LSE Volunteers Celebrating volunteering and fundraising at LSE in 2019
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LSE Volunteers Celebrating volunteering and fundraising at LSE in 2019
A year in review
The LSE Volunteer Centre is at the forefront of LSE’s engagement with
the charity sector and is the hub of volunteering on campus. Each year
we help thousands of students donate tens of thousands of hours
to good causes locally, nationally and internationally. Our mission is
to inspire and empower LSE students to volunteer for causes they’re
passionate about.
We’re proud of the difference that volunteering makes to the
communities we live, study and work in and how it can transform
students’ time at LSE. 70 per cent of students who volunteer say it
Introduction improved their LSE experience and they also feed back that it enhances
their knowledge of their degree subject, improves their well-being and
they feel more part of LSE.
LSE students are among the most dedicated volunteers in the UK In the last year we have seen a huge amount of interest from students
LSE Volunteer Pledge in volunteering with over 750 attending our two volunteer fairs and Volunteering is an important
with almost 40 per cent of students giving thousands of hours almost 400 taking part in our one-off volunteering programme.
The London School of Economics part of being part of a
of their time and raising thousands of pounds. With their skills,
and Political Science pledges to Student Volunteering Week was another fantastic success with film community. Whether on the LSE
encourage volunteering amongst dedication and hard work, they have a significant impact on the screenings, micro-volunteering and our campaign to highlight the
different ways in which volunteering can improve the LSE experience.
campus, in a local neighbourhood
its students. The LSE Volunteer lives of many people, including their own. Student volunteers
We were blown away by the response of LSE students. or on an international scale, we can
Centre and Student Union will at LSE foster a sense of community on campus and make an
continue to work in partnership to Interest from charities recruiting LSE students as volunteers has all bring about change by investing
important contribution to the work of charities all over the world.
further develop volunteering as continued to grow and we’ve promoted over 1000 opportunities from our time in causes we care about.
an integral part of student life. We’re delighted to share with you their inspiring stories and hope over 350 charities this year. All of them have offered exciting opportunities The impact of volunteering on
that allow LSE students to make a difference. As always we have had
Volunteering offers benefits you enjoy reading about the impact of student volunteers from fantastic feedback from the organisations we work with about their students can be truly life-changing by
to our students and the
local community in line with
LSE. The students and charities featured represent a handful of relationship with the Volunteer Centre and the quality of work completed improving their well-being, confidence
by LSE students, something the School is very proud of.
the School’s values and the fantastic individuals, groups and charities we work with. Join and skills, all whilst improving the
commitments. By volunteering us to help celebrate volunteering and fundraising at LSE. We are also particularly proud to partner with colleagues across LSE lives of others. Volunteering fosters a
such as the LSE Residence’s Team, the LSE Faith Centre, Sustainability,
students can engage with
LSESU and various LSE researchers.
cooperative and collaborative spirit
the wider world, support the
environment and gain new skills
on and off campus, and is valuable,
We are excited to build on this year’s successes and to inspire even
to compete in a rapidly changing more students to become part of the LSE volunteering community.
necessary and rewarding for all that
job market. are #partofLSE.
David Coles Alex Selway David Coles
LSE Volunteer Centre Manager LSE Director, Dame Minouche Shafik
LSE Volunteer Centre Manager RAG President 2018-19
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Maddy Potter-Wood Jasmine Pearce
BA in Social Anthropology 2020 LLB in Laws 2020
Events Manager at LSESU Star Society Legal volunteer at the Helen Bamber Foundation
Being Events Manager of the Refugee Week Committee 2019 has
When I first started studying at the LSE, I remember feeling
been an experience like no other. Since November, myself and
hugely overwhelmed. Day two of Welcome Week and I was
nine others, along with the Student Action for Refugees (STAR)
core committee, worked to organise a week’s worth of events that asked which firms I would be applying to for a spring week.
educated the LSE student body about the experiences faced by “What the hell is a spring week?”, I remember wondering.
refugees in the UK. For a year, I found myself swept up in the tide, struggling to
establish my own identity and career path.
