To provide regular friendly conversation and companionship for an elderly, socially isolated person on an ongoing basis. The activities and responsibilities will vary according to the needs of the visually impaired person. Some people require help with reading and writing letters. Others may want to go out for a walk, but can only do so with a sighted guide. Some people like the chance to go shopping, while others just want to sit and chat over a cup of tea. While the Coronavirus is an ongoing threat, befriending will be limited to telephone contact. Friendly chats can be a lifeline at this time. We would hope that this initial telephone contact might later lead to befriending in person.

Volunteers provide much needed support for our activities and services through a variety of volunteer assignments. We are always happy to hear from people who can offer some time be it an hour a week or a couple of days a week. Volunteers are currently involved in a range of assignments which offer them an opportunity to use their skills or maybe learn new ones. We are currently looking for volunteers to become involved in... -Clubs and Social Groups -Admin and Clerical Support -Fundraising Events -Helping in our Charity Shop and Store -Computing Activities -Assisting in our AudioService -Running our Fitness Room -Visiting people in their own homes -Outings and Holidays -Our Resources Centres -Guiding Running -HELLO Centre (Home Entertainment Lending Library) -Doing odd jobs (painting etc.) -Driving for our clients -Befriending We would like to hear from anyone who feels they have something to offer. Some people feel they have time to spare but don't really know what they can do. We want to hear from them and will take time to explain our services and opportunities available. Full support and training is provided. Please contact us on Email: linda.fachie@nesensoryservices.org or Tel.: 0345 271 2345 for more details.

About Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Everyone has the right to live life to the full. After a diagnosis of a chest or heart condition or a stroke, many people experience fear and isolation and struggle with the impact on their lives. Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland won’t stand for that. The care and support we deliver every day ensures everyone can live the life they want to. About Our Services Across Scotland, over 1 million people – that’s one in five of the population – are living with the effects of serious chest and heart conditions and stroke. By 2021 we will double the number of people we support so that more people can live life to the full. We will do this by providing vital advice, information, and support through our No Life Half Lived Support services across Scotland. These services include our Advice Line, Stroke Nurse Service, Rehabilitation Support Service, Health Information, Health Defence, Education and E-learning, Financial Advice & Support and our Peer Support Groups. About the Role Rehabilitation Support Volunteers support people who have had a stroke to develop autonomy and confidence in self-management, enabling them to fully engage with their community and activities of their choosing. The service follows a pathway from hospital to community and can be delivered in a one-to-one and/or a group setting. The service can be delivered to provide specified person-centred communication support for those with a communication difficulty and/or to support a specific physical or everyday task. About Volunteering at CHSS Volunteers are vital to the success of No Life Half Lived strategy. We will double the number of volunteers that we have to reach everybody who needs us and help us to raise funds. Our Volunteer Steering Group will make sure that every volunteer is supported so they have the best experience and become ambassadors for CHSS in their local communities. CHSS is committed to ensuring that every volunteer has the best experience throughout their volunteering journey and has been reaccredited with the Investing in Volunteers quality standard.

>What is this role? This role involves visiting blind and partially sighted people in their homes, installing their new radio and teaching them how to use it as well as proving ongoing support, where needed. This role also involves a small amount of admin. >Where is it based? The role is based within your local area. You will be asked to travel around a reasonable distance within your local area. (To be mutually agreed.) >How much time will I need to commit? Each visit will take around 2 hours to complete. Depending on your area, we envisage that there will be around 1-2 visits per month. >What does the role involve? • Contact recipients by phone to agree appointment time • Visit people in their homes and install our audio equipment • Give instruction and demonstration of the equipment • Complete paperwork for each visit • Make follow up telephone call, and if required arrange further visit and training • Collect broken sets and arrange repairs • Deliver replacement sets to existing clients >What kind of person are you looking for? • Someone patient • IT knowledge an advantage but not essential • Full, clean driving licence • Good communicator >What’s in it for me? • Full training • Full expenses • The chance to gain valuable experience within a national charity • Provide support to blind and partially sighted people within your community **Please note that a full CRB check (provided by us) is required for this position** **This role requires a full, clean driving licence and access to your own vehicle** For more information please contact steven@blind.org.uk Find out about us, our products and services and much more at www.blind.org.uk

Many Deaf and hard of hearing people feel lonely, isolated, cut off from friends, families and communities. They can develop health issues due to the problems they encounter because of their deafness and accompanying communication difficulties. They regularly face social exclusion, discrimination and poor understanding of their needs from service providers, employers and the community in general. Volunteer Befrienders will support the Deaf/Hard of Hearing person in building up their confidence and coping skills outside the home and widening their ability to travel. Befrienders work with the Deaf/Hard of Hearing people to support whichever goal that person may wish to achieve and support them with everyday activities that most of us take for granted such as shopping, art galleries, social clubs, exhibitions, accessing local community activities, libraries.

