Volunteer to make a difference

Sarah Louisa Corstin from Cancer Research UK at a Brookes Volunteer Centre pop-up event
Sarah Louisa Corstin from Cancer Research UK at a Brookes Volunteer Centre charity pop-up event

Next week is Student Volunteering Week, and there are lots of ways you can get involved!

Student Volunteering Week (12 to 18 February) celebrates all the benefits of volunteering while at university - from improving your own wellbeing and developing new skills to making a positive contribution to community life.

It’s the perfect time to try something new and support a cause you care about. There are lots of volunteering opportunities on the Oxford Brookes Volunteer Portal and volunteering Facebook page.

If you’d like to know more about volunteering, you can book an online chat with the team by emailing volunteering@brookes.ac.uk, or pop by the Volunteer Centre outside Careers in the Forum, John Henry Brookes Building, Headington Campus, on Fridays between 11.30am and 2.30pm.

On Fridays during semester time you can also come along and talk to a range of charities showcasing their volunteering opportunities.

Why volunteer?

Student Volunteering Week events

Monday 12 February: ‘Introduction to Volunteering’ workshop, 12 noon to 1.00pm, online

Hear about the benefits of volunteering, how to search for the right opportunity and how the Brookes Volunteer Centre can help. You’ll also learn how to stand out in the job market by sharing your volunteering experience in application forms and talking about it in interviews.

Tuesday 13 February: Kindness card writing event - stop by at any time between 11.30am and 2pm in the Forum, John Henry Brookes Building, Headington Campus

Brighten someone’s day by making or writing cards of support and encouragement for fellow students. It could be advice on how to meet people, revision tips, a positive message or an inspirational quote.

Wednesday 14 February: Virtual drop-in session, 12 noon to 2.00pm

Got a question about volunteering? Ask the team at this virtual drop-in session.

Thursday 15 February: Volunteering celebration tea party, 12 noon to 2.00pm, Library Training Room, the Forum, John Henry Brookes Building, Headington Campus

Have you volunteered in the past year? The Volunteer Centre wants to say a big thank you for giving up your time to support important causes. Stop by for some tea or coffee and cake and pick up a printed certificate. Complete this short form to make sure you receive your certificate, or email volunteering@brookes.ac.uk

Friday 16 February: Drop-in session, 11.30am to 2.00pm, Careers, the Forum, John Henry Brookes Building, Headington Campus

Come and say hello and find out more about volunteering. Members of the Friends of Headington Hill Park charity will also be there with a stall - chat to them about how you can help improve and enrich this beautiful local park.

Get in touch

Please email the team at volunteering@brookes.ac.uk if you have any questions about Student Volunteering Week or volunteering in general.

Make this year a great one by volunteering and making a difference!