NUSU Go Volunteer

The Cure Usher Ball - Hilton Gateshead - 21st September 2024

Usher syndrome is a rare genetic disease that affects both hearing and vision.

The Cure Usher Ball are looking for volunteers to assist with the red carpet, take details of the tables bidding for prizes and assist the event coordinating team. The Ball will be covered by the national press and the cast of Coronation Street, Emmerdale, waterloo Road and Grantchester will be in attendance.

Time commitment: 4pm-9pm (you will have regular breaks for snacks and refreshments).

For more information and to register your interest contact Mark at [email protected]

Volunteering at Urban Green in Leazes Park

Starting in October, each Wednesday afternoon we will be helping out the Urban Green Park Rangers with conservation tasks in Leazes Park. Come along and lend a helping hand.

For more info, please contact [email protected]

Hartlepool Beach Clean, Sunday 15th September, 9am

The Marine Conservation Society organise beach cleans for the whole community and we are going to join in. On arrival we will be split into small teams and each do a section of beach. There is no charge to join, and this is an excellent way to understand what is going on with marine pollution, and how we can respond to it. There will also be time for ice cream or chips and sea-watching and paddling if that is your thing.

To claim your seat on the mini bus, please email [email protected]. Seats are limited to 15

A Tour of Tyneside's Landmarks, Saturday 14th September, 9am

Using the Student's Union Minibus we will go on a tour of Tyneside's landmarks south of the river. This will include the bridges and the Angel of the North before we head to the coast and you have the option of crossing the Tyne by ferry from South to North Shields. Your driver Mike is a knowledgeable guide to the locations, community projects and cultural life of the area.

Tickets are free, just signup by emailing [email protected] and he shall confirm your place. Seats are limited to 15.

Trip to the Lake District, Friday 19th July, 8am - 8pm

Due to student demand, we are planning a one-day trip to the Lake District as part of our commitment to students' mental well-being.

This will be a cheap but not luxurious trip. We shall use the Students' Union's 15 seat minibus to drive early in the morning to Ullswater. There will be the chance to go on the ferry steamer and do hill walking and waterfall walks.

Any questions or suggestions to [email protected]

Be quick to sign up!

A few spaces for a trip to Rupert's Wood in Northumberland have become available for THIS THURSDAY! Please email [email protected] if you are interested.

Well done to all of our Unsung Heroes! It was simply too difficult for the judges to pick a winner this year, as so many of you have gone above and beyond to help others. They therefore felt that you all deserved to be recognised.

Congratulations to Albert Winch, winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering Award!

Albert has been RAG's project coordinator this academic year. He has brought an enthusiasm to the role that has been vital in rebuilding the project after dormancy. As with a lot of projects in their infancy, it's all about trial and error, and nothing has failed to break his spirit. He is solution-minded and people-focused, always coming up with new fundraising ideas and being an example project lead. He dedicates his time to good causes, committee members, the student body and the Go Volunteer team.

Newcastle University First Responders Quiz Night - Friday 14th June

Newcastle University First Responders are a voluntary service where Newcastle University medical students provide a uniformed first-responder service to 999 calls in the North East.

Help then to raise money to support the work they do by coming along to their Quiz night. You can buy tickets on the door for £2 each, or on the NUSU website https://nusu.co.uk/events/id-vol/1979-newcastle-university-first-responders-quiz-night

Raffle prizes include:
- Two Tickets (+ Drinks) for Junkyard Golf
- AIRBNB Voucher (Manchester worth £150)
- Newcastle University Branded Hoodie
- One Year Gym Membership
- Two Cake and Barista Coffees at Cake Stories
- Two £10 Amazon Vouchers
- Two Meal Deals at Zapista
- £30 Eldon Square Voucher
- £20 Greggs Voucher
- Barbour Jacket (choice of styles)
- Three Personal Trainer Sessions at Gym
- Happy Hour at Lush for 5 People (worth £150)

Congratulations to the winner and runner up of the Wellbeing Champion Award, Maxime Levasseur and Joel Lai!

Joel is the president of the Medical Education Society. Joel has conducted a welfare check on each of the 27 committee members once per term. He always remembers small details from conversation and has made the committee feel more cohesive. He takes a grounded and level-headed approach to problems. He is a listening ear, non-judgemental, supportive and trustworthy.

