TO MARK Student Volunteering Week, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) is appealing to Durham students to lend a hand and help raise funds for life saving research into heart and circulatory diseases.

The BHF is hoping next week to raise awareness of the benefits of volunteering for young people – ranging from improving career prospects to making new friends. With all volunteer opportunities at the BHF offering flexible hours, students can also choose their shifts to fit around their studies and exams.

Linda Fenn, head of volunteering at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Young people have so much to gain from getting involved, helping them learn new things, improve their health and wellbeing, and make lifelong friends.

"Amid growing awareness of the importance of good mental health, we hope we can encourage people to give volunteering a go.

“Here at the BHF we have a multitude of varied roles on offer, so there really is something for everyone. Whether you would like to join a fundraising group and be involved in community-based activities or gain retail experience on a busy shop floor, simply visit bhf.org.uk/volunteer to find out more.”