My volunteering experience at UAA I am a student from France, and I came to Northampton for the holidays. I decided to make the most of that time by volunteering at UAA, from July to September 2026. I arrived without really knowing what to expect, and I came away with an experience far more beautiful than anything I had imagined. What struck me first was the welcome. From the very beginning, I was treated really well, like one of their own. I did not expect to be so well looked after when I was simply coming to give my time, and I was very pleasantly surprised. I had also come to improve my English, and I could not have found a better place. Everyone was really patient with me. People took the time to speak slowly, and I could feel that everyone wanted to help me improve. During the week I worked at the office, and on Saturdays I was at the food bank. I also took part in a football tournament. The food bank touched me the most. Serving people in need and helping them in a real, practical way is something that stays with you. It is a cause that truly matters, and I am proud to have contributed to it. I discovered new things, but above all I met amazing people with incredible personalities, who gave me so much. A big thank you to the whole UAA team for welcoming me. If you are thinking about volunteering at UAA, go for it. You will grow from it, just like I did.