We hear from volunteering organisations about the positive impact Cheveners had had in communities and charities across the UK during their scholarship year.
To celebrate National Volunteers’ Week in June, we’re showcasing the volunteering achievements of Chevening scholars in the UK. Since 2023, Chevening has teamed up with VolunteeringMatters to provide Chevening scholars the opportunity to give back through volunteering.
Volunteering on a Chevening Scholarship gives the chance to not only create meaningful change in the UK, but develop new skills and experiences to take back home. It allows scholars to stay engaged, continue to apply their skills in real-world settings, and connect with local communities. It strengthens Cheveners’ insight, empathy, and leadership skills for driving impact when they return home.
This year, with the 2024-25 Chevening cohort, VolunteeringMatters and Chevening have provided 9 volunteer days and over 100 additional opportunities and networks for scholars to tap into. From building community gardens to supporting isolated members of the community, we hear from the organisations involved, how Chevening scholars have been positively impacting those around them.
Centre 404 is a lifeline for families across eight London boroughs, providing friendly, reliable, and person-centred support for people with learning disabilities, autism, and their families. Their services give both children and adults a voice, a sense of belonging, and access to meaningful day activities and one-to-one support.
Cheveners stepped up, bringing enormous energy to Centre 404 at Christmas, wrapping hundreds of presents!
“Chevening students had come from all over the world… their enthusiasm was infectious… The main bulk of the day was taken up with the wrapping of over 200 presents for service users… It was wonderful to see the way that the pile of presents grew larger and larger. They all worked so hard and were so enthusiastic, it was a pleasure to host the day.”
Plant MCR transforms underused urban spaces across Manchester, creating thriving community gardens that boost local biodiversity, improve mental wellbeing, and strengthen community ties. They’re been turning grey spaces into green, life-filled places.
Chevening scholars made a tangible impact with the help of gardening experts, helping nature flourish in the heart of the city.
“We had a really great time with the Chevening volunteers. They were engaging, enjoyed the activities we had set up for them, and were all happy to chat away to us, sharing their own plant and garden experiences along with what their life in the UK has been like.”
The Ouseburn Trust is dedicated to protecting and celebrating the Ouseburn Valley. Working closely with volunteers, the local authority, and local businesses, the Trust helps shape a thriving, sustainable environment, enhancing the Valley by preserving its unique heritage and precious ecosystem.
Chevening scholars got their hands dirty and cleared the way to make it more accessible for the public.
“We achieved a lot! A woodland path cleared, planted beds weeded, and footpaths at a heritage site made more accessible. The group brought so much energy and enthusiasm, and their efforts were recognised by people passing by. The session supervisor was really impressed by how engaged people were in the tasks, and the interest they showed in the local area. The whole experience was excellent.”
The Pets As Therapy Hub is a grassroots initiative to support individuals in the community who feel isolated or disconnected from loved ones. Through the power of animal companionship, the Hub brings comfort, connection, and a renewed sense of wellbeing to those who need it most.
Chevening scholars brought incredible energy and compassion, helping shy attendees come out of their shells.
“The volunteers changed our session into a wonderful multi-generational session filled with laughter and joy. The laughter from lots of our attendees was really memorable and one of the usual attendees who is usually quite reserved really opened up to our volunteers.”
Lean more about volunteering during your Chevening Scholarship and hear from scholars about their experiences!
Chevening Scholars contributed 5,000 hours of volunteering to communities and causes across the UK in 2017/2018, sailing past last year’s total of 3,000 hours. More than 200 scholars from 61 universities contributed to this total, giving their time to over 300 organisations around the country. The total represents a 66% increase on the hours contributed […]
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