This week (8^th-14^th February) is National Student Volunteering Week. Now entering its 21^st year, SVW aims to celebrate the impact of student volunteers and encourage students to engage in civic life.

At Trailblazers, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the students who have volunteered with us over the years, in a range of different roles. Each and every one of you has brought something unique and valuable to the organisation and our mentees.

We also want to encourage any students out there who are thinking of getting involved in volunteering this SVW to consider Trailblazers as a fantastic option. The chance to mentor a young man in custody over a sustained period, building a meaningful relationship with that individual, and supporting them on their journey ‘through-the-gate’ and after release is a unique opportunity. Our mentors not only have the chance to give so much to our mentees at this pivotal time in their life, but can also gain skills, experiences and memories that would be of huge benefit to so many students.

Ahead of SVW, we caught up with a couple of our student volunteers to ask them why they got involved with Trailblazers and whether they would recommend the experience to other students.

Gavin is currently undertaking a 70-day placement with Trailblazers’ HMYOI Brinsford project as part of the second year of his Social Work course at the University of Wolverhampton. He told us, ‘I volunteered because I believe a person’s life should not be defined by mistakes they have made. In a punitive society it is very hard to find people who believe in giving people who have been in prison a chance to follow a positive life path. At Trailblazers, I found a group of dedicated people who were determined to fight the corner of these men and go above and beyond to help them succeed in life. This approach is in line with my own values and, collectively, Trailblazers can and does make a difference.’

Another student mentor who has recently been matched with a mentee being released from HMP/YOI Isis described her experience of volunteering with us: ‘Trailblazers gave me the opportunity to do my student placement with them. As well as helping mentees, the staff were extremely helpful in providing support to me as a new mentor to fulfill my own personal educational goals. Once I become fully qualified [with an Education & Training Diploma] in a couple of months, I would like to use these skills effectively within Trailblazers as a mentor, trainer and facilitator.’

Gavin also encouraged other students to get involved, explaining the commitment can easily fit around your studies, and even enhance them: ‘It is often easy to see volunteering as a time-consuming endeavour, but the role in which you partake with Trailblazers is flexible and the satisfaction it brings makes every second worth it. People of all different ages and from all different backgrounds are trailblazers, so do not be put off if you think your life experience is not relevant, we all bring distinctly different qualities to Trailblazers and that is what makes the organisation special. Personally, you will get so much out of it. For me, Trailblazers has allowed me to grow as an individual and given me a unique insight into the fantastic work charities like Trailblazers do. Whatever you go on to do post-university, I would urge anyone reading this to volunteer and be a part of something that does change lives.’

Trailblazers’ volunteer mentor role is now advertised via the University of London’s careers service, The Careers Group, and we continue to deepen our links with other further education institutions like the University of Wolverhampton. If you are a student, aged 21 or over and interested in volunteering with us, we would love to hear from you.