FITTING in is the name of the game for university students in York who take part in a volunteering programme.

New undergraduates at York St John University are being urged to volunteer for charities in the city, which not only helps them fit in as part the local community but also makes them stand out in the jobs market.

York St John students can volunteer with charities ranging from those working with children or the elderly through to mental health projects.

Rachel Earnshaw, senior youth and community project officer of BTCV, which runs environmental projects in York, said: “We have a project called BUGG (Buddy Up Green Group) which relies totally on York St John students’ involvement. The aim of the project is for students to work with people in the community who have special needs or disabilities to carry out environmental projects as a team.

“The experience is so valuable for their CVs, even if the work is not directly related to the career they want to pursue. It shows commitment, teamworking, communication skills, good character and so much more. I think it also helps to reduce the barriers there can be between students and the locals – it’s about giving something back to the community they are living in.”

Jane Barnett, who is a mentor with York mental health charity Mind@OurCelebration, said working with the university brings mutual benefits, particularly to her clients.

She said: “Two York St John students worked with us earlier this year, running digital media workshops with our clients. The students shared skills and experiences and gave our clients renewed confidence and esteem.

“It is very important that students have an experience of being involved in local charities to understand their community and share their skills and experiences for the benefits of others – it builds community cohesion and peer support.”

Anu Priya, who is opportunities co-ordinator at York St John Students’ Union following the completion of a masters degree in counselling, said: “At York St John you are a somebody, not a number, and that is reflected in the volunteering ethos and sense of community at the university.

“As a city-centre campus we have so many neighbours around us, so students have to fit in with their local community and be part of it.

“Last year we brought in community co-ordinators for the first time and it worked well. They attend meetings with local residents to look at issues and how we can help bring students and local people closer together.”

Anthony Payne, head of student experience, and his team run YSJ Connect that provides a one-stop shop for information about, volunteering, employability, internships, part-time and graduate job opportunities – encouraging students to take a holistic approach to their personal and career development.

“Volunteering for a charity, being active in a university society or helping in their local community enriches them as a people and connects their studies with broader life experiences.”

Ryan Sandford-Blackburn, campaigns and communications co-ordinator at the students’ union, held a number of volunteering posts while studying film and television production at York St John.

He said: “Our Be A Part Of It campaign encourages new undergraduates to get off their sofa and join a society, or get involved in a local charity. We run taster sessions and look for volunteering opportunities in York with local charities if students have a particular interest.

“Lots of careers and jobs require you to have good people and communication skills. A survey we did last year showed that employability and careers are two of the biggest concerns for students after academic achievement. Volunteering for a local charity or being involved in a university club can give you an edge when it comes to job hunting.”