Volunteering With UNISEX

Are you interested in the work that UNISEX does?

Do you want to meet new people, socialise and have fun whilst learning new skills?

Perhaps you want something extra for your CV, to really make you stand out from the crowd?

Why not volunteer with UNISEX?

The UNISEX volunteer programme has been designed to offer an exciting and enriching experience during your time at University. Volunteers enable everything we do, so in return we offer a unique opportunity to be part of something really special.

What would I gain by volunteering with UNISEX?

In depth knowledge about sex, drugs and alcohol.

The opportunity to work with a friendly and sociable bunch of your peers.

A variety of training opportunities, both ‘in house’ and externally.

Transferable skills that will look great on your CV, such as effective communication and teamwork.

Nationally recognised accreditation for your time volunteering.

The chance to make a real difference in your community.

What do volunteers do?

Once you are trained as a UNISEX volunteer you are only limited by your imagination! Whether you are interested in being a sexual health advisor or a project manager we will aim to accommodate your goals.

To see a few examples, Click here to download a pdf file for detailed information about some of the roles that are available within the UNISEX volunteer team.

What training will I get?

Compulsory training consists of an intoductory evening and two full days on a weekend.

This training is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to volunteer, including; detailed info about sexual health (Saturday), drugs and alcohol (Sunday) and communication, listening and team work skills.

Feedback from past training weekends includes:

‘The training was always really fun and interactive. I never felt like the time was dragging. A mixture of working in smaller groups and the whole group was great and rotating made you get to know everyone.’

‘The presentation of information in a fun and interactive way really makes things easier to remember.’

‘I think the folder packs (Volunteer Handbooks) are a great idea and include everything we need at the moment as new volunteers.’

‘Very good training session overall – lots of variety and the activities in the session seem to relieve nerves!’

After the training weekend, there is a variety of further training that volunteers can opt into. This includes:

Drop-in training

Outreach training

Pregnancy testing training

Volunteers can also take part in training with external organisations, for example Terrence Higgins Trust & the Primary Care Trust.

How will I be supported?

It is very important to us that you feel safe, confident and well supported throughout your time as a volunteer.

You will be guided by an existing volunteer who has been specially trained to act as a mentor.

In 2007/2008, 100% of participants felt that having a mentor improved thier volunteering experience.

Other feedback included:

'Having such an enthusiastic mentor really motivated me at the start.'

'[My mentor] made my first few drop-in sessions a lot less daunting!'

'I really enjoyed meeting with a supportive mentor - it made discussing goals and achievements easy and flexible.'

Your mentor will guide you through a Volunteer Venture Plan; a simple, step-by-step plan that will help you get the most out of your time volunteering.

Fancy getting involved? See the menu on the left for details on How to Apply.