As a Course Rep, I act as a link between students and staff on my course to ensure the student voice is represented. My role involves gathering feedback and working with staff to help improve the overall experience of the course. Being a Rep involves meeting with lecturers and course leaders to share student feedback and help improve the course. Reps raise issues, highlight what's working well, and receive training to support them in the role. Volunteering as a Course Rep has helped me collaborate with students and staff while building leadership experience. It's also boosted my confidence in forming connections. These skills will be invaluable for my future career.

Volunteering is a great way to make a real impact on your course and support your peers. It's a rewarding chance to shape the student experience while developing valuable skills. I'd encourage others to get involved for both the impact and the personal growth it offers.

I have volunteered over 460 hours with NSPCC Childline, providing confidential support to children and young people through calls, online chats, and emails. My work has helped ensure young people across the UK always have a safe, supportive space to talk about whatever they're facing. I'm a home‑based counsellor providing confidential, trauma‑informed support to children and young people through Childline's email service, responding empathetically to complex issues and helping them feel heard and supported. I also mentor new counselling volunteers, guiding them through their first shifts and helping them build the confidence and skills needed to support young people safely and effectively.

Volunteering with Childline has significantly enhanced my understanding of psychological theory and strengthened my reflective skills, ethical awareness, and ability to manage emotionally demanding situations. It has confirmed my aspiration to work with young people in a mental health setting and given me a strong foundation for future counselling psychology training, while also developing leadership and supervisory skills through my mentoring role.

I would strongly recommend volunteering to other Sheffield Hallam students because it provides invaluable practical experience, helps develop transferable skills, and makes a meaningful difference in the community. Overall, volunteering is a rewarding experience that supports both personal growth and professional development.