In mid-February, students from the University of Manchester took part in Student Volunteering Week, the annual UK-wide celebration encouraging students to give back to their communities while recognising the contributions of those who already volunteer their time throughout the year.

The University hosted a wide range of community-focused activities designed to inspire students to volunteer and highlight the positive social impact they can create. Initiatives included writing friendly letters to people experiencing social isolation, sprucing up the garden of a Rusholme primary school, and creating personalised cards for children in hospital.

One of the highlights of the week was a visit to Co‑op Academy Medlock in Ardwick, where a group of students delivered engaging talks on Lunar New Year. Pupils learned about traditions, cultural meanings and global celebrations, and even had the opportunity to experience festive flowers and food. One child reflected afterwards: “I really loved learning about Lunar New Year, looking at the flowers and tasting the different food. It was really interesting to learn about China and Taiwan.”

This session is part of an ongoing series of talks The University of Manchester students have delivered at the school in recent months, covering topics such as worldwide Christmas traditions, careers and aspirations, and Ancient Greece.

Ruth Nutton-Jones, Deputy Headteacher at Co‑op Academy Medlock, praised the collaboration: “The partnership between our primary school (Co-op Academy Medlock) and the University has been invaluable. These sessions do more than just celebrate cultural diversity; they act as a catalyst for aspiration. Seeing university life through the eyes of current students makes higher education feel accessible and exciting, effectively widening participation and showing our children the vast world of opportunity that awaits them beyond the classroom. I can also see what wonderful opportunities it provides for the students who present and the pleasure it brings. Thank you to the whole team for making it happen!”

• For further information on our student volunteering offer, visit our website.