# Volunteer stories

**Source**: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/volunteerstories
**Parent**: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-career/doc/enrichment-volunteering

## Student volunteering stories

Find out how our students and postgraduate researchers are playing an active part in the community by volunteering, while gaining valuable skills and experience.

> Our vision is for all students to have the opportunity to play an active part in their community, and to develop the skills and attributes that make them successful graduates with the motivation, experience and potential to have a positive impact in wider society.

## Community

- ### [Maryam Alhayki, Law LLB](https://www.leeds.ac.uk/directory_record/19872/maryam_alhayki)

  Find out how Maryam took part in the Intercultural Ambassadors Programme and arranged a raft of activities for older people in Leeds.
- ### [Priya Varghese, Accounting and Finance MSc](https://www.leeds.ac.uk/directory-record/21755/priya-varghese)

  Learn how Priya has sharpened her interpersonal skills while gaining practical experience in leadership by volunteering with Burmantofts Community Friends.
- ### [Eleanor Smith, Mechanical Engineering (Industrial) MEng, BEng](https://www.leeds.ac.uk/directory-record/22913/eleanor-smith)

  Learn about Eleanor's involvement with the Repair Café, where she helps the community by repairing items and promoting sustainability.
- ### [Leeds STAR (Student Action for Refugees)](https://www.leeds.ac.uk/directory_record/19856/leeds_star_student_action_for_refugees)

  Meet the group that provides volunteering, campaigning and fundraising opportunities in support of refugees, with the aim to spread awareness, gain support and create change.

## Culture

- ### [Tanvi Manikoth, Advertising and Design MA](https://www.leeds.ac.uk/directory-record/22916/tanvi-manikoth )

  Discover how Tanvi applied her art skills to foster community engagement and representation through a mural project in the Junior Sport Hub.
- ### [Felipe Martínez-Fernández, History and Philosophy of Science PhD](https://www.leeds.ac.uk/directory_record/19869/felipe_mart%C3%ADnez-fern%C3%A1ndez)

  Discover how Thackray Medical Museum gave Felipe the opportunity to develop transferable skills that are helping in his PhD studies and beyond.
- ### [Carys Gwenllian Hind, Media and Communication BA](https://www.leeds.ac.uk/directory-record/21751/carys-gwenllian-hind)

  As part of her work with Leeds Student Radio, Carys volunteered with Societies Into Schools to give young people the opportunity to present an outside broadcast.

## Education

- ### [Stephanie Behan, Psychology BSc](https://www.leeds.ac.uk/directory-record/22914/stephanie-behan)

  Discover how Stephanie's volunteering at a forest school has enriched her university experience, boosted her confidence, and supported her aspiration to become an educational psychologist.
- ### [Heathcliff Howard, Law LLB](https://www.leeds.ac.uk/directory_record/19905/heathcliff_howard)

  By volunteering with IntoUniversity, Heathcliff is learning from and connecting with diverse individuals – expanding his perspective and empathy while supporting a new generation of students.
- ### [Helen McGlashan, Special Educational Needs MA](https://www.leeds.ac.uk/directory-record/21753/helen-mcglashan)

  Helen took a step in a new direction with a degree at Leeds. Now she volunteers as a Lifelong Learning Champion to help others get back into education.

## Sport

- ### [Tracy Campbell, Professional Studies BA](https://www.leeds.ac.uk/directory-record/22915/tracy-campbell )

  Discover how Tracy's volunteering in South Africa with Gryphons Abroad empowered children through sports and leadership activities.
- ### [Jake Donohue, Sports and Exercise Science BSc](https://www.leeds.ac.uk/directory_record/19871/jake_donohue)

  Through volunteering, Jake has worked with top-level, critical coaches that have assisted in his football development.
- ### [Nilu Jahan, Law LLB](https://www.leeds.ac.uk/directory_record/19873/nilu_jahan)

  Discover how Nilu has gained valuable experience by volunteering in a school to help young people develop their volleyball skills.

## Health and wellbeing

- ### [Alex Simpson-Hayter, Criminal Justice and Criminology BA](https://www.leeds.ac.uk/directory_record/19857/alex_simpson-hayter)

  Alex co-founded a society to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention in the local community. Find out how she's helped to support those who need it most.
- ### [Honey Best-Barton, Business Management and Marketing BA](https://www.leeds.ac.uk/directory-record/21754/honey-best-barton)

  Honey has gained marketing experience while volunteering with Candlelighters, a charity that offers emotional, practical and financial support for those affected by childhood cancer.
- ### [Lily Morgan, Politics and Philosophy BA](https://www.leeds.ac.uk/directory_record/19904/lily_morgan)

  While volunteering for Healthwatch Leeds, Lily gained critical work experience and discovered what she wanted to do as a career.

## More information

[Find out more about student volunteering opportunities](https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-student-opportunities/doc/enrichment-volunteering)

If you’re a not-for-profit organisation in Leeds that would benefit from student volunteers, [email the Volunteering Team at volunteer@leeds.ac.uk](mailto:volunteer@leeds.ac.uk)