Bryany, a distance learner at ARU, explains how volunteering really has changed her life and she wants to share her story in the hope it could change yours too.
 

Volunteering alongside your university studies can feel overwhelming as you're already putting a lot of time into studying and doing your coursework as well as having a social life, working or just doing day to day life. Because of this, many don’t focus on volunteering when at uni, however, not only can volunteering improve your CV, but it can also have surprising effects on your life!

I have been housebound for almost 3 years now due to my mental health, and as a result I have been unable to work- I have been in touch with so many people, and I am always getting knocked back as working in the office is always part of these roles. I, however, struggle with not having anything to do whilst at home 24/7 and find my mental health declining more if I don't have something to focus on. Then I found the world of volunteering, and although at first, I found it hard to find volunteering roles to do from home, I was introduced to a few different charities by ARU who could accommodate my needs and I was able to volunteer for them - The RSPCA, Cards for Bravery, The Pet Blood Bank etc. I have been able to utilise my skills and volunteer in a way that meets my needs and allows me to excel. I am a micro-volunteer for the RSPCA and complete research tasks and contact my local MP in ways that can support current RSPCA campaigns etc. I use my Instagram account that has over 44k followers in order to spread the word about the Pet Blood Bank and share posts that gives information our about what they do. And I have now made, just under 1000 cards for Cards for Bravery (I know - what a number). This year I am currently sitting at around 350 cards already sent to them, and I am aiming to get 500!

Volunteering for Cards for Bravery has been particularly amazing for me, as I love doing arts and crafts and tend to turn to making things when I am feeling anxious or stressed as it takes my mind off how I am feeling- I have made Hama Bead designs, Diamond art designs, as well as just general sticker design cards and it has been amazing- I can make cards that get sent to children in hospital who need a little pick me up, and I am also helping myself and uplifting my own emotions! This has proven to me that volunteering isn't just about doing nice things and helping others, it is validating that your skills and actions are valid and priceless to those you are helping!

As volunteering can come across as being overwhelming, many people may not be aware just how amazing it can be for your mental health! I have learnt a lot about myself when volunteering, and before when I would feel useless that I couldn't leave the house and couldn’t go to work, I now feel incredibly proud of myself and know that am capable and can put the work in! This was also validated to me when I won Volunteer of the Year 2023/24 with ARU Student Union. This was such a surreal feeling knowing my work had been seen and appreciated! And even now, when I am lacking motivation, I look at my award and remind myself what I am doing is amazing and does help!

I am passionate about my volunteering and really feel like I am making a difference.  I also feel that, whilst I can’t work, by taking the initiative to start volunteering, when I am in the position to get back into work after such a long time, I am showing future employers just how determined I am!

If you are interested in volunteering check out the Students' Union volunteering pages here