OUTREACH, CHARITY AND VOLUNTEERING
ZARA JOLLIFFE
OUTREACH OFFICER
When joining Durham, a lot of students look to participate in volunteering and charity work. There are many ways to do this through personal expeditions and fundraisers, developing a sustained volunteering relationship with a local initiative, or other outreach events on a large or small scale. The responsibility of the Outreach team is to look after the college’s charity and volunteering pursuits. Our aim is to boost student involvement in community initiatives, to enrich college lives, and provide various activities and events to raise money for charity.
Through collaborations with societies and sports, we aim to encourage involvement with fundraising, with initiatives such as bake sales, Movember, 24-hour matches, and music nights. Other ways raising money will be integrated into life at John Snow is through long-standing traditions such as valentine’s roses at the formal, and food bank collections within college.
This year, Outreach will be focusing on fundraising for local, North-East-based charities, so that students can feel a deeper connection with the local area, and see the impact of their efforts more clearly. We are championing sustained volunteering and community spirit through our intercollegiate Sherburn House partnership shared with Stevenson College. This intergenerational project is centred around bringing people together, and is something we are really proud of at Snow, as it allows students and elderly people alike to develop meaningful connections.
As well as this, we offer other fun events and projects, such as volunteer dog walking, beach cleaning, and charity formals. We believe that giving back to our community should be fun and meaningful and, as well as our own plans, we are always open to any ideas or initiatives you may be passionate about. Follow @johnsnowoutreach on Instagram to stay updated on our upcoming events and initiatives- we look forward to welcoming new faces to this year’s projects!
zARA JOLLIFFE, OUTREACH OFFICER
MOVEMBER SHOWCASE
Movember is a global charity focused on improving men’s health, raising awareness and funds for mental health, suicide prevention, and cancers such as prostate and testicular cancer. Its mission is to break stigma and encourage open conversations, helping men live healthier, longer lives.
At John Snow College, Movember is especially important as it reflects our commitment to student wellbeing and community support. We bring this to life through a range of initiatives, including pub quizzes, sports tournaments, formals, and charity auctions. These events not only raise money but also create inclusive spaces for conversation and connection.
By supporting Movember, John Snow College helps foster a culture where men’s health is recognised, discussed, and prioritised.
John Snow College will keep the spirit of Movember alive each year with fun, inclusive events that bring people together while raising awareness and funds for an important cause!
LETS GET OUR KNICKERS IN A TWIST SHOWCASE
Let’s Get Our Knickers in a Twist is a charity focused on tackling underwear poverty, raising awareness and providing essential underwear and menstrual products to those in need, ensuring dignity and access for all.
At John Snow College, supporting this cause reflects our commitment to inclusivity, wellbeing, and breaking stigma around period and underwear poverty. We have engaged students through a range of fun and accessible initiatives, including pink pants socials, bake sales, and run clubs, all designed to raise both funds and awareness in a supportive environment.
Through continued student involvement and innovative fundraising, John Snow College aims to make a meaningful and lasting impact in addressing underwear poverty within the wider community.
Mind Showcase
Mind is a leading mental health charity that works to ensure no one has to face a mental health problem alone, providing support, raising awareness, and campaigning to improve services and understanding.
At John Snow College, supporting Mind reflects our commitment to student wellbeing and creating an open, supportive community. We have brought this to life through a range of engaging initiatives, including a charity ball, bake sales, karaoke nights, and a charity dance showcase, all designed to raise both funds and awareness in an inclusive and uplifting way.
John Snow College will continue to champion Mind through creative and engaging events that encourage connection while supporting mental health awareness.