Student Volunteering Week – Feb. 8, 2027

Expected Student Volunteering Week Deals

As a cause-driven observance, Student Volunteering Week focuses on mobilizing support and resources rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the Student Volunteering Network and Student Hubs often partner with universities and local businesses to facilitate fundraising campaigns, donation drives, and awareness events. Companies such as The Co-operative Bank and Lloyds Banking Group have historically supported community initiatives, potentially offering matching gift programs or grants during this period. Universities might host career fairs connecting students with non-profit organizations, while local businesses could offer discounts to student volunteers. We will update this page with confirmed live opportunities as February approaches.

History of Student Volunteering Week

The history of students in volunteer work can be traced to the evangelical revival of the 18th century. During this period, religious societies cropped up in various universities in the United Kingdom, working with student volunteers to support the sick and prisoners. By the early 19th century, missionary associations in Scottish universities, Oxford, Cambridge, and London medical schools started sponsoring mission work abroad.

From 1883, the university settlement movement spread across the United Kingdom, including major cities like Glasgow, Manchester, London, Bristol, Liverpool, Oxford, and Cambridge. Students that were part of this movement volunteered their time, especially during vacations, by participating in visits and summer camps, providing services to local people, and engaging in sports competitions. The Student Christian Movement (S.C.M.) was started in 1893 and has since grown to be considered a national student body for social education. By 1908, the organization had 130 college and university branches and a membership of over 5,000 students.

The role of university students during the First World War was significant, and it helped build interest in volunteering in the United Kingdom. These student volunteers helped provide support to Belgian refugees, engaged in fundraising efforts for the war, participated in farm labor camps, and worked with the Red Cross to provide first aid. They also offered support for post-war relief efforts for Russia and central Europe. Due to the conditions and needs of those times, students in England and Wales came together and formed the National Union of Students of England and Wales (N.U.S.). The N.U.S. was also a crucial part of aid efforts and post-war relief activities in the Second World War.

From the 1960s onward, Britain saw a rise in the number of voluntary and campaigning movements made possible by student volunteers. Amnesty International, the Child Poverty Action Group and Shelter, and Voluntary Service Overseas are a few of the organizations founded during that period. Also, in the 1960s, student volunteer work shifted from purely social service to broader community action. That led to increased government investment in student volunteering, the introduction of the Student Community Action and Student Hubs, and the birth of various rag groups and student volunteering week.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Student Volunteering Week