Community Action Fair February 2015

Wednesday 11-02-2015 - 14:36
20150211 123804

Students found out how they could make a difference in their local community at the Community Action Fair yesterday. Middlesex Students' Union joined forces with the London Borough of Barnet to host the on campus event, aimed at empowering Middlesex University students to make a difference in their local community.

 

With such a variety of volunteering opportunities available in the local area, the Community Action Fair demonstrated that whatever your availability, level of commitment and interests, there is something for everyone. Volunteering is quite flexible, with organisations asking for a few hours each week or help with occasional events, so it's easy to fit in around your life. 

 

Sophie McKay, MDXSU Vice President, was delighted with the event: “With such a vast range of volunteering opportunities present today, students have the chance to match their interests and passions with the perfect volunteering experience for them!”. Part of Sophie’s manifesto promise was to get more students volunteering in the local community.

 

"Volunteering has so many benefits for both students and the community. For the students they get an incredible experience which in turn pumps up their CV and makes them more employable. And for the local community we help with projects that need more hands on deck, like the soup kitchen we volunteer with in Muswell Hill."

 


 

Didn't get a chance to go to the Fair? Scroll down for more information about some of the local organisations who were involved. All are looking for volunteer involvement, and they all offer amazing services which might be relevant to you too:

 

  • The Saracens Sport Foundation’s mission is to inspire communities and change lives through the power of sport. Their programmes include providing sports opportunities for those with a disability, a sports club for young people with autism, dance and cheerleading sessions, sports activities for school groups and HITZ – helping 16-18 years olds gain confidence and skills get back into education or training courses. They’re supported by Saracens Rugby, and are based at Allianz Park, not far from Middlesex University. Find them on Facebook.

 

  • Barnet Citizens Advice Bureau have a range of part-time volunteering opportunities which you can fit in around your study and life. As well as the chance to gain admin experience, it's also an excellent opportunity if you're interested in law, policy-making or entering a legal profession. The Citizens Advice Bureau also offer advice and information to students on a range of issues, from accommodation and finance to visas and employment.

 

  • Join Friend In Need (FIN)  and volunteer from just one hour a week supporting eldery and disabled people in the local community. There are lots of ways you can help make a difference, from admin work, volunteering at the activity centre, and helping with DIY, gardening and transport. FIN are also looking for activity leaders, so if you feel you have a skill or interest you'd love to share with others, get in touch!

 

  • Stephens House is a historic house in Finchley with landscaped gardens. If you’re green fingered this is the place for you – they need volunteers to keep their gardens looking beautiful (and you’ll be fuelled with plenty of cake). Other volunteering opportunities at Stephens House include working in the small onsite museum, helping with building and decorating work, and stewarding events like the summer fete in July and Halloween festivities. Email volunteer@stephenshouseandgardens.com to find out more.

 

  • Volunteering Barnet will help you find a volunteering opportunity in the local area which is perfect for you. Just sign up, let them know your interests and availability, and they’ll send you a number of potential volunteering placements! You can email them at enquiry@volunteeringbarnet.org.uk or find them on Facebook too.

 

  • With over 35 years of experience, Volunteer Centre Barnet are really knowledgeable about the local area and volunteering. Volunteer Centre Barnet promote local volunteering opportunities, and have a huge range to match you with: help with arts and crafts projects, mentor young people, organize events, teach English, run community activites, assist photography shoots, foster a pet…! Get in touch: volunteer@communitybarnet.org.uk

 

  • Exchange your time and skills! The Community Timebank allows you to earn ‘time credits’ in return for contributing your own time and skills. You could teach another local person a new language or walk their dog, and in return you could get some help decorating or learning a new skill!

 

  • Healthwatch Barnet offer great volunteering opportunities for anyone interested in health and social care who wants to improve the lives of others. – You’ll receive training to visit health and social care services, observing and assessing the service being provided.

 

 

  • Barnet Centre for Independent Living was founded in 2010 to help empower those with experiences of mental and physical disability and promote independence. Help support the disabled community in your local area and gain experience within a charitable organisation. For more information, email info@barnetcil.org.uk or call Patti on 020 8359 3756.

                                              

 

Volunteering is an amazing way to gain experience and skills while having fun, meeting new people and making change in your local community. In a competitive jobs market, voluntary experience can also prove a valuable addition to a student's CV. Any questions or want to know more? Email mdxopportunities@gmail.com.

 

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