Top Tips For Your First Day Of Volunteering
Project delivery at Southampton Hub starts on Monday and we are so excited to see the impact you have on the lives of young people in the Southampton community. Whether you’re feeling nervous or excited, here are our top tips for making the most of this very rewarding experience.
1. Plan your journey:
A few of the schools and libraries we work with require you to take the bus. Make sure you’ve checked the bus timetable and route so you can get there on time and stress-free. If you are walking, check the route and wrap up warm; it’s very chilly out there!
2. Take these bits in your bag:
- A pen. All of the tools needed to deliver your project will be provided for you but it will be very useful to have a spare pen in your pocket if you need to jot something down for a student.
- Your DBS certificate. You may have already sent your DBS number off to the right person but it is definitely worth having it with you just incase you are asked for it.
- A drink. Stay Hydrated! Please do not take energy drinks into schools however, the children are not allowed them so it is not fair if volunteers are drinking them in front of them. Try to stick to water or squash.
3. Dress appropriately
You do not need to turn up in a suit but you should be wearing smart/casual attire if you are volunteering in a school or library. If your project has their own t-shirts — GREAT — wear that. If you know you are doing practical activities, make sure you are able to move freely in your clothing.
4. Meet your fellow volunteers:
You may be feeling nervous breaking out of that big university bubble all by yourself but you are not the only person doing it! If you made friends at selection or training, you are one step ahead! Nevertheless, try to arrive at your placement a little early so you can say hello to your fellow volunteers and get to know each others names before attempting to learn the students!
5. Don’t Worry!
Before a performance I was always told: ‘If you’re nervous, it means you are passionate about it’ and I think the same applies here. The children will like you, you do not have to remember all of their names at once and, they will enjoy the sessions as long as you do! Have fun with them and see your volunteering as a break from studying. This is the exciting bit — enjoy every minute!