Environment Projects

The Beyond Food project works with Trussell Trust’s Durham food bank to provide food parcels for disadvantaged families in the east of Durham. The food collection boxes are placed in colleges and the project leaders arrange for pickup and collection by the Trussell Trust’s Durham Foodbank.

When?
There are usually opportunities to food bank sorting every week. Other activities are also regularly available.

Flexible?
Yes. You can attend foodbank sessions (usually 1-4hours) when you can, or join in with other campaigns etc.

Where?
The foodbank we work with is in Chester-le-Street, but there may be opportunities to volunteer around Durham too.

Transport/Directions
Chester-le-Street is easily reached by train in about 10 minutes. Any transport costs can be reimbursed by DU Student Volunteering and Outreach.

DBS Required?
No.

To get involved email Chloe at [email protected]

This project was newly established in 2019/20. Project SOUP is a global initiative that focuses on running ‘micro-funded dinners’ using surplus food. We invite both Durham students and local residents to one of our dinners for a meal of soup and bread for a small donation. After dinner, we invite several local initiatives to present and answer questions regarding their projects. Attendees of the dinner then have time to cast a single confidential vote based on the project they would like to receive the funds. The winner will be awarded a grand prize, depending on the proceeds from the evening, and the remaining money is split between all other groups. Afterwards live entertainment from the local and student community will round off the evening. We are looking for volunteers to help with the general running of these events including set up, cooking and manning of the doors etc to help create a social and inviting atmosphere for the evening. We aim to break down the barriers between the local and student community whilst driving forward change with something as simple as a bowl of soup! When? We host one soup event per academic term where volunteers will be needed. This will be either late afternoon or evening. There will be other volunteering opportunities involving fundraising. Flexible Commitment? Yes- you can help out with as many soup events as you please! Where? A venue in Durham, this may change for each event depending on numbers/pricing. Transport/Directions The venue will always be accessible by foot or bus. Bus costs can be reimbursed by DU Student Volunteering and Outreach. DBS Required? No. To get involved email [email protected]

This project is new for 2020/21 The School Environment Club project teaches students at primary schools around Durham about the importance of sustainability and protecting the environment through fun, interactive, hands-on activities both indoors and outdoors. This term we plan on covering the following topics in our sessions: 1) reduce/reuse/recycle 2) energy and resources 3) sharing the planet – ecosystems 4) sharing the planet – climate justice Our aim is for children to learn creatively about environmentalism and adopt sustainable practices in their everyday lives, decrease their carbon footprint at school and at home and make an impact in their community from a young age. Hopefully they will be inspired to go on to raise awareness of the importance of environmental sustainability themselves! When? Around four times a term. Flexible? Yes! Sign up for as few/as many sessions as you would like. Where? Local Durham schools within easy reach of the DU science site. Transport? Walking or public transport depending on personal requirements/preference. Bus tickets will be reimbursed by DUSVO. DBS required? Yes, as we work with children all volunteers must complete the safeguarding module on DUO and complete a DBS check. To get involved email Anne at [email protected]