Organising the events took a huge amount of research and hard
work from our team. It’s also taught me practical skills which I This year, I made the conscious effort to establish an
know will be valued by any employer: leadership and organisation, identity outside of LSE. So, now, for two afternoons a week,
delegation, compromise, teamwork and negotiation. I volunteer at the Helen Bamber Foundation. Within the
We’ve been so lucky to have had the support of so many LSE foundation, I’ve chosen to work in the Legal department;
academics who have shown their support for STAR and we’ve helping victims of trafficking, torture, and extreme violence
had opportunities to meet with many professionals who are access asylum in the UK.
working tirelessly to change attitudes towards refugees and amazing experiences – the highlight being our annual
Sometimes the work can feel tiring, especially when I’m
asylum seekers. charity dinner where I was able to meet celebrities such
spending week after week sorting through endless piles of
It’s also made me aware of how many incredible students we client data on Excel. But most days, I get a feeling of relief. as Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, and Anish Kapoor.
have at LSE who are so committed to creating change. It’s easy Like something I’m doing actually matters for once in my
to see LSE as a very much a corporate world; the overwhelming life. Law can be a very theoretical course, and in classes
focus on finance, consultancy and accounting can at times be we spend hours debating why this or that law should be
disheartening. Being involved in Refugee Week has completely
This project has changed my perception of LSE’s student body; I’ve felt so inspired
changed. So being actually able to write letters to the Home
completely transformed Office (if even just to submit forms) feels very satisfying.
by the members of societies like STAR and Amnesty and being
my experience of LSE, meeting so able to create conversation with people who may not necessarily It helps that my team is so supportive, too. During my Sometimes the work can
many inspiring and passionate be interested in migration issues has felt extremely rewarding. January exams, I was able to take time off to study; and feel tiring, but most days,
people, and creating events This project has completely transformed my experience of LSE, in the office, there’s always so much food! Because of the I get a feeling of relief. Something
which generate conversation. meeting so many inspiring and passionate people, and creating nature of our work, there is a real sense of community with
I’m doing actually matters.
events which generate conversation and hopefully will stimulate Christmas parties and weekly “wins” (celebrating individual
Maddy Potter-Wood some change. successes each week). On top of that, I’ve had some Jasmine Pearce
4 5
Arya Gerard
Master of Laws 2019
Host at FoodCycle
Student Volunteering Ambassador
I believe that no one should go hungry. It was that
belief that spurred me to dabble in food waste based
volunteering in Birmingham last year. Having thoroughly
enjoyed my experience there, I wanted to volunteer with
FoodCycle as a friend had told me about the amazing
work that they did. I was lucky enough to discover that LSE
has its very own FoodCycle society and pounced upon the
opportunity to do so.
I was volunteering with the hosting team and was
responsible for welcoming guests, serving them their
meals and cleaning up after. There was even the
opportunity to dine and interact with the guests, something
which I thought made this volunteering opportunity unique.
FoodCycle’s project with LSE works with The Food Chain
to provide a three course meal every Sunday for people
living with HIV. The freedom of having a safe space and
meeting some of their friends over a warm meal and a My experience volunteering with FoodCycle would not
nice cup of tea was something some of the guests really have been as enjoyable as it was if not for the wonderful
looked forward to every week which we got to be a part of. people I was working with on the hosting team. The dish
Volunteering gives you washer had suddenly frozen on us and we were all trying to
FoodCycle works only with surplus food collected from
so much in return: supermarkets. The dishes made by the cooking team
get it working. Having that little struggle brought us closer
new friends, experiences, skills, together as we each fervently tried to fix the chunk of metal.
were not only a feast for the eyes, but also for the palate.
I guess you could say that malfunctioning dishwasher
that warm glow you get when The grape tart was a huge hit with the guests, who were
brought me three new friends and strengthened my can-do My experience of volunteering
you know you did something heading back for seconds.
attitude. Volunteering gives you so much in return: new with FoodCycle would not have
good, just for giving up a little I thought it was incredible that the cooking team were able friends, experiences, skills, that warm glow you get when been as enjoyable as it was if not for the
of your time. to come up with a menu based on the produce that they you know you did something good, just for giving up a little
got; seems to me like a real-life Masterchef situation that I of your time. I know I would rather be feeding someone wonderful people I was working with on
Arya Gerard would definitely like to be a part of when I volunteer next. than scrolling through Instagram aimlessly. the hosting team.
6 7
Volunteering changed my LSE experience because...
