► Case Studies
Below you will find a few case studies from students volunteering in the local community, volunteering for the Students' Union and taking part in Link Up club and society projects
NANCY WALKER
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Marielle Degerman is volunteering with the British Heart Foundation.
Can you tell us in your own words about the project?
The British Heart Foundation helps people with different heart diseases. It is a charity that raises money not only through the charity shops but also by organising different events, such as bike rides.
Why did you decide to volunteer?
I wanted to meet new people and gain new experiences. I also wanted to help people by giving my time.
Tell us about your specific role.
I got to do different things in the shop, being both front of house and in the back room. As a shop assistant I did tydying up, window dressing and helping customers. In the back I tagged and steamed clothes and helped with fixing damaged clothes and objects.
What do you get out of your volunteering?
Work experience and the chance to meet new people. For me, who is not British, it was a great way to feel more part of the British society.
How does volunteering fit in with your student life?
It fit in really well. I was able to choose when I wanted to be there, which made it possible for me to fit it in between classes, studying and my spare time.
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Abigail Stebbing is volunteering at the South East Screen Archive- Medway on Screen Project
The 'Medway on Screen' is part of the South East Screen Archive. The archive is a popular resource for finding footage made by amateur and professional film makers from the area. When I started working at the project I realised how these archives were popular resources for television, for example one particular historical program on The One Show used South East Screen 'Medway on Screen' project, which created oral histories from people who grew up in the Medway area, a formally industrial area before and after the Second World War.
Why did you decide to volunteer?
I decided to volunteer because I wanted to improve my employability after university. It also gives you an interesting extra aspect to your studies. Furthermore, with Project V it gives you the flexibility to choose from all sorts of volunteering opportunities. I also found it appealing as it is important to my studying to have time away from the university setting, and get to know the local area.
Tell us about your specific role.
My role was a 'cataloguer'. I listen to oral histories, noting key sections that will be of interest to those that view them on the website, writing a concise description of what the interviewee has recalled and putting it onto a database. Through this, people can find out new information as well as look for specific information about particular eras of time and themes, so they can take their research further. I work in detail on individual Medway Project oral histories.
What do you get out from volunteering?
Medway on Screen is the first volunteering experience I have done at the University of Sussex. An experience in an archive was really good because I realised how interesting archives are. For a media student it was to work with films and oral histories without being the mainstream 'media' industry. Its indirect relationship to the media course I am studying at the University is actually really beneficial as it made my experience in it more varied and broad. It was interesting to see a workplace that was a sponsored organisation, for example The Lottery Fund.
My cataloguing role gave me practise in time management, going through the ritual of listening the archive, noting things, making sections and writing it up formally. Therefore I was able to transcribe oral histories, practising typing, and writing with an objective, informative style. It has given me experience in analysing information, as I would have to make sure I included relevant and interesting information from the interviews.
I was really proud to be asked to put a description of my volunteering experience on their website.
Their website acted as an open archive for all the people who gave their oral histories to the archive. It is nice to know that my contribution to the project was appreciated and on public display for the others involved in the project to see.
How does volunteering fit in with your student life?
I have approximately eight hours at university a week, and a couple of free days. I volunteered one day per week at the archive from 10 AM to 4 PM in my third year. This didn't get in the way of my studies because the archive staff always went through the dates of my volunteering, checking that it worked well for everyone.
I think with a fuller week, students are more likely to be organised about doing work, and get more work done, especially when you get up and do a day out at volunteering. It creates motivation and gives you motivation in other aspects of your life. You return from volunteering feeling accomplished as they are very appreciateive of your help.
Why would you recommend volunteering to other students?
I think volunteering is great for many reasons. It is agreat way to get involved in the community, both local communities and the business community setting in Brighton.
Experience in specific tasks as well as the experience of a real work place, which is really good for future careers. You get to know your strengths and weaknesses and how the work place runs. It can show you things you didn't realise you were interested in. I found it so easy to do through project V as the volunteering application process is quick.
You can build up contacts in the industries you volunteer at. If you are worried about time management, I think once you start there and illustrate your reliability, when your deadlines are looming you can talk to your placement and work out alternative shifts.
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Can you tell us in your own words about the project?
Toy Box is a charitable organisation for pre-school children aged 2-5 years old that offers a chance for children to engage in play activities with other children their age and also offers parents a few hours of respite each week.
Why did you decide to volunteer?
I decided to volunteer for numerous reasons; I had free time that I felt I was just wasting, I wanted to give something back to the community, and probably most importantly, I enjoy meeting and working with new people.
