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Volunteering > Testimonials  

Volunteering

Volunteering is an enjoyable way for you to make a difference, provides a fantastic opportunity for you to develop key skills for your future career and to check out possible career paths. On top of that it’s a great way to make new friends, to do something different from your studies and to get a different perspective of life.

We offer you the opportunity to volunteer in a wide variety of locally based organisations and community projects as well as for the Students' Union.

There are lots of options to choose from and we will help you find the volunteering placement that is right for you so contact us for more information.

Contents

► Testimonials

Project V

These are some quotes from student volunteers, in response to the question 'Can Project V be improved?'

Richard Lynch 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."
 

'I started volunteering with Bandbazi through Project V in the Spring Term of my first year at Sussex, where I studied International Relations and Development Studies. Initially I wanted admin experience, but my involvement with the charity soon became much more comprehensive- I found myself teaching various circus and performance skills, helping out with the technical side of things for shows and many other bits and bobs. I have now been with Bandbazi for more than three and a half years- the time has really flown. I am currently working with them in a paid position as an Arts Administrator and Workshop Coordinator. I work in the office a few days a week and then assist the teaching poi and aerial circus at the weekends at the Youth Circus Theatre workshops. When I first started volunteering I didn't expect this to be the job I'd do after graduating- I never thought I would find a job that encapsulates so many of my interests and passions and is great fun to do!" (Hannah, July 2011)

'Project V is excellently run. Thanks Project V for being very helpful.' (Phil, December 2010)

'I loved it, lots of fun! I look forward to trying out new things with project V in the future.' (Amira, July 2010)

'It was very well organised. The staff were incredibly friendly and I thoroughly enjoyed my day.' (Elizabeth, July 2010)

'It worked perfectly for me, so I have no comments.' (Thomas, June 2010)

'Project V has been a very useful resource provided at Sussex University and my voluntary work has lead to me finding part time paid work in my chosen field of study. I will be recommending your service to others in future.' (James, May 2010)

'Volunteering has given me ideas of areas I might be interested in after my degree.' (Amanda)

'I really don't, because this placement was absolutely perfect and I wish it could continue. I now have the skills of working in a cinema/theatre environment so I can use this wen applying for jobs or placements in future! It was one of the best experiences in my life. Thank you for the opportunity' (Lucy, Cinecity Film Festival. December 2009)

'They were supporting me the whole way through. If I had any problems, I would know who to contact.' (Rafaella, Cinecity Film Festival, December 2009)

'Project V staff were accurate and helpful in explaining Project V when I signed up, and received fast and useful help from project V staff during my volunteering. The opportunity to work in a new area of the industry is useful for future employment, and I am considering for a job in the area of film festival or exhibition planning after graduation.' (Emma, Cinecity Film Festival, December 2009)

'I had plenty of help from Project V when deciding on where to volunteer. [Volunteering is] one of the best things I have done since starting University, due to the continually great opportunities and times I have there' (Anna, Care Co-ops Community Farm, December 2009)

'My school placements co-ordinated by Project V certainly, and without doubt, were instrumental and vital in me gaining the necessary experience to be accepted on the PGCE Primary course, specialising in English. Additionally, my volunteering in the final year (assisting with weekly TEFL course in Brighton) also co-ordinated by Project V, not only gave me additional teaching experience, but also enabled me to further my knowledge in the workings of the English language. This voluntary experience also have given me an additional reference (the class teacher) who I am grateful for in terms of being rewarded with the Volunteering England Gold Award and, through my work with her, and experience with Project V, will hopefully help me secure my first teaching post.' (Leigh, The Friends Centre, August 2009)

'Both the Project V staff [...] have been very helpful and supportive. [...] I must thank Project V for providing me, and many others like me, with different opportunities to become a valuable part of our community." (Natalie, South Downs Health NHS Trust, June 2009)

'I found volunteering [...] to be extremly adaptable to student life [...]. I would thouroughly recommend volunteering to other students as it is such a fulfilling experience. Voluntary work looks great on the CV and from my point of view you gain so much in terms of knowledge, experience and friendships." (Samantha, Cherish, June 2009).

'I think my experience was wonderful and couldn't have improved in any way. (...) I feel that I'm able to manage my time better and am no longer scared of large groups of people or public speaking. (...) This is one of the best things I've ever done! So so enjoyable.' (Linda Fabrica, Brighton Festival, May 2009)

'No, I think they were great and I've told them I'd like to be involved with other volunteering projects they do.' (George, Fabrica, May 2009)

'Not at all, they were extremely helpful and I was aware I could go to them at any point for any help. Thank- You for advertising this in Library Square, I would never gotten involved otherwise but thouroughly enjoyed the experience and when I return from my year abroad I will look out to see what other volunteering opportunities you have available. Thanks!!' (Kate, Fabrica Brighton Festival, May 2009)

'My experience with Project V is fantastic, people are always helpful. They know what and when and how and no problem is left unsovled.' (Thomas, NHS, May 2009)

'I'm very impressed with the idea of Project V, supporting people who want to volunteer. I especially liked also the atmopshere of the people from Project V and their support but also personal interest concerning right placement and personal development.' (Patricia, Mouslecoomb Forest Garden and Wildlife Project, March 2009).

'No, it is a brilliant way of making contact with organisations and schemes in the area.' (K. B., Extratime, March 2009).

'I tried to get work experience with events companies through sending out speculative CVs, but was getting nowhere; CDEC suggested that working with Project V was a great way to get access to those placements. By choosing a placement in this very targeted way I was able to get the most out of my volunteering, develop the skills I needed, and also give more to the organisation, because I was genuinely enthused by the tasks I was carrying out. I strongly believe that my voluntary work helped me get my foot in the door of the event industry, and from here there's no stopping me.' (A. S., B&H Fareshare, June 2007).


Union Volunteering

'I volunteer at my union reception once a week, and really love it. I started to volunteer as a way to be more involved with my union, get to know what's involved behind the scenes, and to get some reception experience .I enjoy getting to help people out who may be lost or need advice, and everybody who I work with and those within the union are all very friendly! (Union Reception Volunteer, 2011)