Volunteer Award Students 2021!
To find out more about logging your hours towards the Extra Edge Award, visit our website.
Gail Ennis - Year 2 Childhood Youth Studies and Criminology
Gail has completed 100 hours volunteering with two charities to receive her Gold Level Award and is now recording hours towards her Platinum. She shares her experience below.
I currently volunteer for two charities. The IMB – International Monitoring Board and the NSPCC/Childline. I had committed to starting a degree and my promise to myself was to embrace every opportunity and advice that Edge Hill University could offer. I am studying Childhood Youth Studies and Criminology, and my Inspiration to volunteer came with starting university and from my son who is also an Edge Hill University student. I could see how much enjoyment and reward he had gained from his dedication to volunteering on the university allotment and with the National Trust.
During my first year studies, I was aware of a module for my second year called worked based learning which includes having to find a work placement that is relevant to the degree you are studying. I knew my first year at university would fly by and I decided to begin research early surrounding the kind of place I would like to volunteer and work, also thinking about the long term benefits of any placement that I applied for. Firstly, I looked on the NSPCC website to see what volunteer opportunities where available, this was in 2019. There were various ways of getting involved but what stood out to me was the School Service Volunteer, this role was advertised to provide child awareness within primary schools to ensure children understand and know how to protect themselves from all forms of abuse, including awareness of how to access help through Childline. I immediately applied for this role not only because it was very relevant to the child study side of my degree but also because in my previous career as a Police Officer, I had worked with families and children dealing first hand with children who had been mistreated. I knew if I was successful in my application that I felt I could make a difference to children’s lives by volunteering whilst also gaining new skills.
The school service role requires doing a presentation in an assembly. This was another reason why I applied, to challenge myself and gain new skills surrounding presenting. On joining university through the Fastrack course at Edgehill, I had quickly realised that presenting was not my strong point and I struggled to manage my nerves standing in front of the class. The application process for the NSPCC was quite intense, the final part of my interview was to stand in front of a panel and do a presentation. I felt so proud that I had managed my nerves through my interview presentation and ultimately being accepted to work for the NSPCC. I then embarked onto a training programme I had to pass before being allowed to go into schools. I passed my training in February 2020 and then the pandemic struck. All schools closed so I was not able to volunteer in schools. However, the NSPCC kept in touch with me, and after a few months they offered that I could apply for PIB with Childline. This PIB – Personal Inbox, service provides child counselling to children who contact Childline via email. I went through another interview process online! Online suddenly became the way of the world from March 2020!
I passed my interview and embarked onto my training. The training is intense but very rewarding. I am due to complete my training for PIB at the end of March 2021. So far I have found Child Counselling a very rewarding experience, to know and hope I may be making a difference to a young person’s life.
I then decided I would like to find a volunteer role which supported my criminology study. I was sat in one of my lectures and my tutor spoke about the IMB. That was it! I was completely fascinated that there was a volunteer role working in a prison. I looked on the website and found a vacancy for the IMB. I applied in 2019 but again due to the pandemic interviews were put on hold, after a few months I was interviewed in August 2020. It was a panel interview and there are several stage to go through to be appointed as an IMB member. This is a very privileged volunteer role to be given. I passed my interviews and I am now on my training period which takes around a year to be fully appointed. If I had not attended university I would never have known about the IMB.
These two volunteer roles are both of a sensitive nature, both are an absolute privilege to volunteer for. I enjoy giving up my time to volunteer with these charities in the hope I can make a difference to people’s lives. Even though these roles are very different, they are both very rewarding. I have felt very proud of myself that I have adapted my volunteering around the pandemic and managed to still volunteer online from home. I am fortunate that the prison see the role of the IMB as very important to prison life, so I have been able to attend prison in person. I have full access to walking freely around the prison and I speak with staff and prisoners to ensure as an independent charity that we can support prisoners welfare in prison by checking that national policies are implemented effectively.
I have already gained many new skills by volunteering with these charities and on completion of my degree these volunteer opportunities will not only enhance my CV but also enhance my life by knowing that I am doing my best to make a difference to other peoples lives. I am inspired every day that I volunteer by the people I meet and hear from. No day is the same. If anyone is considering volunteering, I would say go for it, find a charity you feel passionate about and you will gain just as much from the volunteer experience as the charity will from the hours you give up for free to support others. The rewards of volunteering are incredible. If you are interested in a volunteer role but don’t know where to start, I have found Edge Hill Careers a great support through asking for advice about volunteering and enhancing career opportunities.
Alba Thomas Santamaria - Year 2 Teaching, Learning and Child Development
I started volunteering for Cancer Research because I wanted to find something that would give me the experience and learn new skills that i need for my future career. I come from a different country, where people do not work until they have graduated or volunteering is not something people do.
