UOB Students continually go above and beyond to give up their time to support others and give back to the local and global community. As the Activities and Employability Officer, I see that day in, day out and right now is no different. Lots of students have been in touch about volunteering during this strange time, so here’s a few ways that you can volunteer your time, whether you’re still in Birmingham, have travelled home or are house bound. Everybody can help in some way, and here’s how:
Helping the NHS
The Government is trying to get 250,000 volunteers signed up, to support the NHS and help in the fight against COVID-19. They are looking for individuals who can volunteer to help on a range of things from collecting shopping, essentials and medication for some of the 1.5 million vulnerable individuals who are staying indoors. They are also looking for volunteers who can drive to help transport individuals, and also people who can provide short term telephone support to those at risk of loneliness. Everyone can do their bit.
Sign up now
Helping out in the Selly Oak Community
The Selly Oak Community Response to Covid-19 is a group formed and run by students, to support the local community as the effects of COVID-19 are felt. They provide a range of services including food parcels for students and locals stuck indoors, phone calls to the vulnerable, as well as fresh food deliveries to the QE2 hospital.
You can get involved by joining their Facebook page, donating food if you’re leaving, helping to drop off food, drive volunteers around or phone the vulnerable. Support students and the local community.
Helping out a neighbour
A small but invaluable way of volunteering is by posting a piece of paper through your neighbour’s door with your contact information and what you can help them with, i.e. collecting shopping, prescriptions or answering the phone.
Volunteering in your area
Looking for volunteering opportunities in your local area? The below tools can help:
Your local Volunteer Centre will be able to let you know where your help is most urgently needed.
Check out Trussell Trust Food Banks UK to find your local food bank to donate food products to.
Many cities are setting up Mutual Aid Facebook Groups that allow volunteers and those in need to join. Those in need share a post asking for help and volunteers who are able to provide that help can respond. For example, picking up some items from the shop, walking a self-isolating person’s dog for them during your daily exercise period, parcel collection, hanging out the washing etc.
Online volunteering
If you are unable to leave the house then there are some fantastic online volunteering tools which allow you to give up some of your time to help others.
Alone connects volunteers to the elderly, who at this time can suffer more than ever with loneliness. Social isolation increases the risk of dementia and 1 in 3 older people live alone.
iCouldBe Mentoring asks for students to volunteer some time to mentor individuals who are distance learning. This is increasingly important as most children are being home-schooled and may even give parents an hour’s break!
Staying safe
Always follow Government advice regarding self-isolation and social distancing.
Follow the NVCO guidance for volunteering during Covid-19.
- Stay 2 metres away from others at all times.
- Let family and friends know where you are going.
- Wash your hands, regularly, for 20 seconds.
Direct people to Guild’s Volunteering page where you can apply for home-working opportunities with our trusted volunteering partners. The Guild works with hundreds of local volunteering organisations that cover a multitude of roles. So, we’re sure you’ll find something that meets your interests!