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Student Volunteering Week 2026
Student Volunteering Week is a national week, led by the Student Volunteering Network, that takes place across the UK. Universities and schools across the country step up to take part in the week, organising opportunities or events to encourage their students to volunteer and help their local communities.
Celebrating Student Volunteering Week at UoP
This year we’re celebrating Student Volunteering Week with a range of events and workshops. Find out how to get involved with volunteering at university, do some community gardening or even flex your creativity with some knitting/sewing or coaster decorating.
Stay up-to-date with upcoming one-off volunteering opportunities by registering your interest.
Student Takeover Gardening & Park Helper Session
Tuesday 10 February, 10.00am-11.00am, Victoria Park
Enjoy gardening, plants, or time in nature? Join us and connect with others who share your love for nature!
This is a great chance to boost your wellbeing, meet other students, enjoy the outdoors, and support the local community.
Working alongside park staff, you’ll help care for this historic green space through tasks such as path sweeping, clearing beds, and general park maintenance.
External Event: Discover volunteer opportunities with Action Tutoring
Wednesday 11 February, 4.00pm–4.30pm, Online
Join us for an inspiring online event where current and experienced placement students will interview each other about their experiences volunteering with Action Tutoring as part of their university placement. This isn't your typical presentation.
Attendees will:
- Hear first-hand how placements have shaped careers and enhanced professional skills
- Learn about the day-to-day impact of tutoring pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Gain valuable insights into the benefits of partnering with Action Tutoring for university modules
Register to 'Discover volunteer opportunities with Action Tutoring' here
Crafting with Careers at Chaplaincy
Thursday 12 February; 2.00pm-3.00pm; Chaplaincy Centre and Prayer Rooms
Take a break from the everyday and join us for Crafting with Careers – a relaxed, mindful session that combines creativity, wellbeing, and making a difference.
Whether you’re curious about volunteering, looking to boost your wellbeing, or just fancy trying something creative in a welcoming space, this session is for you.
Join us in the Chaplaincy Centre and Prayer Rooms, St Pauls Road, Southsea, PO5 4AQ.
Sew the Love: Stitching Together a Greener Community
Friday 13 February, 11.00am-1.00pm, 00-002, Eldon Foyer.
Hosted by the Revolution Plastics Institute and Repair Cafe Portsmouth
Sew the Love is a creative sustainability pop-up inspired by the Climate Coalition’s 'Show the Love' campaign. Whether you’re new to sewing or already confident, everyone is welcome. Come along to learn new skills, reduce textile waste, and connect with other students who care about the planet.
Drop in to:
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Making a Green Heart from scrap fabrics with help from repair experts, and sharing what place you want to protect
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Supporting Future Repair Cafés by volunteering to help launch clothing repairs, alterations, and swap shops at the University
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Sharing Your Sustainability Priorities by voting on or suggesting changes you want to see on campus
You’ll also discover ways to take part in future environmental events at and beyond the University.
Come sew, share, and shape a greener future — one stitch at a time.
Gain recognition for your volunteering! - VIP Portsmouth Award Session
More details coming soon!
Interested in how your volunteering contributes to The Portsmouth Award?
Explore how reflecting on your skills, development and achievements through volunteering supports your progress on the Award programme.
Support from the Volunteering Team
Our Volunteering Team is here to support you in finding opportunities that help you build skills, apply your knowledge and gain meaningful work experience. We run the Volunteering Programme, which connects students with a wide range of roles from not‑for‑profit organisations, offering options at all levels of commitment. You also have the opportunity to get involved in activities linked to your course, career goals or causes you care about, helping you make a positive impact while developing professionally.
Explore other opportunities in Careers and Employability
Placements
Increase your employment opportunities and strengthen your skills by completing a placement.
Student Startup support
Whether you’re looking to freelance, launch a new business or develop an existing one, the Student StartUp Team can support you.
The Portsmouth Award
The Portsmouth Award is an online programme designed to help you reflect on skills you develop through extracurricular activities, explore career options, and increase your confidence to apply for opportunities.
