The Students’ Union is launching a new volunteer scheme where one student can buddy up with another to offer some extra support during COVID-19. Many University of Manchester students are currently isolating, or based off-campus, and this project aims to help link students up with each other and widen their social support network.
Volunteers will be matched with between one and three students, depending on their preference and time available. As a volunteer you would contact your buddy once or twice a week and arrange a contact schedule that suits you both. The volunteer is there to check in with their buddy, link them up with services and support across the University, and be an extra point of contact for that person.

Any student at the University of Manchester can volunteer as a buddy, although this role is particularly well-suited to those students in their second year of study or above, who have more familiarity with the University. You don’t need to have any particular prior experience as a volunteer, we are looking for any student with a friendly and helpful attitude who would like to use some of their time to help combat the isolation of others at this time.

All volunteers will be provided with safeguarding escalation training and a guide to signposting to services with the Students’ Union and wider University. We recognise that whilst this is a social support programme, many volunteers may be asked questions about mental health support, access to services, or academic queries, and want to ensure that all volunteers feel confident to signpost their buddy to the support they need. Volunteers will also be offered support with their own wellbeing, to ensure that they are comfortable and confident in their role and any queries or concerns are managed.

This project is a pilot, and we are currently planning to run until May 2021.

To help our team match you with a student, please answer the following questions in the 'Why do you want to apply for this role?' box below:
- Why are you interested in this role?
- How many students would you be happy to be matched with? We suggest 1-3 students.
- What period of time are you available until? E.g. until February, until June etc
- Please provide us with 3 hobbies and/or interests to help us match you with a student
- If you are happy to be matched based on your programme of study, please provide your course information
- Indicate your preference of phone contact, video calling contact, or either

FAQs

Can I complete this role from home?
This is a remote opportunity, and student volunteers do not need to be based in Manchester to participate. If you are based outside of the UK, see below.

I’m not based in the UK; can I still take part?
We recommend that student volunteers based outside of the UK either have access to free UK calls, or are happy to use a web-based software such as Zoom to contact your buddy. You can indicate this in your volunteer application.

How many hours a week am I expected to do?
Volunteers should expect to give a 0.5-2hrs per week per buddy they match with. You will agree the contact schedule with your buddy, and we recommend contacting them once or twice per week for a minimum of 30minutes.

Do these hours count for my Stellify award?
As a volunteer you will be responsible for logging and submitting your hours. These will be added to your Volunteer Hub record and count as ‘Making a Difference’ volunteering hours for the Stellify Award.

I’m a first-year student, can I be a buddy?
We recommend this role for students in their second year or above, but also welcome first year students to participate as a buddy.

Do I need any experience to take part?
No particular experience is needed, just a willingness to support another student.

What training is available for this role?
All volunteers will be provided with safeguarding escalation training and a guide to signposting to services with the Students’ Union and wider University. We recognise that whilst this is a social support programme, many volunteers may be asked questions about mental health support, access to services, or academic queries, and want to ensure that all volunteers feel confident to signpost their buddy to the support they need. Volunteers will also be offered support with their own wellbeing, to ensure that they are comfortable and confident in their role and any queries or concerns are managed.

Do I need a DBS check?
DBS checks are not required for this role. Volunteers should be aware that this is a peer support role, and should exercise their normal caution when engaging with their buddy. All volunteers will be able to escalate any issues to the Project Support Assistant.

How do I get a buddy for myself?
You can sign up to get a buddy here: https://manchestersu.typeform.com/to/Jh9WtP6s

How would I contact my buddy?
Your buddy’s details will be securely sent to you, and you can then contact them to decide how often you should be in touch. You and your buddy can agree on the format of your contact: whatsapp, email, phone call, or video call. Advice will be issued to you and your buddy around safety.

Will my personal information be sent to my buddy?
Our team will not provide your buddy with any of your personal details, only your name. You will receive your buddy's contact number and as a volunteer you can then decide what contact information you share with your buddy. Our team are available to provide advice around this.

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The University of Manchester and Students’ Union Volunteering Teams welcome and encourage all students to get involved in volunteering. As a University we promote equality and welcome students from all ethnicities, genders, religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, ages, socio-economic backgrounds and disabilities.
We aim to support all students in their application process and during volunteering. Should you need any help, and/or adjustments with the application or wider volunteering process please contact the University of Manchester Volunteering Team at: volunteers@manchester.ac.uk or the SU Team at volunteering.su@manchester.ac.uk
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