Volunteers have played a vital role in the Covid-19 pandemic response, providing essential support to those who are most vulnerable in our communities and helping everything run as smoothly as possible during this challenging time. We want to take a moment to recognise those Swansea University students and staff that have been part of supporting their communities in all sorts
Charlie Earle who is a Senior Lecturer in Respiratory Physiology at Swansea University has been volunteering with Discovery through lockdown. Here she tells about what she has been getting up to. “As a respiratory physiologist I have a few friends across the UK in the NHS, who work in respiratory and sleep departments and are front-line workers. I offered to make
Bethan Hughes, a psychology student, tells us why she volunteers “During my time volunteering with Discovery I have developed a range of new skills and worked with children, disabled adults and refugee and asylum seekers which has given me valuable insight into the lives of others which will be beneficial in my future career in psychology. My role as a
Declan Heather, who studied Politics and Social Policy BA at Swansea, and is now Student Activities Coordinator at Imperial College Union, tells us how volunteering with Discovery has had an impact on his working life Declan back in 2017 volunteering for Discovery “Every role that I’ve held since University has relied almost wholly on the confidence and passion for the not-for-profit sector
James Slattery from Campus Life talks to us about volunteering with Discovery I was aware that Swansea University staff can volunteer for Discovery for 14 hours a year in work time and I wanted to take advantage of that. I spoke with the Discovery staff in the office and Kirsty, the Supported volunteer Manager, said she knew of an opportunity
Megan, a Health & Social Care student, tells us what volunteering she has been doing during lockdown. I have always thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with Discovery; they are incredibly supportive and have encouraged me to develop my confidence and self-esteem! I was not going to let lockdown stop me from volunteering! I have taken part in the ‘Skill Share’ which encourages
James Slattery from Campus Life talks to us about volunteering with Discovery “I was aware that Swansea University staff can volunteer for Discovery for 14 hours a year in work time and I wanted to take advantage of that. I spoke with the Discovery staff in the office and Kirsty, the Supported volunteer Manager, said she knew of an opportunity
The Wellbeing Champions Project has been running for the past two years. We have 20 active volunteers, who have completed Student Minds Look After Your Mate Training, Boundaries and Mental Health Awareness Training. This provides training in listening and signposting skills enabling students to safely support their peers. The Wellbeing Champions are currently facilitating ‘The Virtual Lounge’ on Wednesdays throughout
One of our Student Volunteers tells us their top tips for studying during lockdown. Being a student during lockdown, it can be incredibly hard to stay motivated. Classes are online, exams are cancelled, assignments have changed and university facilities are closed. If the work load wasn’t already enough, we now have to try and do our work without these things.
One of our Buddied Reading volunteers, Lauryn, lets us know what she has been doing to pass time and help her relax at the moment. One of the best ways to pass time has to be drawing. It is something that to me isn’t a hobby but it’s a way that can help you to unwind and be imaginative. It