Support Student Volunteering Week — and be inspired to volunteer yourself

Taking place from Monday 9 – Sunday 15 February, the week will showcase the many ways students can get involved in meaningful volunteering that benefits local communities while developing skills, connections and confidence. 

Our Challenge Accepted campaign encourages students, colleagues and alumni to get out into the local community and make a difference – even small action can have big impact.

Throughout the week, students will be taking part in a range of activities including:

• Big Volunteer Day - our large annual volunteering event supporting the maintenance of Manchester’s parks and green spaces.
• International Volunteering event - an opportunity for students interesting in volunteering abroad to meet some some of our international volunteering organisations. 
• Green Wellbeing Project - a weekly run gardening project aims to create a slow, happy and healthy atmosphere to garden together.
• Post Pals card‑making sessions - where volunteers create handwritten cards for seriously ill children. 

How colleagues can get involved 

• Spread the word – encourage your students to explore volunteering opportunities and take part in the week’s events.

• Volunteer yourself - under our Volunteering Policy, all colleagues can take three paid leave days (pro rata) each year, to dedicate their time and skills to a local cause of their choosing.  

Be part of Student Volunteering Week 2026

Get involved, spread the word, and be part of Student Volunteering Week 2026 – because together, we can make a difference. As part of our strategy to 2035, the University has committed to connecting our students, staff and alumni to the causes that matter most.

Our new fundraising and volunteering campaign, Challenge Accepted, encourages students to get out into the local community and make a difference - every action helps build momentum. 

• Visit the Student Volunteering Week 2026 event page for a full list of activities taking place.