Camphill School Aberdeen has exciting new volunteer opportunities to help. As a volunteer you will become part of a team within one of our 10 residential Care homes, set in beautiful surroundings 5 miles outside of Aberdeen City centre and close to the Deeside Railway line. We are currently seeking people to volunteer as: > Voluntary Coworkers within Residential School and Care Homes: Our pupils age from 12-25 years old and as part of your position, you will be with them when they attend the school, farm and gardens, workshops or even riding stables as part of their personalised daily routines and assist them with their tasks throughout the day. > Voluntary Farm and Gardens Volunteers: Our farm cares for cows, pigs, goats, hens and alpacas. As part of your position, you will be with our pupils when they attend the farm and gardens as part of their personalised daily routines and assist them with their tasks. > Voluntary Workshop Assistants: You will be with our pupils when they attend the various workshops (woodwork, metal, weavery, felt, candle, pottery, bike and Fruver- our food workshop)as part of their personalised daily routines and assist them with their tasks. These opportunities do not require you to have previous experience, we just ask that you are caring, patient and willing to help our pupils, have an interest in people and different ways of communications. Training is provided in induction and support given throughout the volunteering time within Camphill School Aberdeen. Fantastic opportunities to help with all assistance making a real difference and greatly appreciated. For more details please contact Naomi Paton, Recruitment Administrator at E Mail: n.paton@crss.org.uk or tel.: 01224 866162.

Real Life Options currently have an opportunity to get involved as a Community Volunteer. This is a great way to meet new people, develop insights, gain experience and enjoy knowing that you are making a positive difference to people living within your community. Volunteer roles are varied and dependent on the needs of the people we support. We try to match volunteers to people with similar interests and provide opportunities for volunteers to utilise existing skills and knowledge. · Chatting to and befriending people we support · Home checks to make sure vulnerable people are safe and well · Everyday practical household tasks · Provide information and support to allow people to make informed choices about their lives · Assist with shopping · Support with correspondence · Provide transport · Support with social outings · Assisting with pet care · Assist with food preparation · Prescription collections · Support with Gardening and some physical tasks. · Get involved with Social Events and being vital in improving the social lives of the people we support We really appreciate that volunteers donate their time for free so in return for at least two hours volunteering each week, we’ll provide full training and development with a support network to mentor you in your role. You’ll be one of the team and have access to our Real Rewards programme.

Real Life Options currently have an opportunity to get involved as a Community Volunteer. This is a great way to meet new people, develop insights, gain experience and enjoy knowing that you are making a positive difference to people living within your community. Volunteer roles are varied and dependent on the needs of the people we support. We try to match volunteers to people with similar interests and provide opportunities for volunteers to utilise existing skills and knowledge. · Chatting to and befriending people we support · Home checks to make sure vulnerable people are safe and well · Everyday practical household tasks · Provide information and support to allow people to make informed choices about their lives · Assist with shopping · Support with correspondence · Provide transport · Support with social outings · Assisting with pet care · Assist with food preparation · Prescription collections · Support with Gardening and some physical tasks. · Get involved with Social Events and being vital in improving the social lives of the people we support We really appreciate that volunteers donate their time for free so in return for at least two hours volunteering each week, we’ll provide full training and development with a support network to mentor you in your role. You’ll be one of the team and have access to our Real Rewards programme.

Volunteers help ensure the shop is tidy and attractive; you can use your creativity to make eye-catching window displays, sorting and replacing stock to keep the shop looking fresh and stylish. Incoming donations are organised and labelled, and clothes steamed and tagged. Our polite, approachable volunteers assist customers; welcoming them through the door, ringing purchases through the cash register and encouraging signing up to the Gift Aid scheme. A bonus of volunteering in this role is having access to great quality items at reasonable prices, as soon as they hit the shop floor! In the shop volunteer role you will develop your understanding of stock management, marketing and customer service. These skills are valuable for personal development as well as very relevant to careers in retail, advertising and business. You will have the opportunity to meet lots of people, play an active role in your community and make friends.

