Gusrc Svss Booklet 2009

For large print or other versions, please contact: [email protected] No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise without prior written permission of the University of Glasgow Students’ Representative Council, whose work is c 2009.

Volunteer

with the Student Volunteer Support Service

Introduction Volunteer in Schools

Modern Languages; Mandarin Hub; Second Language, First Aid Refugee Tutoring

Volunteer with Sports Sports Coaching; Splash

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Help the Elderly - Buddy a Granny

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Help the Homeless

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Help Refugees

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Work with Students

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Nightline

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Nursing Homes and Sheltered Housing; Lunch Clubs

Language Café

Clubs and Societies

Student Volunteers Abroad (SVA); Student Action for Refugees (STAR); Students for Kids International Project (SKIP)

Paid Summer Placements Find a Solution

Q&A

Time; Experience; Commitment; Travelling; Disclosure

Contact Us

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17 18-19 20

Introduction Getting a job after University isn’t easy. More and more employers are looking for graduates who have been involved in student life beyond their academic study. Where can you get this invaluable experience? Parttime jobs are often hard to come by and don’t always bear much relation to your career plans. It’s tough.

Student volunteering covers a large range of activities and projects: there truly is something out there for everyone. Why get involved? Good question. Have a think about why you came to University in the first place. • To get a degree? There must be more to it than that. • To better your job prospects?

“Volunteering isn’t just about the work you do, but the experience you have in doing it. Being involved has helped me grow as a person, meet new people, and develop skills I can apply to various other areas of my life.”

• To learn new skills? • To meet new people? • To have a laugh? • To experience something different? Volunteering with the SRC can help you to do all of these and allow you to make a difference in your local community and build your employability skills. Volunteering can also be a great way to escape the ‘West End Bubble’ and see a different side of the city.

Samantha Ferguson

2nd year, English Literature

What about Volunteering? “No thanks,” I hear you say, “I don’t really fancy having to sift through jumble in a charity shop.” But there’s a lot more to it than that.

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Successful Find a Solution students and the Chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman

Volunteer in Schools As a volunteer, you’ll be heading along to Primary, Secondary or Additional Support Needs schools to help the pupils with lessons. You will not be expected to lead any classes (since by law you can’t actually be left in charge of a class) but you will work with small groups of children or on a one-to-one basis with them. Whatever the subject – from English to Chemistry to Geography or Drama – we can (usually) help.

Why get Involved? Many previous volunteers have found this to be a great way of getting invaluable experience in the classroom before they apply for teaching courses. The Faculty of Education is very supportive of the scheme, and students are offered the chance to attend an induction session by students studying the four year BEd (Bachelor of Education) course in the first and second semesters.

You may take part with no intention of becoming a teacher. This is a great way to improve your interpersonal and communication skills (if you’ve ever stood up in front of a classroom full of teenagers, you’ll know what we mean) and put what you’ve learnt into practice.

Modern Languages The SRC is also able to give language students and native speakers of French, Spanish and German the chance to practice their skills in local schools. As with the other subjects that students can volunteer with, you won’t be expected to teach a whole class, but with many Glasgow schools now offering languages from P1 onwards, there is a great deal that you can do to impart your knowledge. Whether you’re brushing up on the basics before your finals or want some prep before a jaunt to France (or Spain, Portugal...), this is a great way of getting that additional practice. 5

Additional Support Needs Glasgow has a large number of highly specialist Additional Support Needs (formerly known as Special Educational Needs) schools and units that allow children and young people with a range of disabilities to receive a high standard of education. The work that you’ll be doing as a volunteer will depend on the nature of the school that you’re placed at, as the schools will be one of (amongst others): • MLDs - Primary & Secondary Schools for pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties • CLDs - Schools for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties • HVIs - Schools for pupils with Hearing and Visual Impairment

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“I enjoy volunteering because it allows me to make lots of new friends and helps to improve the communication between Chinese and UK culture” Ye Yang MAcc

As with mainstream schools, you’ll be working with the pupils in small groups or on a one-to-one basis. The range of activities can vary from assisting with English or Maths to music therapy.

