Volunteering England, the national volunteer development agency, is calling on local communities across England to support student volunteering and help celebrate Student Volunteering Week, which runs from the 22-28 February.
Now in its ninth year, Student Volunteering Week recognises the contribution of the 42,000+ higher and further education student volunteers throughout England who freely give their time on a regular basis.
In 2010, the theme is ‘Inspiring futures; connecting communities’, highlighting the personal and professional benefits of student volunteering to the individual as well to their local community.
During the Week, universities, colleges and students’ unions will hold events to recruit and celebrate student volunteers, many in partnership with community organisations. Volunteering England’s Gold Awards will be presented to outstanding student volunteers across the country at award ceremonies and celebration events involving community organisations, private, public and voluntary sector representatives, highlighting the importance of student volunteering to all sectors.
Justin Davis Smith, CEO of Volunteering England, said:
“Volunteering is an important part of a student’s educational experience, and many are using the personal and professional skills learnt to benefit others. This new decade marks the perfect opportunity to celebrate the contribution of student volunteers around the country. As active citizens of both their institutions and their communities, student volunteers play a valuable role in many communities.
“Research shows that most students volunteer to help somebody, rather than for the career motivations that one might expect. I urge local communities to develop their relationships with their local colleges and universities to make the most of this wonderful supply of talent.”
Christianne Carrick of Santander Community Relations, corporate sponsors of the Week, added:
“Volunteering is a crucial component to building healthy communities, and through our support of Student Volunteering Week we are providing opportunities for students not only to gain valuable experience in preparation for the world of work, but also to promote citizenship and a deeper appreciation of organisations that rely on voluntary support.”
For more information please visit www.volunteering.org.uk/studentvolunteeringweek or call 020 7520 8934.
To find details about events happening in your local area, please contact your local college or university.
Notes to Editor:
Case studies and interviews available on request Volunteering England is the national volunteer development agency, for more information about our work please visit www.volunteering.org.uk To celebrate Student Volunteering Week 2010 (22-28 February), Volunteering England commissioned a piece of research Student Volunteers: A National Profile to increase knowledge and information about students volunteering in the UK. This analysis of student volunteering was carried out with respondents to wave two of the Futuretrack survey. Respondents were full-time students at UK Higher Education Institutions enrolled on an undergraduate degree programme. The most common reason for volunteering was to help someone or the community.