North East Sensory Services (NESS) requires volunteer Drivers/Transport Assistants to help elderly people, suffering from hearing or sight loss, access social groups and activities in Aberdeen City Centre. Groups meet all week but mostly on Tuesdays and volunteers would be required to either drive the organisation’s car or use their own vehicle, with all expenses covered. At NESS we are not just looking for people to drive cars – we want kind, happy, friendly people, willing to help a blind or deaf person in and out of a car. Volunteers will be asked to give a few hours per week (or more if they can manage) to collect service users from their homes around Aberdeen and take them to our headquarters in the city centre then return them home a few hours later. If you can help, please contact Debbie Robertson on 0345 2712345 or debbie.robertson@nesensoryservices.org

The class meets one morning a week and consists of approx. 6 people. In the past, the group have made trays and cards but are now interested in attempting other activities such as: working with clay; finger painting etc. This is an opportunity for someone with artistic flair.

An advocate provides a voice for those who may feel they are being ignored, excluded or treated unfairly. They provide a confidential service, representing the views and choices of the people they work with, empowering them to represent their own interests, providing information not advice, and allowing the person to be in control of their own life. Volunteer advocates promote the person's independence and increase their confidence.

*Bon Accord Care: Kingswells Care Home: Bon Accord Care recognises the invaluable contribution that the general public: friends and relatives can provide to the care and well-being of the people we support. We encourage the involvement of individuals who wish to volunteer in a service in a voluntary capacity, whilst ensuring that the health, safety and well-being of volunteers, the people we support, staff members and visitors is maintained at all times. Kingswells Care Home, is seeking support from volunteers or local community groups to help look after, care for and maintain our beautiful gardens. Kingswells Care Home provides support for individuals with dementia and age related conditions. Being able to use the safe garden area, or being able to look out at flowering tubs and pots and bird feeders, can greatly enhance the quality of an individual’s day. If you are handy with potting plants, weeding borders, then we really would love to hear from you. This is a great opportunity to meet new people, help you stay active and fit. Most importantly you will be contributing to improving the quality of daily life experienced by our service users. *About Bon Accord Care: Bon Accord Care is at the forefront of the continuing development of services to enable independence and reduce hospital admissions, as well as promote active ageing and well-being. Working together with our key partners, we are aligned with the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership to deliver services. Bon Accord Care work together with service users, partners, employees and volunteers to support our communities and create meaningful relationships with those around us. We deliver a range of services that are aimed at prevention, maximising independence, and enhancing wellbeing. Our focus from the outset is to get to know individual preferences, wants, history and lifestyle to ensure that each person receives a service that is unique to them. Our range of services cover: care at home, housing support, residential care homes, rehabilitation, re-ablement, occupational therapy, SVQs through learning and development, community equipment, telecare, day care, responder, respite and community meals. For further details please contact Julie Suttar, Engagement & Liaison Lead at E-Mail: BACVolunteering@bonaccordcare.org or tel.: 01224 570400.

Sense Scotland began as a small group of families pressing for services for their children, who were affected by deafblindness, many because of maternal rubella. Since then, the organisation has gone on to successfully support thousands of disabled people and their families.Sense Scotland is always in need of generous people who can spare some of their time to help out in one of our shops. Our fantastic volunteers help out in many ways. You will be responsible for dealing with customers at till point, replenishing stock on the shop floor, sorting and hanging the stock, and other ad hoc shop floor duties.

This role involves visiting blind and partially sighted people in their homes, installing their new radio and teaching them how to use it as well as proving ongoing support, where needed. This role also involves a small amount of admin. The role is based within your local area. You will be asked to travel around a reasonable distance within your local area. (To be mutually agreed.) Each visit will take around 2 hours to complete. Depending on your area, we envisage that there will be around 1-2 visits per month. What does the role involve? • Contact recipients by phone to agree appointment time • Visit people in their homes and install our audio equipment • Give instruction and demonstration of the equipment • Complete paperwork for each visit • Make follow up telephone call, and if required arrange further visit and training • Collect broken sets and arrange repairs • Deliver replacement sets to existing clients

