Volunteering is an excellent route to employment, but there are many good reasons why people volunteer and lots of rewards. Here is our top ten:

1. Make a difference to the lives of others
2. Learn about the sector you want to work in after you graduate
3. Try something new which may lead you to change or confirm your career plans
4. Give something back to your community and organisations that may have helped you or someone you know
5. Help others less fortunate or without a voice
6. Get to know your local community and expand your network of careers contacts
7. Gain new skills, knowledge and experience and develop existing skills and knowledge
8. Meet new people, make new friends, and become part of a team
9. Gain confidence and self-esteem
10. Enhance your CV and improve your employment prospects

All of our volunteering opportunities can contribute to the Lancaster Award.

Why the British Psychological Society thinks you should volunteer

"For young people and students, volunteering is an excellent opportunity to learn, develop, increase knowledge and gain some real world experience. It can enhance your CV and help increase your confidence. Volunteering your services to help others is not just hugely satisfying; it can also teach you skills that are invaluable to potential employers.

"If you are a psychology undergraduate finding work experience through volunteering is an excellent way to gain practical insight into a career in psychology and can give you the opportunity to find out whether you enjoy this type of work. Many postgraduate training programmes will require you to demonstrate significant relevant work experience in order to gain a place on their course."

British Psychological Society

You need to be a current undergraduate student at Lancaster University, studying Psychology as part of your degree programme. Opportunities will be advertised on the science and technology internships website.

We are mindful of workloads, so students are only able to undertake one Research and one Community placement at the same time.

Apply via our website and follow us on Facebook for vacancy updates.

• Applications will be made online, through the website
• Submit your CV and covering letter for the opportunities which appeal to you
• You can apply for up to three opportunities each year
• Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by university staff and the host organisation

See our current psychology volunteering opportunities

In order to advertise roles through our programme, we have selected organisations that provide opportunities to develop skills and experiences that will enhance your future employability, for example:

• Age UK
• The National Autistic Society
• Making Space
• Shelter

If your organisation would like to work with our Psychology students, please download our flyer or contact the Student Engagement Team.

Activity Co-ordinator, Making Space Supported Housing

The aims and objectives of the placement will be to provide support to tenants with a mental health related condition to organise group activities or outings, to increase social inclusion within the community and prevent isolation.

Events Organiser, Neuro Drop-In

To work as part of the team of staff and volunteers at the Neuro Drop-In to support their activities with clients and their fundraising activities.

Research Assistant – Lancaster University Babylab

To support ongoing research in the Babylab that is investigating how children learn from media including television, storybooks and touchscreens.

• During the volunteering placement you will be required to make a firm commitment to the organisation, as many will be working with vulnerable people
• Depending on your role, you may have to respect and deal with sensitive, personal, confidential information
• You will be asked to complete a reflective report once you have completed your placement – this will help you to strengthen your CV

Opportunities will either take place at the host premises, or remotely. We have deliberately chosen local organisations to minimise travel, and national organisations where volunteering can be done from your home, eg telephone befriending.