Megan Clark is the Volunteering Assistant at the Guild and is studying for a PhD in Egyptology.
Here, Megan shares four volunteering opportunities that you can get involved with in Merseyside. From one-off roles to regular volunteering, there is something for everyone to get involved with this Autumn!
You’ll find lots more opportunities via the Guild’s Volunteer pages.
1. PARTIA (Promoting Arts in Aintree): Exhibition Coordinator
Interested in art? Have a passion for promoting culture in the community? Want to use your skills to create an exhibition and promote the event across social media platforms?
PARTIA are now advertising for new Exhibition Coordinator Volunteers to liaise with organisations and potential new partners to acquire new artwork for Aintree Hospital. Volunteers are encouraged to take a lead on where are should be displayed in the hospital, but also to create new exhibits full of content for patients and visitors alike.
This is a great opportunity for any students looking for more experience in the cultural and arts sectors, making key contacts for themselves and the hospital.
You can find out more about becoming an Exhibition Coordinator via the Guild’s website.
2. Be Free Campaign: Be Free Campaign Volunteer
Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. What is more shocking is that over 20% of university students reported a mental health condition in the past 12 months, with more than 45% of students admitting that they rely on alcohol or drugs to cope whilst studying at university.
Be Free Campaign work to raise awareness of mental health and the stigma associated with mental health problems. The campaign is attempting to break down the stigma and helping people ‘BE FREE’ and to be open with what they are facing. After working within schools and communities in the UK, they are now trying to make a difference in Universities around the UK. Through street campaigns, social media and ambassadors they aim to demolish the stigma in our society and promote the free expression of individual values.
A Be Free Campaign Volunteer will actively promote this cause on university campus, but also in the wider city. Student ambassadors are encouraged to organise events and workshops to promote mental health awareness and break down stigma in the university. There are also opportunities to fundraise, but also work with schools and hospitals to get the message out.
You can find out more about becoming a Be Free Campaign Volunteer via the Guild’s website.
3.Sefton CVS: Digital Champion Volunteer- Birkenhead
Not being able to use IT and the internet can be a big barrier to lots of things in our lives, including finding work, claiming benefits, keeping in touch with friends & family and saving money on our bills. This is why Sefton CVS, through their Include-IT Mersey programme, want to help local residents to get online by recruiting Digital Champion Volunteers.
Digital Champions don’t have to be IT experts. A basic knowledge of using email, the internet and common software, such as Microsoft Word, will be enough. Sefton CVS are looking for friendly, reliable and positive volunteers who can support learners at a free digital drop in session in Birkenhead for a few hours a week.
Volunteer expenses will be available, so volunteers are never out of pocket. All that is required from volunteers before beginning is to attend a Wirral Mencap’s disability awareness session and to undergo a full DBS check.
You can find out more about becoming a Digital Champion Volunteer via the Guild’s website.
4. Wirral Mencap: Gateway Award Volunteer
Wirral Mencap exists to advance equality for people with a learning disability and their families. Their mission is to improve quality of life and create a more accessible, inclusive and supportive community in Wirral. They campaign, raise awareness, provide information and advice and offer supported personal development, volunteering and social opportunities including a weekly social club that has been running for over 50 years.
The Gateway Award is an accessible Awards programme, specifically designed for people with a learning disability. The programme enables people to reach goals in various areas of their lives including independence, health and leisure as well as volunteering. It is similar in structure to the Duke of Edinburgh Award with bronze, silver and gold levels. Participants achieve their awards by participating in a wide range of activities throughout the year.
Wirral Mencap are seeking volunteers to assist in this programme of events, going into the community on excursions to help support service users on their journey to gain independence and progress through the award tiers.
Volunteers also have the chance to undertake training sessions on Learning Disability Awareness, Safeguarding Adults, The Volunteer’s Role in the Organisation, and information on the Mental Capacity Act in Practice.
You can find out more about becoming a Gateway Award Volunteer via the Guild’s website.
If you have any further questions about the following opportunities, or would even like to find out what the Guild’s Volunteering Liverpool platform has to offer you, please feel free to contact us at: guildvol@liverpool.ac.uk