Volunteers help ensure the shop is tidy and attractive; you can use your creativity to make eye-catching window displays, sorting and replacing stock to keep the shop looking fresh and stylish. Incoming donations are organised and labelled, and clothes steamed and tagged. Our polite, approachable volunteers assist customers; welcoming them through the door, ringing purchases through the cash register and encouraging signing up to the Gift Aid scheme. A bonus of volunteering in this role is having access to great quality items at reasonable prices, as soon as they hit the shop floor! In the shop volunteer role you will develop your understanding of stock management, marketing and customer service. These skills are valuable for personal development as well as very relevant to careers in retail, advertising and business. You will have the opportunity to meet lots of people, play an active role in your community and make friends.

As a Voluntary Co-worker you will become part of a team within one of our 10 residential Care homes, set in beautiful surroundings 5 miles outside of Aberdeen City centre and close to the Deeside Railway line. The opportunity does not require you to have previous experience, we just ask that you are caring, patient and willing to help our pupils, have an interest in people and different ways of communications. Our pupils age from 12-25 years old and as part of your position, you will be with them when they attend the school, farm and gardens, workshops or even riding stables as part of their personalised daily routines and assist them with their tasks throughout the day. Training provided in induction and support given throughout the volunteering time within Camphill School Aberdeen. A fantastic opportunity to help with all assistance making a real difference and greatly appreciated. For more details please contact Naomi Paton, Recruitment Administrator at E Mail: n.paton@crss.org.uk or tel.: 01224 866162.

As a Voluntary Workshop Assistant you will become part of a team within our farm and gardens, set in beautiful surroundings 5miles outside of Aberdeen city centre and close to the Deeside Railway line. The opportunity does not require you to have previous experience, we just ask that you are caring, patient and willing to help our pupils, have an interest in people and different ways of communications. Our pupils age from 12-25 years old and as part of your position, you will be with them when they attend the various workshops (woodwork, metal, weavery, felt, candle, pottery, bike and Fruver- our food workshop)as part of their personalised daily routines and assist them with their tasks. Training provided in induction and support given throughout the volunteering time within Camphill School Aberdeen. A fantastic opportunity to help with all assistance making a real difference and greatly appreciated. For more details please contact Naomi Paton, Recruitment Administrator at E Mail: n.paton@crss.org.uk or tel.: 01224 866162.

Volunteers help ensure the shop is tidy and attractive; you can use your creativity to make eye-catching window displays, sorting and replacing stock to keep the shop looking fresh and stylish. Incoming donations are organised and labelled, and clothes steamed and tagged. Our polite, approachable volunteers assist customers; welcoming them through the door, ringing purchases through the cash register and encouraging signing up to the Gift Aid scheme. A bonus of volunteering in this role is having access to great quality items at reasonable prices, as soon as they hit the shop floor! In the shop volunteer role you will develop your understanding of stock management, marketing and customer service. These skills are valuable for personal development as well as very relevant to careers in retail, advertising and business. You will have the opportunity to meet lots of people, play an active role in your community and make friends.

Guide Dogs are looking for a Fundraiser to assist the local fundraising team in promoting and taking part in a variety of activities to raise money for Guide Dogs. In this role you will have the chance to take part in activities such as street collections on ‘flag’ days, helping on stalls at local events to fundraiser and keeping track of what we sell (including the cuddly toys), taking collection boxes to local businesses and counting donations.

It starts with ‘Hello’. From new mums to empty nesters, it's often surprising who is affected by loneliness. That's why we're teaming up with The Co-operative. Together we want to reach out and reconnect thousands of lonely people with their communities, and tackle a problem that is shortening lives and eroding wellbeing. The aim of the Community Connector is to support people affected by social isolation and loneliness and to help them gain confidence and to reconnect to their community in partnership with existing and new partner organisations. We will place the person at the centre of what we do and help them by offering positive encouragement, practical help and emotional support, for up to three months, depending on their needs. Full training and excellent support is provided to all volunteers. This is a great opportunity to make a real difference in the local community. All help is greatly appreciated. For more details please contact Ieva Nevulyte, Community Connector Co-ordinator at email inevulyte@redcross.org.uk / tel:: 07872 839864.

