Student Volunteering Week Is the Perfect Chance to Engage Young People

STUDENT Volunteering Week 2025, from February 9 to 15, is led by the Student Volunteering Network and supported by universities, schools and colleges.

It celebrates the contribution to communities that students make and highlights the benefits of engaging a young, enthusiastic workforce who are looking for ways to grow their life experience.

The reality of course is that there are plenty of young people already getting on with volunteering quietly, giving up their time alongside their studies, but there are many others who’d be willing to lend a hand if they felt welcome.

By engaging schools and colleges to offer volunteering opportunities, the voluntary sector could open up a rich seam of resource.

The benefits are obvious – students gain confidence, experience and a better understanding of the area they’re studying and being part of a team, either out in the open or indoors, in a positive atmosphere can promote wellness, wellbeing and physical health. There are also a host of opportunities that could chime with younger peoples’ zest for initiatives that fight climate change.

Voluntary groups and grass roots charities can welcome extra pairs of hands and an injection of energy by tailoring what they offer, such as fewer hours to fit in around studies and mentoring from more experienced hands.

Wiltshire College & University Centre students have been working alongside volunteers from the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens with fencing, tree planting, scrub clearing and coppicing.

Lecturer Lara Dawson said: “The brilliant thing for me is that they’re working with people of other generations who are mentoring them and developing them socially and academically. By working with them, talking to them and passing on experience in the workplace they are building up their skills and confidence.”

Today’s student volunteer could be tomorrow’s trustee, organiser or long-term supporter so it is worth making them feel welcome now.

Wessex Community Action’s free community portal, Wiltshire Together, is the ideal place to look for volunteering opportunities, both short and long term, for students. Once registered, you can set up a profile with your preferences and search organisations looking for help by area. Sign up and search local opportunities at wiltshiretogether.org.uk.

WCA works with charities and groups to help them support volunteer training and development, and help them develop links with the community. To find out more, contact Volunteer and Community Development Advisor Stacey Sims at community@wessexcommunityaction.org.uk.

Pictured: Wiltshire College & University Centre students working with the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens

Press release issued by Meadow Communications on behalf of Wessex Community Action.

For further details contact Gary Lawrence of Meadow Communications on 07866 422308 or gary@meadowcomms.co.uk.