Wednesday 02-02-2022 - 15:35

With Student Volunteering Week just around the corner, we are shining a light on some of the fantastic work that our student groups do. The pandemic has put a strain on people from all walks of life and our volunteering initiatives have been a life-line for some of Bristol's most vulnerable residents.

Bristol Paws Project

The Bristol Paws Project is a student group that was set up in 2016 by University of Bristol veterinary students with the aim of helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds care for their pets. 

 

The group carry out fortnightly handouts, alongside Bristol Outreach Services for the Homeless. They also help StreetVet to provide continuity of care to their clients and work alongside Bristol Animal Rescue Centre to provide annual vaccine clinics.  

For more information about the Bristol Paws Project, you can visit their SU webpage, check out their Facebook page or e-mail them at: bristolpawsproject@gmail.com 

 

Pitstop 

 

We spoke with Olivia, Project Coordinator for Pitstop, to find out more about what they do and how you can get involved! 

 

Who are Pitstop? 

Pitstop are an award-winning student society who take teenagers with learning disabilities on day trips in and around the Bristol area, including Bristol Hippodrome, the Aquarium and Bristol Zoo. 

Pitstop buddies you up with one of the teenagers for the day, giving you the chance to make a real difference to a young person’s life, and improve your communication and care skills.  

 

What inspired you to volunteer for this student group? 

I have a cousin with autism and I've seen how much he has benefitted from support groups. I worked as a 1:1 Teaching Assistant for a child with autism in my gap year and also volunteered at a special needs school in sixth form, so I've also been interested in this area for a while. 

 

What kind of activities do you undertake as a volunteer? 

I run and attend trips, apply for funding (grants, sponsorship, donations, fundraising) and communicate with members as well as volunteers. 

 

What are the benefits you’ve experienced as a result of volunteering? 

The parents are very grateful and the members love the trips, alongside this the committee is a community and they are very helpful in their roles! The trips are a lot of fun!  

 

How can other students get involved with your group?  

Volunteer on our trips! Join the committee for next year! Or coming along to our pub quizzes!  

To find out more Pitstop, you can visit their Bristol SU webpage here. You can also sign up to their mailing list or drop them an e-mail at: ubupitstop@gmail.com 

 

Bristol Phab

 

Bristol Phab are an award-winning student group who run regular events for disabled and non-disabled young adults to come together, create a more inclusive community and have fun!  

 

Sessions include baking, dance and craft (among many other things) and the group are keen to welcome new student volunteers. Upcoming events will be taking place on Thursday evenings from 19:30 – 21:30 the Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, BS2 8PE, to find out more visit the SU website and click on the ‘volunteering tab’. 

 

Bristol Phab recently won the Lord Morris Award for outstanding contributions to developing and promoting the inclusion of disabled people in educational institutions.  

 

So if you’re looking to meet new people in an inclusive space and join an award winning group you can visit the groups page here. 

You can also join their mailing list or drop them an e-mail at: bristolphab@gmail.com