*Balnagask House Residential Care Home Opportunities: Administrative / Office Work; Befriending / Mentoring; Care / Support worker; Practical /DIY; Supporting with activities such as crafts/baking and gentle walks and exercise: Bon Accord Care recognises the invaluable contribution that the general public: friends and relatives can provide to the care and well-being of the people we support. We will encourage the involvement of individuals who wish to volunteer in a service in a voluntary capacity, whilst ensuring that the health, safety and well-being of volunteers, the people we support, staff members and visitors is maintained at all times. We are looking for kind, caring individuals to support our front-line staff and services, making a positive difference to the day to day life experience of our service users. Current opportunities include, Befriending where we will link you with a service user, to chat to over a cuppa, reminisce about old Aberdeen, read a paper with, chat about your favourite TV soap, go for a local walk etc. Supporting with mealtimes and serving Teas & Coffees, helping in our busy laundry, supporting group activities such as crafts and light exercise. In addition, there is an opportunity to support the reception area, and meet and greet visitors and finally someone with some practical DIY experience to help keep our small patio area and car park clean and tidy. Get involved with Bon Accord Care. A chance to make a difference, help others, make new friends, gain work experience and more! Excellent support and relevant training are provided to all volunteers. A fantastic opportunity to help make a real difference-all volunteers are greatly appreciated. *About Bon Accord Care: Bon Accord Care is at the forefront of the continuing development of services to enable independence and reduce hospital admissions, as well as promote active ageing and well-being. Working together with our key partners, we are aligned with the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership to deliver services. Bon Accord Care work together with service users, partners, employees and volunteers to support our communities and create meaningful relationships with those around us. We deliver a range of services that are aimed at prevention, maximising independence, and enhancing wellbeing. Our focus from the outset is to get to know individual preferences, wants, history and lifestyle to ensure that each person receives a service that is unique to them. Our range of services cover: care at home, housing support, residential care homes, rehabilitation, re-ablement, occupational therapy, SVQs through learning and development, community equipment, telecare, day care, responder, respite and community meals. For further details please contact Julie Suttar, Engagement & Liaison Lead at E-Mail: BACVolunteering@bonaccordcare.org or tel.: 01224 570400.

*Sight Scotland Veterans: Volunteer Befrienders Needed Throughout Aberdeen City and Shire!* Good at striking up conversations with others? Enjoy organising social events? Sight Scotland Veterans is seeking friendly volunteers with good people skills to help us run various activities for service veterans with visual impairment. As a volunteer you’ll play a vital role in overcoming isolation and helping allow our members to live life to the fullest. The main part of your role will be to assist in planning and running activities, whilst providing a warm and welcoming environment for our members. It would be helpful if you can drive and have your own car, although this is not essential for the role. Excellent support and relevant training is provided to all volunteers including: •Structured induction and training. •Ongoing support and supervision from Volunteer Development Manager your volunteer supervisor. •Access to further training. •Travel expenses. For more information please contact James Whyte, Volunteer Development Manager at email james.whyte@sightscotland.org.uk or Tel.: 0131 446 3154.

