Claire Brill 

Active Student - a volunteer's experience

Claire is studying Joint Honours Community History and Sociology and is based at Hastings 

Why did you decide to volunteer?

I decided it would be useful, to aid me with my studies and also get involved with the Hastings community.

Where have you volunteered through Active Student and what does that organisation/project do?

I volunteered with Sussex Heritage at the Old St Helen's Church in Ore Place, Hastings. Sussex Heritage restores listed buildings and other heritage sites.

What did you do in your volunteering role?

I attended a dig and also did some family and social history research for an exhibition at the History House in Old Town, Hastings.

What does a typical volunteering session for you involve?

Researching the census and using the reference library

What do you get out of volunteering? Any particular skills/knowledge?

I became more confident using the census and finding out about a particular family that I used as an example.

What do you enjoy about volunteering?

Meeting new people and being responsible for submitting the research.

How has Active Student supported you with your volunteering?

Jo Bevan [the Active Student Volunteering Officer at Hastings] has always been in touch regularly and offered any help if it was needed.

Would you recommend volunteering to other students and why?

Yes, I would. It's a good way to get involved within the local community, gives a positive representation for the University and also develops personal skills.

In one sentence, can you sum up your volunteering experience:

"I am proud to have been given an opportunity to be part of an exhibition. I would never have believed I would have done something like that three years ago."