Xiaohongshu
UCL offers such an amazingly wide range of volunteering opportunities, which not only allow you to help others but also to develop yourself as a person.
In addition to Emma Bunting’s PhD in Neuroscience, for which she researches Huntington’s Disease, she’s been an active volunteer throughout her time at UCL. Recently, she took part in the inaugural UCL Charity Consultancy Challenge; we caught up with Emma to find out more.
Welcome: Sport & Physical Activity
This is the perfect time to explore our sports clubs with taster sessions, trials, and loads of social events. If you're looking to try something new, our low-cost, beginner-friendly Project Active classes are perfect—no commitment needed, just friendly and inclusive fun.
So, if you are thinking about doing it, make big pros and cons lists, and the pros will always outweigh the cons.
I spoke to the lovely Amrutha, who is in her fifth year in medicine, Anisha, who is in her third year of medicine intercalating in global health, and Humza, who is in his second year studying medicine, about their Project Leader roles in the Student-Led Project, U
"Children know they will be having a lot of fun (and volunteers too!), so they look forward to the session during the whole week."
Lou Baigneres is an incoming second-year Economics with a Year Abroad student doubling as a Volunteer Sports Coach with KEEN London. KEEN London supports children with disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder.
SDG#8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
IMF is predicting an equal or worse recession than that of 2009 citing the pandemic-induced economic crisis as the worst since the Great Depression. Amid the rising cost of living and this post-Covid economic crisis we turn towards Sustainable Development Goal #8, Decent Work and Economic Growth this August.
Volunteer Motivation & Retention
Once you have recruited your volunteers, it is important to think about retention strategies and how to keep them motivated in your Project. You should also give volunteers opportunities to get involved in decision making for your project – by doing this, you’ll be cultivating the next crop of Project Leaders and make your hand-over easier.
"These people are struggling. They have been through a lot and with a little effort we can make a huge difference to their lives."
Shuan is a first-year International Social and Political Studies student specialising in anthropology. She works as a project leader for the Student-Led Project Impact Initiative, a project founded to aid the English learning of Afghan Refugees in London.