By
Jack RLA
Posted 6 months ago
Sun 01 Dec, 2024 12:12 AM
When I was in my first-year in Cardiff, it was daunting having to find a new friend group in an alien environment. Luckily, I found a great and meaningful way to build connections: Volunteering.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering isn’t just about giving back; it’s an opportunity to grow. You’ll develop transferable skills, meet like-minded people, and gain experiences that will shine on your CV. Plus, I think we can all agree that the personal satisfaction of making a positive impact is unparalleled!
Ready to get started? Pick a cause you’re passionate about, reach out to the resources above, and take the first step toward a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
Here are some great places to start your volunteering journey:
1. Volunteer Cardiff
Volunteer Cardiff connects individuals with a wide range of opportunities across the city. From helping local charities to participating in community projects, this platform is ideal for exploring various causes and finding something that aligns with your interests and schedule.
Find out More:
https://www.volunteercardiff.co.uk/volunteering/volunteering-opportunities/
2. Outdoor Cardiff
Love the outdoors? Outdoor Cardiff offers volunteering opportunities focused on biodiversity and green spaces. Join projects like tree planting, wildlife monitoring, and habitat restoration while enjoying Cardiff’s beautiful natural surroundings.
Find out More:
https://www.outdoorcardiff.com/biodiversity/coed-caerdydd/volunteering-opportunities/
3. Cardiff Third Sector Council (C3SC)
The Cardiff Third Sector Council is an excellent resource for connecting with charities and non-profits across the city. They provide guidance on finding roles that match your skills and interests, from administrative support to hands-on community engagement.
Find out More:
https://c3sc.org.uk/volunteer/
4. Cardiff University Students' Union
The Students' Union offers various student-led projects, including tutoring, environmental initiatives, and support for vulnerable groups. It's a great way to get involved while making friends with fellow students.
Find out More:
https://www.cardiffstudents.com/jobs-skills/volunteering/projects/
5. Students Futures Jobs Board
Whether you’re a first-year student or a recent graduate of Cardiff University, your Students Future account is a great place to search for opportunities both paid and unpaid. The Jobs Board is easy to navigate and you can filter to find volunteering roles.
Create or log into your account below, or pop into the Student Futures Hub on the 1st Floor of the Centre for Student Life.
https://cardiff.targetconnect.net/
6. Student Mentor Scheme
Run by Student Futures, the Student Mentor Scheme is an initiative that connects first year students with second or final year undergraduate students from their academic school. Student mentors support a group of first-year students as they settle into university life, sharing tips on living and learning in Cardiff and answering questions they may have about their course.
Find out More:
Become a student mentor - Student intranet - Cardiff University
Cardiff is one of the most welcoming cities which thrives on kind-hearted people who spend time contributing back to the community. If you still don’t see any volunteering activities you’re interested in here, don’t worry! There are still many other opportunities unlisted here that you can join to give back to the community. So don’t wait any further, go out and have fun volunteering!