*None Residential Services SOUTH: Opportunities: Befriending / Mentoring; Care / Support Volunteers; Practical /DIY; Supporting with activities such as crafts/baking and gentle walks and exercise: Bon Accord Care recognises the invaluable contribution that the general public: friends and relatives can provide to the care and well-being of the people we support. We will encourage the involvement of individuals who wish to volunteer in a service in a voluntary capacity, whilst ensuring that the health, safety and well-being of volunteers, the people we support, staff members and visitors is maintained at all times. We are looking for kind, caring individuals to support our front-line staff and services, making a positive difference to the day to day life experience of our service users. Current opportunities include, Befriending where we will link you with a service user, to chat to over a cuppa, reminisce about old Aberdeen, read a paper with, chat about your favourite TV soap, go for a local walk etc. Supporting with mealtimes and serving Teas & Coffees, helping in our Service User with laundry, and shopping, supporting group activities such as crafts and light exercise. In addition, we are seeking volunteers with some practical DIY experience to help keep our outdoor communal areas and car parks clean and tidy. Get involved with Bon Accord Care. A chance to make a difference, help others, make new friends, gain work experience and more! Excellent support and relevant training are provided to all volunteers. A fantastic opportunity to help make a real difference-all volunteers are greatly appreciated. *About Bon Accord Care: Bon Accord Care is at the forefront of the continuing development of services to enable independence and reduce hospital admissions, as well as promote active ageing and well-being. Working together with our key partners, we are aligned with the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership to deliver services. Bon Accord Care work together with service users, partners, employees and volunteers to support our communities and create meaningful relationships with those around us. We deliver a range of services that are aimed at prevention, maximising independence, and enhancing wellbeing. Our focus from the outset is to get to know individual preferences, wants, history and lifestyle to ensure that each person receives a service that is unique to them. Our range of services cover: care at home, housing support, residential care homes, rehabilitation, re-ablement, occupational therapy, SVQs through learning and development, community equipment, telecare, day care, responder, respite and community meals. For further details please contact Julie Suttar, Engagement & Liaison Lead at E-Mail: BACVolunteering@bonaccordcare.org or tel.: 01224 570400.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an individual who is competent with all social media – website, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook - to join our charity on a voluntary basis. To provide help and support to establish these sites and help manage them on a regular basis. >Individuals’ benefit – Develop relevant work experience - marketing, IT, advertising, PR, community and publicity. Look good on CV. >Public benefit – making the public and potential service users aware of the charity and informing them of what the charity does. The charity was established in 2004 and has gone from strength to strength ever since. We are a local charity offering housing advice and advocacy to vulnerable/disabled individuals and managed by a committee of local people. We received the Queens Award for Voluntary Service last year in recognition of our work, volunteering and positive difference we make. For more information please contact Anne Findlay, Board Member at E Mail: info@dphsaberdeen.org / Tel No: 07984219950.

*Time to spare? Time to listen?* *Do you want to do something inspiring and different?* *Become a Listening Ear volunteer with Grampian Opportunities* Grampian Opportunities is looking for volunteers for its Listening Ear project which aims to maintain and improve participant wellbeing through regular social contact with a matched listening ear volunteer. A fantastic opportunity to help and make a real difference. Excellent support and relevant training is provided to all volunteers. For more information please contact Lynn Esslemont, Co-ordinator at E Mail: info@grampianopportunities.org.uk or tel.: Tel No: 01467 629675.

Do you have an interest in retail and fashion? Want to learn or update your current skills? Do you enjoy meeting people and have some spare time which could help others? Deaf Links is a Deaf Led Charity based in the Tayside Deaf Hub and we are looking for people to volunteer in our charity shop in the Wellgate Shopping Centre. You can find out more about us at www.deaflinks.org.uk We are looking for motivated and friendly people to help out in all aspects within the store. The role will involve sorting stock, hanging clothes, pricing items and serving customers and any other work associated within the store. Training for this will be provided.

*Volunteers are key to the success of SensationALL! *Do you have an hour or more to spare and want to make a difference in a fun and friendly environment? SensationALL run sensory based therapy groups and services for children and adults with multiple support needs. We need volunteers to assist our team in delivering engaging and rewarding sessions for all our service users. You would be involved in activities such as crafts, baking, games and music as well as helping with the set-up, making refreshments and tidying up. Our children’s groups include access to our soft play area so they can experience free play in safe and comfortable surroundings as well as structured messy play, sensory story-time or craft activities. Individuals interested in gaining experience working with people who have sensory and learning disabilities and autism will particularly benefit from volunteering with us however no previous experience is required. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. We also require volunteers to help with: *Fundraising *Events *IT/admin tasks *Maintenance/equipment cleaning *Trustee Board Members Good support and relevant training is provided to all volunteers. Every volunteer is given an induction prior to starting. Once actively volunteering with us we will extend the opportunity to attend any in-house training such as first aid, introduction to Autism, Makaton amongst others. Contact us for more information on any of these roles. Any time volunteers can give is greatly appreciated and will make a real difference to our charity! For more information please email us at volunteering@sensationall.org.uk or tel.: 01224 476699

Charlie House will be running a café in the city’s Bon Accord Centre with 100% of profits supporting babies, children and young people with complex disabilities and life-limiting conditions, and their families, across the North-east of Scotland. The café will be open seven days a week providing sit-in and take-away hot/cold drinks, soup, cakes and sandwiches. Our ReCHarge café volunteers will be a key part of the team, helping to give customers a welcoming and positive café experience. Volunteer activities will include helping to: >meet and greet customers >keep the café and servery areas clean and tidy >prepare food/drinks >take payments >replenish stock. Volunteers will also be trained and encouraged to promote Charlie House events and activities to potential families, volunteers, supporters and members of the public. This is an opportunity to part of a new and exciting venture for Charlie House. For further details please contact Joan Cowie, Volunteer & Information Coordinator at E Mail: joan@charliehouse.org.uk or tel.: 01224 318888

