Applications for Students to Inspire 2021/22 are now closed. Check out our other opportunities here.

What is Students to Inspire?

Students to Inspire is a volunteering programme which will empower you to connect and learn about the Bristol community through showcasing local people’s real-life stories. You will take action in your own unique way with the support of Bristol Hub and Krish & Will at Tales to Inspire.

The project aims to create a safe space for people in the community to share their inspiring and unique stories via the power of a video, blog, podcast, magazine, live event and so many other ways. We hope that this can highlight important social causes in the city and give a platform to underrepresented groups and individuals.

Why is this project important?

We are currently in the midst and recovery of a global pandemic, which has had a considerable toll on mental, as well as physical health. Social issues like racial injustice and prejudice have also taken centre-stage. The pending economic crisis and global threat of climate change threaten a continuation of human suffering...

We can make a difference! We can transform negativity into positivity. However, we must unite towards a common goal based on the mutual respect of life, for all of us to bring out our best selves. A revolution of self-mastery, where we can take responsibility for our own actions and make a meaningful and lasting impact.

We want to be able to support you to build bridges with people you wouldn't have otherwise have met, showcasing their stories to help transform their own lives and take that inspiration to the wider community.

An all round revolution, where nobody is left behind.

What will I be doing?

You will work together with other students and the Student to Inspire team to collect and present inspiring stories from within Bristol community. This may include individuals who have overcome difficulty, have a unique story to share or have made a significant impact in the community. The stories you showcase can be motivated by social causes you already feel passionate about or you can work with the team to identify people and causes that would benefit from having a platform. If you want to learn about Bristol and give a voice to those in the community, we want to hear from you.

Students will work in groups to ensure that they can support each other and delegate tasks amongst themselves. You will take part in a variety of activities and workshops to support you to engage with the community and complete your projects. Stories can be presented as a blog, a video series or another medium that you see fit. The programme will culminate in a live showcase event at the university, bringing together all stakeholders.

This project aims to:

1. Build bridges between students and the local community;

2. Highlight important people, existing work and social causes in the city;

3. Empower individuals and organisations in the community to share their stories;

4. Create a movement of inspiration through the power of sharing stories in Bristol.

What will you gain?

The programme will involve workshops which allows you to gain key skills to help you progress through the project. Will and Krish on the Student to Inspire team will be your mentors to ensure that you can reach out for support where necessary and Sorcha at Bristol Hub is available to help you create community connections.

To ensure you are equipped with the right knowledge and confidence to start, we will have an introductory session. This will cover what the project aims to achieve and what students can gain from the process.

The project is aimed at developing the following skills:

• Communication and interpersonal skills

• Confidence

• Leadership

• Raising social awareness

• Teamwork

• Marketing and branding

• Organisation and community development

• Self development and empowerment

Project Timeline

• 6th October: Applications Close
• 11th October: Launch Day
• Teaching Block 1: Students will work with Krish and Will to collect stories from around the university, working together to share the inspirational things people have been experiencing. Throughout students will receive training and guidance to thrive in this role.
• End of Teaching Block 1: Showcase day to celebrate the stories and students achievements.
• Teaching Block 2: Students use their new skills to work with local community groups to collect and share stories around social issues in Bristol.
• End of Teaching Block 2: Showcase day for community stories!

Training and Support

To equip you with the tools and support to collect your stories as a team, Bristol Hub and Tales to Inspire will delivery a comprehensive training schedule as part of the programme. You will learn about:

• Project Management
• Storytelling
• Teamwork
• The Social Impact Sector
• Safeguarding

This volunteering opportunity is excellent for anyone who wants experience in journalism or is considering a career in the social impact sector. Although you will also develop key transferable skills for any career.

Bristol Hub and Tales to Inspire are happy to provide a reference to anyone who completes the programme.

Before you apply

Please note that applications for Students to Inspire 2021/22 are now closed.

The programme is open to undergraduates in their 2nd year onwards, and postgraduate students. We welcome students across all disciplines.

There are a few things you need to know before you apply:

• There are 15 places on the scheme - it is competitive! Take time on your application.
• We'll endeavour to match you with an organisation that you're interested in, but also that fits with your skillset.
• The programme is a commitment of 2 - 5 hours a week. Before you apply, consider whether you are able to commit the amount of time needed for both you and the charities taking part, to get the most out of Students to Inspire.
• You will need to be able to attend training sessions, the launch and showcase event to participate. These take place on various Wednesday afternoons throughout.

How to apply

• You will need to complete and submit an online application form.
• You don't need any specific experience to take part in Students to Inspire - just an interest in the social impact sector and an eagerness to learn more about people in the community!

Have any questions about the application process or need reasonable adjustments made? Please contact [email protected]. We are inclusive and encouraging of all University of Bristol students who want to volunteer, and welcome BAME, LGBTQ+ and disabled applicants.

Accessibility and inclusion

Bristol Hub is committed to making our activities inclusive to all students. We can make reasonable adjustments to application processes, training sessions, volunteering projects and other activities on a case-by-case basis. We also provide ongoing support for the students we work with, so if you have particular accessibility needs, including special educational needs, please email [email protected] and let us know how we can make this activity more accessible. We ensure that all our activities, training and events are safe spaces, you can read more about our Safe Space Policy.

This project won't cost you! We reimburse all travel expenses and DBS checks for volunteers on our projects.

Questions?

Email [email protected] and a staff member will be able to answer any questions.

The Bristol PLUS Award

Students can get recognition for taking part in extra-curricular events and projects run by Bristol Hub through the Bristol PLUS award, which is run by the Careers Service.

The Award provides a framework for students to reflect on the skills they have gained and learn how to articulate them effectively to future employers. For more details and learn how the PLUS Award could benefit you please see the Careers website.