19 Feb 2016
To celebrate Student Volunteering Week 2016 we would like to share some stories about some of our own student volunteers who are regularly supporting London's Air Ambulance.
Orion, Community and Database Volunteer
Orion decided to become a volunteer because he is passionate about working to help the local community. ‘I chose London's Air Ambulance because I think there is no better charity that benefits the whole of London.’
Orion regularly supports the Community fundraising team and fits his volunteering alongside studying for his Health Sciences degree. Since joining the team, he has supported with uploading Community fundraising information on to our database and assisting with putting in place a way to record our regular income from community supporters. He has also got involved in elements of Community Fundraising such as collecting and distributing our collection pots and has even helped with collecting and wrapping a batch of donated Easter Eggs!
Orion feels that volunteering for London's Air Ambulance is a unique experience and has been given the opportunity to see and learn things that he wouldn't otherwise have access to, such as visiting our Helipad. ‘I really enjoy volunteering and London's Air Ambulance is one of the friendliest charities I have worked with. I enjoy being able to make a vital contribution to such a unique charity.’
Melissa, Events and Marketing
Melissa is currently studying Marketing and Management at Queen Mary University London (QMUL) and is undertaking a 12 week volunteer placement with the London's Air Ambulance charity team. This is the second year that students from QMUL have undertaken placements with us and Melissa is supporting the Events team, specifically focusing on implementing our marketing plan for our calendar of events.
‘I was interested in volunteering for a charity to help a good cause and to gain more experience. I found out about London's Air Ambulance from my university and once I found out more about the charity, I was really keen to support as a volunteer.’
Melissa has so far helped the team in a variety of ways including promoting our events by composing Tweets, assisting with Facebook promotion, writing case studies about previous event participants and researching local partners. Although she was initially nervous because it was her first office experience, Melissa has settled in quickly. ‘Everyone has been really helpful and I have been lucky to take part in a variety of tasks. I have enjoyed learning about what happens behind the scenes and it has helped me to see what I would be doing when I move into employment. It has really helped me to confirm what I want to do in the future.’
Yvonne, Volunteer Coordinator
Yvonne has just started volunteering for London’s Air Ambulance and is supporting with our volunteer recruitment and administration. Currently in her 2nd year of a Law degree at the University of Westminster, Yvonne decided that she would like to volunteer to gain more office experience but also to give back to the local community.
‘When I saw that I could volunteer for London's Air Ambulance I thought it sounded different to a lot of charities; they provide a service that anyone could need.’ Yvonne is looking forward to developing new skills and adding some experience to her CV as well as meeting new people and helping us to find new volunteers to support London's Air Ambulance.
‘I would recommend volunteering as I think it can give you a different kind of experience to paid employment. You get to help out with something worthwhile and give back to the community.’
