Unlocking Potential: How students are making a difference by volunteering
Student volunteering is an amazing way for young people to give back, while also boosting their own personal and professional development. Whether it’s helping others, making new connections, or tackling environmental issues, the impact students can have through volunteering is massive. It’s good for employability, great for mental health, brings communities together, and even helps protect the environment. Here’s why student volunteering matters so much.
Boosting Your Employability
One of the big perks of volunteering is how much it can help with getting a job. Employers love seeing real-world experience on CVs. So, volunteering gives students the chance to develop practical skills that you can’t always get in a classroom. Whether it’s leadership, teamwork, or communication, these are exactly the kinds of qualities employers are after. According to a 2019 study by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), 40% of young people aged 16-24 volunteer to gain new skills and experience. These figures demonstrate how important volunteering is for building a strong foundation for future careers.
Volunteering can also directly impact your job prospects. Research by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) shows that students who volunteer are more likely to secure graduate-level jobs soon after finishing university. This makes it clear that volunteering can give you an edge in the competitive job market.
Good for Your Wellbeing
Volunteering is also brilliant for your mental health. With all the pressures of student life, volunteering can offer a welcome break. It’s also a chance to do something that makes you feel good. A 2018 study found that volunteering is associated with improved mental well-being. It can also lead to reduced levels of stress, particularly among young people.
Getting involved in a cause you care about gives you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. This can be a real mood booster. It’s also a great way to meet new people and feel more connected, helping to beat those feelings of stress or loneliness that can creep up, especially during tough times like the pandemic.
Bringing Communities Together
Student volunteers continue to play a huge part in making communities stronger. The National Union of Students (NUS) and other volunteering bodies estimate that c.750,000 students in the UK volunteer, contributing around 3 million hours of service to local causes. Whether it’s mentoring young people, helping out the elderly, or organising community events, student volunteers are out there making a difference.
By working on projects that meet the needs of their local area, students help to build connections, encourage inclusivity, and tackle social issues. It’s also a great way to get involved with people from all walks of life and build friendships that you wouldn’t normally make.
Helping the Environment
Let’s not forget the environment! Many students are leading the way in tackling environmental issues like climate change and pollution. Whether it’s litter picking, planting trees, or running sustainability campaigns, student volunteers are doing their bit to help protect our planet. In fact, a 2022 British Heart Foundation (BHF) report highlighted that over 45% of student volunteers are involved in activities that directly benefit the environment.
They’re not only making a real difference on the ground but also inspiring others to get involved and think more about their impact on the planet.
So what are you waiting for? Volunteer today!
In short, student volunteering isn’t just about helping others. It’s an opportunity to develop yourself, make a difference in your community, and contribute to important causes like environmental protection. It’s a win-win for students and society, with long-lasting benefits that go beyond university life. So, whether you’re looking to boost your CV, improve your wellbeing, or help out in your local community, volunteering is a fantastic place to start.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities, based on your interests and/or near where you live, go to our GetInVOLved platform: https://www.getinvolvednorfolk.org.uk/
Otherwise there are loads of volunteering roles primarily in the healthcare sector with Voluntary Norfolk. Go here to find out more.
You can also find out more about Student Volunteers Week, which runs from 10-16th February here.
