23 June 2010

SheffieldVolunteering project claims national award

The award-winning SheffieldVolunteering, based at the University of Sheffield´s Students Union, has received national acclaim at the Higher Education Student Volunteering Awards for the seventh consecutive year.

The Lego Club, which is funded by V, the youth volunteering charity, and has taken place at Firs Hill School, St Catherine´s School, Byron Wood School and Broomhall Homework Club this year, received an Outstanding Project Award at the ceremony in London last night (22 June 2010).

The awards, run by the Higher Education Academy, reward and give national recognition to exemplary volunteering projects and student and staff volunteers who have shown significant commitment to volunteering.

The Lego Project helps children to engage with parents through imaginative play sessions and enables many children to enjoy the experience of Lego for the first time. The extra-curricular activity encourages parents to support their children´s learning in order to raise levels of attainment and progress.

The use of Lego has encouraged an interest in science and engineering, sowing an early seed in the minds of children and their parents or carers about the importance of these subjects in the school curriculum. In addition, the student volunteers act as role models to the pupils, encouraging them to aspire to reach their full potential.

Rashida Hassanali, Extended Services Lead Professional for the Fir Vale family of schools, said: "The students who volunteer at the Lego Club are strong and inspiring role models to children and families in a very deprived area of Sheffield with high aspiration but relatively low educational achievement levels. The value of family learning is well documented and this project has, above all, enabled parents to actively engage with their children in an enjoyable and non-threatening way and has interested some who have never or rarely participated in school life before."

Stella McHugh, Manager of SheffieldVolunteering, said: "We are delighted to be celebrating our success for the seventh consecutive year at these awards and to be getting recognition for one of our new projects. The Lego Club has inspired many youngsters and parents in Sheffield. I´m thrilled that our students have been acknowledged by this award."

Notes for Editors: SheffieldVolunteering is based at the University of Sheffield´s Union of Students. Last academic year, through SheffieldVolunteering, 1,310 volunteers supported 133 local community groups, charities and schools. Volunteers work with the homeless, refugees, the elderly, young people and others living with disabilities, learning difficulties and disadvantage.

For further information please contact: Lauren Anderson, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2221046 or email l.h.anderson@sheffield.ac.uk

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