I had previously volunteered for them when i was at Sixth Form when the head of boarding suggested me about doing this as it would help me in the future. However I had to stop to concentrate on my A Levels. When I started I was quite lost as I had never worked/ volunteered so it was something completely new. I was very nervous and my confidence was not very good. My role at the shop was collecting donations, steam, hang and tilts. There is always something to do that will enhance different skills and you will never get bored as there are always donations to collect or clothes to sort out.
Volunteering has really given me the chance of improving my communication skills, time management and working under pressure. Once I started to notice that I could do it well, I began to feel good about myself and my self esteem did improve. Not only that I have also made friends, which I still keep in contact with.
I highly recommend this as it will really help you boost your confidence and it gives you the opportunity to get out of you comfort zone.
Chloe McDougall - Year 2 Early Childhood Studies
I know how daunting it is starting the first year at University. I am currently a peer mentor and I have been allocated around 9 students as my mentees. Peer mentors are people that you’re assigned to when you first join the university. A lot of people don’t actually understand what a peer mentor is and what their job role requires. The majority of the time, as peer mentors, we are asked about the course and whether we like it or not etc. However, you can ask us much more... For example, if you’re struggling with life at University, or work, or even want to get to know the area a bit more, we can help with that. All you have to do is drop your peer mentor an email.
The scheme is really good because it allows you to learn from other people’s experiences instead of having to go through it yourself. It is reassuring especially because starting university is such a new thing. I found it hard when I first started as I also moved away from home so I was learning and getting used to so many new things. I went on to be a peer mentor because I felt that it would benefit not only myself but also other students. I have learnt lots of new things throughout it and I have built friendships throughout being a peer mentor.
Well what does being a peer mentor really involve. Being a peer mentor is a very rewarding job. It involves playing a role in helping first year student adjust to university life by sharing your experience, offering support and directing them to relevant services when required. I found out about this role by looking into it and getting more information of my first year peer mentor by contacting them to see how they went about applying to be one. Throughout being a peer mentor I have gained many different skills such as communication skills, time management skills and leadership skills.
I do believe that if you chose a subject with a mentor scheme you should embrace it and make the most of having someone who has the experience. At Edge Hill, there is so much support, and Peer Mentors are a part of it.
Laura Baldwin - Year 3 Working & Teaching in the Early Years
I began volunteering around 8 years ago, initially supporting children aged 5-6 years, but this soon expanded after developing a passion for educating children and young people. I became well-known to the staff in the setting, and was regularly asked to support teaching assistants who cover teacher PPA time, as well as included in staff numbers for trips and events and asked to organise the music for numerous school productions. This enabled me to work with a wider range of age groups, spanning from 3 years to 7 years old. By working alongside a number of individuals, including a headteacher, Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator (SENDCO), teaching assistants and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), year 1 and year 2 teachers, I both improved my existing skills and acquired new ones which encouraged me to enroll in studies that would later lead to acquisition of qualified teacher status (QTS).
Primarily, my role was to support the learning and development of the children I was working with. This would include nursery, reception, year 1 and year 2 children. I completed daily tasks within the setting, such as setting up the classroom, preparing resources, implementing activities and marking and filing class work. More recently, I have begun leading my own phonics group. My role here was, and continues to be, to ensure the children can recognise letters and sounds in words. In doing this, I have aided the learning to read and write process.
My extensive volunteering will aid my career, by providing me with certain skills and knowledge that can only be gained through practical experience. I believe I now have in-depth knowledge and understanding of both the EYFS and national curriculum frameworks, with practical experience of how they should be implemented inside and outside the classroom. On another note, undertaking lengthy volunteer work in one educational setting has created new professional contacts. As a result, I am known to other education providers in the area, such as the leader of the SCITT programme and teachers in other educational settings. I consider these to be the benefits of the volunteering experience, which are likely to aid me in the process of finding a full-time teaching position upon graduation of my BA (Hons) degree and completion of the North West SCITT early years programme.
Caitlin Brewerton - Year 1 Early Years Education with QTS
I started volunteering at a primary school because I wanted to be involved in something that I was interested in and that would help support my future career. I am currently at the end of my first year of studying Early Years Teaching with QTS, and was able to be involved with this opportunity through being placed in the school as part of my professional practice.
My role changes on a daily basis to fit the learning needs of the children in the class. I am mainly involved in helping with classroom set up at the beginning of the day and supporting the routines in place. Currently I am based in a Nursery/Reception class and occasionally work alongside another Nursery class when needed. Throughout my day I support the class through various activities such as their phonics, English or mathematics inputs, but have a bigger role in engaging with the children throughout continuous provision. This means I get to do lots of playing alongside the children to engage them with lots of hands-on learning opportunities and time to experiment and investigate the world around them through various ways, supporting their learning and development.
