Meet Oxford Brookes’ Student Volunteer of the Year

Congratulations to Raihan Islam, who has been named the Oxford Brookes Student Volunteer of the Year by Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA).

Raihan, who recently graduated in Biomedical Science, was recognised for his enthusiastic volunteering at the Order of St John Care Trust’s Townsend House care home in Headington.

Criminology student Ellie Brooks was highly commended for her excellent leadership work with the children’s tutoring charity Students4Students. You can also read about Ellie’s other volunteering work as a special constable with Thames Valley Police.

Oxford Brookes Volunteer Centre hosted this year’s OCVA awards ceremony at Headington Hill Hall. The Lord Mayor of Oxford was among the guests of honour who presented awards to local volunteers.

We spoke to Raihan about his role at the care home and why he recommends volunteering to all students. You can email the Brookes volunteering team at volunteering@brookes.ac.uk if you’d like to get involved or find out more about student volunteering opportunities.

How did you get into volunteering?

Back in my second year I decided I wanted to apply to study medicine after I graduated, which requires volunteering experience. I approached one of the local care homes in Headington - Townsend House - and have been volunteering there ever since.

What do you do at the care home?

I visit the care home once a week and my main role is to provide a mobile shop for the residents. They can buy anything from chocolate bars to toiletries. I also help out with anything else I’m asked to do, such as kitchen duties. But really it’s about taking the time to talk to the residents as I’m doing my rounds.

What have you gained by volunteering?

Over the last couple of years, I’ve formed real connections and friendships with the residents, which has been very fulfilling. It’s great to hear all their stories - one resident used to be a footballer for Oxford United, so he has some interesting tales. I genuinely look forward to visiting the care home every week and try to do additional volunteering when I have some spare time. It has made me feel like I’m doing something valuable for society and the Oxford community. Of course, volunteering is also a great thing to do for your CV.

Do you have a message for Brookes students who are thinking about volunteering in the community?

If you’re thinking about volunteering, I’d 100% recommend it. Try it out and see if it’s for you - I’ve no doubt it will be. I’ve had to juggle my studies, part-time work and volunteering, but it’s definitely manageable if you keep organised and on top of things.