Are you a good neighbour?
Published on 6 December 12
Manchester Student Homes have worked in partnership with the Manchester leadership programme to support volunteering opportunities in and around Fallowfield and Withington.
Many students work towards creating a positive community relationship through volunteering projects. These projects have done a great deal to improve the local community as well as our reputation amongst residents.
“In recent years my view of the University has improved as I got to know about the student volunteers and the MLP. Before that I didn’t think that the university was too bothered about the community.” |
Withington Scout Hut Project
The Withington Scout Hut had become quite run down and over grown as well as having been targeted with graffiti. There had been a huge effort by the Scout team but they needed a lot of hands to help. Over two days in October almost 100 students took part to give the hut a complete makeover. They moved dozens of wheelbarrows of soil to get the grounds level, built planters, covered over graffiti, designed and painted banners and cleaned and polished memorabilia. By the end of two days the hall was just about ready for its celebrations taking place just two days later. |
The Group also had ambitious plans for the building. "Once complete, we’d like to make it into a ‘community hub’ so it can be used by other groups and individuals from Withington and Old Moat."
Completing this task made a massive difference to the Hut, which can now be used by more and more community groups as well as the hundreds of children attending weekly Beaver, Cub and Scout meetings at the centre.
“The University’s volunteering programme is a good way of reflecting the students being here and the positive work that they do.” |
How to get involved
Manchester student Homes are looking for motivated students to get involved in their Good Neighbours Volunteering Scheme. They are providing you with the opportunity to develop your own project ideas that you feel can make a positive impact in the community – this could be a neighbourhood cleanup event, a recycling initiative, social events, educational initiatives or a variety of other opportunities.
You will receive full support from the University and Manchester Student Homes who will work closely with all volunteers and provide appropriate training, funding and contacts.
If you are short of free time you can volunteer on one of their ad-hoc events, such as their upcoming community Christmas activities and other neighbourhood initiatives. This is a fantastic opportunity if you are seeking a career in the public or charitable sectors or in a communications or project management role.
To find out more, visit the Manchester Student Homes webpage or you can follow them on twitter @good_neighbours