Graduate Alessia looking to give something back to the community

A University of South Wales (USW) graduate has taken up a special role to help build the institution’s links with the communities around its three campuses.

Alessia Evans is USW’s first Community Engagement Officer based in the USW Exchange Engagement & Enterprise Team, and is working on projects which will see the expertise, experience, and resources available at the University used to deliver social, cultural, and economic innovation.

One of the ways that USW is working on providing additional support is through the Community Space Usage Voucher, which will offer third sector organisations access to meeting spaces at USW’s campuses in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd.

“The scheme is designed for charities, non-profit and non governmental organisations and social enterprises, which are looking to hire a space at a USW campus for an event intended to have a positive impact on the community,” said USW alumni Alessia, who has a degree in Psychology and also undertaking a Masters by Research at the University.

“The purpose of the voucher is to help organisations overcome the financial strain of putting on an event, and to share our facilities with the wider community.”

Additionally, the Exchange Hubs in Pontypridd and Newport promote use of their free of charge workspaces. These are growing in popularity amongst third sector organisations as well as businesses and the Exchange continues to raise awareness of this as part of the University’s community offering.

As well as helping to identify groups that could benefit from using USW spaces, Alessia’s role is also to connect the skills, talent, and expertise available at the University to local communities.

“The Wellbeing of Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015 highlights the important role universities should play in shaping a brighter future for the youth of Wales,” Alessia said.

“The University’s vision, as part of its 2030 strategy,  is to back this by showing the value we can add to put communities by supporting their economy and wellbeing.”

Colleagues at USW have already been giving back to the local community by getting involved in the Staff Civic Volunteering Scheme – through which they are able to request up to five days of paid leave each year to support civic causes.

Alessia is also exploring the needs for Community Mentoring Programmes through the Community Mentoring Needs Survey, and is further enhancing USW’s partnership with Business In The Community, which has already seen several events held to help address and overcome inequalities in Newport as part of the Place Project.

For Alessia, being involved in the University’s community engagement allows her the chance to give something back to the institution.

“I feel embedded in the USW culture and, after everything the University has done for me throughout my studies and professional development, I am committed to achieving the goals of our 2030 Strategy and civic mission,” she said.