Tell us about your specific role.
My role is to sit and play with the children, whilst encouraging them to play and share with one another. I also read stories to the children and help out at snack time.
What do you get out of your volunteering?
It is rewarding to know that my small contribution of volunteering each week contributes to helping the organisation run. Working with young children is rewarding becaue you can have such a positive influence on their development.
How does volunteering fit in with your student life?
I volunteer 2 hours per week so it fits perfectly around my classes and to be honest, it's a welcome break from studying.
Why would you recommend volunteering to other students?
It may be challenging at times, but it is a fun, rewarding way of meeting new people in the community. Volunteering whilst being a student is an opportunity not to be missed, as you may not get another chance once you start work.
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Gina Harwood volunteered at the Care Co-ops Life Opportunities.
The women's drop-in is a safe space for women who are suffering with mental health issues and are copingwith difficult happenings in their lives. The women receive support within the group by talking to each other as well as to staff and volunteers. The group has a unified atmosphere and the women who come are respectful of each other as well as the drop-in workers. A range of warm drinks a nibbles are provided and the space is made comfortable and inviting with colourful throws and cushions.
The service is confidential which means women don't need to disclose their name and personal contact information; as well as feeling free to discuss anything they wish. Some women come every week, others just pop in when they feel the need. The women are of all ages and backgrounds and are often stressed and isolated, so the group is a great way to vent out their frustrations and to feel safelty and solidarity within the group.
Why did you decide to volunteer?
I'm a third year psychology student and any experience I can get is useful to a future career in mental health. I got information from Project V about a range of volunteering opportunities relevant to what I wanted to do; the women's group caught my attention right away. It seemed the perfect place to get experience with people suffering from mental health problems, within a group setting where I would be supported by other workers. I have a femal family member who suffers with mental health problems and to be there for other women who may not have support seemed appropriate and fulfilling.
Tell us about your specific role
My specific role as a volunteer involves setting up the room for the drop-in and making warm refreshments for the women throughout the service. During the drop-in I am there to confidentially listen and support the women in whatever they want to disclose. I also give information about other support and services available in Brighton. At the end of the drop-in we clear up and put the room back to normal. We then sign out which involves filling in forms and going over the issues which were brought up during the drop-in. Before we leave there is a discussion amongst the workers about how the day has affected each of us and an opportunity to talk about any issues we are going through in our own lives.
What do you get out of your volunteering?
From the volunteering I get a sense of solidarity and purpose in being amongst a group of amazing women. Being there to support the women who use the service can be very fulfilling and seeing individual improvements is incredibly satisfying. The other women who work and volunteer at the drop-in are a great support system for not only the women who attend the drop-in but for those who work there too. I work with some very special women who have taught me a lot about working in mental health and a lot about life in general. The drop-in really wouldn't be the same without them and I hope to stay in touch with them no matter what the outcome of the drop-in.
How does volunteering fit in with your student life?
Luckily my timetable isn't too demanding so I volunteer at the drop-in every other Friday. The drop-in is a real change from studying and helps me apply what I learn to real life people and experiences. Volunteering has given me valuable experiences which alongside my degree should put me in a good stead for the future and has developed me as a person.
Why would you recommend volunteering to other students?
I would recommend volunteering to other students as it is an amazing experience and the Project V team help you a lot with sorting out a placement and taking care of you through the process. I would especially recommend volunteering in the first two years of your degree as you have a lot of time on your hands and you may as well use it to do some good work and get some experience. A lot of good can come from taking the time to help other people and it could easily change how you think about the work and your place in it.
Can you tell us in your own words about the project?
It's a befriending scheme for young people who are seeking asylum in the UK. Volunteers and young people all hang out together at drop-ins, workshops, trips out and volunteering days. As well as supporting young asylum seekers and providing fun things to do RASP also aim to promote volunteering in the local community so we do things like decorating the YPC garden or helping out at the allotments in Moulsecoomb.
Why did you decide to volunteer?
I did want to be a befriender for refugee and asylum seekers for a while before joining RASP but I had trouble finding the right organisation. Ever since getting to know people at school who had sought asylum in the UK, I have been passionate about refugee issues and about challenging the way immigration is dealt with by the government and the media. I wanted to take part in befriending in order to try and help make people's experience in the UK more welcoming- especially after becoming aware of the negative attitudes and misconceptions regarding immigration at my school and in wider society.
Tell us about your specific role.
Working with young people new to life in the UK, supporting them in group activities during drop-in sessions and outings, helping build confidence, sharing language skills and generally just being a friendly face. I also co-ordinated and helped to deliver a series of computer classes for those looking to learn new skills.
