See it here: www.thegryphon.co.uk/going-local-this-lockdown
Image Credit: Studenteer
Featured on The Gryphon's former site. Read it here:
The start of this year has undoubtedly been the worst many of us have ever faced. With students being told not to return to university, many have consequently been having to pay rent for empty houses. Being at home no longer provides a space to relax, as the pressure of university work with a much lower number of contact hours, as well as the lack of academic and mental health support provided by university has affected students wherever they may be based.
This stress is not limited to academic and financial difficulties. University is a place full of community, whether that be with course-mates, housemates or societies and clubs, but with this support having stopped suddenly, the effect on mental health can be devastating. That being said, wherever you may be based, local communities are still in need of support. In November last year, the BBC reported that at Virgin Money Giving, sponsorship of charities formed before 2020 was down £25m compared to the previous year, and in August, Sky News talked of the 60,000 jobs in the charity sector which are likely to go. With donations drying up, fundraising events cancelled, and face-to-face support limited due to restrictions, good causes are suffering immensely. But with students bored and at home and in need of connection, community-focused work can offer a myriad of rewarding benefits.
For those who have a few hours a week to spare, volunteering can provide a way to help local communities and get involved in a cause you are passionate about. Whilst traditionally thought of as more of an in-person fundraising activity, it can provide invaluable experience in many sectors to add to your CV. With many students losing out on internships, volunteering may just be the extra thing you need.
In fact, 80% of employers are more likely to hire an applicant with volunteering experience.
One way to volunteer remotely is with Studenteer. Completely run by students and recent graduates, they provide volunteering placements from 3 hours of commitment per week, in partnership with a huge range of good causes across the country. By providing opportunities tailored to the student’s interests and career-aspirations, many Studenteers have completed placements in web development, marketing and legal professions, to name a few. Each placement is with a good cause, community initiative or charity, and is thoroughly checked to ensure no profit will be made from the students’ work.
Third-year design student Sophie Wilson decided to take up a Studenteer graphic design placement with JAGS Foundation, a charity addressing violence and correlating issues in vulnerable communities, alongside her year in industry placement:
“This volunteering experience has allowed me to develop my graphics skills whilst gaining experience working with charities,” Sophie says. “I’ve had the opportunity to make the most out of my placement year whilst working from home, and it has allowed me to benefit others. It has been a really positive experience, both personally and for my career development.”
Throughout February, Studenteer have been working on their “Go Local” campaign, with the aim to support good causes throughout the UK by connecting students with placements and encouraging local community connection – whether it be through volunteering, supporting small and local businesses, helping your neighbours with their grocery shopping and more. Bela, an intern volunteering at Studenteer, reflects on the significance of the campaign:
“I believe charity begins at home but should not end there! Ideally, I’d love to help everyone in the world- but ideals and possibilities are very different. Right now, if I have the chance to offer help to a local care home or disability centre, of course I’ll take it! To me, the ‘Go Local’ campaign represents the importance of taking the initial step to help out in a place where you have networks, a sense of belonging or maybe a personal connection. All of our local areas may amount to the whole country.”
In a time of distance and uncertainty, with many of us stuck at home or isolated at university, the ability to support and lean on those around us has become more important than ever. Volunteering may be the perfect way to find a sense of purpose, improve your skills and fill your time and CV.
The best ways to do this can be by looking online for local causes, reaching out to connections in your area or to find out more about Studenteer’s projects and initiatives, check out their Instagram and sign up to receive opportunities on their website. By thinking global and acting local, students can make a difference.
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