Last year, over 2200 UCL students took time out from their studies to volunteer on projects across London. Each and every one of them made a difference to other people - add it all together and it’s clear that our volunteers are making a big impact. Collectively, they put in 62400 hours – that’s the equivalent of one person volunteering full time for over 32 years!
But what happens during all that volunteering? We recently conducted a survey of our community partners, who told us that those students are improving the wellbeing of other people, building bridges within communities, and improving access to education – and lots more besides. UCL students are also valued for their skills and knowledge, and for the diversity they bring to many volunteer teams.
The children who participate in our projects are new to the UK and are struggling to a greater or lesser extent to adjust to their new lives. The support of a friendly, thoughtful and compassionate UCL student volunteer has made an enormous difference to the confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing of so many of them. Lucy Elgood, Salusbury World Refugee Centre
London wouldn’t function without volunteers and it’s clear that UCL students are playing their part in making this a healthier, happier and better connected city. If you’d like to join in too, then visit our ‘Getting Started’ pages.
Links
Volunteering Directory - here you can browse all our live volunteering vacancies!