Aberdeen Climate Action is an organisation run by volunteers passionate about raising awareness of climate change, its causes and encouraging positive action to reduce carbon emissions and create a sustainable lifestyle. We are looking for others to join our organisation and help us with our valuable work in the North East. We organise Climate Week, North East, which is a week of events put on by a collaboration of organisations throughout the city and shire. We need help organising this and our regular climate conversation café’s, and one off events, talks etc. We need people with all sorts of different talents – the most important aspect is the fact that you are willing to muck in and ‘do’. Good support is provided to all new volunteers e.g.: volunteers will have a mentor, who will be on hand to give support, advice and assistance, as needed. If you’re interested just come along to our meetings and you can meet us all and see for yourself. A fantastic opportunity to help and make a real difference. For more details please contact: Alison Stuart (Director and Chair) email: alison@aberdeenclimateaction.org / Tel: 07779279583

As a volunteer you: - play a vital role in our research, since many of our studies rely on collecting data from human participants - can take part in research studies online and in-person at our research facilities - choose which studies you want to get involved in - can withdraw from the research at any time. We email our volunteers with information about our current studies and they decide if they wish to take part.

Grampian Autistic Society are undertaking a new strategic plan for 2022 – 2027 and we want you to help us shape the future of our organisation! We are looking for several groups of individuals to help us co-produce our strategic plan including those with an ASC and those with a family member with an ASC. -Q: Who can take part? -A: Anyone over the age of 12 living in Grampian (Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray) -Q: How long do I need to take part for? -A: We are looking for a minimum 3 month commitment from October- December however we hope that these groups will continue to inform the strategic plan. -Q: How many people will be in each Focus Group? -A: Between 8 – 12 individuals -Q: What are the 4 focus groups? 1.Ages 12 – 26 with an ASC 2.Family members (e.g. brothers, sisters, parents, children) aged 12 – 16 of those with an ASC 3.Aged 27 and over with an ASC 4.Family members (e.g. brothers, sisters, parents, children) aged 27 and over of those with an ASC. -Q: What will we be doing? -A: Helping co-produce the strategic plan for 2022 – 2027 for Grampian Autistic Society, and shaping the future of the society. A fantastic opportunity to help. For more details please contact Megan Linklater, Engagement, Events & Volunteer Officer at E Mail: megan.linklater@grampianautisticsociety.org.uk or tel.: : 01224 277900.

Aberdeen in Recovery (AiR) was granted Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) charitable status in March this year. We are now looking to find talented, passionate and skilled people to fill some vacant seats on our Board of Trustees to help us grow and develop our innovative and solution focused new charity. This is a unique opportunity to help lay the foundations to ensure AiR has a long-term future as a charity with solid processes in place to ensure it meets its mission of: “To be a bridge from ‘dependence’ to ‘independence’ for the individual seeking to recover from problematic substance use and addictive behaviours”. This is such an exciting and invigorating prospect for individuals to get involved and be participant in the tsunami of change which is now gaining momentum and being driven by “Experts by Experience” and the vibrant Lived Experienced Communities which are blossoming, not only locally but are now established as a national phenomena. Since its conception, AiR and its members have worked tirelessly to establish and build collaborative relationships with professional services and third sector support agencies. We have consistently driven the message that individuals who have personal lived/living experience of active substance use, including Family members who have been affected by the addictive behaviours of a loved one, and the Recovery Communities they represent have something valid, essential and extremely beneficial to bring to described Recovery Orientated Systems of Care (ROSC). We can provide existing services and clinical structural systems with resources, skills and capabilities that they, no matter how much effort, time and money they invest, will never be able to offer or provide. So, it gives the greatest of pleasure to see this is now recognised on the highest levels that “Recoverists” can productively contribute to the design, development and delivery of truly person-centred ROSC. This being evidenced by the vision, philosophy and content of the Scottish Governments “Rights, Respect and Recovery” Drug and Alcohol Strategy. We also believe it is reaffirmed by the recent success in being granted funding from the Government’s National Development Fund, with our principle partner Alcohol and Drugs Action (ADA), for our ‘Recovery Peer Pathway’ joint two-year project. This collaborative venture will build on three years of pilot work to further establish and build proactive and productive Developmental Pathways within ADA and their Volunteer network while in synergy with AiR membership for individuals who desire to initiate change in their behaviours and outlook as they progress on their recovery journeys within, and imperatively out-with, statutory and formal support services. We believe that the blue sky thinking behind this project categorically and emphatically fits with the expectations, outcomes and concepts of the above Government policy. So, if you have lived experience, or a stakeholder interest, and a passion for recovery and are willing to give of yourself that another may learn, you will not find a better opportunity to indulge your appetite than from within Aberdeen in Recovery. For more information please contact Dermot Craig, Recovery Community Development Manager at E Mail: dermot@aberdeeninrecovery.org or tel.: 01224 638342 / Mobile: 07751 213108.