Mandarin Hub If you’re a Chinese student at the University of Glasgow, then the SRC have teamed up with Hillhead High School to give volunteers a chance to work at the Mandarin Hub that is being launched there. Working with a Mandarin Teacher, you’ll be helping with displays, dancing, language classes and to launch events. The aim of this is to help introduce local school pupils to Chinese culture, and who better than students from that part of the world to pass on your knowledge and experience of the culture!

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Helping at Hillhead High’s Mandarin Hub

Second Language, First Aid If you’re a Polish student at the University of Glasgow, then take advantage of the SRC teaming up with Glasgow University’s Polish Society and schools across Glasgow to give volunteers a chance to help Polish children with their lessons and offer Second Language, First Aid. Many schools have a large number of Polish children whose first language isn’t English, and as a result they sometimes struggle to keep up with the rest of the class. Volunteers from Poland or Eastern Europe can help to make sure that the children don’t fall behind and can achieve their full potential by ensuring that they’re able to understand what’s being taught. Volunteers are also offered the chance to help run after-school and homework clubs at schools across Glasgow which can be a real benefit to local Polish communities.

Drugi język, pierwsza pomoc Jesteś polskojęzycznym studentem na University of Glasgow? Chciałbyś zostać wolontariuszem? 7

SRC wraz z Glasgow University Polish Society chciałyby zaproponować Ci wyjątkową szanse pomagania polskim dzieciom uczącym się w Glasgow. Dzieci polskich imigrantów stanowią dzisiaj znaczny procent uczniów w Brytyjskich szkołach. Jednak, jako że ich ojczystym językiem nie jest angielski, często nie radzą sobie z nauką tak dobrze jak ich rówieśnicy. Właśnie wolontariusze tacy jak Ty mogą pomóc im osiągnąć pełen potencjał, ułatwiając im zrozumienie nauczycieli oraz tematów zajęć. Wolontariusze będą również mieć szanse prowadzenia zajęć pozalekcyjnych w całym mieście. Jeśli chcesz zrobić coś dla polskiej społeczności w Glasgow, jest to projekt dla Ciebie!

“I enjoy volunteering because it allows me to make the most of being at Uni and meet lots of different people. It’s good to be able to focus on something other than studies. I can gain invaluable experience in many different areas.” Sarah Smith

2nd year, English Literature

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Refugee Tutoring Similar to the Second Language, First Aid programme, there are also opportunities to help children from refugee families with language barrier problems. In this project you will be helping to make sure that the children don’t fall behind with their studies and that they can achieve their full potential by ensuring that they’re able to understand the teacher and what is being taught.

Where and When? We have links with over 25 schools across Glasgow and Renfrew – from Hillhead to Hampden and from Yoker to Yorkhill: there’s plenty of scope to see a different side of the city. We’ll ask you to commit one morning or afternoon per week for ten weeks. If you want to commit more time, many previous volunteers have been able to arrange a more regular placement or get some experience in a range of schools.

Volunteer with Sports With a significant emphasis being placed on leading a healthy lifestyle and helping young people engage in physical activity, there really isn’t a better time to start thinking about getting involved by volunteering in sport. And, with the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 just around the corner, there are plenty of opportunities available through the SRC thanks to support from Culture and Sport Glasgow.

Sports Coaching Open to all students, the scheme allows you to get involved in a variety of Sports Clubs across the city. Whatever your sport – Gymnastics, Football, Hockey, even Table Tennis – if you think that you can help young people get more active then there’s something here for you. Even if you don’t think that you’re really up to a ‘coaching’ standard quite yet, there are still plenty of opportunities available, including helping out trained coaches at sports clubs to run their events or volunteering at one of the numerous sporting events run in Glasgow during the year. Once you’ve signed up to a volunteer programme, in addition to helping out in the sport of your choice you’re also offered the chance to attend workshops on areas such as Safeguarding and Protecting Children; How to Coach Sport Effectively; and Analysing Your Coaching Action Plan.

All of this looks great on the CV, and also helps if you’re thinking about pursuing Sports Coaching or even Teaching as a career.

Splash ‘Splash’ offers you the chance to help out in swimming classes for children with additional support needs. As a Splash volunteer you do not need any previous experience or training other than being able to swim since you will be working under the supervision of a qualified swimming coach. Volunteers are offered an introductory session with a Disability Awareness Officer from Culture and Sport Glasgow, who will go over the basics of working with children with disabilities.

