Student Profiles

Sana Malik: Mathematics Student, talks about her experience of Whitechapel Mission

Why did you choose this charity/opportunity?

Growing up in East London has meant I have always been aware of homelessness at a superficial street level. I heard about this opportunity through the ‘provide’ volunteering service at my University (Queen Mary) and I wanted to get involved so I could more of an insight into this issue. Places like the Whitechapel mission rely on volunteers: and so I thought it was a good way to meet new people while volunteering for a worthwhile cause- cooking for the homeless.

What did you do?

It was an early start- 5.45am. We began by dividing up all the different tasks (someone needed to be in charge of frying the eggs, hash browns, cooking the sausage, washing up etc.) My first task was to take care of the toast- we toasted about 10 loaves of bread! We started serving at 8am- I was then responsible for washing dishes. After 10am all volunteers started the ‘big clean up’. We washed absolutely everything down- including gas cookers, tables, kitchen surfaces, wall tiles, floor etc.

Why should others get involved?

The Whitechapel Mission help clothe and feed some of our society’s most vulnerable people 7 days a week. This isn’t possible without volunteers- they’re a great organisation that provide much needed help. You also get alot out of it as well, not only does it feel good to give something back but it is a great opportunity to meet new people you would not usually meet otherwise. It was great fun- and I will return to do it again- I would encourage everyone to do this at least once!

Ruth Faulkner

Volunteering Officer - 2010-2011 - 2^nd Year Journalism and Contemporary History Student

“On coming to university I wanted to meet people and do something outside of my field of study I decided volunteering was the answer. I was met with open arms by a group of people committed to doing something different, and doing it for a cause, and I was soon addicted.

"I particularly liked the plethora of different experiences this year; I have gone from planting trees, to marshalling the BUPA 10K run, to doing media work for the London Youth Games and looking after Mayor of London Boris Johnson. The opportunities are a lot more varied than some people think, and with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games looming they are just getting bigger.

"In my opinion university isn't just about studying, it's about all the other experiences you get too and it's about being involved. It will be those people that get involved that will have really interesting, different things to talk about when they finish.”

Nikita Saini – English – 2^nd year

"Volunteering with Provide at Queen Mary is a fantastic opportunity, as it offers the chanceto get involved with a wide array of activities that support some truly meaningful causes.During my first year at university I was involved with a number of Community Action Days(CADs), the most memorable being Sport Relief 2010 as I had a fantastic time with myfriends on the volunteering team from the start of the day to our mile run for charity at the end!   "Volunteering so far has given me a real insight into the momentous efforts people put in, and I would definitely carry on contributing as it has really made me appreciate the importance of raising awareness for worthy causes. I would recommend any student to give their time to volunteering as it is extremely rewarding being part of a team and doing your part for a cause that really needs it."

Joanna Czerwinska - 2^st year chemistry with forensic science

"I have joined Provide Volunteering in order to socialise and bring help. However, now I realise that volunteering is not only about helping but also about developing one's character and interpersonal skills. Throughout my first academic year I managed to take part in various activities starting from planting trees, through fundraising and finally ending up participating in bigger events such as Sport Relief or BUPA 10k and I have enjoyed each second of them!   "As an appreciation of my enthusiasm and dedication I have obtained a Silver Contribution Award Certificate which indicated that I have spent more than 50 hours volunteering throughout the academic year 2009-2010. Now I am aiming to take advantage of the skills that I have gained and participate in London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games ."