Volunteering Week: Thankful Thursday

So for Thankful Thursday on Volunteering Week, we're looking at how volunteering affects the community and the people they are helping.

Here's a few testimonials based on our We Are Staffs Awards, that show how your efforts can help shape lives and how your effort is appreciated:

"Jakub has really helped students joining the society to come out of their shell and consistently attends events. His work is so behind the scenes that many wouldn't even know he's behind the planning, scheduling and even socials. Always in the background supporting, he's a superstar. Open days? He's at them. Fairs? He's at them. Training to help students use dedicated rooms? He's there. His course mates can even vouch for how he takes the time out of his own days constantly to support them in shooting their work, testing things and trying out new software. Without his support, this wouldn't be possible."

"Casey has shown an astounding amount of character this past academic year by undertaking a supportive role with his fellow students. I've witnessed Casey taking the time out of his own day to help cheer up and support students who may be going through a rough time in their academics, personal lives, or just generally not having a good day. Casey has shown time and time again the importance of supporting his fellow students, and encouraging others to take that first step into creating a warm and friendly campus atmosphere. Thank you for your incredible kindness, compassion, and selflessness throughout this academic year. Your efforts to support others have made a monumental positive impact on those around you and have helped foster a continuing warm and friendly campus atmosphere."

"Harriet has demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm and dedication since the launch of Staffs Women in STEM in its first year! She consistently shows great determination to ensure the success of our events. Harriet is always offering valuable ideas and providing words of comfort and advice when things don’t go as planned. She’s always willing to help, stepping in wherever needed, and making herself available whenever her schedule allows. The committee deeply appreciates her flexibility and commitment. Harriet truly goes above and beyond in supporting our women in STEM at Staffs."

"Samuel has gone above and beyond in his role as finance officer for the computing society. He's taken on tasks that you'd never imagine his role to do including wellbeing, supporting his peers, constantly showing up for events, doing an amazing amount of outreach work and supporting the games students during exam periods. He puts the society members above himself in every instance to make their experience better and the University a place where students feel part of the community. All the events he's worked on have been to support the members in their education, upskilling and supporting them as people. Sam shows up for the society, our committee and our members even if he's not doing the best himself. Thank you."

"Sam has contributed a lot to our community. Sam has been engaging with fellow members and non-members to boost engagement within the Helldivers Society. Sam has also contributed a lot of creative idea's towards our Social Media content and planned events for 2025. Sam's ideas and creativity has pushed the Society's social media presence gaining us 1.5 Million views in 3 weeks and a following of 1.56k. For a brand new society the community engagement has been amazing and we've exceeded expectations which is why Sam deserves an award."

"Connah has supported multiple student experiences by being welcoming and approachable at any time, they always try their hardest during work or society events and engage with the community. Thank you for helping me during the first week, navigating was hard but you always supported me and encouraged me to get out and about and try new things. You've encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and be bold, and I have the most wonderful friends now because of your support."

If you are wanting to see more stories like these, check out the We Are Staffs page!

Volunteering is beneficial to you, but moreover, it is beneficial to those who rely on their services. Volunteering enriches your local community, giving people support and improving their wellbeing through harder times.

Thank you for reading this article, this page shows various websites/locations that have numerous opportunities available.

Here’s some opportunities we’ve posted, news articles surrounding volunteering, and additional resources.

You can add volunteering opportunities you’ve helped with to your Volunteering Profile!