Rebecca Dove - student volunteer

When I first popped by head round the SVA office door I was desperate for something to do.  I was disillusioned and dissatisfied with the way academic life was giong and I didn't feel at all fulfilled by going out, getting drunk, doing a bit of work now and again.  I tried joining a few other things but there wasn't anything that I could really get into big time in fact, I felt the time had really come to start sorting my life out, only I wasn't sure how and that is where SVA started to feature.

I started off at what might quite easily be called the deep end of volunteering, on a bicycle survival weekend with a group of eleven disadvantaged kids one other volunteer and a social worker.  I can now admit that I didn't have a clue what I'd let myself in for and to put it plainly, I was scared - was I capable?  The weekend turned out to be one of the most wonderful experiences of my life, and I am not exaggerating.  It was just amazing to see a group of kids, that at the beginning of the day had been filled with bitterness and contempt - change over the course of three days in to happy kids.  The biggest challenge for us all was teaming up and learning to work together, especiallly important when you have to get eleven kids and yourself to safety after getting lost on a frozen, bog ridden mountain.

It really was the turning point as far as I was concerned, as I began to feel that I might be able to make a difference.  No matter how small, I wanted to do it.  I then continued for a while as one of the leaders with the Enterprise project, as it later became known.  After a couple of months in SVA I agreed to act as committee secretary and I was able to get my teeth into a bit of responsibility.

Also around that time I started going to Llanbadarn Social Activity Centre, for adults with learning difficulties.  This was a very different field for me.  I'd never been involved with people with learning difficluties before, let alone met anyone.  Initially I felt far more apprehensive about getting involved than before.  Nevertheless I decided to face my fears (which were basically prejudices) and start working with this group of people.

My time at Llanbadarn has been a very happy one, working mostly in the garden or drinking cups of tea or just general good conversation.  I have certainly learnt a lot during my time there and this is now the area in which I do the most work, becoming the joint project leader for the Discovery project.  I've also become involved every Thursday night with the Gateway Club which is a social club for people with learning difficulties.

Last year I was responsible for the organisation and co-ordination of a combined Christmas party for this group and SVA students, at the Student Union.  This was probably the most nerve racking experience of my entire life: being responsible for the enjoyment of such a group; being careful not to patronise or segregate anyone; and at the same time making sure that the students realised what a potentially brilliant group this is to work with as a volunteer - as I have certainly found out.

Being a volunteer has also helped me in getting an idea about what I'm going to do in the future, having decided to hopefully embark on an Msc in health studies / education / business and hopefully go abroad and work for an aid organisation.

Thank you, Rebecca Dove 

Becky Newham - student volunteer

I took a year out from my degree between 2nd and 3rd year to gain experience in the environmental sector and spent my time volunteering first at a field studies council field centre and then with the conservation charity BTCV.

Whilst on the first placement at the field centre I also volunteered with a local charity at weekends where I supported a young man with aspergus syndrome accompanying him on social trips and to play sport.

When I returned to University in September for my final year I felt that I wanted to continue with volunteering.  I was already a member of Aberystwyth Conservation Volunteers which is a great way of meeting people and getting outside doing practical work.

When I returned I went to see Cathy and arranged to help an older man with his shopping.  This was a great but sometimes a challenging experience and went well with the times I visited the two old folks homes in the town - Bodlondeb and Hafan Y Waun.

At weekends throughout the year I sometimes went away to London and other places to continue to lead conservation projects with BTCV which was a great experience.  I also volunteered with RSPB at Nant Y Arian Visitor Centre just outside of town.

All of these experiences really added to my experience of the final year of my course and I would urge people to join SVA as a great way to meet people and take a break from studies.

Terri Hatton - student volunteer

After completing my first year at university I was disappointed that it had failed to live up to my expectations.  Outside my course and socialising I felt that I'd been relatively inactive and achieved very little.

I returned in the second year determined to make a new start and to mix with a diverse group of people, from different courses, with different interests and personalities.  SVA offered me this opportunity and I've made many valuable friends through my volunteering experience.

I began by choosing Age Concern which involved me visiting a local gentleman once every two weeks.  A strong friendship soon developed and I found myself looking forward to our visits.

Befriending is definitely a two way experience, it's more than just being a sympathetic ear, it's about connecting, communicating and making a small difference to someones life.

Befriending has enabled me to learn about local history, create strong links within the community and most importantly, it has given me the chance to discover good friends I would have otherwise never had the privilege to know.

I now befriend various elderly people in the local area and enjoying their company has become as much a part of university life as the study and the socialising.

I thoroughly recommend volunteering to anyone who is willing to commit themselves to it as it has been an immensley fulfilling and rewarding experience which has enhanced my time in Aberystwyth.