Scottish Communities Climate Action Network (SCCAN)’s purpose is to inspire and promote, connect and support community-led action in Scotland to address the Climate Emergency. Please see our website: https://www.scottishcommunitiescan.org.uk/ Would you like to help take climate action to the next level? We have a new volunteer role available with our Events working groups! You would be helping once a week with the following: -Events organizing and facilitating -Taking part in regular events working group meetings -Contacting potential speakers and facilitators -Promoting events by writing blog posts and promoting on social media. -Compile a report on the event. As a volunteer led organisation, our capacity to offer thorough training on events coordination is limited so we would expect you to have some experience or to be adaptable. There will be some initial training on the way SCCAN operates. The start date is flexible to suit your availability. Our events and meetings are currently done online through zoom. Commitment could range from once / week to twice a month. If interested, please drop us an email at info@scottishcommunitiescan.org.uk

Talkable offers a talkline to anyone affected by panic or anxiety. We currently have a range of ways that you can help as a volunteer as we continue to grow and provide ever more vital support to people. Opportunities to join our team of volunteers include: *Phoneline Volunteers – you will be required to provide anxiety relief over the phone to our service users. *Phoneline Team Leader – you will be required to manage the phoneline volunteers as well as be available on the phone. *Message Line Volunteers – you will be required to provide anxiety relief to our service users over our Facebook page, full training will be given. *Promotion Volunteers – you will be required to create social media posts and reach out to companies to make our services known more. *Funding Volunteers – you will be required to help come up with funding ideas to support our vital services. *Policy Assistance Volunteers - we are also looking for a volunteer(s) who can help us with policy work. Excellent support and any relevant training is provided to all volunteers. All help makes a difference and is greatly appreciated. For more information about any of these volunteer roles or any other ways you wish to help us as a volunteer please contact Chelsea Birkett at E Mail: recruitment@talkable.online or tel: 07999 453655.

We seek archive research volunteers to help us uncover untold Union Chain Bridge stories. The research results will be made available to the public in exhibitions, the Union Chain Bridge website and educational resources. Archive volunteers will carry out research using documents held at Berwick Record Office, Paxton House, and the National Records of Scotland. Using digital copies at home, or real copies held in the archives, volunteers will read, transcribe and interpret the contents of the documents. Once the original archive and online resources have been consulted, we will ask volunteers to extract and analyse information from their contents and collate information on specific themes. This information will contribute to educational and public exhibition materials, as well as forming a legacy archive for the project on the history of the Chain Bridge and the neighbouring communities in Scotland and England. For further information about the project generally please see www.unionchainbridge.org

Being a Community Connector Volunteer is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the success of a leading health charity and make a real difference to the people we support. The role will include: Researching potential CHSS partner organisations using guidance provided; this may be groups, associations, local companies and schools. Locating contact details for mailings / event promotion. Inputting data onto an excel spreadsheet. Providing the fundraising team with feedback to research. Part of your role is to take an active interest in all CHSS activities, including those in departments other than your own one. We encourage volunteers to explore different opportunities to volunteer further with us, and to assist our drive to reach all those in Scotland affected by our conditions by promoting the work of the charity and their volunteer experience.

Research Ethics Committees consist of up to 18 members from both clinical and non-clinical backgrounds. Our committees review health and social research, check that people are provided with the information they need to help them decide whether they wish to take part, and provide an opinion as to whether the research is ethical. We currently have vacancies for members of the public who are not currently healthcare professionals, and who are interested in thinking about issues from the perspective of a potential research participant and would like to develop knowledge of research ethics. Members receive training in ethical review and have opportunities to debate challenging issues. Positions are voluntary but expenses are paid for. The Committee meets on average for half a day per month and carry out additional work by email correspondence. Contact us for an application form or an informal chat on tel: 01224 558458, email gram.nosres@nhs.scot Interest can be registered at any time.

Research enquiries sent in by members of the public using the archive material available, provide an appropriate, well thought out answer to the enquiry, file answered queries.

