Reasons to volunteer
You'll make a real difference when you volunteer. However, it’s not just about what you can do for others; volunteers get a lot out of the experience too.
Benefits to volunteering
Build skills and experience
Volunteering gives you the chance to put your skills into practice, try something new and gain experience in a real-world setting. You don't need to be an expert. Most organisations are happy to support you as you learn.
Boost your CV
Whether you're applying for placements, internships, graduate jobs or postgraduate study, volunteering can help you demonstrate skills, initiative and commitment outside of your course.
Employers value volunteering experience. A survey conducted by TimeBank and Reed.co.uk of 700 of the UK’s leading businesses showed that:
- 73% of employers would employ a candidate with volunteer experience over one without
- 94% believe that volunteering adds to skills
- 58% say that voluntary work experience can often be more valuable than experience gained in paid employment.
Explore your options
Not sure what you want to do after university? Volunteering can help you try different roles, sectors and causes before making any long-term career decisions.
Meet new people
Volunteering is a great way to connect with people who share your interests and values, whether that's other students, local organisations, or professionals working in a field you're interested in.
Grow your confidence
From trying new activities to speaking with new people, volunteering can help you step outside your comfort zone and feel more confident in yourself and your abilities.
Support your wellbeing
Doing something positive for others can give you a sense of purpose, help you feel more connected to your community, and provide a welcome break from studying.
Have fun
Not everything has to be about your CV. Volunteering can simply be a chance to do something you enjoy, support a cause you care about, and make the most of your time at university.
"By carrying out voluntary work, I am able to gain an insight into various types of childcare and child services. It also looks great on your CV, so I would recommend volunteering to everyone, no matter what their interests!"
Jennifer, BA(Hons) Early Childhood volunteered with Playbus
The UWE Bristol Volunteer Award
The UWE Bristol Volunteer Award is a special award for UWE Bristol students who have volunteered in the current academic year.
Receiving an award adds value to your CV and enhances your employment prospects. It validates your hard work and accomplishment making volunteering an experience you can proudly highlight during any future job interview. Winners will also receive a substantial financial prize.
We know that huge positive changes can be made in a small amount of time. This award looks at the difference volunteering has made for both the student volunteer and the community they were helping rather than the number of hours volunteered.
Applications will open in Spring 2027. Check back at that time to apply.
"Being able to talk with clients and work together with people I have never met before is a great opportunity to see how the work environment is going to be in the future. The support from UWE and Share Bristol team really makes the experience much easier for us."
Iris, MSc Digital Marketing volunteered at UWE Bristol social hackathon with Share Bristol
Volunteering and community action newsletter
We send out a newsletter twice per term which includes details of volunteering opportunities, community events, local charity news, student highlights and more.
Sign up for the Volunteering and community action newsletter
Catherine's experience
Catherine, BSc (Hons) Nursing (Learning Disabilities), talks to us about taking part in Project Zulu and how it helped her gain confidence and transferable skills.