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.

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

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

As a volunteer you will become a valuable member of the team delivering support through encouragement, empowerment. You will promote positive working relationships with people that experience suicidal thoughts or mental health difficulties. As a volunteer you will receive training in how to speak about thoughts a feelings associated to suicide without embarrassment or shame to the individual. You will be part of a service that is creating network links by working in partnership with other organisations. As a volunteer you will be given the opportunity to develop new skills and improve your knowledge, and by working with other agencies and organisations you will be part a multi-agency strategy that is committed to strengthening network links and challenging future economic and social changes. As a volunteer you will use technology to engage with people in innovative ways to ensure that we reach all current and future service users. By providing support to people experiencing mental health problems, you will be recognising diversity and the need for people, local communities and groups to respect the ways in which needs are addressed across the local areas. We encourage all staff and volunteers to strengthen their skills and knowledge and be open to new opportunities and challenges, to enable us to uphold the needs of the service.

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

*Children’s Hearings Scotland are recruiting!* Children’s Hearings Scotland in Aberdeen is looking for a committed volunteer leader to take on the role of Area Convener. - What will you be doing? You’ll be leading a team of committed Area Support Team members and implementing national direction at a local level making sure that the views of young people are heard and acted upon within your area. You’ll be working with local partners, leading on national improvements and communicating with Panel Members whose aim is to make the best decisions for infants, children and young people in your local community. - Who are we looking for? You’ll be an enthusiastic leader while able to be part of an empathetic team, dedicated to securing the rights of children and young people; be volunteer centric; and, a strong communicator. You’ll also be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to and understanding of the ethos, values and principles of the children's hearings system. Full training and support is provided, with the aim to enhance your skills in: leadership, effective communication, and influencing and negotiating – all of which are transferable into the workplace too. Find out more and apply today at: https://www.chscotland.gov.uk/volunteering-with-us/area-support-teams/vacancies/ If you want to have an informal chat about the role, or need any additional support, please get in touch with us at email catherine.goodfellow@chs.gsi.gov.uk

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.

Ensure colleagues fill in social policy feedback forms, collate informaiton relation to social policy, identify issues / trends with social policy implications. Pass on informatin to bureau management committee and the social policy department CAB Scotland. There are a multitude of other opportunities for supported self development within the Stiring CAB eg, IT skills, public relations tasks, community development experience, clerical and receptionist duties and tutoring.

>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.

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

Regular walking has been shown to have a massive effect on people’s health and wellbeing. In and around the city of Aberdeen we have many groups who walk regularly and for a wide variety of distances/ time. To help promote the range of Walking Groups in Aberdeen, make it easier for people to locate a Walking Group and to expand the many benefits walking brings Sport Aberdeen has redesigned the walking section of their website to provide an opportunity to link all groups under a few headings/ pages such as: -Health Walks (30 – 60 min) -Other Short Walks (based on the Health Walk Model) -Medium Walks (2 – 5 miles) -Longer Walks (full day) To assist in this we have an exciting volunteer opportunity for a volunteer(s) to research/gather together information on walking groups across the city and collect standardised information to allow potential walkers to connect with a suitable (distance, duration, terrain) group. At the end of this project we will have a list of all the walking groups in the Aberdeen area, complete with contact details, allowing individuals to connect with a suitable walk. This is a fantastic volunteering role where you will make a real difference and all help is greatly appreciated. For Further Information For further details please contact: Brian Harrison (Health Walks Coordinator): E. bharrison@sportaberdeen.co.uk / Tel. 01224 047928 / Mobile 07719501361

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.

Regular walking has been shown to have a massive effect on people’s health and wellbeing. In and around the city of Aberdeen we have many groups who walk regularly and for a wide variety of distances/ time. To help promote the range of Walking Groups in Aberdeen, make it easier for people to locate a Walking Group and to expand the many benefits walking brings Sport Aberdeen has redesigned the walking section of their website to provide an opportunity to link all groups under a few headings/ pages such as: -Health Walks (30 – 60 min) -Other Short Walks (based on the Health Walk Model) -Medium Walks (2 – 5 miles) -Longer Walks (full day) To assist in this we have an exciting volunteer opportunity for a volunteer(s) to research/gather together information on walking groups across the city and collect standardised information to allow potential walkers to connect with a suitable (distance, duration, terrain) group. At the end of this project we will have a list of all the walking groups in the Aberdeen area, complete with contact details, allowing individuals to connect with a suitable walk. This is a fantastic volunteering role where you will make a real difference and all help is greatly appreciated. For Further Information For further details please contact: Brian Harrison (Health Walks Coordinator): E. bharrison@sportaberdeen.co.uk / Tel. 01224 047928 / Mobile 07719501361

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.