Volunteer Hub
Student Angels Night-time Safety Volunteer (SU 26-27)
Organisation Details
UMSU Wellbeing Projects
Sub theme: Culture, Disability, Drugs, Alcohol and Addictions, Health and Wellbeing, Homeless and Housing, Human and Civil Rights, LGBT+, Mental Health, Race and Ethnicity, Youth Work and Young People
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: The University of Manchester's Student's Union is a independent charity that engages in fundraising, volunteering and wellbeing projects to better student welfare and enhance diversity, inclusion, and acceptance.
Description of role: ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT MAKING MANCHESTER SAFER AND WANT TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY?
Then we’d love to welcome you to the Student Angels! We are a night-time safety initiative delivered by the University of Manchester Students' Union in partnership with Manchester City Council. Our trained student volunteers patrol the Oxford Road Corridor on Friday and Saturday nights, providing practical support, first-response support, and welfare care to anyone who may be vulnerable.
Alongside providing direct support to the public, volunteers also collect anonymised engagement data that helps Manchester City Council and local partners identify emerging safety trends and inform evidence-based improvements to the city's night-time economy.
In 2024/25, our volunteers supported over 1,500 people across Manchester. By joining our team, you'll help create a safer, more welcoming city while developing valuable skills and becoming part of a supportive volunteer community.
WHAT DOES BEING A STUDENT ANGEL INVOLVE?
As a Student Angel, you'll volunteer as part of a small team of typically 3 volunteers (you’ll never be alone!) supporting people during Manchester's busiest nights.
No two shifts are the same… but your responsibilities may include:
• Providing a friendly, approachable safe point for anyone needing help, advice, or support.
• Supporting individuals who are intoxicated, distressed, injured, or vulnerable.
• Delivering basic first aid and welfare support following your training.
• Helping people reunite with friends, organise safe transport home, or locate appropriate support services.
• Providing harm reduction resources, including anti-spiking covers, hydration packs, and welfare supplies.
• Offering compassionate support to unhoused members of the community and signposting them to appropriate services where possible.
• Identifying safeguarding concerns and escalating serious incidents to emergency services when required.
• Communicating with partner organisations and emergency services using the Nitenet radio system.
• Recording anonymised shift data and engagement statistics to help identify emerging safety trends and inform improvements to Manchester's night-time safety initiatives.
• Working collaboratively with fellow volunteers and Student Angels staff to provide a visible, reassuring presence across the Oxford Road area.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
You don't need previous experience in first aid or community safety, we'll provide all the training you need! We're looking for volunteers who are:
• Passionate about supporting others and giving back to the Manchester community.
• Friendly, approachable and empathetic.
• Reliable and able to work well as part of a team.
• Calm under pressure and willing to learn new skills.
• Respectful of people from all backgrounds and committed to treating everyone with dignity.
• Comfortable engaging with sensitive issues in a professional, non-judgemental manner.
• Enthusiastic about promoting inclusion, wellbeing and community safety.
TRAINING AND SUPPORT
Don’t panic! We know Student Angels’ work is a big responsibility but we would never send you on a shift without being confident you have been fully prepared. So before your first shift, you'll receive comprehensive training.
Core training includes:
• Emergency First Aid
• Wellbeing and welfare support
• Safeguarding procedures
• Student Angels policies and night-time safety protocols
You'll also have opportunities to complete additional training in areas such as:
• Water Safety
• Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
• Women's and Marginalised Genders' Safety
• Harm Reduction approaches
Student Angels also works alongside organisations including the LGBT+ Foundation, MHFA England, St John Ambulance and Manchester's Women's Night-time Safety Charter, giving volunteers opportunities to learn from experienced professionals throughout the year!
VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT
Volunteer shifts usually take place Fridays and Saturdays (10:00pm – 3:00am), with occasional additional shifts during major events and festivals.
Our volunteering programme is designed to fit around your studies and other commitments. There is no minimum weekly commitment, you simply sign up for the shifts that suit your availability.