As Charity and Welfare Officer of Dance Club, Maxime planned 2 wellbeing events per month this academic year. Although in previous years there has not been funding for the welfare aspect of Dance Club, Maxime’s strong contributions to the successful Gold EYS application meant that she received money to fund her wellbeing events – e.g., buying tools to crochet legwarmers etc. This ensured that everyone could attend many wellbeing activities, regardless of finances, as the tools were provided at each event. She also organised a session with Dr Tracy Donachie for ‘Time to Talk’ day in February – this was on perfectionism in dance. She created a social media campaign called “In the spotlight”, where on key dates of the year different types of dancers are put in the spotlight, to demonstrate that everyone can get involved in Dance – Maxime believes that if people feel included and like they belong, they have better wellbeing too.

Congratulations to the winners and runner up of the Student Leadership Award, N.E.S.T Project Leads and Myka Lockhart!

As SciFair 24 Project Lead, Myka, was responsible for organising and expanding the event. The project was originally a one day science competition that 11 - 16 year olds would attend with projects they had made. This year, an all new committee took over under Myka's leadership, taking place over multiple days. The event was a huge success with many attendees saying how much they had enjoyed the day and would return next year.

N.E.S.T is a student-led project at Newcastle University Students’ Union that supports local refugees and asylum seekers in a variety of ways. None of it would be possible without the work of over 50 incredible student Project Leads. The ESOL Project comprises of 4 English classes, 6 days per week for adult refugee and asylum seekers. One of the cornerstones of our success lies in the innovative strategies employed by ESOL Project Leads to support service users along their learning journey. Additionally, the N.E.S.T Schools Project is designed to provide in-school support for children from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds. Volunteers run reading comprehension activities, introducing English sessions, lunch time clubs, after school clubs to support the students’ academic, emotional and social development. Moreover, Literacy Champions are self-led volunteers who believe in the mission of the National Literacy Trust and want to increase literacy skills in their community, creating a more equal society. Literacy Trust Project Leads coordinate with representatives from the Literacy Trust to organise book donations, a creative literacy after school club, library sign-ups, story time clubs, and many more literacy-based sessions.

Congratulations to BrushUp and Hai Anh Nguyen, winners and runner up of the Community Outreach Award 2024!

Hai Anh has been involved in Grow Volunteer, A Second Life and the Bowsden Community Garden Project, where she helps enhance the local environment but also fosters a sense of unity among residents. She is also a Volunteer Ranger at Gosforth Nature Reserve, and has spent summers as a Volunteer Gardener at Belsay Hall. Hai Anh participates in North East Community Public Tree Planting Events organised by various environmental organisations like Northumberland Wildlife Trust, North East Community Forest and Newcastle City Council. Whether it's hedgerow planting at Ouseburn Farm or woodland creation at Kings Coronation Woodland, each planting event represents an effort to support a tangible step towards a greener and more sustainable future community for her.

BrushUp provide dental education and oral hygiene advice to a diverse range of community groups, often targeting the most vulnerable in society. So far this academic year, they have visited over 30 different community groups such as local schools, parent & baby groups, adults with learning difficulties, alternative education units (e.g., autism, physical disabilities) and drop in sessions for asylum seekers. These students do vital work, voluntarily and with consummate professionalism, ensuring correct preventive messaging is provided to those most in need either directly to individuals or by educating stakeholders and/or carers. Their work so far this academic year will have impacted over 1,300 local residents of all ages.

Congratulations to the Ecological Society and Thrifty Chef, the winners and runners up of the Sustainability Champion Award!

The Ecological Society advocates for sustainable development and conservation within the local community. Projects such as tree planting with Durham Wildlife Trust, beach cleaning and boardwalk repairs in Rupert's Wood allow for students to get in touch with nature while doing something environmentally friendly, combatting climate change and improving biodiversity.

Thrifty Chef provide a more affordable and sustainable option for customers who are looking to reduce food waste and support environmentally friendly practices. This academic year, they have saved 1057kg of greenhouse gas emissions. This has been because the food that would've gone to waste is being saved, so the GHG output from their production isn't going to waste.

Congratulations to Leo and Jonathan, the runner up and winner of the Accessibility and Inclusion Award 2024!

Leo volunteers their time as the Disability Officer for the 23-24 year. Leo got a Disability Policy passed on how we can be more inclusive to our diverse student body, including those who are disabled. Furthermore, they were one of the presenters at NUSU's Student Summit and presented on the issue of a lack of staff Disability Training. Leo delivered this training in collaboration with the LUNA Project. They were also involved in the APP Student Collaborative Group to contribute to the development of the new APP.

Jonathan volunteers their time as the Ethnic Diversity Officer for the 23-24 year. Jonathan worked on the BAME Welcome Pack and has submitted council motions. They are also on the committee for the BAME Community Fund and have worked with our Activities Officer Alex on various Festival of Culture Events as well as supporting various societies with their events. Jonathan is also working on content to support and clearly signpost students who experience racism on campus. Furthermore, they were one of the presenters at our first Student Summit and presented on the issue of a lack of staff representation in University Support Services and lack of culturally sensitive services.