Esther Jourdan Jiho Oh Katya Shilina
BSc Social Policy, 2019 BSc Economics, 2019 BSc Mathematics and
“... I have not only gained “... it has helped me to better Economics, 2019
invaluable experience but I also understand people and to shape “... it has helped me to decide on my
met some amazing people.” my core values in life.” future career path. Contributing to a
cause close to my heart and making
someone’s day a little bit brighter are now my ultimate
Jennifer Fernandez-Owsianka Annie Thomlinson life goals. It has also allowed my to relax and shakes
LLB Law, 2020 BA Social Anthropology, 2020 off the stress from studying. It has become my kind of
“... it reminded me of the “... it has had a hugely positive meditation and I encourage everyone to try volunteering
values I stand for.” impact on my mental health. for at least an hour a week.”
The ability to switch off for an
hour or two surrounded by people Maelys Hohagen
from all sorts of backgrounds and walks of life is BSc Management, 2021
Mei-En Choe the best way to relax. It doesn’t matter how bad my “... I got to meet very different
BSc International Relations, 2021 day is going, volunteering is always going to put a students from every course. I learnt,
“...it reminded me to look beyond smile on my face.” not only from my volunteering
myself and serve a greater need.” experiences, but from them as well.”
Emily Bayfield
BSc Government and History, 2020 Arya Gerard
“... it has helped me to feel involved Master of Law, 2019
Krishnan Puri Sudhir in the wider London community as “... its helped me to manage my time
MSc in Development Studies, 2019 well as helping me to gain an idea of better and to meet some of
“... it allowed me to meet new what I want do in my future career. the best people on campus. I’ve
people from all backgrounds, by Spending a few hours a week volunteering has been Natasha Sharapova
also been able to engage with
developing transferable skills and, an amazing way to take a productive break from my LLB Law, 2019
volunteering projects relevant to my course that
most importantly, lending me a studies and feel like I am making a difference at the “... I felt more included in
has given me a better understanding for some of
sense of accomplishment and happiness whenever same time.” the wider community and it
the content covered in seminars. Volunteering is a
I’m able to help someone in need.” made me happier.”
cornerstone to holistic development.”
8 9
Stella Sarmias That’s why we decided to take action. With the help of the
BSc in Management 2020 Wonder team, including Director of Policy and Campaigns
Olivia Darby, we launched our own campaigns. Sean’s is
Sean Chou to get councils’ attention and ask them questions about
BA in Social Anthropology 2020 how we can prevent modern slavery in our local areas,
Campaigners against modern slavery and how councils could have safeguarding measures
The Wonder Foundation in place to prevent modern slavery in the supply chains
Last summer we got involved in a project with an of services outsourced to private contractors. Stella’s
amazing charity, The Wonder Foundation, called SEE- campaign is for better long-term support for survivors,
ME. The aim of the project was to raise awareness and including the right to English language learning to help
develop campaigns against Modern Slavery in the UK, these vulnerable individuals meaningfully recover and
Europe and beyond. When we think of slavery it is easy establish independent lives for themselves.
to think of it as a thing of the past, or at least something The highlight of our campaigns was when we presented
incredibly far away from us that does not impact our daily them at the Houses of Parliament in front of MPs who
lives. This project revealed to me that this could not be are working at the forefront of the policy surrounding
further from the truth. In fact, the home office estimates modern slavery.
that there are at least 13,000 modern slaves living in the
UK. Globally, it is estimated that there are over 40 million We believe that the introduction of the Modern
victims of modern slavery. Slavery Act in 2015 was a huge step forward in
tackling modern slavery, but the government must not
stop here. We must address the fact that the system
is flawed, and it is failing to provide sufficient support
for victims of modern slavery.
The Home Office estimates that Looking back, getting involved with the SEE-ME We know it starts with the small things such as having Looking back, getting involved with
there are at least 13,000 modern programme has changed who we are and the right conversations and leads on to building the SEE-ME programme has changed
helped us to grow as people. We went from being enthusiasm which goes into creating constructive change who we are and helped us to grow as people.
slaves living in the UK. Globally, it is that benefits everyone. Fannie Lou Hamer, an influential
unaware to speaking out against this brutal crime We went from being unaware to speaking out
estimated that there are over 40 million in parliament. It has helped us see the world more figure in the civil rights movement said: “Nobody’s free
victims of modern slavery. That is why until everybody’s free” and this is why we should all care
against this brutal crime in parliament.
