Celebrating International Volunteers Day
Hear from volunteers in our UoL community who give up their time as TalkCampus buddies, and how you can get involved!
International Volunteer Day, is celebrated on 5 December every year. It started in 1985, as an international observance mandated by the United Nations General Assembly. It is a day where volunteers are acknowledged and the spirit of volunteerism is promoted at the local, national and international levels.
At the University of London, students studying at Recognised Teaching Centres or by online, distance and flexible learning have the opportunity to volunteer year-round through TalkCampus, the mental health and wellbeing app. To date, 116 UoL students have taken part in the TalkCampus volunteering programme as TalkCampus Buddies, and we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate them today.
What is a TalkCampus Buddy we hear you ask:
TalkCampus Buddies are current students who have trained with TalkCampus to be a peer supporter on the platform.
What does a TalkCampus Buddy do:
- They welcome new students to the platform and ensure that TalkCampus is a warm, supportive environment for those taking their first steps to talking and sharing.
- They comment on posts and use supportive skills to convey empathy and help people feel heard.
- They set up their own groups and help people feel connected with each other.
- They offer one-to-one buddy support to someone who is struggling.
Meet some of our buddies:
Melisa
"Being part of the TalkCampus community has been an enriching and fulfilling experience. When I started my third year of BSc in Psychology, I saw it as a great opportunity to offer support for others, so I signed up as a Buddy in TalkCampus.
In a short period of time, I’ve learned a lot, not only about supporting others online better but also in my daily interactions. I gained confidence in responding to different comments, providing a listening ear, and showing compassion and understanding. I also found that the app is a wonderful place to express yourself; it’s a non-judgemental space where there are many people ready to provide support, advice, or a kind word of encouragement. I believe that not everyone is always ready to share their thoughts with friends and family. Yet, on TalkCampus, you can always share your feelings and thoughts, and people will be there for you.
TalkCampus is an amazing opportunity for all of us students who go through a lot of stress and anxiety during our degrees. Knowing that you have a place to express what you feel and that there will always be someone to support you is wonderful. It makes you realise that you do not have to carry the burden of your challenges alone. Being a Buddy has been extremely rewarding. I have gained confidence and experience as a peer support and learned much more about empathy and active listening. It is a wonderful experience to help others during challenging moments or simply share positivity and good vibes. This experience is invaluable in developing the necessary skills to become a psychologist in the future.”
Amit
Samira
How do I become a TalkCampus Buddy with UoL:
This International Volunteers Day, you might feel you want to give back and support other students. Why not become a UoL TalkCampus Buddy? For more information on how to apply please visit the link below:
Mental Health Volunteer Opportunities For Students | TalkCampus
This page was last updated on 4 December 2024