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24 Aug 2006 09:38:56
Uni and community groups come together to boost volunteering in Luton
Students and staff at the University of Bedfordshire have met with community groups from Luton to discuss how to make the town a better place.
The recent Community Networking Day was organised to share information and ideas on how local organisations such as Victim Support, St John Ambulance and Young Enterprise could work closer with the University's student volunteering scheme and the University as a whole.
The Student Community Exchange programme aims to provide a link between the University and the wider community through its volunteer placement service.
Over the past three years, more than 500 students and staff volunteers have helped out in the community, doing everything from one-to-one mentoring and web design, to conservation work and coaching.
Andrea Thorogood, who heads the Student Community Exchange scheme, said: “The Community Networking Day was a huge success in getting local organisations together and working to make the town a better place. It is now set to be held annually.
“Student and staff volunteers have made a massive contribution to Luton, whether as a mentor at a local school, or as a sports coach to local youngsters. There is mutual benefit as students gain valuable experience and the community gains more people who are willing to help.
“Students seem to be much more aware of their role in the community and of the importance of giving something back. Luton is their home for three years and they want to make a difference while they are here.”
Discussions were held at the University's Luton campus about how the volunteering project could improve its service to community groups and talks were also given on how volunteering had made a real differences to people's lives and careers.
Daryl Channing, a psychology student and volunteer ambassador for the past year, has mentored local school children who have experienced problems adjusting to school life.
He said: "You can see the volunteers are really appreciated in the community. It's really nice to see we're making a difference and putting smiles on people's faces. That's a reward in itself.
“We're also developing our own personal skills, such as communication and problem solving skills. It's also a great way of finding out what we can and can't do and which areas we do and don't want to work in.”
For further information about the Student Community Exchange programme, contact the team on 01582 489173.