Drivers are required to support elderly service users with severe sensory loss to keep connected with their local community. This would include supporting people to attend appointments, visit local community groups and attend NESS group activities. Ness provides support to over 3500 people with severe sensory loss across Grampian. The CIS-Connect Inform Support Project aims to support older people with sensory loss who may feel lonely or socially isolated or may lose independent living skills as a result of the daily challenges of their sensory loss. This service has been developed to reach out to those individuals and to offer support, assistance, social opportunities and companionship through trained volunteers. Volunteers aim to help service users to build up their confidence and to increase their independence by providing assistance, a listening ear and encouraging service users to get out and about and rediscover old interests or find new ones. This is a great, enjoyable opportunity to help in the local community, make a positive difference and also the opportunity to develop new skills and interests as well. For more information please contact: Clare Harris e-mail: Clare.Harris@nesensoryservices.org Tel.: 0845 2712345

To support elderly service users with severe sensory loss to keep connected with their local community by supporting them as a sighted guide/escort/communicator on prearranged occasions, supporting them to practise independent living skills or being a befriender either face to face or telephone. Ness provides support to over 3500 people with severe sensory loss across Grampian. The CIS-Connect Inform Support Project aims to support older people with sensory loss who may feel lonely or socially isolated or may lose independent living skills as a result of the daily challenges of their sensory loss. This service has been developed to reach out to those individuals and to offer support, assistance, social opportunities and companionship through trained volunteers. Volunteers aim to help service users to build up their confidence and to increase their independence by providing assistance, a listening ear and encouraging service users to get out and about and rediscover old interests or find new ones. This is a great, enjoyable opportunity to help in the local community, make a positive difference and also the opportunity to develop new skills and interests as well. For more information please contact: Clare Harris e-mail: Clare.Harris@nesensoryservices.org Tel.: 0845 2712345

Volunteers help ensure the shop is tidy and attractive; you can use your creativity to make eye-catching window displays, sorting and replacing stock to keep the shop looking fresh and stylish. Incoming donations are organised and labelled, and clothes steamed and tagged. Our polite, approachable volunteers assist customers; welcoming them through the door, ringing purchases through the cash register and encouraging signing up to the Gift Aid scheme. A bonus of volunteering in this role is having access to great quality items at reasonable prices, as soon as they hit the shop floor! In the shop volunteer role you will develop your understanding of stock management, marketing and customer service. These skills are valuable for personal development as well as very relevant to careers in retail, advertising and business. You will have the opportunity to meet lots of people, play an active role in your community and make friends.

1 in 6 people in Scotland have a hearing impairment . You will know someone who has it, or may have hearing loss yourself. In Midlothian we have recently introduced the hearing aid battery pick up points in all our local libraries. This has been a huge success. It draws people into Libraries, to interact with staff and other members of the community and makes them aware of the wide range of activities which are on offer there. This saves time and money for people, reduces social isolation and eases pressure on the over-stretched staff in Audiology in Edinburgh. It means fewer hearing aids lie unused in drawers, for want of a battery. It really is a win, win. We now want to expand on this by offering repair and maintenance clinics locally too. The replacement of tubing in the hearing aid for example, is required every so often. It is not difficult to do, but it is a bit fiddly, especially for older or disabled people who are a large proportion of hearing aid users. Full training is provided prior to involvement. We have established a clinic which runs on the first Wednesday of every month in Dalkeith Library, 10.30-11.30 am. We also have now established a clinic in Penicuik Town Hall on the last Wednesday of every month 10:30 - 11:30am. If we can recruit more volunteers, we would like to start a clinic in Gorebridge, which would involve a similar monthly commitment. At present due to Covid-19 clinics are suspended but do get in touch if you are interested in this opportunity. Contact will then be made with volunteers once the clinics are re-opened.