positively, where we can make a difference through
we decided to take action. engagement and participation. about modern slavery. Stella Sarmias and Sean Chou
10 11
Lucy Elgood The support of a friendly, Project Manager, Capital City Academy thoughtful and compassionate Salusbury World LSE student volunteer has made an Salusbury World work with refugee and migrant families enormous difference to the confidence, helping children, young people and parents to realise their self-esteem and wellbeing of so many rights and potential. We’re the only school-based refugee of these children. charity in the UK so we are uniquely placed to work with whole families. Our work is effective because our services are joined up to provide integrated educational, social and practical support. LSE student volunteers have participated in Salusbury World’s Educational Mentoring project, helped with our Homework Club and supported our Holiday Clubs. The children who participate in our projects are recent arrivals to the UK who are adjusting to new homes, new schools, new friends and a new language. We want to help them to feel at home in London and to achieve their potential; in school subjects like Maths and English, but also as confident young people. We want them to make firm friendships and to enjoy life. The LSE Volunteer Centre has helped us reach more student volunteersand the support of a friendly, thoughtful and compassionate LSE student volunteer has made an enormous difference to the confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing of so many of these children. We particularly value the reliability of LSE students. Coming along to the sessions week in, week out, provides our young people with much-needed stability and reassurance. 12
Carole Reniero
Programme Officer
CoachBright
CoachBright is an award-winning organisation As an LSE Alumna from the Class of 2018, it is
supporting the next generation to become independent wonderful for me to meet students from my own
and resilient so they can lead the lives they want. university who share similar interests in the education
Working across schools, universities and organisations, sector and support our mission of promoting social
we’re giving students and young professionals the mobility in the UK.
tools and behaviours to succeed.
A big thank you to all the LSE volunteers who
The LSE Volunteer Centre is vital to help organisations have contributed to our cause and helped a young
like ours to find students with similar passions and person to develop their potential, confidence and
interests. Through their online vacancy board, and independence in school.
other on-campus opportunities like the Charity
Tuesday stands, the LSE Volunteer Centre has contributed
to the success of our organisation by supporting us
in finding committed, altruistic university students.
We look forward to continuing this partnership and
developing it even further in years to come.
We have had some truly committed volunteers this
year of whom we are really proud. A few of them
even volunteered to host the Charity Tuesday Stand A big thank you to all
at LSE when our full-time members of staff were the LSE volunteers who
unavailable to attend.
have contributed to our cause and
helped a young person to develop
their potential, confidence and
independence in school.
15
Raising and Giving
Alex Selway Georgina Connah
BSc in International Relations and History BA History
RAG relic (and President 2018-19) Prolific Ragger and Vice President of
Challenges 2018-19
RAG has been such a big part of my LSE experience, and I
wouldn’t want it any other way. I’ve made close friends and I always wanted to be involved in charity work at university,
developed a genuine passion for charity which endured so from my first day in halls seeing RAG handing out the
through my time at university, and I hope that I helped RAG Band, I knew I wanted to be part of it! Since then I’ve
others to see the fun in fundraising along the way. gone from bucket collecting for WaterAid dressed as a
toilet in St Pancras station to driving to Skegness to drop
As by far the largest, and one of the most active LSE
our RAGlets off for RAG Gets Lost and have loved every
societies, RAG engages with thousands of students
minute of it!
each year through its events, challenges and countless
collaborations with societies. We are proud to excel in To me, RAG is a space distinct from the rest of LSE
unconventional fundraising: from shaking a bucket in allowing me to get more involved in the community
Paddington, to climbing Kilimanjaro, or hitchhiking to through our partner charities. Involvement in the
Marseilles, LSESU RAG offers it all. Even more importantly, community allows me to alleviate the feeling of being in
everything we do is in aid of great charities chosen annually the “LSE bubble” which can sometimes be overwhelming
by LSE’s students! when considering academia, job applications and other
society work.
