A PhD journey is a long and busy one. To take a break from work and research, why not try volunteering?

Megan Hadfield, PhD Criminology student at the School of Social Sciences, talks about her role as Trustee and four-year volunteering journey at the Booth Centre.

What motivated you to get involved in the Booth Centre?

Upon leaving University, I knew I wanted to find a way to be involved in the community in a volunteering capacity. I was particularly passionate about homelessness and supporting those experiencing it, so I heard the Booth Centre were looking for volunteers. I went in for a taster day and was so impressed with the centre. I practically fell in love with it and all they do.

What have the past four years of volunteering been like for you?

I can’t believe it’s been four years! It has been the most rewarding experience. I always say I have learnt more from volunteering at the centre than I have given to the centre. It is a place of community, care, and resilience.

A few key moments for me:

• Using my languages to help people understand important information, simply having a conversation in their native language, writing letters to people who may need to simply know someone is there for them.
• Getting involved in fundraising. In the time I have been at the centre I have tried to be as involved as time allowed me to be. I hosted a fundraiser last year called ‘Hands In’ where we raised £4,000 for the Centre, I participated in Tough Mudder, and we also hosted a Charity Football Match for the Centre. Getting involved in fundraising has been a great way to give back.

Finally, it is not lost on me how much the centre has supported me in my own journey, it has been through my experiences at the centre and the conversations I have had that I was inspired to do a master’s and carry on to do a PhD.

The centre, along with the things they have taught me, will continue to be at the forefront of whatever I go on to do.

What’s being on the Board of Trustees for the centre like?

It has been a learning curve for sure, but in a good way. I felt very honoured to have been asked, and whilst it is less frontline that volunteering, I still try and visit the centre when I can to make sure I am still involved in the daily goings on at the centre.

I am the Chair of the Advisory Committee, which is a sub-committee where those who attend the Centre for support are invited to advise decisions made by the board. It is a way to ensure the voice of the people we support has input at board level, as voice of lived experience are integral.

Young people being involved in board level positions is important.

Do you have any time management tips for others?

I am going to not take my own advice here, but do not put too much on your plate, and if you do make it bitesized.

Find where you know you can contribute the most and make the biggest impact and make that your priority. If you burn out, you can’t help.

Find out more about volunteering at The University of Manchester during your studies.

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