Social hackathon

Join us for an unforgettable experience of learning, collaboration and making a difference — with a dash of fun thrown in.

What is a social hackathon?

Social Hackathons bring together student volunteers and local charities to solve real-world challenges through creativity, collaboration and innovation. They are a great way to learn new skills, connect with new people, and make a positive impact.

Volunteers are paired with local not-for-profit organisations for a day of problem-solving and solution-creating fun. In teams, you'll tackle issues head-on, learn from professionals and connect with new communities across Bristol.

This year we're partnering with organisations including Bristol City of Sanctuary, The Care Forum and Share Bristol.

Opportunities 2025/26

Take part in one of our events, run in collaboration with six of our partner organisations. Social Hackathons are open to all students. We are looking for students from a range of courses with openness, energy and an interest in social action. You don’t need previous experience in hackathons or similar events to take part.

Please check the dates and times and consider your availability before applying.

October

  • Training session (compulsory) - 9 October 2025, 13:00-15:30
  • Social Hackathon Day - 15 October 2025, 13:00-16:00

November 

  • Training session (compulsory) - 13 November 2025 
  • Social Hackathon Day - 19 November 2025

December 

  • Training session (compulsory) - 4 December 2025
  • Social Hackathon Day - 10 December 2025

February

  • Training session (compulsory) - 12 February 2026
  • Social Hackathon Day - 18 February 2026

March 

  • Training session (compulsory) - 12 March 2026
  • Hackathon - 18 March 2026

April 

  • Training session (compulsory) - 16 April 2026
  • Social Hackathon Day - 22 April 2026

How to apply

Applications are now open until 1 October 2025. Places go very quickly, so apply now! 

Apply now

If you have any questions, contact The Civic and Community Engagement Team at volunteering@uwe.ac.uk.

What to expect

1. Team introductions

After the shortlisting process, we'll invite you to meet your fellow students on Frenchay Campus. The week before the hackathon we'll get you into teams, giving you the opportunity to get to know your teammates.

You'll be welcomed into the space by someone from our super friendly Community Engagement Team and Student Ventures. They'll help introduce you to other students.

We'll always be there to make sure a fun, friendly and inclusive space is maintained throughout. Our events celebrate difference, and no one is out of place at a Social Hackathon.

We'll also do some entrepreneurial training. This will make sure you're well prepared and set up for the day.

You'll be asked to complete a pre-questionnaire, which is a requirement.

2. Ideation

The day of the hackathon, you will join your team to research and brainstorm ideas based on the organisation's challenges.

3. Solution finding and innovation

After an initial brainstorming session, the teams will come back together to discuss them and start working on the solutions you will be presenting to the organisation, at the end of the day.

4. Creation

You'll create an output based on your team's research and ideas, which the organisation will be able to use.

5. Reflection and presentation

At the hackathon, you and your team will be presenting your output. After the event, you'll reflect on the session as a group and give feedback.

All participants will receive a certificate of attendance and completion, which you can share on professional platforms such as LinkedIn to showcase your contribution and enhance your CV.

You may also be interested in

Volunteers painting a community mural.

Volunteering opportunities

Get involved with volunteering at UWE Bristol, whether it's a regular or one-off opportunity.

A volunteer helping an elderly woman to use a computer.

Reasons to volunteer

Volunteering is a great addition to your CV. It is also a good opportunity to meet new people, get out and about and have some fun, and make a difference in the local community.

A volunteer talking to someone in front of a computer.

Contact the Civic and Community Engagement Team

Contact us for enquiries about volunteering opportunities and recruiting volunteers.