Student volunteering is win-win for city

VOLUNTEERING can make a huge difference to local communities and build important, transferrable skills in volunteers. Other benefits include making friends and improving physical and mental wellbeing so it’s not surprising that students at the University of Lincoln are encouraged to take advantage of a variety of volunteering opportunities.

These are provided by Lincoln Students’ Union, which ensures there are a wide range of roles students can get involved in and make the most of their time in Lincoln.

Through engaging in volunteering and local community initiatives, students are able to develop existing interests and even acquire new ones to enhance their employability skills including l Time management l Communication l Organisation l Problem solving l Teamwork

“Volunteering gives students a taster of a range of working environments, enabling them to experience work within certain areas that they may have considered for full-time employment and allowing them to make more informed decisions about their future,” said Zuzanna Romanska,Vice President Wellbeing & Community at Lincoln Students' Union.

“Working first-hand within the setting of a workplace plays a key part in developing confidence prior to completing their studies. “Students can also give back to the community and establish good relationships with people across Lincoln. When moving to a new city, a student can benefit greatly from the sense of belonging gained through becoming part of a new community.”

Students can also take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme and volunteer at an organisation of their choice for 12 – 18 months, while the Students’ Union also offers internal opportunities as Volunteer Officers and Ambassadors, and hosts one-off events throughout the year, such as litter picks (pictured above).

“An effective system is currently in place for registering interest and securing volunteering placements with external organisations. There is a volunteering opportunity to suit everyone, and many ways which students are able to positively impact the local community.”

Examples of organisations and existing opportunities: l Oxfam- Retail volunteer and Books volunteer l Lincoln Castle- Visitor Experience volunteer and Grounds volunteer l Age UK- Receptionist and Befriender l St. Barnabas Hospice- Retail volunteer l Mary’s Meals- Community Volunteer

You can find a full list of volunteering opportunities at www.lincolnsu.com/volunteering.

If you’re interested in offering volunteering opportunities for members of Lincoln Students’ Union, you can contact employability@lincolnsu.com

SHLA Churches Conference

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THE 2023 Lincolnshire Churches Conference will be held at Epworth Wesley Memorial Church on Saturday, April 22. Organised by the Society for Lincolnshire History & Archaeology (SLHA) the event will start with a brief introduction to the host church (DN9 1EP). Talks will include ‘Anglo Saxon Churches in Lincolnshire’ presented by Professor David Stocker; medieval graffiti in Lincolnshire Churches by Brian Porter and Parish Churches as World Collections by Professor Heather Hughes, University of Lincoln.

Admission is £32 (9.30am – 4.30pm) including tea, coffee and a buffet lunch. Further information and booking details can be found on the Society website www.slha.org.uk or by calling 01522 521337 or https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2023-slha-churchesconference-tickets-317207735877