National Volunteer Week – Recognising the impact of our Active Campus volunteers!
As part of National Volunteer Week, we wanted to take a moment to recognise the contribution and impact of our Active Campus volunteers, who took time out of their busy work and study schedules to lead active campus sessions across campuses this year.
Svetlana
ESOL Student at Sighthill, and Fitness instructor at Edinburgh Leisure.
Svetlana has been running fitness and pilates classes on the Active Campus timetable since the start of the year, at both Milton Road Campus and Sighthill Campus. She was keen to help her classmates feel comfortable in a fitness class environment.
When I asked her about her experiences she said "She just wants to help people", and when asked what would she say to anyone thinking of volunteering she said: “Just do it, you will gain experiences and be able to help someone!".
Anu
Wellbeing staff member, and group exercise class instructor.
Anu has been running Yoga and Dance Fitness classes on the Active Campus timetable since the start of the year. When asked about her experiences she said: “I was working towards my level 2 certificate and could use the time leading the sessions at the college to get feedback from the students about how they found the sessions. This was really helpful, as it would have been very difficult to get practical experience otherwise. I also really enjoy bringing more movement to the campuses and really enjoy connecting with the participants, especially when I see the regular groups getting to know each other better and looking forward to coming to the sessions.”
When asked what she would say to anyone thinking of volunteering she said: "Definitely give it a shot! There are so many really good resources and opportunities to try out for whatever it is you are interested in. Make the most of your time as a student and get involved with as much as possible, you won’t regret it!”
Magdalena
Spa therapy student at Granton, and Yoga instructor in Edinburgh and Midlothian.
Magdalena started running Yoga classes on campus in 2025, to gain more experience teaching as a newly qualified instructor, and to give her classmates an opportunity at college. She runs classes at Milton Road Campus.
When asked what made her want to start delivering classes Magdalena said: "I genuinely believe that wellbeing practices such as yoga should be accessible to everyone, as they have an immensely positive impact on various aspects of a person's life."
Thank you to Svetlana, Anu, Magdalena and everyone else who has volunteered with our Active Campus sessions this year – you have made a huge impact to the health and wellbeing of our College community!
Volunteers for 2025/26 wanted!
Would you like to volunteer to lead some of our Active Campus activities next year? Recruitment for Active Campus volunteers starts now!
If you are interested in running or activating sport and/or physical activity at your campus, please reach out to our Active Campus Coordinator Xsara Murray, by emailing Xara.Murray@edinburghcollege.ac.uk, @ec.activecampus on Instagram, or message Xsara Murray on Teams!