Four ways to get involved with student volunteering

This week marks Student Volunteering Week. So, if you've ever fancied showing your charitable side, here are our options to help you get stuck into some good will.

Here's how you can get involved:

1. Join your union's Volunteering societyOften called the Raising and Giving (RAG) society, joining your union's main society for volunteering opens up loads of options. You could be raising money for a number of different charities depending on who your union supports. From local hospices, to foreign aid, your volunteering efforts could have a big impact.Classic events that happen through Volunteering societies often include Jailbreak (getting as far away from campus in 30 hours without spending any money), Sleep-outs to support the homeless and fancy dress fundraising. So whilst volunteering can have an important impact - and also be a lot of fun!
2. Sign-up to Do-It.orgYour one-stop for finding the perfect volunteering opportunity for you. This website shows off all the benefits of getting into charitable work as a student. You'll be able to search through organisations in your area, so you can find a small charity that makes a big difference.
3. Become a Student Minds volunteer at your universityStudent Minds function across the UK, and welcome ambassadors who can campaign on campus and fundraise. They also have opportunities to act as a peer group facilitator where you can support conversations for groups such as Positive Minds and Eating Difficulties Groups.
4. Volunteer abroad this summerIf you're finding yourself with no free time to volunteer to others, how about during your summer break? There are thousands of volunteering opportunities available in the UK. But, there's literally a whole world of others waiting for you.Websites like Projects Abroad, Go Abroad or even opportunities offered by your university can help you find a cause.You could be helping to save the Amazon Rainforest, undertaking social work in Ecuador, or  running activity clubs for children in South Africa. ​