Through this opportunity I have been able to build on skills and knowledge gained in my professional practice in a more informal environment and also, I am way less stressed and tired! Being able to volunteer has allowed me to continue to watch the children learn and develop and have the time to take a step back and really appreciate their wonderfulness.
From this experience I have learnt that teaching is hard and a lot of the time it is pretty tiring, however, it is also really rewarding and the same time. I feel so proud of how far some of the children have come especially with all the chaos of the pandemic, it is a privilege to be able to inspire these children to be creative and to take control of their own learning.
Sophie Harrison Year 3 Psychology
I currently study at Edge Hill University doing Psychology Bsc (Hons), I love the course there is no placement option and I am aware that gathering experience in the field of work you want to be employed in in the future is a great benefit. My past employment history mainly includes working with adults and the older generation, I wanted to expand this to work with children and young adults, furthermore those who are vulnerable or require extra support.
I want to work with young adults in the future either as a Cognitive behavioural therapist, a psychological wellbeing practitioner, an educational mental health practitioner (I’ll see which way I end up choosing!) and have been proactively seeking and applying for work experience whilst working and continuing my degree. Unfortunately, many work experience applications I was successful in were postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19. I applied to Camp America for the opportunity to work with young people and travel, exploring the culture of a new place. Camp America seemed the perfect opportunity to begin my career working with young people, because it is a professional yet informal environment. I was eager to meet and working with other staff like myself, and co-ordinate events whilst supporting the children. I also was accepted by Liverpool Community Advice, after interviews in November 2020 as a volunteer to offer advice to vulnerable populations, due to COVID-19 restrictions, I was unable to progress with this opportunity. Despite the difficulty of gaining work experience during COVID-19, I remained positive and enthusiastic that the right opportunity will work out and be a great fit for me. This is when I discovered Vibe UK, who had recently re opened after COVID-19 and were looking for volunteers to support them and their sessions they run with young children. After having an interview, I began working at sessions with a variety of children from different backgrounds, ages 11- 18 (up to 25 for SEN).
My role includes supporting session planning and delivery, peer leading in sessions, promoting participation, acting as a role model for children, communication openly with the wider team and passing on any notable information. This job was very rewarding and allowed me to build relationships with children and others I would not normally talk to. I developed my own communication skills within the team but also with the children and the best way to effectively communicate with them, in times of disruption, teaching or just casual chatting. My confidence has excelled enormously after being put in situations out of my comfort zone but I developed the ability to work independently and problem solve on the spot. This gives me confidence for jobs in the future where I am in a similar position of authority.
I felt I was making a difference in producing confident and capable young people, as well as encouraging new skills and interests, promoting a good lifestyle by encouraging positive choices, which in total builds their employability. Overall, this experience has been very beneficial, not only for building my personal confidence but also improving my transferable skills. For the next stage in my career journey, I want to make a real difference for young people, namely having a contract with a company where I can get paid for helping young adults. I strongly believe I would not be able to progress to this next step without the opportunity I had been offered at Vibe UK, so it has been a great experience!
Eleanor Rowell Year 2 Sociology
I have volunteered with Edge Hill University as a Student Representative and as a Telephone/Virtual Volunteer with STRIVE. Within this case study I intent to explore my experience with STRIVE specifically. STRIVE is a non-profit organisation which works alongside the Police to contact, support and signpost people who have been involved in a domestic incident.
I first found out about STRIVE after attending a virtual seminar with the Organisation through Edge Hill University, something which had been promoted to me through as opportunities-based email from my department (Social Sciences). After attending the seminar and discovering what the charity involves and how it helps people, I registered my interest in working with the charity.
My role currently is a ‘Telephone/Virtual Volunteer’, however this may change soon to an in-person role in accordance with Covid-19 restrictions. The main responsibility within my role is to contact people who have been involved within a recent domestic incident, listen to them, provide comfort and short-term support, then signpost them to further support in accordance with their needs. Additionally, part of my role is also to stay up to date and educated with training and the ways in which social situations and current affairs can affect peoples lives.
My volunteering position has provided me with the opportunity to develop my interpersonal skills, resilience, and awareness skills to name a few. Listening to those who have been involved in a domestic incident, thinking quickly about the best course of action which will provide maximum benefit, and implementing skills from training which allows me to feel assured in my decisions and provisions of signposting and support, are key skills that I have developed within this role. I feel that these skills, and gaining confidence within a professional environment are transferable and will be an asset to future endeavours which I intend to explore within my career development.
I have gained a firm sense of belonging and drive from my volunteer role with STRIVE. The charity ethos which focuses intently on the wellbeing of those we are helping, as well as the staff and volunteers is one which I cherish. Some of the content which is involved in training and the cases within this role further fuel my passion for social action, support, and wellbeing within our society (both globally and locally). In addition to this, I have gained further insight and education into diversity and the importance of taking each individual and their situation/environment into consideration, this allows me to tailor the support and signposting that I provide to help achieve the best outcome for each individual.
