Hello, I’m an MSc Psychology student at Brookes and I also volunteer
with two charities – Ark-T and Earth Trust. I enjoy volunteering because I’m passionate about both of these charities and I thoroughly enjoy engaging, supporting and empowering people. I also wanted to learn new skills, make friends and gain different
experiences with other like-minded people.
Volunteering with Ark-T
Ark-T is an arts charity using ‘creativity to transform lives.’ I am passionate about art and being creative, also working with people in my local community.
With Ark-T, I’m a Creative Community Volunteer and my role is really varied. So far, I’ve supported community events, activity camps, provided support at the drop-in hub at Cowley Centre, marketing and communication activities and I’ve also participated in the wellbeing study in partnership with the University of Oxford.
Volunteering with Earth Trust
With Earth Trust, their aim is to ‘connect people to nature.’ In this role, I’m an ambassador. I assist in public events and also support the education team with school visits to deliver history and geography workshops linked to the curriculum.
What’s great about volunteering is that it’s non-committal and fits really well around my studies. You can choose who you want to volunteer with; what you would like to do and when you would like to do it!
I’ve been in both volunteering roles for over a year now. Volunteering is so rewarding and I can inspire a range of people from different age groups and backgrounds to be creative or passionate about nature. I can also learn new skills and meet like-minded people with the same values, aim and purpose.
Try it! I wouldn’t be without volunteering now, it’s been a really positive part of my life and it greatly enhances my mental health and physical wellbeing.