Attended by around 250 students and 35 external organisations with various volunteering roles on offer, the fair was a great chance for students and local groups to connect and make a positive impact in the community. From sustainability to healthcare to hospitality, students were able to find relevant positions where they could contribute and develop their skills in a professional setting. 

Rachel from Voluntary Action Harrow discussed the wide variety of volunteering activities available in Harrow, including nature conservation, working with public health organisations, working with disability organisations, aid for refugees and voluntary work in museums. 

She emphasised the benefits of volunteer work for students and young people, saying: 

It teaches you a lot of skills, it could be communication skills, it could be about working in a team, so it’s great to put on your CV.” 

The Ealing Clothes Repair Cafe in Acton were looking for volunteers to promote and assist at events, including clothes and book swaps. Mary said: 

[Volunteers] get to work in the Climate Action circle, so they’ll meet a lot of other organisations looking at climate action and reducing waste. 

They’ll have an opportunity to talk to the public, they’ll build their skills in communication and they’ll just see an event running and learn about how to run an event.” 

Petronella, Digital Inclusion Outreach Officer at Age UK, Ealing, started her journey with the organisation as a volunteer herself. She spoke about her own experience:

Liasing and speaking with elderly people and getting them online, making sure they’re safe and communicating with their families has been a heartwarming experience for me. 

At Age UK, we’re looking for volunteers like me to do the same thing. I know it’s going to bring out that experience, get them to communicate and get their public speaking up. It will upskill them and make them feel a little bit warmer inside!” 

Following the fair, Huda Ahmed from IntoUniversity said: 

The fair was fantastic. This is my second year doing it and it was brilliant. The fair was well organised, and we got lots of students to sign up with us!” 

Talia Adams from the Anthony Nolan Charity also found the event to be a success, saying: 

The space for the fair was great... I have been to lots of events at different universities and this was for sure one of the stronger ones. The event was well thought out, organised and seemed well promoted to students.” 

• Find out more about UWL’s volunteering opportunities