This week is Student Volunteering Week so we’re celebrating the positive impact that student volunteers have on our work here at Concrete.

At Concrete, we support people facing homelessness in Stoke-on-Trent and Cheshire East.

Our customers are offered safe, secure accommodation and tailored support to help them break the cycle of homelessness and start a new chapter. Student volunteers get the chance to assist Concrete staff with this important work and give back to their community.

Peer Mentor Co-ordinator Lisa Mould said: “We appreciate all of our volunteers, but we really do value our student volunteers because they are also juggling their university work. This means that the time they give to us is precious.

“Volunteering as a student, especially if it compliments your university course, has so many benefits.

“You get real world experience of things you might only know about in theory. Applying that experience into your own learning is so valuable.

“At Concrete, we’re so passionate about our volunteers and so thankful for the time they give to us. When they volunteer with us, they become part of the Concrete family.

“We hope we make their volunteering experience reflect how much we value them.”

Student volunteers get the chance to work with staff and customers, to really make a difference within the homelessness sector in Stoke-on-Trent.

Lisa said: “Students get to know our residents, spend time with staff and learn more about the role. It can be very busy and no two days are ever the same!

“Working with our staff and customers means volunteers get the chance to broaden their views, meet and relate to new people and increase their confidence and communication skills.

“Volunteering with Concrete is an amazing experience because you know that you’re helping make a difference to people’s lives.”

If you want to find out more about volunteering for Concrete, click here.