We’ve had an amazing year of successful fundraising this Overall managing to raise over £10,000 this year from
year thanks to the hard work of our wonderful committee This year in my role as Vice President of Challenges, I internal challenges alone has been one of the highlights
and ever-growing network of students and staff who want have been busy organising all our internal and external of the year. I’m so proud to have been part of this brilliant
to see RAG succeed. I’m immensely grateful to everyone challenge events throughout the year. In external team and RAG certainly has been the highlight of my
who contributed and helped us improve the lives of those challenges, we have introduced a Three Peaks trek and University experience!
less fortunate over the course of this year. seen the return of our Kilimanjaro trek, as well as sticking
RAG has been such a big part of my LSE experience,
with old favourites, the Machu Picchu trek and London
RAG is truly something special. Though at times stressful, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
to Paris Cycle, for our other challenges. Although staying
it provides a great escape from the hectic nature of life
up for 36 hours to track our Jailbreak participants was
at LSE. Our activities offer alternative opportunities to
tough, watching the participants reach the likes of France,
fundraise which attract people who might not otherwise
I hope that I helped Germany, the Netherlands and the northernmost tip of
get involved. Our community brings together students who RAG provides an escape
Scotland was incredibly rewarding.
others to see the fun want to make a difference and is a brilliant way to make from the academic bubble
in fundraising. friends, have exciting experiences, and support incredible and a sense of community on campus.
charities. If that’s not a great way to make the most of your
Alex Selway time at university, I’m not sure what is. Georgina Connah
16 17
LSESU RAG Charities 2018-19
LSESU RAG is one of the fastest
growing RAG societies in the Local Charity of the Year Amelia Jabry Victoria Longhi
country, raising over £100,000 Single Homeless Project (SHP) 2nd Year BSc Social Anthropology 1st Year BSc International Social and
Single Homeless Project is a charity “RAG has given me the opportunity to dress as a Public Policy
last year alone. Three-time award working across all 32 London boroughs tiger, hitchhike in random strangers’ cars, go punting “RAG is putting the fun, but also the community,
winning, RAG raises money for a to prevent homelessness and help in Cambridge and visit the wonderful town of Skegness in fundraising. Through RAG, I have met likeminded
number of amazing causes; this vulnerable and socially-excluded people. people and engaged in a healthy debate about
– all in aid of charity!”
Every year, SHP transform 8,000 lives by
year we’re representing Single charity work more broadly.”
providing support and accommodation,
Homeless Project, Mind and Teach promoting wellbeing and working to tackle the underlying Rishi Chandarana
A Man To Fish. causes of homelessness. 1st Year BSc Mathematics with Economics Inka Pearson
“My experiences with RAG throughout my first 2nd Year BSc Philosophy, Politics
We facilitate society and club
year at LSE opened my eyes to the many fun and and Economics
fundraising and aim to increase National Charity of the Year exciting events on offer. RAG has given me the “Through RAG I have had the opportunity to develop
students’ exposure to amazing Mind, the mental health charity opportunity to push myself and climb a mountain myself as a person and give back to the community
charitable causes. Mind believes no-one should have to all in the name of charity.” alongside my friends the whole time!”
face a mental health problem alone.
With a host of events throughout the They provide direct support to over
year, LSESU RAG puts what students 250,000 people each year, while Jack Boyd Jess Graham
want as their priority; providing
also offering suicide intervention skills workshops and 3rd Year BSc Government and History 1st Year BSc International Relations and History
working alongside journalists to promote more accurate “It was my absolute pleasure to work with RAG “RAG has shown me how much fun can be
outings and innovative ways to raise representations of mental health. on Date Night this year. Not only did we get to support had with fundraising. I had an amazing time organising
money for charities voted for by our the work of a great charity in SHP, but with their the 24-Hour Rowathon, and I love that students have
students. The nominated charities incredible support we were able to put on a great the opportunity to choose the charities that RAG
change each year, ensuring that the International Charity of the Year evening for the Athletics Union.” supports and where the money we raise is going.”
LSE supports a broad spectrum of Teach A Man To Fish
Teach A Man To Fish works with
charitable foundations. schools in 110 countries to set up
educational and profitable school
businesses teaching students
entrepreneurial skills and generating much-needed extra
income for schools. Their vision is a world free from
poverty where all young people are able to reach their
full potential in life.
18 19lse.ac.uk/volunteercentre
@LSEvolunteering
@LSEvolunteering
@LSEvolunteering
volunteer@lse.ac.uk
LSE Volunteer Centre
The LSE Volunteer Centre
is a centre of knowledge on
the transformational impact that
volunteering has for LSE students.
We inspire and empower the LSE
community to volunteer for causes they
are passionate about and aim to create
active citizens, shaping a better world
through volunteering.
The LSE Volunteer CentreYou can also read