What do you get out of your volunteering?
I really enjoy just generally being a part of a friendly, fun group of young people- as well as being able to help out/offer specific support when needed. It's also been nice doing things centered aorund the Brighton community.
How does volunteering fit in with your student life?
RASP is very flexible so if you're ever too busy with uni work it's fine to miss a session or two. It's also quite fun and not really like work, so it's never felt like a job I have to fit in.
Why would you recommend volunteering to other students?
Because it feels good to help people and because it's fun too- you always learn something.
James Parlett is volunteering at the Coledean Youth Centre.
Can you tell us in your own words about the project?
It's a youth club for 9-13 year olds that takes place every Thursday evening between 6pm and 8pm. We have a different activity every week, from cooking to bike riding, and try and do one big event each term, such as paintball or an adventure weekend away.
Why did you decide to volunteer?
I wanted to get experience of working with children of primary school age as I am planning to become a primary school teacher when my degree finishes. I also wanted to get paid work in this area and needed experience of working with children before applying for any position.
Tell us about your specific role.
I arrive early every week to help set up whatever the activity may be. When the children arrive i converse with them and will usually take a group and watch them or help them depending on what they are doing. We are there to encourage team work and positive behaviour whilst trying not to be too authoritative. I have also met up with other leaders before the next term begins to talk about ideas for the coming term.
What do you get out of your volunteering?
Not only am I getting the experience needed to take on with me to future work in the area of working with children but this position has enabled me to find paid work with Brighton and Hove Council, also working with children. On a personal level I enjoy turning up each week and helping out and although I have got what I initially set out to achieve from it, that of paid work, I aim to stay at the Coldean Youth Project till at least the end of my degree in 2011, and work commitments allowing, the foreseeable future.
How does volunteering fit in with your student life?
I have worked between 20 and 30 hour weeks since beginning University in 2008 in order to fund my degree. This voluntary work is only 2-3 hours a week and sometimes a little more at weekends if we have a larger event, this is easy to manage and fit around my studies.
Why would you recommend volunteering to other students?
Yes, whether you are trying to gain experience to find paid work, make your CV look more attractive or just meet other like minded people in the local area, volunteering can be a valuable and worthwhile experience.
>> Read more student case studies
I originally decided to volunteer as a Front of House receptionist for the Students’ Union to add valuable volunteer experience to my CV. The relaxed environment and the high level of support available made the role extremely easy to get started in. Whilst volunteering I found that there was always help and support on hand in case I needed it.
During my time volunteering, I have learnt so much. Assisting and directing visitors has sharpened my communication skills, organising and replying to email enquiries teaches you about the pace and problems encountered in a working environment. You also gain insight into the mechanics of the Students’ Union and help you become more involved in the services that are essentially there for you. Volunteering can lead to other things, too: I have had the chance to get some casual paid work for the Union during Freshers’ Week.
Volunteering for the Students’ Union is most definitely a beneficial activity and you can do it for as little as two hours a week!
Front of House Volunteer: Kristina Sammut, September 2010
My interest in entering a career in the events field following University first led to my involvement within the Events Team at Sussex. In joining the Events team I was hoping to gain a better understanding of the events industry and to develop some of the skills that are required by employers in this field.
My initial reasoning for joining the Events team was therefore purely career based, yet since joining the Team, the experiences that I have gained extend far beyond my earlier motives. Prior to the Events team, in my two years at Sussex, I hadn't joined any societies or been involved with the Students Union and so was benefitting only from the academic part of being at University and everything else that Brighton has to offer. In hindsight, I do regret not doing so, the Student's Union is at the heart of Sussex; the interaction that I have had with the Union through events highlights the breadth of extra curricular opportunities available to students, as there really is something for everyone.
Being part of the Events team I have also met others where our paths wouldn't have otherwise crossed and although a cliche, really has created a new circle of friends. The variety of the events that Sussex organise for students mean that one day you could be enjoying the rewards of working at a Cocktail Party and the next getting backstage access to meet the likes of Tinchy Stryder.
Although there are a whole host of different motives for people getting involved within the Events team, or any other voluntary positions within the Students' Union; I would definitely recommend it as you can put in as much or as little time as you wish and it is an enjoyable way of meeting new people and working on exciting projects that will benefit the student body.
Events Team Member: Claire Basing-Lawson, 2010
I have been volunteering for the Student’s Union on a weekly basis as a front of house receptionist for the last term.
