Irrespective of your background or skill level, everyone can get something out of giving back to the local community.  It is also a chance to gain new skills and experiences as well as meet new friends and contacts, writes Rose Marshall and Cara MacDowall  Volunteer Co-ordinators for the SRC and University Services respectively.

The Student Volunteer Support Service (SVSS) has been around for a few years now and provides a one stop shop for students who want to find a volunteering role. 

Roles include befriending vulnerable children or adults, being involved in social/activity groups, working with people in recovery from addiction issues, and helping international students to improve their conversational English skills.  We also use students as volunteer guides for the historic tours that the SRC runs every Thursday – Sunday.

We have many partner organisations in charities such as MacMillan Cancer, Sense Scotland, charity shops, Alzheimer Scotland, etc.  as well as student run volunteering opportunities such as Glasgow University Service for the Homeless (GUSH) and Nightline.

Our partner agencies provide training and support and appreciate the energy and enthusiasm of student volunteers in the delivery of their services.

Some students volunteer throughout their time at University, and some of our opportunities are recognised by the Senate via the Higher Education Achievement Record.

SRC fresher’s week volunteer information session

The University Services Volunteering Project has been running since June 2014 and provides day events for University Services staff to bring them together in a group, learn new skills and find out more about the different services across University Services.

We have partnered with three organisations; Quarriers, Cornerstone and the Conservation Volunteers to deliver events that University Services staff can take part in.

Some activities include litter-picking at the Seven Lochs Wetland Park, Gorse clearing in Port Glasgow as well as supporting Cornerstone’s summer party this year held in Airdrie.

Transport is provided and PVG checks are not required for the day’s activities.

Staff volunteering

First published: 30 September 2015

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