Case Studies: Excellence in Volunteering

Lobbying politicians, royalty and aristocracy were all in a day's volunteering for Bradley Taylor, whose work in South Africa has earned him an Excellence in Volunteering scholarship.

Bradley, a full-time student on the DipHE Paramedic Practice course, was more than happy to ask for the high profile help as part of his ongoing work with Mnyakanya High School, which is in one of the poorest regions region in South Africa.

Bradley had previously helped with fundraising for a water project at the school but, as an avid reader, it was no surprise that he turned his attention to the school's library.

He explains: "I'd been told that there were problems getting donations into the country. The school literally had a library but no books, so I wrote to as many influential people as I could, asking for their help to ensure that the books I had collected from individuals, publishers and shops would get through.

"I decided to aim for the top, hoping to raise the publicity of the Bambisanani Partnership by hounding people for support."

Bradley's volunteering also involves good causes closer to home. He has been involved with the St Vincent De Paul Society since his schooldays, regularly visits elderly people in nursing homes and also helps the homeless in North West city centres, volunteering at night shelters during the winter months.

He says: "I think I must have some kind of 'helping people' complex! I don't like sitting around watching television and just love being out and about helping others. It's such a rewarding thing to do and it even extends to my studies. I was originally going to do Law but decided at the last minute that a career as a paramedic would suit me much better."

Bradley's current training may come in handy for his future volunteering; he is hoping to go to South Africa, possibly in a medical capacity. His long-term ambition, however, is to set up a charity to raise awareness and help those affected by depression, focusing particularly on the way mental health issues such as depression and stress can impact on academic life.

"I already have plans for a website and a blog," says Bradley, "and the scholarship will definitely help get it underway."

Course: DipHE Paramedic Practice

James Pearson has debated policy with senior cabinet ministers, written a paper on sex education and been in a high-speed pursuit in an unmarked police car - all before his 21st birthday. Now, his desire to make a difference in his community has been rewarded with an Excellence in Volunteering scholarship from Edge Hill.

A meeting with Andy Burnham MP at college kick-started James's volunteering career.

"I asked him some questions on behalf of other young people who I'd spoken to," says James, "and this made me think about ways I could help improve things for people my age.

James started volunteering for St Helen's Council where he served on its youth council, a group that aims to give young people a voice in community decision-making, and received the V100 award for clocking up 100 hours of volunteering. At 16 he stood for election as a Member of the UK Youth Parliament for St Helens Borough.

"Being an MYP was a fantastic experience," says James, "and a great opportunity to represent my local area, town and region on a national level. I provided input into working groups on projects for young people, including meetings in Parliament and with the Children's Commissioner in London. The system was identical to the Parliamentary model used in today's politics - but without the glamorous expenses!"

In his role as MYP James became aware of the problems between the police and young people in his area. This prompted him to start volunteering with the police as a Special Constable, providing support in his local community.

"I have gained so much from volunteering. I've had life changing experiences, gained confidence and made some great friends. My voluntary work has certainly ignited an interest in the law and its role in society, and definitely influenced my decision to study Law."

Now in his third year at Edge Hill, James is still volunteering while preparing for his final exams. He plans to progress on to the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and, ultimately, become a leading solicitor.

"Winning the scholarship is a fantastic recognition of the work that I do," says James. "I get a real sense of personal satisfaction from all of my voluntary work, from knowing that I have made a difference. I have given up my time to do something for somebody else and, more importantly, I've enjoyed doing it."

Course: LLB (Hons) Law

An unswerving belief in the power of education has been the driving force behind Natalia Nelson's voluntary work over the years - and has led to an Excellence in Volunteering Scholarship from Edge Hill.

Natalia joined the PGCE Primary course after working for the British Council and, in her spare time, as a volunteer with a variety of charities. She has helped Link Community Development and Oxfam, and has been involved in an education project with a Kenyan-based rehabilitation centre for young female offenders, some of whom were placed there for their own protection after their parents tried to sell them into prostitution.

She explains: "I have always been interested in global education and most things I volunteer for are connected to schools and education in some way. I really believe that while we are studying we must never forget why we are doing it. Education isn't just about reading books; it's about promoting opportunities too."

Natalia has a flair for challenging young people and passing on her own enthusiasm for education. While working as an English teacher in China, she gave up her free time to coach several teenage students who were working towards valuable university scholarships to study abroad.

