"The volunteer Centre is a crucial part of the Students' Union, providing students with opportunities to volunteer either within the university itself or with external organisations.

Did you attend the 96-hour licence at the Elehouse? Get some free food at the culture fair? Or even buy a Krispy Kreme doughnut from someone standing around the campuses?
Well if you said ‘yes’ to any of these, then you have already benefited from the work of Volunteer Centre, possibly without even knowing!

I have been involved with the Volunteer Centre for two years and had the most amazing time, working on various projects and meeting some great new people.One of the biggest projects I helped with in the past year was RaG; this was great fun and involved a huge range of events such as the 96hour License, bungee jump, a ladies night and much much more.

I had a lot of fun and many laughs whilst helping out and it was fantastic to know that we managed to raise nearly £13, 000. As well as volunteering, the volunteer centre also coordinates the many societies the Union has to offer, anything from Go-Karting to Philosophy.

My time at University certainly wouldn’t have been half as much fun if I hadn’t found the Volunteer Centre, and it has also been great to help boost my CV when applying for jobs. So when you’re not studying or partying, why not head down to the Volunteer Centre and find something exciting to do with your time!"

Sarah Tilbrook

"Volunteering is something I’ve been doing since the tender age of 15. It started of simple, with myself and a group of friends mentoring at local primary and secondary schools.

At the university, my starting point was the ‘Universe’ paper. Wanting to be a medical writer and having a passion for writing I decided to develop my skills and portfolio by producing monthly articles on different health matters, including; STD, non-cosmetic skin care and meningitis. As time passed by, I decided that writing wasn’t enough and managed to tracked down an Anthony Nolan Trust representative and convince them that students at Hertfordshire were more than willing to register as a bone marrow donor. As you may know, there has been two registration drives held at the university and 200 UH students are now potential life savers.

Working close with Chandni at the Volunteer Office I got drawn into READ Book Project Hertfordshire and if I’m to be honest, I have no regrets. It was hard work, but it was worth it. I was reaching out to a wide range of students - so many of you were volunteering your service and donating your old books and 50p’s. I

really feel like I’ve made a significant difference. Volunteering has placed me in a very fortunate position. I am one of the few students to complete a degree and have one-year solid experience as a PR & Communication Leader. In order words I am quite a ‘rounded person’ with so much experience trailing behind me and a CV that is very unique. I have also been granted the opportunity to do something exciting, such as traveling to Tanzania for 6 weeks to distribute the books collected and help reconstruct a regional library. Volunteering is more than just helping others, it’s also about helping yourself."

Olubunmi Odubanjo