Volunteer events
Volunteering Fair
The University's annual Volunteering Fair took place in partnership with the Students' Union on Monday 6 October 2024 in Academy 1. Around 80 community organisations attended the Fair, providing students with the opportunity to talk to them about potential volunteering roles. Thank you to all our colleagues who encouraged students to attend.
To find out more, please go to the student facing Volunteering Fair pages.
Student Volunteering Week
This national event takes place every year in mid-February and is an opportunity to raise the profile of volunteering. Many parts of the University provide bespoke communications opportunities during the week to promote volunteering. The opportunity to ‘have a go’ at volunteering is available through the “Big Action Day”. A thank you scheme also takes place where many Schools and Divisions run events to thank their students who volunteer. Thank you cards are provided from a central point to facilitate this.
The next Student Volunteering Week is taking place from Monday 9 to Sunday 15 February 2026. If you wish to find out more please contact the Volunteering and Awards Team via volunteers@manchester.ac.uk.
Volunteer of the Year Awards
Every May the University recognises its outstanding volunteers through the Volunteer of the Year Awards. These awards are affiliated to the Social Responsibility “Make a Difference” Awards and have categories for students, staff and alumni. Nominations open around January each year and close in early March. Anyone including staff, students and community partners are able to nominate. For more information go to www.manchester.ac.uk/volunteeroftheyear.
