Thursday 04-02-2021 - 13:58

Whether you've been doing it for years or don't really know where to start, we've put together this list of five things that Manchester Met students need to know about volunteering at university.

1. Volunteers make the world go round

Volunteers support so many parts of our society, from Covid-19 vaccine marshalls, to library volunteers and scout leaders. Volunteers change the world and keep us safe.

2. You can do it from home

On The Union’s portal you can find loads of ‘virtual’ opportunities from sending letters to older people during the pandemic to supporting families experiencing domestic disruption.

3. It’s not all making cups of tea

Volunteering can get a bad rep as being dull or something that you only do for your CV but that’s far from the truth. You can volunteer doing fun and meaningful things like supporting kids’ Summer camps, or making videos about your student experience and make a big difference volunteering in social issues that matter to you, such as supporting local asylum seekers and refugees or homeless people.

4. It can take 10 minutes or happen over months

Volunteering can fit around your schedule. We have loads of microvolunteering opportunities that can take place in ten minutes from your sofa, or fulfilling roles such as mentoring young people that give you the opportunity to see your impact over longer periods of time.

5. The Union are here to support you

We can support you to find your perfect volunteering role and make a difference in an issue that matters. Just drop us an email or check out our website and if you’ve done some volunteering already, our reward and recognition scheme is there to celebrate your kindness.