David Coles is the LSE Volunteer Centre Manager. His aim is to inspire and empower students to volunteer for causes they are passionate about.

As a truly epic Student Volunteering Week 2022 draws to a close it’s hard to feel nothing but pride for LSE students and the difference they make in our communities.

Since Monday, LSE students have raised hundreds of pounds for LSESU RAG, helped disabled people find accessible places in London, completed a beach clean in Brighton, spoken up about unethical international volunteering, served at a dinner party for local elderly people, shared their volunteering stories to inspire others and taken part in a further 10 events! All of this has been organised by our incredible team of Student Volunteering Ambassadors, led by Elizavet, Alice, Annie and Tanya.

I think by anyone’s standards this is impressive for a week’s work (!), but LSE students are donating their time every single day of the year for causes they care about. Our research shows that over 50% of undergrads, and 40% of students overall, will volunteer during their time at LSE – an army of volunteers.

They mentor young people, support those at risk of homelessness, run student societies, reach out to combat loneliness in elderly people, empower women and girls across the world, recycle food that would be wasted, act as consultants for charities, coach football, relate to refugees and offer their services in many other ways. They do this everyday, often without recognition, because they are passionate about making London, the UK and the world a better place.

If this spirit of volunteerism at LSE isn’t something to be proud of, and thankful for, then I don’t know what is. I hope you’ve all had a wonderful Student Volunteering Week, I’m already looking forward to next year.

If this has inspired you to volunteer, check out one of our other 90+ ongoing opportunities or book a one-to-one with David Coles, the Volunteer Centre Manager if you have more questions. And why not follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date with our events and opportunities and read our blog for more volunteering tips and stories.