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September Student Special!
 The new academic year is fast approaching and every year at this time CSV needs volunteers to help students with additional support needs in schools, colleges and universities across the UK.
This month we take a closer look at some of these opportunities and hear about the experiences of some of our volunteers. | Opportunities in Schools
 CSV volunteers are placed in special needs schools supporting children with disabilties, or in mainstream education providing peer support and acting as mentors to pupils at risk of being excluded.
Volunteers are involved in a wide range of activities which might include assisting with activities in the classroom, carrying out individual programmes, helping with leisure activities, accompanying pupils to appointments or helping at mealtimes or with personal care.
Other tasks may include helping children who display particularly challenging behaviour both in and out of the classroom. Volunteers act as positive role models and compliment the staff by providing additional help and support to pupils with the aim of raising self esteem, confidence and motivation.
 Isobel Dragonetti, 21, from Wiltshire, volunteered at a school near Forfar in Angus. She supported pupils at risk of exclusion or of opting out of mainstream education.
"My placement was in Scotland, suitably far away from home and I was going to be working at a High School in Brechin. I was doing sport, music, even accompanying some students to lessons to make sure they were managing and not misbehaving.
"It was a great education for me in exactly the area I was interested in"
The highlight of my placement was working with a qualified Youth Worker. I was helping her run group activities and came up with new ideas and session plans for future groups of young people with varying degrees of problems and behavioural issues. It was a great education for me in exactly the area I was interested in and I have since been offered a place to study Youth and Community Work at university and have no doubt that my time as a volunteer helped my application!
It was the best way I could have spent those seven months. Making new friends, getting experience in the area I wanted to go into and most importantly knowing that I have made a difference."
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Opportunities at Universities
 CSV works in partnership with universities and individuals across the UK to provide support to students with disabilities including at Stirling, Huddersfield, Coventry, Cardiff, Reading, Southampton and many others.
Volunteers assist students enabling them to study and live away from home. Their role may include helping with access to lectures, note taking, supporting students in their accommodation and enabling them to play a full and active part in university life.
 Sarah McCulloch, 19, from Chelmsford in Essex volunteered with CSV at Bradford University. She supported a pool of students with disabilities.
“I wanted to take a year out before going to university and I thought CSV would be a good option. I considered going abroad but most of the programmes wanted me to pay.
"Volunteering has also made me a lot more grateful about what I have"
I help the students get around and take notes for them in lectures. I also help with personal care. While it can be draining, I’ve enjoyed the experience. It’s also been great to experience living away from home. All the volunteers live together in a student flat and I have made some friends who I know I’ll stay in touch with.
I would definitely recommend volunteering to anyone. It has really made me more aware of disability rights. So many places are inaccessible to wheelchair-users. Volunteering has also made me a lot more grateful about what I have and that’s something I’ll always take with me from this experience.” |
Current Opportunities
CSV needs volunteers for schools, universities and other opportunities now and throughout the year. Please click here for details.
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CSV Volunteers in the news in August
• My story: Why I chose not to go to university
Read a recent article in The Independent about Victoria Parr, a CSV Volunteer who chose to take a gap year with CSV.
• Time out to move forward
London's Evening Standard featured James Collins who supported adults with learning disabilities in Essex. James said "My own confidence has grown through being responsible for others and having my first real opportunity to live away from home."
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Some of our top questions about CSV Full Time Volunteering...
 What do CSV volunteers receive?
CSV Full Time Volunteers are provided with accommodation and subsistence (which includes food and money to live on). Click here for more details. Volunteers also receive support and a certificate at the end of their placement.
 Do I need qualifications or experience to volunteer?
You don't need any specific qualifications or experience to volunteer full time with CSV just energy, enthusiasm and commitment!
 Where would I live while I am volunteering?
You will live at or near the project where you will be volunteering and the type of accommodation provided varies from one project to another.
 What will I get out of volunteering?
Our volunteers often tell us they gain valuable experience, develop new skills, increase their confidence, experience living independently, meet new people and have a lot of fun.
 How long can I volunteer for?
You can volunteer for anytime between 4 months and a year. Although many of our current opportunities are looking for volunteers who are able to volunteer for at least 6 months.
For more FAQs click here
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Need a volunteer?
If you are a school, university or other organisation interested in hosting CSV volunteers please click here for more details.
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Could you or someone you know be a CSV volunteer?
If you would like to take up the challenge and become a CSV volunteer please click here to apply. Alternatively if you know someone aged between 16-35 who might be interested in volunteering please Forward this email.
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Contact us...
 click here to email us
csv.org.uk/ftvol
 0800 374 991
Please quote ref "BTNSEP" | |