“I met most of my friends through volunteering. It’s been a defining part of my University career.” Chris Millar, 4th year, History

Where and When? As Splash is run during PE classes organised through Additional Support Needs schools, then it takes place during school hours (9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday), and these can take place at council-run pools across the City. The Sports Coaching programme also takes place at council-run facilities across Glasgow, but you’re able to volunteer with these in the evenings or at weekends. 9

Help the Elderly – Buddy a Granny If volunteering with kids isn’t your thing then we also have a number of roles available for working with Glasgow’s elderly folk. These roles range from helping out at lunch clubs to slightly more challenging work in Dementia Units, so whatever your reasons for getting involved there are plenty of opportunities to offer a friendly ear and some company to the residents, and to put a smile on the faces of elderly people in the local community.

Nursing Homes and Sheltered Housing The SRC have developed a partnership with Bield Housing Associations which gives you the chance to volunteer in a number of roles with them, ranging from helping as a befriender in their Sheltered Housing complexes to helping out with Residential and Nursing Dementia homes.

Contact the Elderly With the help of this local charity, students are able to visit residents in their own homes: many residents are housebound and you’ll be providing them with some much needed company.

Lunch Clubs You’ll be helping out at lunch clubs that are organised by local community groups in Hyndland on Wednesday and Friday afternoons.

Forget Me Not Help to put a smile on the faces of local residents

Of course, ‘helping the elderly’ is a general phrase and you may be involved in a variety of activities depending on what you choose to do. It’s worth noting that at no point will you be expected to care or look after any residents, as that’s the job of paid staff. You’ll be taking part in activities that the care homes run or helping with trips that they’ve arranged for their residents. 10

This is for students looking for something a bit more challenging and who are able to visit someone in a care home or hospital and brighten their day. We’ve teamed up with Alzheimer Scotland to give students a five day training programme on how to relate to the person rather than their illness and subsequent opportunities to put this training into practice. Staff are available at all times to help support you.

Help the Homeless Glasgow University Service to the Homeless is a scheme that offers students the opportunity to help homeless people living on the streets of Glasgow. With thousands of people who are sleeping rough or at risk of sleeping rough in the city every year, you can really help to make a difference in people’s lives and help to provide an invaluable service to them when they’re going through a difficult time. GUSH currently assists with the Glasgow Simon Community Soup Kitchen in Glasgow city centre, where you’ll provide food and hot drinks to the service users and have the opportunity to chat with them. You’ll be offered training on best practice and what to expect when you start volunteering, and all volunteers are welcome to attend further vocational training courses run by the Simon Community.

“I spent two and a half years volunteering and I got some great transferable skills and made some friends who I will always keep in touch with.” Chris Hall 4th year, Computing Science

You’ll also be welcome to get involved in a more organisational role with this and with other events run by the Simon Community.

Where and when? GUSH takes place on a Wednesday night in Glasgow City Centre, although you will only need to do one shift a month.

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The particular participants in this project are refugee and asylum seeker medical professionals, and need to attain a high level of English to practice medicine in the UK. Although the Doctors are aiming to register to practice medicine in the UK, conversation need not be medically based - the only requirement for volunteers is that they be enthusiastic conversation partners. The aim is not to teach anyone how to speak English, but simply to engage in conversation with them so that they can improve their confidence, practice their spoken language skills and perhaps tutor them in areas that they may be having problems with.

Help Refugees As well as refugee tutoring in schools, we also have The English for Doctors scheme, which aims to increase participant Doctors’ confidence in conversational English.

Where and when? Meetings take place in a social environment, such as the John McIntyre Café, 1a The Square or the Atrium Café, and you’ll be asked to meet with the Doctors for two hours a week.

“Volunteering at University has given lots more skills than can be taught in a classroom. I've met loads of new friends too and the experience I've gained will be invaluable in the future. In fact whenever I go for an interview, the volunteering aspect is what usually gets the company interested in what I've got. It has certainly made me a better person with all the skills I've learned and people I've met.” Ciaran Owens, 4th year, Computing Science 12

“Volunteering is priceless because everyone gains from it. You can help others while learning new skills you might not get elsewhere.” Gill Turnbull

Postgraduate European Studies

is also the possibility that this can turn into language exchange as you can get to learn a few words from another language or get help with a language you’re studying.

