Hallam students spend close to 50,000 hours supporting communities through volunteering

19th December 2022

From the Sheffield Shoebox appeal to tree planting and conservation, over 1,100 Sheffield Hallam students have supported countless projects and volunteered across more than 50 charities in the last year.

Co-ordinated by the Sheffield Hallam Students’ Union (SHSU), Sheffield Hallam students have got involved in a variety of charitable projects, aiding not just the local, but the wider community as well. 

In the last academic year, 1,114 Sheffield Hallam students volunteered for an average of four hours per month – totalling around 53,000 hours giving back to the community.  

Whilst studying at Sheffield Hallam, recent graduate Sheldon Lobo spent time volunteering with charity partner, Sunday Centre. Sunday Centre provide hot meals and a takeaway service every Sunday to Sheffield’s homeless population.  

Sheldon Lobo said: “Volunteering at Hallam was easy as there were a wide range of opportunities and charities available to choose from depending on what you’d like to do. I was looking for some opportunities to spend my time doing something good and the Sunday Centre was close to me, so I immediately chose to join. I first started volunteering in June and the community at the Sunday Centre were really kind and humble. The role involves packing food in paper bags and giving it to the poor and needy.” 

 

“They do this every Sunday and because it was such a good deed, I found myself helping most Sundays. I have been going there ever since, meeting like-minded people, and making lots of friends. It has helped me out in many ways by doing something that I loved and by giving back to the community.” 

Abiodun Awodele, environmental management student said: “Volunteering is an incredible opportunity. Not only did I get to visit a part of the country that was new to me, I met new people and bonded with them — all while having a positive impact on the environment. I took part in a beach clean through the Students’ Union. We travelled by train to Cleethorpes and walked along the beach picking up litter like plastic and drink cans. After the clean we had lunch and played rounders on the beach. Making the planet a better place is a collective responsibility, and I was happy to be able to do my own little bit.” 

Sabahat Khan, President of the Sheffield Hallam Students’ Union said: “What better way to know and become the part of the community than actually working and enjoying with them, all the while gaining skills and learning exciting new ways to communicate? Volunteering has played an important role in getting me to where I am today, and I highly encourage you to get involved, so we can work together to help others feel the same!” 

Some examples of volunteering projects that have taken place across Sheffield Hallam over the last year include a river clean-up, volunteer crafternoon, tree planting and conservation day, beach clean-up and the Sheffield shoebox appeal. 

To find out more about volunteering with the Sheffield Hallam Students’ Union, visit their website.