Congratulations to the winners and runners up of the Fundraiser of the Year Award!

Newcastle University Dance Club raised a record-breaking £2089.48 at their annual fundraiser 'Newcastle Come Dancing' for FACT Cancer Support. 11 'professionals' (members of dance club) were partnered with 11 'celebrities' (volunteers from various societies across the university) with the hope of being crowned champions. All professionals choreographed and taught routines to celebs, which required months of rehearsal and preparation. Two committee members hosted the black tie event and the judges were made up of three dance club alumnae and the NUSU AU and Activities officers.

The Modern Languages Society intramural 7-a-side football team, Borussia Modernlangbach, underwent a month-long running challenge to raise money for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). For every 1 person that takes their own life, 7 people are directly affected, so the team decided to run the distance of the Tyne & Wear Metro system 7 times over, totalling 542.5km. Each and every team member swapped their boots for running shoes, culminating in a team run from West Jesmond metro to Tynemouth metro (14km) at the end of the month. They managed to raise £2000 for CALM.

Congratulations to the winners and runners up of the Cost of Living Champion Award!

Also the runners up of the New Volunteer Project of the Year award, Thrifty Chef sell their meal kits at £3 for 2 portions. They also sell overnight oats for £2.50. The average UK university student spends £199 on groceries, takeaways and eating out in a month, which equates to £7.11 per day. Their meal kits provide an affordable solution to this problem. Furthermore, Thrifty Chef strive to improve the cooking skills of their customers, which enables them to be able to replicate their recipes, reducing the dependency on more expensive takeaways or ready meals.

Procrastiknitting have worked with the baby bank in Percy Main this year, to donate handmade items of clothing, such as knitted jumpers, hats, booties, and blankets. Parents are referred, much like a food bank, and receive a baby bundle including clothes and nappies. Each item takes several hours to make (hat around 3, jumper can be 10+ depending on complexity), and they are thoughtfully made.

Congratulations to the winners and runners up of the Students for Students Award!

Nightline is a confidential and anonymous listening service run by students for students. Nightline’s volunteers donate their time for to be a friendly ear or a shoulder to cry on. Whether students are concerned about assignments, the transition to university, mental health difficulties, relationships, or anything else on their minds, Nightline is there to listen. They don’t judge, they don’t advise, they simply provide a safe space for when students have something on their minds and just want to be heard. Since the start of the academic year, listening volunteers have spent a total of 7085 hours on shift and in call, with each volunteer completing at least one 12-hour shift per month. All listening volunteers undergo vigorous training in active listening, a total of 300 hours committed between volunteers this year. Volunteers also regularly attend volunteer meetings that help to improve the service we provide to students.

Islamic Society provides valuable support to Muslim students year after year. One of their primary means of assistance is through organising daily iftars (the meals to break fast) during Ramadan. This ensures that fasting students have access to a complimentary meal to break their fast. Additionally, ISoc hosts evening extra prayers (taraweeh) during Ramadan, which consistently draw over 100 attendees. Furthermore, ISoc arranges a weekly Friday prayer for students on campus.

Wednesday 15th May - Gosforth Nature Reserve

To the north of Newcastle is an important and varied nature reserve run by the Natural History Society of Northumbria. It has reedbeds, lakes, woodland, badgers and birdsong. On this day we are going to help the society take delivery of lots of gravel, and join their volunteers with wheelbarrows and spades. But we will also get the chance to see the reserve and get an insight into their work.

To sign up, email [email protected]

Congratulations to the winners and runners up of the New Volunteer Project of the Year award!

The runners up, Thrifty Chef, is a meal kit service that focuses on reducing food waste. Volunteers source ingredients that are nearing their expiration date but are still safe to eat from local suppliers. The meal kits are designed to use these ingredients in creative and simple ways, and the service offers tips on how to store and use ingredients to extend their shelf life. The goal of this service is to provide a more affordable and sustainable option for customers who are looking to reduce food waste and support environmentally friendly practices.

The winners, Under One Sky, aim to improve the lives of those affected by homelessness in Newcastle. They do this by running weekly walks where a group of student volunteers walk around central Newcastle with supplies, such as food, hot drinks, underwear, hats, gloves, hand-warmers and sanitary products. Their pool of volunteers has now grown to over 25 volunteers, with new students joining every week.

We are hiring!

Applications for the N.E.S.T Schools Project Worker are now open.

https://nusu.co.uk/news/article/job-nestprojectworker24

Join RAG (Raising & Giving at your Students' Union) on Monday 13th May for Musical Bingo at Luther's Bar!