Where and when? As with English for Doctors, meetings take place in a social environment, such as the John McIntyre Café, 1a The Square or the Atrium Café, and you’ll be asked to meet with the International Student for an hour or two each week.

Language Café

Work With Students It may surprise you to hear that there are also a number of volunteering opportunities right here on campus.

Conversational English Programme Many international students at the University of Glasgow require support to help them improve their English Language Skills. We’re looking for student tutors who are confident with their English to meet with them for an hour or so every week and chat over a coffee. It has been shown that regular practice with a native speaker is a great way to increase participants’ confidence. The aim is not to teach anyone how to speak English but simply to engage in conversation with them so that they can practice their spoken language skills. There

As part of the Conversational English programme, you’re also invited to come along to one of our Language Cafés. If you’re an International Student looking for help with your English, a Language Student looking for extra practice or just a native speaker wanting to learn more about other cultures, we’re here to help.

The Language Café gives you the chance to be paired-up with other students and get the help you’re looking for. 13

Nightline A confidential Information, Listening and Email service, run by trained students in conjunction with the SRC, from 7pm to 7am each night during term time. As a Nightline volunteer you’ll be taking calls and emails from other students, giving them information and helping them through problems that they might be having. Volunteers should be aware that Nightline is not an Advice or Counselling service, but the nature of the work that you’ll be doing ensures that volunteering for Nightline is a good way of

“There are so many opportunities for volunteering at Glasgow University. Helping out has helped me to boost my confidence and encouraged me to get much more involved with University life in general.” James Harrison 2nd year, Politics

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getting some experience if you’re thinking about a career in this area. All volunteers are given training and support on how to take calls and use active listening techniques. You are right for Nightline if: • you are a good listener • are able to empathise with other students • have an interest in voluntary work • enjoy meeting and working with new people • can work as part of a team • can respect confidentiality and anonymity

Where and when? Nightline is based in a self-contained University-owned flat, so it is a safe and comfortable space to work from and there is an opportunity to sleep, do Uni work or watch TV during shifts, so it’s not like working in a call centre. You’ll be asked to do one shift per fortnight.

Clubs and Societies The SRC also has a number of projects organised by student volunteers who develop and run their own schemes with support from the SRC.

“Volunteering has been so much more than a couple of extra lines on my CV. The knowledge that you've made a difference feels like an amazing achievement.” Morven Boyd

Student Volunteers Abroad SVA offer university students in Glasgow the opportunity to get involved in community and environmental work in developing countries during their summer break.

5th year, French Spanish and Catalan

They work with local organisations on sustainable projects that help to provide long-term assistance in dealing with local issues ranging from HIV/AIDS education and awareness in South Africa to soil erosion in Nepal. They aim to promote awareness amongst students about the local social, environmental and health issues that affect the developing world and to encourage cultural links and exchange. They also have further projects in a wide range of other countries including Cambodia, Malawi, India, Ecuador and Senegal.

SVA offers opportunities around the world

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“I didn’t realise I would have so much fun volunteering! I’ve met some brilliant people, and it’s made me really think about teaching as a career option.” Joseph Rodgers

2nd year, Engineering

Student Action for Refugees STAR has a large and vibrant group at Glasgow University. Their aim is to help refugees in the UK and Glasgow to rebuild their lives and to stop innocent & vulnerable people being used as scapegoats because they can’t vote or fight back. They’ve got several projects you can try: • School workshops: fun & loud classroom role-plays showing children in local schools what being a refugee is like.

Students for Kids International Projects

SKIP SKIP is a charity run by students, working towards sending healthcare professional students from Universities in the UK to work with children in developing countries. SKIP Glasgow was set up in 2005, and is run by a twenty-member committee. The Glasgow branch have recently completed a feasibility study pilot project in July 2006, which included visits to communities in urban and rural Malawi, meetings with health and government officials, and collaborations with international and local NGOs. In Malawi, they’re also involved with a Health Education and Promotion programme, participation in sports and social events, a hand hygiene programme and Play and Classroom assistance.