DBPSS has a range of activity groups designed to offer new challenges and opportunities to clients of all ages whilst providing support in a 'safe' environment. Group helpers are required to help with planning, organisation, supervision, guiding and providing refreshments. (In some cases) our groups are often involved in fund raising for their own activities. Tea & Chat with monthly tea dance, Reminiscence group, Bingo, Craft Group. We also need people with skills to start new groups which would be of interest to our clients. An interest in playing musical instruments or encouraging clients to sing at Tea and Chat would be welcome.

Tayside Deaf Hub has opened a Social Enterprise Café to help fund their organisation. Open from 9am to 4pm it has become increasingly busy. We now feel that we need to add to the existing staff and need people to wait tables and be involved in till work and any other activities associated with running a Cafe

As a Voluntary Farm and Gardens Volunteer you will become part of a team within our farm and gardens, set in beautiful surroundings 5miles outside of Aberdeen city centre and close to the Deeside Railway line. The opportunity does not require you to have previous experience, we just ask that you are caring, patient and willing to help our pupils, have an interest in people and different ways of communications. Please note- our farm cares for cows, pigs, goats, hens and alpacas. Our pupils age from 12-25 years old and as part of your position, you will be with them when they attend the farm and gardens as part of their personalised daily routines and assist them with their tasks. Training provided in induction and support given throughout the volunteering time within Camphill School Aberdeen. A fantastic opportunity to help with all assistance making a real difference and greatly appreciated. For more details please contact Naomi Paton, Recruitment Administrator at E Mail: n.paton@crss.org.uk or tel.: 01224 866162.

To support elderly service users with severe sensory loss to keep connected with their local community by supporting them to take part in various groups, outings and social activities facilitated by NESS at various locations across Aberdeen. Group facilitators are also required to run small groups with the support of the Senior Community Inclusion Coordinator. Ness provides support to over 3500 people with severe sensory loss across Grampian. The CIS-Connect Inform Support Project aims to support older people with sensory loss who may feel lonely or socially isolated or may lose independent living skills as a result of the daily challenges of their sensory loss. This service has been developed to reach out to those individuals and to offer support, assistance, social opportunities and companionship through trained volunteers. Volunteers aim to help service users to build up their confidence and to increase their independence by providing assistance, a listening ear and encouraging service users to get out and about and rediscover old interests or find new ones. This is a great, enjoyable opportunity to help in the local community, make a positive difference and also the opportunity to develop new skills and interests as well. For more information please contact: Clare Harris e-mail: Clare.Harris@nesensoryservices.org Tel.: 0845 2712345

A North-east charity is seeking volunteer drivers to help support its life-enhancing services. NESS, which has been supporting visually impaired people in Aberdeen since 1879, holds a wide range of activities from discussion groups to smartphone classes. The regular activities enable elderly people who have difficulty seeing or hearing to take part in social events, make friends and feel more engaged in their community. Many NESS service users are socially isolated due to difficulty getting about and a fear of using public transport. The activities at NESS are often the only opportunity for many to get out of the house and meet people. However, due to increasing demand, the charity is in urgent need of volunteers who are willing to help NESS service users get to the activities. Volunteers can give anything from two to twenty hours, and full training and expenses are provided. Graham Senff, who has been volunteering as a driver for NESS for over a year commented: “I find it so rewarding when I see the enjoyment of the service users when they are picked up and dropped of at their door.” To find out more information, potential volunteers should contact Debbie Robertson or Sheila Ogden on debbie.robertson@nesensoryservices.org / tel.: 0345 2712345.

This role involves talks educating a wide range of people on deafness, hearing loss and tinnitus.Tasks include becoming familiar with the range of RNID information and local services, answering questions from the audiences and distributing relevant information leaflets.

To give talks and presentations about the work of Guide Dogs within a designated area, in line with the guidelines received at speaker training courses. What does the role involve? • Giving talks when requested to local organisations and groups within a 15 mile radius of your home • Keeping up to date with Guide Dogs news and key messages • Talks should be natural and enthusiastic, tailored to the audience and following guidelines on current key messages • Passing any donations given for talks to the Mobility Team as per guidelines • Attending cheque presentations when requested by the local Mobility Team • Informing your Mobility Team Support Worker of any requests to do talks using the speaker cards supplied • Encouraging local organisations and groups to volunteer or fundraise on behalf of Guide Dogs What will I get out of it? • Meet a variety of local groups and people • Enjoy giving information about Guide Dogs’ aims which enable blind and partially-sighted people to enjoy the same freedom of movement as everyone else