Hello from Steve!

Hi, my name is Steve and I'm very excited to be your new Community Placements Volunteer Co-ordinator. I will be taking over from Abbie and working alongside Sarah Dutton who is the Student and Staff-led Projects Volunteer Co-ordinator. I’m just getting settled in to my new role at the moment but can’t wait to start helping you to volunteer on some exciting and worthwhile projects out in the community.

I love volunteering and come from a background of recruiting and co-ordinating volunteers having most recently co-ordinated volunteer mentors at National Citizenship Service provider, The Challenge Network. Volunteering has been a huge part of my life and has opened so many doors for me, including an international placement and the chance to discuss volunteering with government officials and CEOs. I am really excited to be at Kingston University Students Union (KUSU) to help you open the same doors and so many more.

Volunteering benefits so many people and my aim going forward is to show that it is also FUN! Often we can forget that what we are doing is making a difference because it is so enjoyable. If we can’t find you something that you think is your idea of fun, why not get in touch with Sarah (s.dutton@kingston.ac.uk) and plan your own project. Whichever route you wish to follow we will be here to make your volunteering ambitions possible.  Now is a great chance to test out volunteering if you haven’t before as London Student Volunteering Fortnight runs from the 28^th October- 8^th November and offers the chance to get involved and see what it’s all about.

I can’t wait to start meeting you all and talking to you about exciting opportunities. If you have any questions about community volunteering then please get in touch with me (Stephen.alexander@kingston.ac.uk). I would also love to hear from those of you already volunteering about what you are up to at the moment. 

Whatever it is about volunteering that peaks your interest, get in touch to see how you can get involved!

Arrivederci SU Volunteers! It's been fun!

I’m really sad to announce that I am leaving KUSU Volunteering on the 11 October to begin a new job with Queen Mary University.

I have absolutely loved working here over the past 7 months, and it has been a real pleasure to help so many of you volunteer on community placements.  I am especially sad to be leaving as I have met so many fabulous students since terms started who I know will make brilliant volunteers.

If you have applied to volunteer on an event or regular placement then please be aware that there may be a delay in your application being processed.   KUSU Volunteering will announce as soon as they have hired someone to replace me – so make sure you book an appointment to see them once they are settled in.

For all of you who begin volunteer make sure that you are recording your volunteering hours on your online profiles!

Sarah will be around if you have any questions, but please remember that she also has to manage projects, so it might rather busy over the next few months.

Good luck to all of you,  and I hope you all manage to enjoy your volunteering journeys!!

Abbie xx

Abbie 'Knits for Peace'

Hi!  My name is Abbie and I am one of the KUSU Volunteer Coordinators.  I like to get involved in a lot of charities and I currently volunteer with Cats Protection, St John Ambulance, and the Crisis Response Team on a regular basis.  However, like so many of our KUSU volunteers I am always looking for ways to learn new skills and give something back to the community.

When Sarah (our other KUSU Volunteer Coordinator) mentioned the idea of beginning a Knit for Peace Project, we wanted to make sure that it was something that all our fabulous KUSU volunteers could get involved in - regardless of their previous knitting experience.  As someone who has NEVER knitted before I offered to be her first student – if I could learn ANYONE could!!

On Monday I had my first lesson.  During our lunch break we went for a coffee and Sarah took me though the very basics of knitting.  After an initial half hour of confusion, frustration and wool-tangles I was starting to get the hang of it!

By Wednesday, after a little practicing, I was on my way to making my first hat!  Knitting isn’t necessarily something I would have considered before, but it’s great to do on the train, in front of the TV and it turns otherwise wasted time into something really productive.  It’s a little tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it you’ll find its really easy and surprisingly rewarding!

All the knitting we are doing is donated to Knit for Peace.  Knit for Peace then send our creations to people in countries and areas of need. For example sending hats, scarves, socks and blankets.

So starting on the 16^th October 2013, and every Wednesday afternoon following, between 1-3pm Sarah will be running a knitting club, and KUSU would love you to join us.  KUSU will provide wool, needles and also training so don’t worry if you can’t already knit.  You can come for a much time as you wish, and it’s a great way to donate a couple of hours of your time to help others less fortunate.

Not only can you ‘Knit for Peace’, you can also then use your new skills to knit fabulous presents for your friends and family!!

The Knit for Peace Project begins on Wednesday the 16^th October 1pm-3pm – sign up at http://kingston.xvs.org.uk/

I hope to see you there

Abbie