Volunteering as a receptionist feels like a highly relevant piece of work experience for related professional jobs, and provides a useful grounding in transferable skills, including a formal communication training that was recently arranged for us. It will certainly be an adjunct to my C.V. when I finish university, as well as providing practical experience in dealing with enquiries professionally.
There is extensive support and understanding for those who volunteer for the Union: Samreen Faria is an invaluably kind and supportive person who is clearly at pains to ensure that everyone who runs reception has a positive experience which develops their personal skills and development. She organised the communications training run by Boo Sherriff for reception volunteers, and is planning skillshare sessions for next term, in which I will attempting to transpose elements of my theatre knowledge into improved methods of communication and personal confidence. She is an easy and welcoming person to approach, and constantly makes volunteers feel worthwhile and respected in their role, as well as taking an interest as them as people. She holds extensive 1:1 feedback sessions at the end of each term in order to find out ways of improving the experience of volunteers and the support they receive, as well as a social meal to promote friendliness and integration between all receptionist volunteers.
I hope to continue with a career in the theatre, and my creative and administrative experiences with the Union have been essential to developing both to my knowledge and, even more importantly, confidence to do so.
Lana Harper, Front of House team member, 2010
Link Up is our scheme to link sports clubs, societies and student groups with local community organisations to set up community projects.
Richard Lynch, who graduates this morning (Thursday 21 July) with a degree in neuroscience, kept busy during his final year at Sussex, juggling his studies with captaincy of the University football team and helping local youngsters to improve their football skills.
Completed by Michael Osborne, President, Fenurary 2011
Myself and members of the Breakdance Society too part in a one off workshop. This involved teaching children aged 9-13 years old from the Coldean Your Project. We conducted a warm up and then taught a basic Breakdance routinge followed by a warm down.
Tell us about your role within the project.
I liaised with Michaela from Project V in order to organise the workshop, sorting out the time of the project. I also organised the Breakdance soeity, sorting our members who wanted to take part, as well as making sure we had the necessary equipment (CD player, music), as well as teaching in the session.
What do you and the your society get out of your volunteering?
The opportunity to teach age groups we are not used to, and expand on our teaching abilities and skills, as welll as promote the style of the dance in a fun and enjoyable way.
How does your volunteering fit in with your student life?
I do not volunteer regulalry as I don't find I have time to commit to extra events at the moment, but it is something that I enjoyed and have also done in the past, before university. Nonetheless, the occasional session fits around what I do.
Why would you recomment Link Up to other societies and clubs?
Because the help and support provided was excellent (and knowledge too) which too the pressure out of trying to prepare the society for the event and corrensponding with those running the voluntary session (i.e. the Coldean Youth Project).
Is there a way that Project V's Link Up scheme ould improve?
I think that the scheme was run very well and everything that needed to be done and could have done was met.
Completed by Lauren Goundry, President, June 2010
Can you tell us in your own words about the project you're in?
This is a society that involves students going to local schools to teach year 10 pupils. Lessons cover safe sex, pregnancy, STIs, contraception, self-esteem and general health. It aims to provide a down to earth and fun session which the pupils can relate to well.
Tell us about your specific role within the project.
I am the president of the society so I help put together lesson plans, organise supplies for lessons, liase with Project V and local schools about suitable lessons and help teach lessons too.
What do you get out of your volunteering?
I really enjoy volunteering in the Sexpression society. It is a great privilege to be able to contribute to a school and therefore pupils' education.Teaching the sessions is very rewarding and the pupils' positive feedback is wonderful. It is really nice to hear how much my fellow students have enjoyed teaching the lessons.
How does your volunteering fit in with your student life?
It's quite difficult to organise when the schools have slots free for teaching when we have lectures but we have managed so far by involving all different years.
Why would you recommend Link Up to other societies and clubs?
Link Up has been really helpful in liasing with local schools for us and promoting our society to them. We are now teaching at Varndean High Schoo thanks to Link Up's help, so I definitely recommend them!
Completed by Zoe Robinson, Project Leader, April 2010
Can you tell us in your own words about the project you're in?
Inspir8 works alongside 14-15 year old non-attenders, taking them through a set of 10 fun and interactive workshops. the aim is to teach them soft skills such as comunications and teamwork, as well as inspiring the young people with confidence, and revolved around herb-growing business. The sessions, then are a combination of workshops in skills such as presentation skills, leadership and buiness finance, and the participants also get to grow the herbs (basil and coriander) themselves. In addition, each participant is allocated with a volunteer as his or her personal mentor. At the conclusion of the project the head chef at the university has agreed to buy the finished product from the group, as well as conducting a cooking demonstration for the participants.
