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Volunteering stories

Living in the community

Get inspired by the contribution volunteers make

Mariya, Winner of the Frank May Volunteer of the Year category

Politics and Sociology graduate, Mariya Shan, won the prestigious Frank May Volunteer of the Year 2023-24 category, for her array of impressive and impactful volunteering.  

Mariya made the most of her spare time whilst studying at the University of Leicester by juggling her academic studies and making a difference to others locally and internationally through participating in a vast range of volunteering.

For over 10 months, Mariya volunteered as a Therapy Paramedic for Quetzal Leicester, where she offered emotional and psychological assistance to women in crisis. Quetzal provides long-term counselling, crisis counselling and a telephone helpline to support women, aged 16 and over, who are recovering from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse. The vigorous training for this role empowered Mariya to support victims of trauma in a supportive and sensitive manor.

Mariya’s passion to help others didn’t stop there, she was also a committee member for Leicester Students' Union Politics Society, Sustainability group the Green Bubble, Palestine Society, the Food Rescue Project and Lawyers without Borders through which she dedicated ample time to organise fundraising events such as auctions and charity dinners. As the Newsletter Officer for the Humanitarian Society, Mariya used her platform to raise awareness and educate readers about women’s issues by interviewing human trafficking victims, a gay conversion camp survivor and an FGM survivor. Mariya was also Volunteer Team Leader for ProBono Project LIGHT, through which she assisted with providing legal aid for vulnerable homeless people.  

When asked about what she learnt by volunteering and her highlights, Mariya said,

“These roles have taught me the value and the importance of creating safe spaces for people to share their stories and heal. 

The most enjoyable and rewarding aspect of my volunteer roles has been witnessing the incredible transformations in the women we've supported as they rebuild their life after trauma. 

Each smile, each moment of progress and each story of resilience just warms my heart. 

I absolutely love the sense of community and solidarity amongst the volunteers and staff. Working with such passionate, dedicated people is truly beyond inspiring. We all share the same goal—to empower women and fight for their rights.”

Vlad, Appropriate Adult Volunteer for Leicester City Council

Emmanuella, The Big Sleep volunteer

Hanna and Layla, Big Sleep volunteers and fundraisers

Kazz, Finance Volunteer at Vista

Abu-Bakr, hospital volunteer

Anubhooti, Library Champion

Samuel, Library Champion

Frankie, School Reading Buddy

Alicia, Warning Zone volunteer

Anish, Warning Zone volunteer

Gunjan, Warning Zone volunteer

Krishma, Warning Zone volunteer

Volunteer case studies | Everyone has a story

I'm incredibly passionate about supporting women in need. I volunteered at a shelter for vulnerable women who have experienced domestic violence, abuse and trafficking, where I assisted with urgent casework. The most enjoyable and rewarding aspect of my volunteer roles has been witnessing the incredible transformations in the women we've supported as they rebuild their life after trauma. Each smile, each moment of progress and each story of resilience just warms my heart.

Mariya Shan, winner of the Frank May Volunteer of the Year 2023-24 category.

Corrigan holding the Frank May Cup, photographed with the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Nishan Canagarajah

One of my favourite experiences while at the University of Leicester was being a Library Champion. I got the opportunity to learn a variety of new things, work on projects with a lasting impact, meet interesting people and engage with the University in a way that was different from my program of study. It was an amazing experience and I believe the skills I gained will help me in future endeavours.

Corrigan Goodwin, Winner of the Frank May Volunteer of the Year 2022 category

Inspire others with your volunteer story

If you would like to share your story of your volunteering experience and how volunteering has helped you please email volunteer@le.ac.uk.

How can volunteering help you and others?

Caitlin Wake, 2021 Graduate told us about her volunteering experiences and how they enhanced her experiences while at the University of Leicester.

“My volunteering experience has been immensely invaluable, rewarding, and enjoyable!

My first taste of volunteering at university was participating in ‘Make a Difference in schools,’ whereby I volunteered in local primary schools to help children make various crafts related to the Diwali festival. I also took part in ‘Make a Difference in the Community’ which involved volunteering in local care homes to support and help their residents in making Christmas themed crafts. I really enjoyed these experiences and they led me to decide to train to become a Peer Mentor, as I wanted to be able to offer longer term support to others and this seemed to be the best way as a student to go about doing this.

Volunteering has allowed me to acquire a variety of skills by allowing me to take on duties and responsibilities that I did not have before.”

These are the amazing benefits of volunteering:

  • Volunteering can help you to make new friends and meet likeminded people
  • Volunteering is a valuable way to develop and enhance your skills and boost your employability prospects
  • Volunteering looks great on your CV and on applications
  • Volunteering is good for your mind and body – it’s beneficial for your mental and physical health
  • Volunteering has an enormously positive impact in the community

No previous experience is needed to volunteer. You just need to be able to offer a bit of your time and be willing to make a difference.

If you would like to receive email notifications about new volunteering opportunities, or have any questions about volunteering, please email volunteer@le.ac.uk to be added to our mailing list.

Volunteers in the community

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