The Horizon Volunteering Project is a project run by the Students’ Union at Coventry University. It started in July 2002 and runs until July 2004.

The 3 main aims of the project are:

v      To encourage and support students and staff of the university to get involved in voluntary work in the local region

v      To build on existing relationships with the community and to develop new opportunities for the benefit of both the community and volunteers

v      To provide resources and funds to support projects which create opportunities for student and staff volunteers

Coventry University Students’ Union previously ran a Millennium Volunteers Project and students were involved with a variety of activities in organisations across the city including: City Farm, Grapevine, Coventry Mind, Walsgrave Hospital, and local schools.  Whilst we are continuing to support these organisations with volunteers, we are always looking to develop new opportunities and welcome applications from any voluntary organisation or non-profit making group who need volunteers.

How can HORIZON Volunteers help you?

HORIZON Volunteering has had 154 students volunteer this year helping local organisations.  Many have been classroom support volunteers in schools across the whole city. A group of students have also developed and delivered an information workshop within primary schools for Myton Hospice.  There are volunteers working with victim support, Refugee Centre, Woodend Family Centre, City Farm and the project is working closely with the Phoenix Area Co-ordination Team in relation to the Hillfields Marketing project and encouraging volunteers to get involved with community events in Hillfields and supporting Hillfields groups.

Staff volunteering has recently been launched and we hope to develop this area further in the coming year.

We may also be able to help with funding for projects involving our volunteers. Download an application form and a guidance note. 

The project has 3 staff: Corinne Gordon: Project Leader, Charlotte Maytum: Project Officer and Tracy Stafford: Admin Officer. Both Charlotte and Corinne aim to help both community groups to find student and staff volunteers with skills and expertise to meet your needs and to support students and staff in looking for opportunities that would suit their interests.

All volunteers go through a volunteer induction-training programme, which includes: equal opportunities, Health & Safety and Rights and Responsibilities before taking up voluntary activities.

How can you get volunteers?

Think about what your organisation needs. Think about what you would like your organisation to have.  Do you need a design for a newsletter? do you need hands-on help with a sport scheme or crime prevention?

You can discuss this with your own Capacity Building Worker.  What you should be clear about is-

v   A clear idea on what you want volunteers to do

v  When you want volunteers to start

v   How many and what hours per week are preferred of can you be flexible?   

v   Who will discuss with the volunteers the required time and activities?

If you would like to discuss your ideas with the HORIZON Project staff, please call 024 7657 1210 or email: volunteering.su@coventry.ac.uk

Now you’re clear about what you want, when, where and and how – you can download a volunteer request form and return it to the HORIZON volunteering office at the address given. For help with funding download an application form and a guidance note.

Follow this link for volunteering opportunities