Employers

Jan Brown – Crime Prevention officer Lancashire Constabulary

Excellent communication skills are a key requirement for students who volunteer within this project as is the need for diplomacy and confidentiality. Students have the opportunity to develop these skills as they deal with the older residents who are referred to SAFE as well as a chance to work with the partner organisations. As an employer the Police we would look extremely favourably on this kind of experience from graduates.”

Current Students and Graduates

Philip Lees – Recent Graduate now working at a major legal firm

What skills do you think you have gained that would help with your future career goals and employability?

In recent interviews employers have been very interested by the SAFE project and it has become a major talking point. It allowed me to show different skills and teamwork that employers are looking for. I believe that people who take part in volunteering schemes have a significant advantage when it comes to interviews and being able to talk about their own experiences.

What advice would you give to a student considering  volunteering as an option ?

Go for it! I volunteered in my final year and to be honest, I wish I would have done it much earlier. The work itself is great and you are helping out the local community which is really satisfying. Besides this, getting some useful experience like this on your CV might be just what you need to tip the scales in your favor for a future job!

Anne Seed – Current Lancaster University – BA Criminology

What were your motivations for getting involved with the project?

I am currently a 3rd year criminology student and so getting actively helping vulnerable adults who have been a victim or may be a victim of crime was something I defiantly wanted to get involved with. I have also been accepted onto a masters course in social work and have work experience under my belt is defiantly a bonus.

What skills do you think you have gained that would help with your future career goals and employability?

Communication skills with the vulnerable adults we work with. You have to be able to successfully get your message across, being aware of hearing or sight difficulties with the elderly. Communication skills within social work is vital as the whole job is working with people.

What advice would you give to a student considering this project as a volunteering option?

Go for it! You get full training in all areas and full support from James  so if you’re stuck with anything or worried he’ll be more than happy to help.