Shetland Women's Aid are looking for women to join us in promoting the safety and wellbeing of women and children in Shetland who are affected by domestic abuse and gender-based violence. SWA is a registered charity funded by local and national grant aid to provide safety planning, counselling, refuge, advice and guidance about housing, finance and legal issues to women. There is also a children and young person's service focused on offering therapy and support to children and young people. The aim for Shetland Women's Aid is 'An equitable society in which women, children and young people are valued participants, able to determine their own future and are free from all forms of abuse.' As a trustee you will be instrumental in helping us realise our vision and mission. Part of your role will be to ensure that our day to day operation fulfils our strategic vision. If you decide to join Shetland Women's Aid, you can make a real difference to the women and children who experience domestic and sexual abuse.

>Who we are: The African Council is an independent voluntary organisation with a mission to promote the social and economic welfare of African People. We celebrate the best in African culture(s), history and values. We promote the attainment of education and life skills especially among Africans. We also advance active citizenship among Africans through engagement in civic and political process, institutions and leadership. >Some of our projects: 1. Employment/Enterprise coaching events • The event seeks to provide coaching and empowerment for Africans through education, guidance and support, to increase Africans involvement in employment, enterprise and entrepreneurship opportunities. 2. Civic and Political structures coaching events • The event seeks to provide coaching that encourages and provides guidance to Africans, to increase involvement and participation of Africans in civic and political life in Scotland, 3. Engagement events • Our engagement events seek to understand the challenges and barriers that Africans face in participating in all areas of Scottish life and ways to mitigate these challenges. >Volunteering Opportunities: Volunteers are vital for delivering the African Council's projects and services. We are looking for volunteers to join our team and we currently have volunteering opportunities available in the following areas: 1. Website Support 2. Corporate Communications 3. Social Media Management 4. Legal 5. Digital marketing and advertising 6. Event planning, support and management 7. Research 8. Administration 9. Help desk >Benefits of volunteering with the African Council include: 1. Opportunities to learn new skills 2. Employability training 3. Meet new people 4. Networking opportunities 5. Flexible working times 6. Develop your skills and talent and turn it to something employers will be excited about 7. Boost your CV with relevant work experience\n8. Fun hangouts, as well as, 9. Satisfaction of being a part of team that will make a significant difference in Scotland Fantastic opportunities to help at a very exciting time in the development of the African Council. All help is greatly appreciated. For more information please contact Ca-ananay Maduka, Volunteer Coordinator at E Mail: info@africancouncil.org.uk or Tel.: 01224 579218.

This role provides an exciting opportunity to write short stories to be used on the “Discover Tweedsmuir” website, helping to preserve and promote the areas’ history and heritage. Role Description : This role involves researching various events and accounts associated with Tweedsmuir’s history and distilling these into short, engaging stories. These stories will be used on the new “Discover Tweedsmuir” website to provide locals, the wider community and visitors with information on the history, and heritage of Tweedsmuir. These stories will sit within descriptions for local walks to enhance the experience for walkers. They will also be used to give people a flavour of our heritage, encourage people to visit Tweedsmuir, or to explore further using the Eco museum. Much of the information required to write these stories will already be stored within the Heritage database, but candidates may need to do further research. A number of key stories and events have already been identified, but there is scope for candidates to explore topics that particularly interest them, and discuss new ideas within the group. Skills/Experience Required: Candidates will require a reasonable internet connection, access to a laptop or desktop computer, and have email and internet browser (Chrome is preferred) Candidates will need to be computer literate with experience of using word processing packages. They will have an interest in reading, give attention to detail and be able to write clearly and concisely way. An interest in local history and heritage is essential and some knowledge of Scottish Borders History would be advantageous. Full training will be given on how to use the database, and support will be available, including working in small groups.

This role is a research-based opportunity to discover heritage materials to be stored within the Tweedmuir Eco Museum. It will be an opportunity to investigate some of the fascinating history of Scotland that has connections to Tweedsmuir, and uncover some of the characters that have played a part in the community of Tweedsmuir. This role will require research online and in other heritage archives to locate new information about the heritage of Tweedmuir. We have already identified various themes that need to be explored, and there are opportunities for individuals to explore their own particular area of interest. There is also the opportunity to interview local residents and collect stories and stories to be included within the database. The database has the functionality to store the recordings of the interviews. Skills & Experience required: Candidates will require a reasonable internet connection, access to a laptop or desktop computer, and have email and internet browser (Chrome is preferred) Candidates will need to be computer literate, and have good reading and writing skills. They would need to be conscientious and have experience of using word processing packages. Candidates would benefit from having some historical knowledge, particularly relating to Scottish Borders History. Experience of online research would be an advantage. Skills in referencing materials. People keen to be involved in interviewing would need to have good personal skills, and an engaging manner. Full training will be given on how to use the database, and support will be available.