During every shift you'll:
• Volunteer as part of a small team.
• Be provided with all necessary equipment and resources.
• Receive regular breaks throughout the evening.
• Receive a £7.50 food and drink allowance.
• Have all travel expenses covered, including a taxi home at the end of your shift where required, so you don’t have to travel home late by yourself.
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for walking outdoors. High-visibility clothing and all specialist equipment will be provided.
WHAT WILL I GAIN FROM BECOMING A STUDENT ANGEL?
As a Student Angel, you will make a meaningful difference while developing highly transferable skills that are valued across a wide range of careers.
You'll gain experience in:
• First aid and emergency response.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Teamwork and leadership.
• Collecting and recording community safety data to support evidence-based improvements across Manchester's night-time economy.
• Insight into how local government, emergency services and community organisations work together to improve public safety.
• Problem-solving in dynamic situations.
• Safeguarding and risk awareness.
• Mental health and wellbeing support.
• Supporting diverse communities with confidence and empathy.
• Acting as an active bystander and promoting safer public spaces.
Many volunteers also build lasting friendships and become part of a welcoming community through regular socials, networking opportunities and volunteer events!
THE STUDENT ANGELS IMPACT
Every interaction you have contributes to a wider understanding of safety issues across Manchester's night-time economy. Working alongside Manchester City Council and local partners, Student Angels collect anonymised engagement data that helps identify emerging trends, evaluate current initiatives and support evidence-based improvements to community safety. Your volunteering will directly contribute to making Manchester a safer place for everyone.
SOUND LIKE SOMETHING YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF?
If you're looking for a rewarding volunteering opportunity where you can make a genuine difference to people's lives while developing valuable skills, we'd love to hear from you!
For any questions about the role, please contact the Student Angels Assistant at inclusion.su@manchester.ac.uk.
For support with your application or to discuss any accessibility requirements or reasonable adjustments, please contact the Students' Union Volunteering and Fundraising Team at volunteering.su@manchester.ac.uk.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
The University of Manchester Students' Union welcomes applications from all students, regardless of ethnicity, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or socio-economic background.
We are committed to creating an inclusive volunteering programme and will work with you to provide any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process and your volunteering journey.
Then we’d love to welcome you to the Student Angels! We are a night-time safety initiative delivered by the University of Manchester Students' Union in partnership with Manchester City Council. Our trained student volunteers patrol the Oxford Road Corridor on Friday and Saturday nights, providing practical support, first-response support, and welfare care to anyone who may be vulnerable.
Alongside providing direct support to the public, volunteers also collect anonymised engagement data that helps Manchester City Council and local partners identify emerging safety trends and inform evidence-based improvements to the city's night-time economy.
In 2024/25, our volunteers supported over 1,500 people across Manchester. By joining our team, you'll help create a safer, more welcoming city while developing valuable skills and becoming part of a supportive volunteer community.
WHAT DOES BEING A STUDENT ANGEL INVOLVE?
As a Student Angel, you'll volunteer as part of a small team of typically 3 volunteers (you’ll never be alone!) supporting people during Manchester's busiest nights.
No two shifts are the same… but your responsibilities may include:
• Providing a friendly, approachable safe point for anyone needing help, advice, or support.
• Supporting individuals who are intoxicated, distressed, injured, or vulnerable.
• Delivering basic first aid and welfare support following your training.
• Helping people reunite with friends, organise safe transport home, or locate appropriate support services.
• Providing harm reduction resources, including anti-spiking covers, hydration packs, and welfare supplies.
• Offering compassionate support to unhoused members of the community and signposting them to appropriate services where possible.
• Identifying safeguarding concerns and escalating serious incidents to emergency services when required.
• Communicating with partner organisations and emergency services using the Nitenet radio system.
• Recording anonymised shift data and engagement statistics to help identify emerging safety trends and inform improvements to Manchester's night-time safety initiatives.
