A university is celebrating the impact of its volunteers during Volunteers’ Week.

Southampton Solent University is marking the national event by highlighting the contributions of students, alumni, and staff who dedicate their time to support others.

In the 2024/25 academic year, alumni have contributed more than 200 hours of volunteering to the university.

Their involvement has helped enhance the learning experience for current students through mentoring, industry insights, and professional guidance.

One such alumna is BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing Practice graduate Jasmine Raven, who began volunteering after graduating in summer 2024.

Jasmine, whose studies were affected by a cancer diagnosis, now supports current nursing students by sharing her experiences as both a patient and a nurse.

She said: "It has been deeply meaningful to highlight the impact a nurse’s approach to sensitive or uncomfortable topics can have on a patient’s experience.

"Sharing insights from my own cancer treatment as a young person has felt pivotal – raising awareness of the care I received and encouraging nurses to approach their patients with greater compassion and understanding.

"I hope my contributions have helped shape more empathetic, effective nurses."

Jasmine recently supported first-year nursing students during a six-week simulated placement in the university’s Human Health Lab, which replicates a real hospital ward.

Other alumni are also giving back through volunteering.

Oliver Daglish, a graduate of both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at Solent’s Department of Sport and Health, returned this year to share his experiences of working in the sports industry.

He said: "I remember being in the student’s shoes (what feels like) not so long ago; sitting in the lecture hall being inspired by practitioners in the field.

"The thought of my experiences and lessons helping inspire current students gives me a great sense of fulfilment and is the least I can do to help give back something to the lecturers who helped me on my journey."

Staff at the university are also making a difference through the Make a Difference scheme, which allows employees to volunteer during work hours.

Since the start of the academic year, staff have supported charities including Southampton City Farm and Surfers Against Sewage.