A local initiative pairing young graphic designers with charities in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge is seeking more worthy causes to help after the success of the pilot programme.
Since last October, students of the University of Kent’s Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design at West Kent College in Tonbridge have been offering their services to charities or not-for-profit groups in the area.
Graphic design tutor and organiser of the Design Volunteers, Sancha de Burca, said, “The pilot project was such a success that we hope to run it again and expand it into the next college year.
“But many of our participating organisations are so pleased with their current volunteers that they want to continue with them into next year.
“This means that we urgently need to recruit lots more charities or not-for-profit groups to pair with our next cohort of designers.”
The students have benefitted from undertaking a long period of work experience, increasing their understanding of social responsibility and using their skills to help their local community.
They have created posters, leaflets, information booklets and logo designs.
Suzi Mitchell, founder and Chief Executive of Taylor-Made Dreams in Crowborough, said: “We were delighted to be invited to take part. The high standard of creative work and dedication shown by our volunteer, Joe Williams, during his time here at the charity was incredible.”
Jacob Smith, the volunteer at Tunbridge Wells’ Nourish Foodbank, said: “It was an enlightening experience. It was helpful to gain some real-world experience, and it felt good to be doing it for a client that really needed it.”
Peter Coates, who volunteered with community group Water in the Wells, said: “It has helped me understand the value of developing a good relationship with your client in order to produce high-quality work that meets their requirement.”
If any local charity or not-for-profit organisation would like a graphic design volunteer, contact sanchadeburca@westkent.ac.uk.
Examples of the students’ work can be viewed at uk.pinterest.com/graphicskentuni.