Bingo cards cost £1.50 each, or £5 to play all 5 rounds. Rounds including "School Disco" and "Noughtie Nineties".

The event will start at 7pm, so come along to celebrate the year, take a night off from exam stress and raise money for a great cause (Children North East).

No need to book, just turn up!

Picnic at the Nick - Sunday 12th May

Blakehope Nick has a unique and exciting installation, created by Newcastle University Architecture Students. It is located at a wild and remote threshold point, accessible only by the seasonal road, the Kielder Forest Drive, which has reopened to the public this month.

Meet 9.30 am by the Arches. We shall drive to the Nick, with picnics and camping stoves for a break from campus. Returning via the Kielder reservoir this is primarily a rural sightseeing trip, with no walking planned, and we intend to be back on campus by 2pm.

If you are interested email [email protected]
As this is a late notice call, it may be that we reschedule the visit to a date in June, so even if you cannot attend on Sunday, email to express your interest anyway!

A Day Visit to Chain Bridge Honey Farm

Friday 10th May, 10am - 5pm

The best place to learn about and taste the beautiful world of honeybees is Chain Bridge Honey Farm. It is situated on the river tweed and has cafes, exhibitions and a cornucopia of products by the thousands of bees they keep up in the heather hills.

Join Go Volunteer and Bee Soc in this one-off trip to sample the honey and learn about their world. We will also take a short visit to the beach at Berwick to breathe in the salty air. This trip is ideal for those needing a break from deadlines stress and for those who want to get out of the city.

There is no charge for the trip, just bring some money for the café and maybe some treats to take home.

To sign up, email [email protected]

Coquetdale Walking

This is an opportunity to stretch your legs in one of Northumberland’s most beautiful valleys. Whether or not we climb the hills shall depend upon the weather and our spirits on the day. Any student is welcome to sign up, dress well for the outdoors and join us for a walk of between 3 and 4 hours. We shall first drive in NUSU’s minibus to the village of Alwinton and then select a walk appropriate to the day’s weather from those recommended by the National Park. Don’t get stuck indoors, make a tasty packed lunch and come experience beautiful Northumberland with a relaxed group. To sign up, email [email protected]

Curlew Survey TOMORROW, Saturday 27 April!

This is very last minute notice to participate in a curlew survey. The most iconic wading birds we have, and under threat, this will be a walk around the fields of a Northumberland farm that hopes to have curlews breeding this year. As soon as a nest is discovered, the RSPB is informed and they construct a fence around the site to discourage predation.

If this is of interest, email [email protected] before 10pm Friday (26th April) and be ready at 7am (yes, really!) to be driven to the site. You will be back on campus before 1pm. Other opportunities to survey and support the RSPB will be available throughout the year, talk to Mike if they are of interest.

On 30th April at 8pm, students are hosting a bingo fundraising event for Friends Action North East, a local charity who support adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.

Lots of great prizes to be won, including NUFC stadium tours and Eldon Square!

Location: BierKeller

Get your tickets here: https://fixr.co/event/boozy-bingo-fundraiser-tickets-944545602

10, 000 trees need rescuing and we are going to do our part to help!

This Sunday, 28th April, meet at 9am outside NUSU and travel together to a site which is prepared to take them. This is a mass effort of 'heeling in' trees. All welcome. Back on campus approx 3pm.

Email [email protected]

Rupert's Wood Boardwalk! Saturday 27th April

Our aim is to provide a ramp to end the boardwalk that takes wheelbarrows and wheelie suitcases up to the wild campsite of Rupert's Wood. Students and other volunteers have been working on this repair (now and then) for many weeks, and now we have the kids' camps in the schedule it is time to make a smooth finish. So come and join us with hammers and nails, saws and spades, to complete the ending of the safe smooth path into the woods. To participate or find out more email [email protected] We meet at 10.30 and return approx. 5.30. Bring a packed lunch, plus we shall have an outdoor fire to make hot drinks.

Techy Tea Parties Recruitment Event! Friday 26th April

2 – 3.30pm, City Library, Level 4, Room 5

They are looking for anyone over 18 who has good IT skills, knowledge of how to access and use the internet with confidence and a passion for helping others.

If you are interested in coming along on the 26th April, please email [email protected] and they can book you a place.

Bird Boxes in the Woods! Friday 26th April

A group of 6 students is needed to use ladders and other tools and install more birdboxes in Rupert's Wood. We shall meet at 10.30 and return approx. 3pm. All tools and supervision is provided, To participate or find out more email [email protected]