Every month, we highlight the great work of some of our student volunteers.
This month, we spoke to Joanne Thorp and her experience as a student volunteer at LMSU.

Name:  Jo Thorp 

Course: Bsc Sport and Exercise Science 

Volunteer Roles Held:  Student Rep (3 years), Student Council Member (3 years), Student Trustee (2 years). 

I decided to volunteer originally for my course as I wanted to be the person that my peers would be happy coming to with any concerns or issues.  I wanted to also help fellow students with children as I was pregnant in my 1st year and now have a 2-year-old.  I know steps have been taken to support students with children but I feel a lot more could be put in place.  I have been fortunate to be part of the Student Council and as a Student Rep for 3 years and I have really enjoyed being part of a diverse and fast-growing Student Union.  I feel it has made a real difference and impact on myself and my fellow students knowing that support and advice are readily available when needed.  It is a great feeling knowing being part of the student council, being a student trustee and student rep, my views matter and have been listened to.  Being a student trustee, for me, felt like a very important role as I was part of extremely important decisions and discussions regarding the students of London Met and I feel extremely privileged to have been given this opportunity.  If I have managed to help at least one student in my time before I graduate, that for me makes it all worthwhile.  A lot of training and support is available so I would highly recommend future student reps, council members or student trustee members to utilise what is available especially now face to face meetings are happening again.  I have learned many new skills and I look forward to implementing them into my future studies and career.  Your volunteering is also included in your degree transcript which is great!  Being a part of the LMSU has been highly rewarding and enjoyable and for future students, my advice is please get involved.  It will introduce you to new people, gain new skills and feel incredibly rewarding that you are making a difference!