Tell us about your specific role within the project.
My role as a project leader involves recruiting and training volunteers, setting up meetings, liasing with the school and coordinating the planning of the project. While the project is running I am responsible for ensuring everyone is prepared to run their sessions, and for gettingthe resources in time, and during the sessions themselves I try to be present to help if any of the volunteers get stuck.
What do you get out of volunteering?
I enjoy the sessions, and find working with the young people really rewarding. Furthermore, as a project leader I am improving my organisational skills, and getting used to liasing between different stakeholders to make the project work. The volunteers I work with are dedicated and the teamis strong, so running the project together is a pleasure.
How does volunteering fit in with your student life?
As my organisational skills have improved, time management has become less of an issue. I have found that delegating jobs is important- although sometimes time needs to be spent following this up!- and also making time in my timetable to get things done that need to be. This way I have a set amount of time that is dedicated to Inspir8, and I am still able to spend time studying and socialising.
Why would you recommend Link Up to other societies and clubs?
I would recommend Link Up to societies that are specifically interested in volunteering in the local community, but don't know how to approach them. Inspir8 are still in contact with one of the contacts though Link Up, so it is a useful resource.
Students volunteering in the local community
VOLUNTEER, Management Committee; Moulsecoomb Forest Garden and Wildlife Project
I started volunteering for MFG almost four years ago when I was a fi rst year student at Sussex University.
When I was asked to carry out a group ethnographic research project, my group decided to look at communities
based around growing food, bringing us to MFG. Ironically, while we were carrying out our research we forgot about being students and trying to be anthropologists. Instead we just had a good time getting to know people and drinking endless and crucial cups of tea. In the classic pre-deadline rush to write up our project, listening back to the interviews from the kids at the Alternative Centre for Education really brought to light what an important role this garden plays for everyone involved and its unique ability to bring such a diverse group of people together.
After carrying out our ‘research’, three of us continued to volunteer at MFG for the rest of our time at university and were soon invited onto the management committee. The garden played a huge role for me while at University. It was an escape from student life and a real learning space of what ‘development’ really should be like: grassroots, genuine, non-profit, inclusive, eff ective and sustainable. In that sense the garden has been a place of inspiration for my future plans. Whilst I still volunteer at MFG I also help run an environment afterschool club at Moulsecoomb Primary, where we facilitate a lot of gardening, cooking and environmental art activities. I’m also currently setting up a Community Interest Company with friends that will provide arts based environmental projects in schools – putting into practice a lot of what I have learnt from MFG such as the value of experiential learning (basically, learning by doing) and the importance of being outside the classroom. We had another summer holiday camp at MFG this year, which really showed how happy children are being able to enjoy a woodland environment where they can make dens, build fi res, play hide ‘n’ seek around trees, cook and eat together. This was also a great way to meet the parents of the children at Moulsecoomb Primary and give them the opportunity to enjoy the garden. One of the most important things I have learnt from MFG is the magic of working with the land, with a diverse group of people. The magic of binding a community together.
Can you tell us in your own words about the project?
Aoife Connolly is volunteering at Toy Box Pre-School
Can you tell us in your own words about the project?
Rebecca Newman is volunteering at BHV: Refugee and Asylum Seeker Project (RASP)
Students volunteering for the Students' Union
Link Up case studies
Link Up- Football Club- Brighton Aldridge Community Academy
Richard, 22, decided that the University football club needed to get more involved in the local community, so he and team-mates Greg Salmon, Luke Ralph and Alex Payani set up an after-school football programme for talented pupils at the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy in Brighton.
The students offered coaching in advanced technical skills and techniques in a 10-week course with help from Project V, the Students' Union's volunteering service.
Richard, who rounded off an eventful final year at Sussex when he was named the Students' Union's Sportsman of the Year in May, says: "I really enjoyed working with the kids as it gave us the chance to pass on our football knowledge and, judging by the feedback we received about the sessions, the children enjoyed it just as much.
"Michaela from Project V and myself also organised a football fun day to raise awareness and money for the Justin campaign, which fights homophobia in football. I've found being involved in these volunteering schemes an extremely rewarding experience."
Richard is now considering a career in science and possibly moving into the field of journalism.
Link Up- Breaking Society- Coldean Youth Project
Can you tell us in your own words about the project you're involved in?
Link Up - Sexpression - school workshops
Link Up - SIFE - Inspir8 workshops
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e: reception@ussu.sussex.ac.uk
t: 01273 678152
Falmer House
University of Sussex
Falmer
East Sussex
BN1 9QF
Feedback
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