If you want to give back to your community this is a great way to do it. The Moray Firth Credit Union is seeking people who are interested in the exciting opportunity to serve on their Board. Some longstanding Board members shielded and subsequently retired during ‘lockdown’ in March 2020. The Credit Union has a long history of serving the local community. Formerly the Forres Area Credit Union until 2020) it was set up in 1995 as a response to high unemployment in the Forres area when a nearby Fabrication Yard closed. Today, the main office of the ‘Savings & Loans Co-operative’ is located at 53 High Street Forres, though plans are in the works to to expand and set up ‘satellite’ collection points in other places in Moray as this social enterprise develops. During COVID, the Credit union has remained open for business to support those people who use the credit union as thier bank and have hosted 'zooms' every fortnight with current Board members to keep abreast of new developments. If you have an interest in people, community or even if you want to learn more about the unique role a credit union plays in the lives of the people and communities they serve, (and have some spare time) the Moray Firth Credit Union would be delighted to hear from you. For a Board of Directors Pack please call 01309 676735 or email maggie@morayfirthcreditunion.co.uk for further information and an application. All volunteers are asked to join the Credit Union if they are not already a member.

We seek archive research volunteers to help us uncover untold Union Chain Bridge stories. The research results will be made available to the public in exhibitions, the Union Chain Bridge website and educational resources. Archive volunteers will carry out research using documents held at Berwick Record Office, Paxton House, and the National Records of Scotland. Using digital copies at home, or real copies held in the archives, volunteers will read, transcribe and interpret the contents of the documents. Once the original archive and online resources have been consulted, we will ask volunteers to extract and analyse information from their contents and collate information on specific themes. This information will contribute to educational and public exhibition materials, as well as forming a legacy archive for the project on the history of the Chain Bridge and the neighbouring communities in Scotland and England. For further information about the project generally please see www.unionchainbridge.org

We have a wide variety of volunteering opportunities available at the museum Shop/ reception/ Visitor information, giving information, taking money, engaging with the public Collection store and documentation work: cataloguing, or research, or data inputting, and/or sorting and tidying Meeting and greeting people, or taking visitors on walking tours or tours in museum Gardening Board of directors / trustees Strategic thinking Fundraising and helping at fundraising events (like coffee mornings/concerts etc) Weekdays 10-1.30 or 1.30 -5 Saturdays & Sunday 11- 3

We seek archive research volunteers to help us uncover untold Union Chain Bridge stories. The research results will be made available to the public in exhibitions, the Union Chain Bridge website and educational resources. Archive volunteers will carry out research using documents held at Berwick Record Office, Paxton House, and the National Records of Scotland. Using digital copies at home, or real copies held in the archives, volunteers will read, transcribe and interpret the contents of the documents. Once the original archive and online resources have been consulted, we will ask volunteers to extract and analyse information from their contents and collate information on specific themes. This information will contribute to educational and public exhibition materials, as well as forming a legacy archive for the project on the history of the Chain Bridge and the neighbouring communities in Scotland and England. For further information about the project generally please see www.unionchainbridge.org

We seek archive research volunteers to help us uncover untold Union Chain Bridge stories. The research results will be made available to the public in exhibitions, the Union Chain Bridge website and educational resources. Archive volunteers will carry out research using documents held at Berwick Record Office, Paxton House, and the National Records of Scotland. Using digital copies at home, or real copies held in the archives, volunteers will read, transcribe and interpret the contents of the documents. Once the original archive and online resources have been consulted, we will ask volunteers to extract and analyse information from their contents and collate information on specific themes. This information will contribute to educational and public exhibition materials, as well as forming a legacy archive for the project on the history of the Chain Bridge and the neighbouring communities in Scotland and England. For further information about the project generally please see www.unionchainbridge.org

We seek archive research volunteers to help us uncover untold Union Chain Bridge stories. The research results will be made available to the public in exhibitions, the Union Chain Bridge website and educational resources. Archive volunteers will carry out research using documents held at Berwick Record Office, Paxton House, and the National Records of Scotland. Using digital copies at home, or real copies held in the archives, volunteers will read, transcribe and interpret the contents of the documents. Once the original archive and online resources have been consulted, we will ask volunteers to extract and analyse information from their contents and collate information on specific themes. This information will contribute to educational and public exhibition materials, as well as forming a legacy archive for the project on the history of the Chain Bridge and the neighbouring communities in Scotland and England. For further information about the project generally please see www.unionchainbridge.org

SDF trains people who have had substance use problems to interview people who currently have substance use problems about their experience or about the services they use. They know they are being understood and listened to by someone who has had similar experiences. Full training and support is provided by SDF staff to give you the skills and confidence to carry out the role. You learn at your own pace and work on areas that interest you. Volunteering as a peer researcher can involve: Running focus groups, designing questionnaires, Reviewing services, Interviewing service users. SDF volunteers tell us they volunteer to: Attend a variety of events and meet new people, Access other SDF training and volunteer opportunities, Gain knowledge and skills on how to support research projects, Help improve services for people who use them, Eventually move on to other volunteering, education or employment.

