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Challenge accepted: A volunteering day preserving Manchester’s advertising heritage

02 Jun 2026

Colleagues support the Richard Roberts Archive

Colleagues working in the archives with stacks of newspapers

A team from the University’s Future Leaders Graduate Programme used the colleague volunteering policy to spend a day with the Richard Roberts Archive (RRA) - a community‑run organisation dedicated to preserving one of the UK’s largest collections of advertising magazines.

Based at its Stockport site, the group swapped campus for archive gloves and labelling pens. From sorting and handling materials to supporting ongoing cataloguing work, the team gained a first‑hand look at the scale of the archive and the passion behind it.

Josh:
“A real highlight of the day was seeing first‑hand the passion and care that goes into preserving the archive and making it accessible to others.”

Eleanor:

“Looking through the ads from decades ago was so interesting to see how our approaches to certain things like health, driving, eating and smoking have changed! Seeing the visual material from each decade was very insightful.”

Inspired to volunteer?

Josh:
“I’d definitely encourage colleagues to use their volunteering days – even a small amount of time can make a meaningful contribution. And if you’re considering the Richard Roberts Archive, they’re always looking for help. Plus, they keep volunteers well supplied with tea, coffee and biscuits!”

Find out more 

  • Volunteering Policy: all colleagues are entitled to three paid leave days (pro rata) each year, to dedicate their time and skills to a local cause of their choosing.
  • Challenge Accepted: our fundraising and volunteering campaign is one of the first bold steps in delivering our Manchester 2035 strategy; committing to becoming a great philanthropic university by connecting people to the causes that matter most.
  • Stuck on how to use your volunteering days? Check out some of our existing partnerships in the university, from becoming a STEM ambassador to inspire young people to take a STEM pathway in their future, to our Access Project, allowing you to tutor GCSE students, raising their aspirations and confidence.