Bradford College

Students Make a Difference During Volunteer Week

Following on from the success of last years Student Volunteering Week, which was established over 11 years ago to raise the national profile of student volunteering in Further and Higher Education, Bradford College Students’ Union has devised a series of innovative events to highlight the vital role volunteering plays in the student population and the wider community.

Bradford College Students' Union have successfully spearheaded a variety of campaigns that have raised awareness on issues that affect students and the Bradford community over the years.  Previous campaigns have seen the Students' Union celebrate victory after winning their battle with council chiefs to save Bradford’s FreeCityBus, after fears the free shuttle service would be axed.

The volunteering drive has seen students volunteer to take part in a number of initiatives including the anti burglary ‘Safe Squad Campaign’ which has been backed by the West Yorkshire Police.  Student dressed up as burglars, creeping around Bradford College campus in a bid to raise awareness on robbery – one of the most common offences in the UK.

Students’ Union President, Nabeel Hussain reflected: “We’re proud that once again, we’ve really seen that students care about their local community and are eager to give something back through volunteering. It’s been great to see students, many of whom have never volunteered before, really engaging with Student Volunteering Week which is the launch pad for a number of projects which will continue throughout the year.”

Other volunteering drives and ongoing initiatives include: bulb planting sessions to donate flowers to Marie Curie hospices; a student graffiti mural, campaign team taster session, community partnership volunteering and taking part in the BCEP (Bradford Community Environment Project) which contributes to the sustainable regeneration of Bradford.

Sarah Townson, Student Activities Co-ordinator concluded: "I think it's fantastic that College students are getting involved in such worthwhile local community projects such as BCEP and delighted their valuable contributions are making a difference!”