FRIENDS OF ALALAY Former Bristol student Annie Syrett has raised thousands of pounds for the Friends of Alalay, the charity she founded to help Bolivian street children.


“The MSc in International Development proved to be very supportive of my charity work, in that it introduced new ideas and enabled me to challenge the ways in which I ran my charity. This applied particularly to the ways in which I looked at and approved (or didn’t!) new proposed projects.


While I’m fundraising, I make dozens of presentations – the course made me far more confident when making these. I’ve raised around £60,000 so far but I’ve got so many different ideas for investing this limited resource that I’ve had to become more analytical and less sentimental when I set up projects and decide where the money can be best used.”


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MANY STUDENT UNIONS help those attending university to get involved in voluntary activities. Te University of Bristol Students’ Union is no different, and has long been instrumental in encouraging students to join or set up such projects. Currently, there are about 35 student-led schemes within five categories – children and youth projects, school projects, projects for older people, disability and health projects, and awareness raising and student support. In short, you’re sure to find something that suits both your curiosity and energy. Two examples of these Union-


affiliated projects are Jazzhands and Pitstop. Jazzhands involves a group of students visiting residential homes each week, where they sing well-known songs and chat over a cup of tea. Undergraduate Louise Burfitt tells her story: “I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that being part of Jazzhands was the highlight of my second year. It made me realise what a two-way process volunteering is: it’s beneficial not only for those we interact with, but us as well.” Students volunteering for Pitstop run day


trips and residential weekends for young people with learning difficulties. “While at Bristol it’s


very easy to get trapped in the ‘uni bubble’, so this is a fab way of getting out and realising there’s more out there,” says volunteer Lucy Howard. “Seeing autistic teenagers go out of their comfort zone and try new things – for example, rock climbing or high-speed boat rides – was really inspiring.” Universities sometimes reward


students who dedicate time to voluntary causes. Time spent volunteering while a University of Bristol student can count towards the Bristol PLuS Award, which


recognises students who have gained skills through activities in addition to their course. To achieve


this, students must complete 50 hours of non credit-bearing work experience or voluntary work, attend four employability skills- related workshops and complete an


intensive skills activity. In its third year, the Bristol PLuS Award


has attracted over 1,000 students in 2011-12. Jeff Goodman, Director of Student Services and Employability, says: “A good number of students want to do something useful while they’re here. Tis gives them the chance to help out and contribute in a fun environment. It’s also a great way for them to meet other like-minded students.”


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THE BRISTOL PLUS AWARD The award has had rave reviews from employers offering work experience.


Zurich “In these competitive times, the ability of a potential employee to demonstrate success both academically and in extra-curricular fields is a key differentiator. Knowing a candidate will not only be technically competent, but has proactively taken part in corporate responsibility activities, means Zurich in the UK holds the Bristol PLuS Award in high regard.”


NHS Graduate Scheme “We believe it is important to work closely with universities to help students develop their employability to ensure they have a better chance of securing employment when they graduate. Our experience with the students from Bristol has been very positive.”


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