‘Deeply meaningful’ - university volunteers inspire next generation

Championing people across the UK who volunteer their time to make a positive difference, Volunteers’ Week is a national opportunity to showcase the role of volunteering across all kinds of sectors and causes. The Solent University community regularly turns its hand to volunteering, both on and off campus.

In the 2024/25 academic year, Solent’s alumni community have dedicated more than 200 hours to the university, utilising their knowledge and experiences of the working world to enhance learning experiences for students. Whether it’s through mentoring, acting as a role model for the next generation, or offering a behind-the-scenes look in industry, the University’s alumni community is committed to paying it forward when it comes to the students of today.

BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing Practice graduate, Jasmine Raven, is just one inspiring example of an alumna who is volunteering their time to make a difference. Jasmine’s university experience was impacted when she was diagnosed with cancer but, determined to succeed, she went on to graduate in the summer of 2024. Now, Jasmine is using her experience to support current nursing students.

As a volunteer, Jasmine shares insight from her experiences as both a patient and qualified nurse, giving nursing undergraduates a unique perspective which will help aid their clinical practice. Jasmine supported first-year students as they undertook a six-week simulated placement, which saw them develop their skills in patient care in the University’s Human Health Lab, designed to reflect a real-world hospital ward.

On returning to campus this year to volunteer, Jasmine says:

“It has been deeply meaningful to highlight the impact a nurse’s approach to sensitive or uncomfortable topics can have on a patient’s experience. Sharing insights from my own cancer treatment as a young person has felt pivotal – raising awareness of the care I received and encouraging nurses to approach their patients with greater compassion and understanding.

“I hope my contributions have helped shape more empathetic, effective nurses.”

In Solent’s Department of Sport and Health, Oliver Daglish, who undertook both his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University, has returned to campus this year to give students perspective into the realities of working in sport. He says:

“I remember being in the student’s shoes (what feels like) not so long ago; sitting in the lecture hall being inspired by practitioners in the field. The thought of my experiences and lessons helping inspire current students gives me a great sense of fulfilment and is the least I can do to help give back something to the lecturers who helped me on my journey.”

Another volunteer, who is committed to supporting budding entrepreneurs at Solent, is Grant Lang. As a BA (Hons) Business Management alumni and the founder of Mozzo Coffee – which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year – Grant has been empowering students with his own story of success.

In February, Grant volunteered 20 hours of his time, welcoming students in the Department of Business and Law to his head office, where they learned more about developing a successful company.

Elsewhere at Solent, staff have been supporting initiatives in the region by volunteering through the University’s Make a Difference scheme. A volunteering programme for all staff at Solent, Make a Difference gives everyone the opportunity to volunteer during work. Since the start of the academic year, staff have spent time supporting charities such as Southampton City Farm and Surfers Against Sewage, delivering on their commitment as a civic university.