Student volunteers celebrate a successful year

Hardworking student volunteers from the University of Southampton took time out recently to celebrate their achievements at an awards evening in the Students' Union.

Around 300 student volunteers have been involved in community projects across the city this year, organized through the Student Community Action group, and SCG co-ordinator Ruth French is delighted with what they have achieved.

"Volunteering is a brilliant way for students to gain some of the skills and experiences that they need for their future careers and at the same time to put something back into the community in which they live," says Ruth. "We have student tutors who help out at local schools, students who offer their time to work with organizations such as Social Services, the Rose Road Association, Mencap and other groups within the community, and student teams who help out with environmental projects. And this year we have had several high profile projects led by the students themselves."

Among those receiving special awards was Paul Goldsmith, for his work over the last three years with children with special needs, accompanying them on trips and activities such as sailing; Sam Clements, Ella Clarke and Reetu Sood for their project 'Enchanted Forest' at Swaythling Primary School; Douglas Bamford for his work in setting up STAR (Student Action for Refugees), a student-led organization which raises awareness of refugee issues within universities and local communities; and Helen Jackson for her work with STAR and Amnesty International.

Among the 175 guests at the evening were the city's Sheriff (now Mayor) Parvin Damani, the University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bill Wakeham, and his wife Sylvia, who is patron of the Student Community Action group.

Guest speaker was Southampton Voluntary Development Worker, Di Bernstein.