We don’t wish things were better. We make it better

Student Volunteering Week (SVW) takes place between 11-16 February and is a nationwide celebration of all the excellent things students do. I for one am sick of students getting a bad rep, because let’s face it, most of us are decent and respectable people who don’t enjoy terrorising old ladies or looting the local Argos, this week proves that! Student Volunteering Week is now in its 12^th year and is only getting bigger, better and more fantastic!

SVW is a culmination of all organisations, including charities and educational institutions, promoting and celebrating the volunteering efforts of students across all universities and colleges in the UK. SVW is a perfect amalgamation; it is a celebration of the local campus events that the students themselves are doing, combined with national media attention and high profile events. People go to the Houses of Parliament for this week. It is BIG stuff! Because at the end of the day we all know some of those people who tirelessly, thanklessly, continuously, and ever so wonderfully dedicate so much of their precious time to helping others.

So, it is with a LOT of pride that I get to say that my friend is nominated for an award which commends the country’s most outstanding student volunteers! Tasha Unwin is one of five students who have been nominated across the country, and I can say from personal experience that she is the best kind of student this University has!

Tasha coordinates the society Southampton Hub, yet in reality she does so much more. She works more hours than is healthy, dedicating so much of herself to supporting other students and their efforts in social action. She is that ever-friendly face always willing to offer a helping hand – just the sort of person you want your university to be filled with.

Tasha is, of course, helping out with Southampton’s Student Volunteering Week. She will be, along with the rest of Southampton Hub, on concourse all week eagerly seeking people to engage with, offering opportunities which showcase the delights volunteering brings and asking what is ‘a big deal’ to us all. Not only this, Southampton Hub are also holding a ‘Social Impact Masterclass’ which will be an afternoon of training for impactful social action, volunteering and campaigning. What more could all you lovely people want?

If you do want to do more information please contact: info@southamptonhub.org

And if you have never volunteered before I am sure we can find a wealth of wonderful things to get you involved with. SVW is an excellent opportunity to explore your university and the volunteering community it has (generally that is where all the nice folks are, just saying…). You offer us your time and in return you get experience, skills, satisfaction and that big warm glow you get when you know you have done something right, something vital and great.

Or, if you already volunteer, share your experience with the SVW community; everyone loves to see what great things other students are doing. Together we can change any perceptions of us being rowdy, into future leaders, advocates and those that make positive social change.

Florence