• Working collaboratively with fellow volunteers and Student Angels staff to provide a visible, reassuring presence across the Oxford Road area.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
You don't need previous experience in first aid or community safety, we'll provide all the training you need! We're looking for volunteers who are:
• Passionate about supporting others and giving back to the Manchester community.
• Friendly, approachable and empathetic.
• Reliable and able to work well as part of a team.
• Calm under pressure and willing to learn new skills.
• Respectful of people from all backgrounds and committed to treating everyone with dignity.
• Comfortable engaging with sensitive issues in a professional, non-judgemental manner.
• Enthusiastic about promoting inclusion, wellbeing and community safety.
TRAINING AND SUPPORT
Don’t panic! We know Student Angels’ work is a big responsibility but we would never send you on a shift without being confident you have been fully prepared. So before your first shift, you'll receive comprehensive training.
Core training includes:
• Emergency First Aid
• Wellbeing and welfare support
• Safeguarding procedures
• Student Angels policies and night-time safety protocols
You'll also have opportunities to complete additional training in areas such as:
• Water Safety
• Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
• Women's and Marginalised Genders' Safety
• Harm Reduction approaches
Student Angels also works alongside organisations including the LGBT+ Foundation, MHFA England, St John Ambulance and Manchester's Women's Night-time Safety Charter, giving volunteers opportunities to learn from experienced professionals throughout the year!
VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT
Volunteer shifts usually take place Fridays and Saturdays (10:00pm – 3:00am), with occasional additional shifts during major events and festivals.
Our volunteering programme is designed to fit around your studies and other commitments. There is no minimum weekly commitment, you simply sign up for the shifts that suit your availability.
During every shift you'll:
• Volunteer as part of a small team.
• Be provided with all necessary equipment and resources.
• Receive regular breaks throughout the evening.
• Receive a £7.50 food and drink allowance.
• Have all travel expenses covered, including a taxi home at the end of your shift where required, so you don’t have to travel home late by yourself.
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for walking outdoors. High-visibility clothing and all specialist equipment will be provided.
WHAT WILL I GAIN FROM BECOMING A STUDENT ANGEL?
As a Student Angel, you will make a meaningful difference while developing highly transferable skills that are valued across a wide range of careers.
You'll gain experience in:
• First aid and emergency response.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Teamwork and leadership.
• Collecting and recording community safety data to support evidence-based improvements across Manchester's night-time economy.
• Insight into how local government, emergency services and community organisations work together to improve public safety.
• Problem-solving in dynamic situations.
• Safeguarding and risk awareness.
• Mental health and wellbeing support.
• Supporting diverse communities with confidence and empathy.
• Acting as an active bystander and promoting safer public spaces.
Many volunteers also build lasting friendships and become part of a welcoming community through regular socials, networking opportunities and volunteer events!
THE STUDENT ANGELS IMPACT
Every interaction you have contributes to a wider understanding of safety issues across Manchester's night-time economy. Working alongside Manchester City Council and local partners, Student Angels collect anonymised engagement data that helps identify emerging trends, evaluate current initiatives and support evidence-based improvements to community safety. Your volunteering will directly contribute to making Manchester a safer place for everyone.
SOUND LIKE SOMETHING YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF?
If you're looking for a rewarding volunteering opportunity where you can make a genuine difference to people's lives while developing valuable skills, we'd love to hear from you!
For any questions about the role, please contact the Student Angels Assistant at inclusion.su@manchester.ac.uk.
For support with your application or to discuss any accessibility requirements or reasonable adjustments, please contact the Students' Union Volunteering and Fundraising Team at volunteering.su@manchester.ac.uk.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
The University of Manchester Students' Union welcomes applications from all students, regardless of ethnicity, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or socio-economic background.
We are committed to creating an inclusive volunteering programme and will work with you to provide any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process and your volunteering journey.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Customer Service, Leadership, Oral Communication Skills, Practical Skills, Public Speaking, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Friday Evening, Saturday Evening
DBS required: On
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 1
Location:
UMSU, Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PR