A campaign has been launched at the University of Worcester to help students living locally to access volunteering opportunities in the community.
A significant number of the University’s students remain living in Worcestershire, including those in halls of residence, and many have already volunteered their time and skills to help, whether within the NHS on the frontline, or providing help to people in the community who may be self-isolating, or in need of additional support.
The new campaign, a partnership between the University and Worcester Students’ Union, will allow more of those who want to to find those opportunities, including many of the University’s staff.
Professor David Green CBE, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, said: “We are all very proud of our students and staff who have so selflessly volunteered their time to help in this international crisis.
“From our clinically qualified staff who are working back on the front line and our nursing, midwifery and paramedic students who are joining the NHS early, to those volunteering in local care homes, and our scientists who are helping in laboratories, it is truly humbling to see the scale of support being offered. Thank you to you all.
“At the University of Worcester we have always worked hard to play a vital role in our community and now more than ever we must all come together to do what we can.”
The campaign comes after the University sent all its specialist medical equipment to the NHS as it tackles the Covid-19 pandemic, and is continually looking at ways to support the community at this difficult time.
Harry Lonsdale, President of Worcester Students’ Union, said: “We are really looking forward to launching this new volunteering project to help with the current COVID-19 outbreak in partnership with the University. We are privileged to have some fantastic students who are already doing some great work in the community in Worcester and future afield and are so pleased that we can contribute towards the national effort. We are looking to sign post students to opportunities in the NHS, local authorities and different charities.”
Staff and students can find opportunities via the University’s website - www.worcester.ac.uk/volunteering - with links through to the NHS, Worcestershire County Council’s Here2Help campaign along with many other opportunities.