She explains: "My mentor told me about them and I gave them extra English lessons during lunch hours and helped them with things like answering the questions that might come up during their interview. When they won the scholarships I was so happy - it was such an important step for them.

"I'm part way through my PGCE now, which means my timetable is very hectic. Our course tutors warned us to say goodbye to friends and family for a few months because the course is so demanding, so I have accepted that I might have to have a short break from volunteering.

"Having said that, I have been in touch with friends in Kenya and hope to be able to go back there in the summer. That's something that the scholarship could help me with.

"I really believe that volunteering in education can help people have a better future. I'm more than happy to give up my own time for that."

Course: PGCE Primary

For more than a decade, Samantha Earnshaw has given up hours of her spare time as a volunteer with St John Ambulance. Her dedication to that charity, among others, has earned her the rank of Corporal, a trip to meet Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace, and now an Excellence in Volunteering Scholarship from Edge Hill.

Samantha, who is also actively involved with Oldham Young Carers, which provides respite for children who support disabled family members, says her interest in volunteering has its roots in her own childhood and her own remarkable resilience.

She explains: "I suffer from a genetic condition called Treacher Collins Syndrome which affects my hearing and also causes facial disfigurement. I didn't get my first hearing aids until I was 18, I just sort of muddled along before then. I used to get bullied at school, but it made me think that rather than let it get me down I should try and help others less fortunate than me. That's what made me volunteer in the beginning, and once I started I found I couldn't stop!"

In fact, Samantha's love of volunteering has followed her to Edge Hill. She started a BSc (Hons) in Learning Disabilities Nursing and Social Work in September - and within days found herself agreeing to be course representative.

"It has been quite a hectic time - very intensive - and I my timetable means that, for a while, most of my volunteering will have to be done at weekends," she says. "I feel a real sense of pride when I help other people, especially when I'm working with young disabled people. Even if I only spend an hour or so with them, it is very rewarding to see what a difference it can make to their lives."

Samantha's main aim after graduating is to work with disabled children in a community role.

She says: "I'm just someone who always wants to help others and I have lots of ambitions, but I realise that some things might have to wait until I have finished my course. Right now I've got to plan my time carefully so I can fit everything in!"

Course: BSc (Hons) Learning Disabilities Nursing and Social Work

Like many little girls Tamara Giles joined the Brownies and spent her free time doing good deeds, earning badges and going on camps. Twelve years later, unlike many of her peers, girlguiding is still a major part of Tamara's life. Her tireless commitment as a volunteer at her local Brownie unit, despite suffering from the debilitating condition ME, has now won her an Excellence in Volunteering scholarship from Edge Hill.

Tamara became a Young Leader for the First Laverstock Brownie Unit aged 13, acting as a mentor for the younger girls. On her 18th birthday she was awarded her Guiding warrant, making her one of the youngest Guiders in the country and allowing her to lead her own unit.

"Guiding gives you so many opportunities," says Tamara. "You get to travel across the world learning about different countries and cultures, you gain confidence, you learn how to make friends and work in a team, and you learn loads of new skills."

Tamara was recently chosen to travel to Uzbekistan as part of a British delegation to celebrate Girlguiding UK's centenary. She raised £3,000 to fund her Centenary Adventure by working part-time as a lifeguard, washing cars and by designing and selling a commemorative badge.

Despite the physical limitations of ME, Tamara is working towards both the Queen's Guide Award, the highest award a member of Girlguiding can achieve, and the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. She has also acted as the Salisbury Mayor's Guide, assisting at important events in her local community.

"Guiding has kept me going throughout my illness," says Tamara. "Sometimes I'm so tired I really don't want to go to a Brownie meeting, but as soon as I get there and see the girls so happy and positive, I feel energised. I get as much out of it as they do."

Tamara hopes to continue her Guiding work while at Edge Hill and is planning to bring her enthusiasm and skills to the Brownies of Ormskirk by taking up a voluntary leader post locally.

"It's great to be recognised for the work I do with Girlguiding UK," says Tamara. "As well as providing some money towards essential equipment like a new tent, it will look very impressive on my CV. My ultimate ambition is to become Chief Guide, the person in charge of Guides nationally, so winning this scholarship is another step closer to realising that."

Course: BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS