Volunteering your time is one of the best things you can give to others to really make a difference in your local community – and not only do you benefit from knowing you’re helping others, you can also gain some fantastic skills, boost your confidence and meet wonderful people along the way.
Volunteering can make you feel less alone and increase your happiness and sense of purpose too!
Here are some of the ways you can get involved in Exeter and the local area:
Student led societies and groups:
So many of our students give their time and energy through being on society committees (you’re all amazing!) but we also have societies whose entire focus in on volunteering and making a difference to others.
Exeter Student Volunteers
ESV offers a whole different range of volunteering opportunities, from dog walking to mentoring children and reducing food waste.
Some of these projects have been running for over 10 years, creating strong links between the Exeter community and Exeter students.
Exeter Nightline runs from 20:00 – 08:00 providing a confidential and anonymous listening service for University of Exeter students. Trained volunteers run the service most nights during term time, and they usually recruit volunteers in September and January. If you’re a compassionate student and a good listener who wants to support the mental health of fellow Exeter students, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
Your volunteering hours with ESV and Exeter Nightline can also count towards the Exeter Award!
First Aid Society – St John’s Ambulance Student Volunteering Unit
You can join the First Aid Society and then become a first aid volunteer for St John’s Ambulance. You can then volunteer to provide first aid cover as part of SJA at a wide range of events, in Exeter but also all over the country! Learning and teaching first aid to the university community is a great way to give back, or you could also take this further with
STAR is a national network of students building a society where refugees are welcomed. You can volunteer within the local community or get involved with fundraising and donation drives too!
Local and National charities:
Foodcycle aims to feed the hungry and give company to the lonely in local communities with delicious meals and great conversation, using food which would otherwise go to waste. They meet every Tuesday at the Mint Methodist Church in Fore St. They are always looking for volunteers. Want to know what it’s like? Checkout this article from Exeposé
Find out more about the volunteering opportunities available.
Based on the Streatham Campus, the Exeter Community Garden brings together university students, staff and the local community in a beautiful garden setting. The group meets on Wednesday afternoons and Tuesday and Saturday mornings. You could be doing anything from harvesting garden produce, to planting seeds, to pruning and weeding. The garden is a beautiful space to get away from your studies and relax in nature!
You can browse heaps of volunteering opportunities on Devon Connect – from fundraising to conservation there are many organisations advertising their vacancies so you can connect with local charities.
Shop Volunteers
Exeter has many charity shops where you could volunteer your time (and maybe grab a bargain too!) Here are some charities with vacancies:
There are plenty of opportunities out there for you, so why not give volunteering a try!