I would advise all students (if possible) to give volunteering a go, specifically if there are opportunities for this in fields in which they are interested in, are passionate about or would provide the chance for professional development. There are so many opportunities out there and giving a couple of hours each week/month can be so valuable to ourselves and to organisations too! Choose something which fits in your time availabilities, with work and study and does not overstretch you though feels valuable to you also!
Careers Awards 2021
Edge Hill University recognises employability as an essential component of students’ experience, and Careers, with departments from across the whole University, play a vital role in ensuring that our graduates are well prepared to succeed in a competitive labour market.
Every year, the Careers Awards provide an opportunity to recognise the progress and achievements that students have made in developing their ability to stand out from the crowd. It is also a chance to say thank you to some of the employers, departments and organisations who work in partnership with us, helping our students develop their skills and increase their confidence.
Voluntary Organisation of the Year: James' Place, Liverpool.
This organisation is the first non-clinical centre of its kind in Liverpool to help support and provide therapy for men in suicidal crisis.
James’ Place was founded by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley, following the tragic loss of their son, James. Ten days after a minor operation, James took his own life. He went looking for someone to talk to about his suicidal thoughts but didn’t find the urgent help he so desperately needed.
James’ Place opened its first centre in 2018 in Liverpool and will be opening a second centre in London in 2021.
Nominated by student volunteer Emma Grady, 3rd Year Mental Health Nursing & Social Work she noted that “Throughout lockdown this organisation has continued to provide support and [they are] a lifeline […] I feel I have learned so much and I have been able to grow and reflect on my own life in so many ways. I am now confident in my professional career as a Nurse/social work student […] I won’t be afraid to ask friends if they are feeling suicidal because I know that this one question can help save lives. The staff were there each week to offer safe spaces of reflection for the volunteer mentors because we had to listen and discuss some very sensitive topics [they are] are always available to speak and answer any questions.”
Volunteer of The Year: Emma Grady
Emma Grady, 3rd Year Mental Health Nursing & Social Work is Careers 2021 Student Volunteer of the Year, and nominated by James’ Place for their role as a volunteer Mentor. The role of mentor is demanding – service users access the help of the organisation because they are in a suicidal crisis, and they are engaging in a therapeutic intervention which can be challenging.
The nominator stated that “the volunteer [is] able to provide support to men who are really struggling – whilst maintaining a clear view of the mentor role. She is genuinely one of the most impressive women I have ever met. She combines studying, working and being a parent with volunteering.”
The panel commented that they were an asset to the organisation and is clearly highly thought of. This student was also nominated for another volunteer role by Edge Hill Students’ Union.
Volunteering Resources
If this has inspired you to volunteer; you can find out more information about Volunteering on the Careers website, and access resources including;
Student Volunteer Handbook We recommend that all students read the Student Volunteer Handbook. This gives more information on how volunteering can benefit you, support your career goals, and give back to the community. It includes hints and tips to help you choose the right role for you
International Volunteering Handbook International volunteering is an exciting experience, but it also means hard work far from home so it is vital that you are passionate and enthusiastic about it. Whilst we do not advertise opportunities abroad on our online vacancy pages, if you are considering volunteering overseas we would recommend that you read our International Volunteering Handbook.
Volunteering Advisers
Volunteering Advisers are here to help you in sourcing and applying for volunteering roles. EHU students can book an appointment with Volunteering Advisers to discuss what you are looking for, the opportunities available locally, and to research what's available further afield within the UK.
Once you have found an opportunity Advisers can help you in the application process by checking and giving feedback on application forms or CV's. You can contact us using the Ask A Question service.
Advisers invite organisations onto campus throughout the academic year to events to promote the opportunities available, and to deliver information sessions to find out more about the work they carry out. Find out more through the Events and Workshops sections of the Careers website.
This has been created by Edge Hill University Careers
Authors: Jennie Owen and Helen Rimmer Volunteering Advisers
Latest Update: July 2021
Credits:
Created with images by Anthony DELANOIX - "party fans raised their hands" • RyanMcGuire - "thank you neon lights neon" • Kranich17 - "cloud heart love" • EvgeniT - "milky way night stars" • analogicus - "oscar cup trophy" • JohannBargeld - "flowers persian onion garden" • fbhk - "fire radio night" • shantanukashyap - "sky cloud blue" • yohoprashant - "colorful five fingers kid" • Sara_Torda - "pencils colors pastels" • jackmac34 - "salvation shaking hands friendship" • B_Me - "pedestrians people busy" • PDPics - "award cup lights" • Perry Grone - "Instagram - @PerryGrone" • Clark Tibbs - "Do Something Great"