• Legal research: researching specifics of human rights situations abroad to help inform specific asylum claims. • Detention centre visiting: social/ emotional support for detainees in Dungavel. • Orientation: Helping newcomers to adjust to and master the simple aspects of life in Glasgow that we take for granted, with the Red Cross. 16

SKIP volunteers in Malawi

Paid Summer Placements “Paid work? But I thought this was volunteering?”

Where and when? Find a Solution takes place during the summer break, so you’ll be asked to carry out the work from June to August.

While most volunteering isn’t paid, the voluntary sector is a vibrant area and a vital sector of the economy, so we think you should get the chance to experience working in it.

Find a Solution Like many of the other projects on offer at the SRC, Find a Solution gives you the chance to give something back to the local community whilst at the same time gaining some invaluable work experience and developing your transferable skills. This particular scheme attempts to tie in with your academic course, and allows you to put the skills you’ve learnt through academic study to good use. The project is funded by the University of Glasgow Settlement and involves students carrying out 6-8 week placements during the summer break. Previous projects have seen students carrying out marketing strategies, feasibility studies and service evaluations for organisations as diverse as the Glasgow Women’s Library and The National Theatre of Scotland – all of which look great on your CV (and for the bank balance, of course).

Find a Solution students present their findings

“Volunteering can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your university life. It is hard work, but the skills you pick up and the experience you gain are extremely useful - as much as it is an activity that runs alongside your degree, it can offer up serious career options for when you graduate.” James Porteous

3rd year, Product Design 17

Q&A Do I have the time to volunteer?

Do I have to commit to a project for the year?

This obviously depends on your other commitments, but you’re asked only to give up 2-3 hours a week for most of the projects.

No. Most projects require a ten week commitment, but this can be worked around your University timetable.

Do I need any previous experience?

Will I have to travel far?

It can help, but isn’t essential. Obviously being able to swim would be required if you’re looking to volunteer with Splash, but the point is really to help you GAIN some experience.

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Some of the placement opportunities aren’t within walking distance of the University, but don’t worry, as we’ll cover travel expense from all projects (apart from SVA and SKIP – the budget doesn’t quite stretch as far as South Africa or Malawi).

I’ve been told that I need a Disclosure – what is this? A Disclosure is something that some volunteers and paid staff are asked to complete in Scotland before they work with a number of groups in society, including children under the age of 18 or vulnerable adults. This means that Disclosures are required for the following projects:

“It’s a great way to feel part of the campus community while boosting your CV… not to mention your social circle!” Franck Martin 4th year, Politics

• Buddy a Granny • Classroom Support • Projects abroad with SVA and SKIP • Splash • Sports Coaching A Disclosure is also known as a CRB check in England or a Police Check in many countries abroad. In Scotland all it means is that volunteers are screened to ensure that no one who is disqualified from working with children or vulnerable adults is allowed to do so. It is a very simple process, as all you’ll have to do is fill out a quick form. It doesn’t cost you anything and no one (police, authorities etc) will contact you about it.

What else do I get from taking part? Other than a great sense of wellbeing? The SRC is able to process MV Awards – this is a national scheme established by the Scottish Government to recognise 16-25 year olds who give up their free time to help others. Having an MV award on your CV will be recognised by future employers and certificates are awarded for 50 (Bronze), 100 (Silver) and 200 (Gold) hours of volunteering. The Gold awards are even signed by the First Minister.

- Ok, I want to help! What next? Just visit the Student Volunteer Support Service Office in the John McIntyre building or email

[email protected]

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To get involved or for more information, contact: Student Volunteer Support Service (SVSS) John McIntyre Building University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ t: 0141 339 9541 e: [email protected] w: www.glasgowstudent.net/volunteer Nightline t: 0141 353 1050 (7pm to 7am during term time) e: [email protected] For specific clubs and societies, contact:

SKIP

Students for Kids International Projects (SKIP) e: [email protected] Student Action for Refugees (STAR) e: [email protected] Student Volunteers Abroad (SVA) e: [email protected] w: www.gla.ac.uk/clubs/sva/