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'Be Involved' in projects run by students

Did you know....

Most of our projects were started by an individual or group of students who had an idea for how to make a difference in Sheffield...

Projects are run by students, for students but are supported staff all along the way. They require regular commitment and last for one academic year. You will meet lots of other student volunteers and will never have to travel far as they are located near your Students' Union.

What's on offer

Click on a project below to find out more information. If you would like to be involved in any of our projects you must pop into the office to book your place.

Projects Working With Children

Give children who have been bereaved a chance to enjoy themselves

ANTS is for children aged 8 - 12 who have lost a guardian or a sibling. It provides monthly activities on Saturdays. There are games and fun activities in the Students' Union in the morning followed by activities such as swimming, bowling or climbing in the afternoons. No experience necessary, just a willingness to join in and have fun!

There was never a dull moment and at the end of each day I went home feeling that I had given back something to the community. - ANTS volunteer

When? Saturdays 10am - 4pm
Where? Students' Union
How often? Once a month during term time

A chance for children on the Autistic Spectrum to socialise

Computer Club is for children aged 8 - 15 who are on the autistic spectrum and their siblings. Volunteers work 1:1 with the children, supporting them while they play games on the computers and helping to develop confidence and communication skills. You do not need to have any knowledge of computers but must be patient and able to empathise.

It has been a club that has meant my autistic son can have a hobby where his needs are catered for fully. - Parent, Computer Club

When? Saturdays 9am - 11am or 10.30am - 12.30pm
Where? Firth Court
How often? Fortnightly during term time

A break from difficult circumstances for local children

Children's Project is for children aged 8 - 11 who are experiencing difficult situations and disadvantage. Monthly activity days culminating in a residential in the Easter holidays, open up a world of possibilities for these youngsters and help to build their self-esteem. No experience necessary, just lots of patience and stamina!

You gave our child a chance to have some independence away from us in a safe and secure way. - Children's Project Parent

When? Saturdays 10am - 4pm
Where? Students' Union
How often? Once a month during term time, plus a 3-day residential holiday 23rd - 26th April

Fun days out for the brothers or sisters of children with a disability

SIBS (Something interesting for Brother and Sisters) brings children together for active days out and provides them with opportunities to meet other children in a similar position to themselves. Its a jam packed day, full of fun and games designed to shine the spotlight on the children as individuals, to make them feel special for the day.

It was great fun and perfect to fit in to a busy schedule. - Clare, SIBS Volunteer

When? Saturdays 10am - 4pm
Where? Students' Union or in Sheffield city
How often? Monthly during term time

Fun activities for young children with disabilities and their siblings

Saturday playgroup is for children aged 3 - 9 who have disabilities and their siblings. Volunteers work 1:1 with the children giving them support whilst they are either playing at the Nursery or out on trips. No experience necessary, just lots of patience and a willingness to play and have fun.

You make her feel special. - Parent, Saturday Playgroup

When? Saturdays 9.30am - 2.30pm
Where? University Nursery, Brunswick Street (5 minutes walk from the Students' Union)
How often? Fortnightly during term time

Playing with Lego in local primary schools

Lego Club go into primary schools at the start of the school day and build models with parents and children. No experience necessary, just a love of lego and lots of imagination.

It always gets me up early, so I usually have a very productive day! It is good to get out into some 'non-student' areas for a bit; I feel like I know the city a little better. - Becky, Lego Club

When? Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am - 9.30am
Where? Primary schools in Sheffield (transport provided from the Students' Union)
How often? Once a week during term time

Lunchtime Playground games in local primary schools

PLAY volunteers organise lunchtime activities for children in primary schools who find it difficult to join in with other children. Volunteers lead activities such as parachute games and "duck, duck, goose". No experience necessary, just lots of imagination and energy.

The staff were very impressed with the games they played and how they were with the children. - Teacher, PLAY Project

When? Weekdays 12pm - 1pm
Where? Primary schools in Sheffield (transport provided from the Students' Union)
How often? Once a week during term time

Projects Working With Vulnerable Adults

Club nights out at your Students' Union for adults with learning disabilities

Join the Clubbing Crew and support adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities to go clubbing. This innovative project enables young adults who find it difficult to access social opportunities to go out and dance the night away. Students and participants stay together as a group throughout the evening to ensure everyone has a great night. No experience necessary, just friendliness and lots of energy!

It's the best night of my life, I don't normally get the chance to go out. - Paul, Clubbing Crew Participant

When? Fridays 9pm - 1am
Where? Students' Union
How often? Monthly during term time

Friendship through art, music and crafts for local nursing home residents

The Tapton Edge team visit a local nursing home to deliver a diverse programme of stimulating arts and craft activities. They engage residents in activities such as themed quizzes, group sing-alongs, and origami, providing opportunities for companionship and support. From time to time, societies come along and join in the fun with music and dance performances.

The residents really embraced the activity and had great fun doing it. - Naseeb, Tapton Edge

When? Wednesdays 2pm - 3pm
Where? Tapton Edge Residential Home (15 minute bus ride from the Students' Union)
How often? Fortnightly during term time

Help people with acquired brain injuries to rebuild their skills

Flourish is a weekly group for individuals with acquired brain injury to come together for a cup of tea and a good old natter. Every week, participants and volunteers take part in new activities designed to challenge their creativity, develop their coordination and strengthen their communication skills. The group acts as a great social hub for people to make new friends and share information and experience. No experience necessary, just a willingness to get stuck in.

I have learned to be patient and I have grown in confidence. I think volunteering in the local community has been one of the best decisions I have made at University. - Flourish Volunteer

When? Fridays 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Where? St Mary's Community Hall, Walkey (short walk from the Students' Union)
How often? Weekly during term time

We want your ideas

Have an idea for a new project? We can help to turn it into a reality. Contact us and your project could be on these pages in the future.

Take your volunteering further

After volunteering for a year, why not take the next step and lead a project? We offer bespoke training and support you all the way. You will gain invaluable skills in project planning and volunteer management and it's loads of fun. So come and chat to us to find out more!

DBS Checks

For all projects run by students, you will need to complete a DBS check (criminal record check). Sheffield Volunteering does this for you for free. Have a look at our DBS Help page for more information.

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