Award recognises efforts of big-hearted students

The University of Wolverhampton has received a prestigious award in recognition of the phenomenal voluntary work undertaken by students in the community.

Its Careers, Enterprise and the Workplace team scooped the Corporate Commitment to the Community Award in the Midlands Business Awards recently.

Through the Active Volunteers initiative, more than 200 charities have received support over the last year, with more than 1,000 students volunteering a total of over 60,000 hours. It is estimated that between 2010 and 2013, time spent volunteering equated to almost £2 million monetary value equivalent.

The number of volunteers from the University is increasing year on year, with organisations across the community receiving support. Many students contribute over 500 hours per year of their time to volunteering.

The University’s award submission included glowing testimonials from organisations such as British Red Cross, Girl Guides and the Cats Protection League.‌

Helen Turley, Head of the Workplace, said: “We are really proud to receive the award because our students commit a lot of their hours to helping and supporting the local community. It was fantastic that their dedication was recognised.”

The University also runs many different projects to support the local community including a Language Support Scheme, Entrepreneurial, Creativity and Innovation Project, and Law Students Support Vulnerable Residents Projects.

In addition, staff across the University also regularly take part in volunteering and charity work within the region.

The Midlands Business Awards celebrate the finest business talent the region has to offer and winners were announced at a Gala Dinner in Birmingham last month.

ENDS

Pictured are the team from the University with the award

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