Celebrating National Student Volunteering Week 10 – 16 February 2025
At Self Help UK, we’re incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers, including many talented university students. Currently, we have 11 students contributing their time and skills to our Beyond Diagnosis service. We’re also proud that some of our former student volunteers have stayed on or returned after graduation, demonstrating their commitment to supporting people affected by cancer.
We truly value the energy and enthusiasm student volunteers bring. They offer transferable skills, a genuine passion for making a difference, and a strong desire to learn and grow – all of which shines through in their contributions.
Our student volunteers have been involved in a wide range of vital activities, including:
- Providing one-to-one emotional support to clients affected by cancer.
- Offering practical, one-off assistance to individuals and families.
- Promoting our services at community events.
- Raising awareness of our volunteering opportunities at community events and presentations.
- Fundraising through events like the Macmillan Mighty Hike.
- Conducting valuable research projects related to volunteer support for people affected by cancer.
- Providing translation support for clients whose first language isn’t English.
One inspiring example is Molly, who volunteered with us while studying Psychology at Nottingham Trent University. After graduating, she asked us for a reference for an Assistant Psychologist position. We were delighted to support her application, and she was successful! Molly shared, “I am incredibly grateful for all that Self Help UK and Macmillan have taught me. I feel so lucky to be part of such a motivating and supportive team, and I definitely wouldn’t be here without you all.”
Molly continues to use the skills she developed as a volunteer in her new role as assistant to the Head Psychologist, highlighting the lasting impact of her experience and the confidence it has instilled.
A huge thank you to all our wonderful student volunteers – you make a real difference! If you’re a student looking to gain valuable experience and give back to your community, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our volunteering page to learn more about current opportunities.
