What is Volunteering?

Volunteering allows you to get involved with whatever you're interested in, and get formal recognition for your contribution. There's a wide range of activities you can get into, from the community work people think of when they think of volunteering, to involvement in art, sport or media (including contributing to this website - see the list below).

So volunteering is really worthwhile for you, your CV and the people you work with! The numerous benefits include:

• Developing new skills
• Meeting new people
• Having fun
• Gaining valuable experience
• Trying something new
• Doing something worthwhile
• Helping you decide what you want to do with your future
• Enhancing your CV and future career prospects
• Giving something back to your community

Volunteering Opportunities available include:

• Administration
• Advice and Welfare
• Arts
• Campaign work
• Counselling
• Criminal Justice
• Education (including being a Course Rep)
• Environmental
• Health
• Media (including helping out with UELSU publications, writing articles, contributing to this website etc)
• Promoting Racial Equality
• Social Services
• Sport
• Youth Work

(and more - this is not an exhaustive list)

Ok, So how do I get into volunteering?

Well, when it comes to volunteering the world is your oyster, as you can see above there is more than a few ways to get involved. To get an idea on what you can get involved in try doing a search at the do-it.org.uk website or Contact the Volunteering Co-Ordinator, Bob Reed.

Volunteering Opportunities at UEL

UELSU manages three volunteering projects; Junction 49, V Volunteers and HEFCE Active Community Fund Volunteers (pronounced hef-see).

Junction 49

HEFCE Active Community Fund Volunteers

This is a joint project with the University of East London and it is aimed at both staff and students, so there is no age limit to get involved. There is no maximum number of hours of voluntary work that you need to complete and in return you will be able to claim up to £60 expenses and certificates will be given to volunteers who engage in a voluntary activity. An annual awards ceremony is held at the university to celebrate the achievements of all volunteers who take part in the project.

If you are interested in getting involved in any of these projects please contact Bob Reed at the Students' Union on 0208 223 7025 or email b.reed@uel.ac.uk.