Holding out for a Hero

THERE COMES a time in everyone’s degree when the idea of spending yet another evening in the pub downing pints seems rather dull. There’s nothing on the telly and you really don’t fancy starting that essay. Although finding a way to spend time that doesn’t involve either the pub or the library seems like a difficult task for many students, some have found a way to fill their time, whilst giving something back to the community.

“Having done voluntary work in the past, I was looking for some more opportunities whilst I was at university,” says Jess.

“I joined Student Action in my first year, and found that I really liked working with people with learning disabilities. I soon became a regular on the Ladybarn project, which acts as a youth club for teenagers with learning disabilities.” Jess is now the coordinator at Student Action, a volunteering group based in the Students’ Union.

So why should students take time out of our care free lives to volunteer in the local community? “Most of us at uni are privileged,” says Asha Stuttard. “When I came to uni I wanted to get involved with a society, but something other than sport, as I’m not a sporty person.

“That’s why I got involved with Student Action. I run a project called ‘Chorlton Kids’, where young people from homeless families living in Ducie House Refuge can enjoy arts and crafts. It’s good to give something back to children in insecure housing, whose parents have, for whatever reason, not been able to keep up with the rent, so entire families end up in shelters. The project gives these young people some time away from the family to play and learn.”

Asha recommends the work to other students who may be interested. “The people I work with really appreciate the time and effort you give to them.”

Aaminah Qureshi stumbled across the Student Action stall at Freshers’ Fair and got involved because she too wanted to give something back to the community and get involved in local life.

Aaminah is now the project co-ordinator for ‘Kids Run’. They take children aged five to twelve out from women’s refuges every Sunday. They go to museums, aquariums, tree planting and theme parks. “We are even going skiing soon. We try to combine educational experiences with fun. That way the children can learn without feeling pressure.”

If taking underprivileged kids for fun days out isn’t enough to warm your heart, Aaminah shares one of her favourite memories. “When I started volunteering we asked the children what they wanted to be when they grew up. Some of the girls said they wanted to be Paris Hilton or hairdressers. After four weeks of us taking them out a new volunteer asked them what they wanted to be. They said they wanted to go to university, as it would be really cool to be a student.”

Volunteering is obviously a commitment, but Aaminah is adamant that the experience is worth every minute she spends with the kids. “We take them on weekends away occasionally. After one of these a six-year-old boy said to me that it had been the best weekend of his life. That was incredibly rewarding. Volunteering is also a great opportunity to meet people from all walks of life.”

This week is National Student Volunteering week. This gives student volunteers like Asha and Aaminah an opportunity to showcase the work that they do and let everyone know about student volunteering. It’s a perfect time to get involved in volunteer projects as you will have the opportunity to speak to volunteers and find out about projects which interest you.

If working with children doesn’t sound quite your thing, there are many other projects on offer such as work with the homeless. Student Action has been running one of the main soup kitchens in the city since the 1960s. There are also projects with the elderly, which involve organising trips to museums, shopping centres and cafes. “Our elderly projects are really important because it allows isolated elderly people to have a bit of company and it changes their perspective on students as well” says Jess.

Lauren also stresses the importance of her work with adults with learning disabilities. “Last night we went to Kro for coffee and cake and we do loads of stuff like bowling and parties. Our work helps to eradicate the stigma that surrounds adults with learning disabilities. Also, since I’ve been doing it I’ve realised how much this group of people has to offer me. There are a lot of preconceived ideas that volunteering is only about giving back to the community but I do it because I genuinely enjoy the company of the people I work with.”

Student Action is also currently in the process of setting up an outreach programme, known as DASH (Drugs And Sexual Health) which will see trained students going around clubs and events distributing sexual-health, drugs and safety information and advice. “Eventually, we would like to move into giving information in sixth form colleges.” Jess tells me. “We are in the middle of training at the moment, and hope to be up and running by early April. Keep an eye out for us if you want free advice, condoms and even sweeties too!”

Student Action is hosting a ‘Heroes’ day on Tuesday 26th February, so don’t be surprised if you see a few supermen around campus. “Loads of people will be dressing up as superheroes and being all heroic by doing good deeds and helping damsels in distress in exchange for a small donation” says Jess. In the evening the Queen of Hearts in Fallowfield will see around 200 superheroes descend upon the club for a themed fundraiser. “It’s going to be a really fun night and a celebration of all the great work that Student Action has been involved with,” says Lauren. “You should join us whether you want to get involved with a volunteer project or simply want to have a night out in fancy dress for a good cause”.

Tickets for the event cost just £3 from the Student Action office on the top floor of the Students’ Union.