the volunteer fair at UWL.

Maggie, the charity representative who attended the fair, highlighted the individual nature of the work they do, saying:

Our volunteers work one-to-one with children to help them catch up with reading and writing. We only require functional English skills and a positive attitude and provide all the training necessary.”  

Students attending the volunteering fair at UWL.

Keen to emphasise the difference volunteers can make, Indra from The Mulberry Centre, who provide cancer support services, pointed out:

Students can learn new skills and make a huge difference in people’s lives. We need volunteers at events, in community engagement, fundraising, creative writing, workshops, counsellors and for wellbeing classes.” 

Vanessa from Boston Manor Park said:

Our volunteers grow food, do conservation work in our different habitats and basic horticulture. You don’t need to have background knowledge, just enthusiasm. We’ll teach you and provide what you need.”

A staff member from the V Team speaking to students at the volunteering fair.

Holly from The Roundhouse in north London said:

We are looking for students to help out at gigs and events in the evenings and weekends. Revenue from our venue goes into a youth charity, providing studio spaces and creative courses for young people.” 

UWL first year business student Anthonia remarked:

The most interesting opportunity I’ve found today is with development, advocacy, and relief agency Oxfam. I want to volunteer with them to help me gain confidence when talking to people.” 

Students attending the volunteering fair at UWL.

Business and Digital Marketing student Aranza said:

The fair has been so good. I’ve signed up to volunteer at Ham House because I want to learn more about gardening and I’m also planning to do some digital marketing for Boston Manor House.” 

  • If you missed the fair, you can still find out all you need to know about Volunteering on our volunteering page

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