





Sheffield Volunteering recognises that there are 101 reasons to be involved in volunteering, but we have selected just a few. We think the best people to tell you WHY are the volunteers themselves so have a look to see what they have to say below.
I have secured two offers on PGCE courses which I am very happy about. Thank you very much for the opportunity to expand my schools experience. - Volunteer at Parkwood Academy
It was fun to be able to do something a little bit different by getting our hands dirty for a good cause! - Conservation Volunteer
It has offered me way of really enjoying myself with a variety of people whilst contributing to a good cause at the same time. - Great Days Out Volunteer
I learnt how to interact with a child and put my learnt theory into practice. - Psychology Student
A unique opportunity to use the skills I have gained at University to help a group of people... understand their rights. - Law Student
Flourish has opened my eyes. Now I don't see a brain injury and feel sorry for them, I see an intelligent individual who is the same as everybody else and who is an inspiration. - Claire, Flourish Project
The day was really well organised and made me realise that I could do better things on a Saturday afternoon than watching tv or catching up on sleep. - 24 Hour Volunteering participant
It has definitely proved to me that teaching is the career for me, something I wouldn't have known if the volunteering wasn't available. I would recommend it to anyone! - English Student
A big thank you to the volunteers. The students were amazing and really threw themselves into it, some of the best volunteers I've had the pleasure of working with. A true credit to the University! - Rich Gorman, Student Switch Off
Residents always look forward to the afternoons, the students are great with them. We would never have thought of doing activities like origami. The interaction with the students is very beneficial and it's great exercise for their fingers too! - Pat Bond, Deputy Manager, Tapton Edge
The student volunteers were funny, silly, helpful and fun! - Primary School Pupil, Sports Day
Good role model for our pupils in an area where few pupils aspire to University. - Teacher, Emmaus Primary School
According to a Timebank survey, 73% of employers said they'd employ someone with voluntary experience over one without.
58% said that voluntary work experience can actually be more valuable than experience gained in paid employment.
The benefits also extend into your job, with over 70% of employers seeing those who have volunteered in the past gain higher salaries and more opportunities for promotion.
Your volunteering can be recognised through HEAR and the Sheffield Graduate Award. To find out more visit our Reward & Recognition page.