Volunteering can be a great way to do something positive for your community while meeting people and building skills and experience along the way.And it doesn't have to mean giving up loads of your time. Whether you want to volunteer regularly or help with something occasionally, there are plenty of ways to get involved in Exeter.

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Where can I volunteer through the Guild?

Student groups are a great place to start.

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Some focus specifically on volunteering and community action, while others offer opportunities to support particular causes.

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• Exeter Student Volunteers (ESV)
  
  ESV connects students with volunteering projects in the local community.
  
  Opportunities can cover everything from supporting young people to environmental projects and tackling food waste, so you can look for something that matches your interests and the time you have available.

• Exeter Marrow
  
  'Marrow' is a national, student-led branch of the Anthony Nolan Charity. They aim to recruit people to the stem cell donation register, raise research funds and raise awareness of blood cancers and disorders.
  
  

• Exeter Unicef on Campus
  
  Student-led group supporting the protection of children’s rights worldwide. Members raise issues and fund for policy change. If you’re passionate about human rights and social justice, this could be the group for you.
  

• Friends of MSF
  
  Doctors without borders is a national humanitarian aid organisation. You do not have to be a medical student to join. Members help raise awareness of MSF’s work, encourage others to join the mission and raise funs for the organisation.
  

• Raise and Give
  
  They organise a range of activities, events and adventures designed to raise money for an annually chosen charity.
  

• STAR
  
  Student Action for Refugees runs volunteering in English Speakers of Other Language classes and homework clubs to help improve the lives of refugees in the local area.
  

• Uni Boob Team
  
  They work to spread awareness of checking yourself for signs of breast cancer to stamp out the disease in young people.

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Being on a society committee is another way to volunteer your time and develop skills while helping create opportunities for other students.

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What volunteering can I do in the local community?

There's lots happening beyond campus too.

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Devon Connect is a useful place to browse current volunteering opportunities with organisations across Exeter and Devon. You can search for opportunities based on the causes and activities you're interested in.

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Browse volunteering opportunities on Devon Connect.

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You could also look directly at local charities and community organisations.

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For example:

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• FoodCycle Exeter brings volunteers together to turn surplus food into community meals.

• Exeter Community Garden brings students, University staff and local residents together through gardening and growing.

• Charity shops across Exeter regularly recruit volunteers for a range of roles.

• National Trust or RSPB also look for volunteers.

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Opportunities change throughout the year, so check directly with an organisation for its latest vacancies, times and requirements.

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How do I choose a volunteering opportunity?

Think about what you'd actually enjoy and what works alongside university.

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You could ask yourself:

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• Is there a cause I care about?

• Do I want to meet new people?

• Is there a skill I'd like to develop?

• Would I prefer something practical, social or community-focused?

• How much time can I realistically give?

• Do I want a regular commitment or something more flexible?

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You don't need to choose something because it'll look impressive on your CV. Finding something you genuinely care about can make volunteering much more rewarding.

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And it's okay to protect your time. University, work and everything else you have going on still matter.

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Can volunteering help with my employability?

It can be a useful way to build experience and recognise skills you might already be developing, from communication and teamwork to leadership and organisation.

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Some volunteering can also contribute towards the Exeter Award, depending on the activity and current Award requirements.

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Where should I start?

You don't need to make a huge commitment straight away.

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Browse what's available, find something that sounds interesting and ask the organisation what getting involved looks like.

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Trying one opportunity is enough to find out whether it's for you.