NHS Grampian is launching an exciting new initiative for the people of Moray to get involved in. The 'Public Empowerment Group' (PEG) is a forum where local people can have a say about how health and social care services will be delivered in the future as part of the Dr Gray’s Hospital Transformation Programme and Operation Home First. The PEG will also help to ensure that any information about new models of health and social care is given in ways that everyone can understand and access. The group is open to anyone aged 16+ with recent personal experience of health and social care in Moray, whether they are themselves a service user or support someone who accesses those services. The group welcomes participants from all walks of life and backgrounds.

*Are you interested in being involved in Health Services Research? *We are always looking for members of the public to advise us and join our research teams. *We carry out a wide range of healthcare research and clinical trials. At the Health Services Research Unit (HSRU), we are committed to making our research relevant and accessible, as well as excellent. To achieve this we involve patients and the public in our projects from the earliest stage possible to ensure that we are asking and answering research questions that are important for society. We are looking to recruit members of the public to our public involvement group. The main role of our group is to provide a public perspective on the activities of our research unit. Activities can range from: >Reviewing unit documentation to ensure that it can be understood by the lay person. >Being part of an advisory group of a research study. >Helping researchers to write in plain English. >Helping to write about research findings for the public. >Taking part in research. >Helping plan educational events for the public. Good support and any role specific training required will be provided to all volunteers. You will also be reimbursed for any volunteering expenses e.g. public transport rates are reimbursed as and when required. A fantastic opportunity to help and all volunteers are greatly appreciated. To find out more, please contact Dr Katie Banister, Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Research Fellow at email: k.banister@abdn.ac.uk or tel.: 01224 438092.

Grampian Autistic Society are working to ensure that people in the North East of Scotland living with an Autism Spectrum Condition are enabled to fulfil their potential within their community and society. To assist in this we are seeking volunteers for the following roles: >Reception, Enquiries and Events Support Volunteers: We a currently looking for a team of volunteers to help us at our offices at 33-35 Carnie Drive, Aberdeen, AB25 3AN (free parking/public transport access) with reception duties and/or at events. We require some support from volunteers to help person our phone in the office, support initial and general enquiries and be a friendly, supportive voice and face to those who call and attend at our office. >Strategic Planning Support and Focus Group Volunteers: Grampian Autistic Society are undertaking a new strategic plan for 2022 – 2027 and we want you to help us shape the future of our organisation! We are looking for several groups of individuals to help us co-produce our strategic plan including those with an ASC and those with a family member with an ASC. -Q: Who can take part? -A: Anyone over the age of 12 living in Grampian (Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray) -Q: How long do I need to take part for? -A: We are looking for a minimum 3 month commitment from October- December however we hope that these groups will continue to inform the strategic plan. -Q: How many people will be in each Focus Group? -A: Between 8 – 12 individuals -Q: What are the 4 focus groups? 1.Ages 12 – 26 with an ASC 2.Family members (e.g. brothers, sisters, parents, children) aged 12 – 16 of those with an ASC 3.Aged 27 and over with an ASC 4.Family members (e.g. brothers, sisters, parents, children) aged 27 and over of those with an ASC. -Q: What will we be doing? -A: Helping co-produce the strategic plan for 2022 – 2027 for Grampian Autistic Society, and shaping the future of the society. Whatever amount of time you can provide is massively welcomed. Excellent support and relevant training is provided to all volunteers and all help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated. For further details about any of these volunteer roles or other ways you can support us in our important work please contact Megan Linklater, Engagement Officer at E Mail: megan.linklater@grampianautisticsociety.org.uk or tel.: 01224 277900.

Dunbar Day Centre is a thriving charity located in the centre of Dunbar which, on a weekly basis, supports up to 70 people from the local district either at the centre or in their own home. “We are looking for people who can form a refreshed team of up to 12 trustees. We have a need for skills that will enable us to manage finances, comply with regulatory bodies including the Care Inspectorate and to ensure that we do all that we can to support our incredible staff. We are determined that Dunbar Day Centre’s reputation for excellent local support will grow – not only in the work we do within the centre but also in our plans for community outreach”.