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Criminology students from the ¹ú²úÊÓƵ got the chance to find out about ways to make a difference in the local community, while improving their employability, at a special event.

The University’s School of Psychology brought together its students with a range of organisations from the region with potential career avenues to share knowledge and highlight opportunities within the community, alongside more general support and guidance.

Amy Johnson, Course Leader for Criminology, said: “The day was a great success. Volunteering provides students with new skills, increased confidence and a chance to be part of their community. We aim to enhance employability for our students, providing opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to real life settings and build on their individual strengths. Many of our students go on to hold key roles of responsibility in our communities, such as in the police force, in probation or as prison officers, and therefore education and engaging with the community, as well as building resilience and the ability to listen and deal with challenging situations, are all vital. Events like this ensure many of our students secure employment when they graduate as they have the necessary skills required in this field.” 

Held at the ¹ú²úÊÓƵ Arena, organisations involved included West Mercia Police, Citizens Advice Witness Service, Platform Housing Group, Autism West Midlands, volunteering opportunities charity YSS, Dimensions, a leading not-for-profit support for people with learning disabilities and people with autism, and the University’s Careers Service and Student Services.

There were also external guest speakers who discussed their experiences of being criminologists to inspire both existing and new students. 

The event was part of the School of Psychology’s #makeachange focus for this year.

Nathan Pawley, Citizens and Policing Co-ordinator for Operational Volunteers, from West Mercia Police, said: “It was definitely useful to us. It was great to see lots of interest in policing, and particularly volunteering in policing, from both the new students and the students from second and third year and I’m looking forward to them coming to join us in volunteering roles.”

Beverley Carty, who manned a stall for Citizens Advice Witness Service, which provides free and independent support for both prosecution and defence witnesses, said: “Many were first year students, so it was really good to have those students thinking about volunteering in the community and enhancing their experience especially in the court setting. We’re always looking for volunteers, so it’s really nice to get a younger, more diverse range of volunteers into the witness service.”

First year Criminology student, Shaunah James, said: “I feel like it was a good opportunity to see the groups out there that can help with my career and for finding jobs in the future. I’m normally having to go out myself on my own and do this, so it was nice to have groups come together and help me with volunteering opportunities.”