Argyll & Bute
volunteering opportunities
Cancer Research UK
Volunteer in our shops
Our shop volunteers are helping us beat cancer right now.
In 2019/20, 14,000 volunteers gave 3.1 million hours of their time and sold items totalling £15million. These funds are helping us start new clinical trials and research treatments as we speak.
If you volunteer at a Cancer Research UK shop, you too could make a real difference to what we can achieve. Nothing we do would be possible without amazing volunteers like you.
You’ll also gain valuable skills to help develop your CV and experience. And you’ll volunteer alongside a wonderful team of passionate, friendly people who will support you every step of the way.
Volunteering is open to everyone and no experience is required. So, if you’re looking for a new challenge, we’d love to hear from you.
What do shop volunteers do?
Volunteering in our shops is varied, exciting and rewarding. No two days are the same and you have the chance to flex different skills regularly. There are always new opportunities to keep you engaged and help you grow and develop in your role.
While this list is not exhaustive, it gives you a flavour of some of the typical tasks in our charity shops:
Serving customers, taking payments and providing good all-round customer service
Sorting through donated items and pricing stock
Working on window and shop displays
Keeping the shop tidy, clean and well organised
Interacting with the general public
Following new health, safety and social distancing measures
You don’t need any experience to volunteer
You just need to be motivated, hardworking and enjoy being part of a team. There’ll be a full induction as well as ongoing training opportunities to make sure you’re fully confident and able to excel in your role.
Why should I volunteer?
Volunteering brings a wealth of benefits, both personal and professional.
Every volunteer hour you donate means we can sell 6 items and make £20 of income. So, if you volunteer for a 7-hour day, this can generate £140. That means that every day you volunteer, you’ll be raising more funds to beat cancer.
You’ll gain important skills that are hugely valued in the workplace such as teamwork, communication and using your initiative.
You can boost your CV by working towards an NVQ in Retail with Derby College, and we'll provide you with a reference.
It will allow you to get involved in your local community and to meet new friends.
Our friendly CRUK team will be there to suppor t you all the way – offering guidance and helping you build your confidence.
It’s fun – you’ll gain real satisfaction from volunteering alongside our warm, friendly shop volunteers who will make you feel right at home.
The minimum age for volunteering in our shops is 18 . If you’re aged between 16 -18 you may still be able to volunteer in our shops, but you must be on a recognised scheme, for example the Duke of Edinburgh.
Guide Dogs
Assist the local fundraising team in promoting and taking part in a variety of activities to raise money for Guide Dogs
Guide Dogs
Build confidence, meet new people and build or learn communication and organisational skills.
Could you be that person who can help us make the difference to the lives of those living with sight loss? Collection boxes are a great way for us to raise essential funds to do the work we do within Guide Dogs.
Guide Dogs help people with sight loss live the life they choose. Our ambition is a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence and support they need to live their lives to the full.
It costs £54,800 to support one single guide dog throughout its life, so without our amazing fundraisers raising money for us, we wouldn't be able to provide our life changing services!
In this flexible role as a Collection Box Coordinator, you'll be responsible for placing and collecting our iconic Guide Dogs collection boxes around local venues and businesses. Collection boxes raise a huge amount of income for us so it's a really important role.
This is a great role for anyone who has never volunteered before as you don't require any prior knowledge or experience. You'll be able to learn new skills while giving back to the community and making new friends! You'll learn a lot about visual impairments too which is important knowledge you'll have for the rest of your life. It's also a great role for students as the time commitment required is flexible and the role can easily be incorporated into your daily life.
“You don’t have to give loads and loads of time, you can give whatever time you can give and we'll still be really grateful" - Guide Dogs student volunteer and guide dog owner
We provide full training in the role as well as an induction to the organization. You will receive ongoing support from a designated member of staff.
Location: Various and local surroundings
Oxfam
Why we want you
Together we can help people facing poverty all over the world – all from right here, in this very shop. Join our friendly team as an Oxfam Volunteer and you’ll find yourself at the heart of your community, making amazing things happen.
What Oxfam does
Oxfam is a movement of people from around the world who won’t live with poverty. We have two key aims:
Responding to emergencies happening in the world now, giving vital support to people facing poverty due to conflict, climate change and natural disasters.
Empowering communities to challenge and change systems that promote inequality, so together we can beat poverty for good.
Oxfam shops have been fundraising to support Oxfam’s work since 1947, raising millions every year to support people facing poverty. Find out more about Oxfam’s work at oxfam.org.uk
Young Volunteers
The minimum age for this role is 18 because of the responsibility which comes
with handling sensitive information and supervising others. The minimum age
to volunteer with Oxfam is 14 years old so we will happily try to find an
alternative role for you in our shop. Parental consent and safeguarding
considerations will be required for those under 18. You can find out more about
safeguarding on our website.
Covid-19
We want to make sure everyone feels safe in our shops. Our shops comply fully
with regulations and we provide PPE.
Let’s beat poverty together.
What you will be doing
Effectively delegating responsibilities and coaching individuals and teams
Supervising volunteers and ensuring safeguarding and health and safety policies are follow and acted on as appropriate, reporting any concerns
Maximising the income from donations, Sourced by Oxfam and Gift Aid
Opening, closing and managing the shop in the shop manager’s absence
Keeping up to date with Oxfam’s internal communications and sharing any news with the shop team to ensure compliance with current requirements
The skills you need
You do not need specific skills and experience, but the following will be useful:
Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop aims and objectives and motivating others
Ability to work within Oxfam’s policies and shop guidelines
Ability to work collaboratively with the shop manager and the shop team
Commitment to Oxfam’s values of empowerment, accountability and inclusiveness
Ability to work well as part of a team and under own initiative
Helpful and friendly
Ability to deal in a tactful and professional manner with confidential information and sensitive situations
What's in it for you
Ongoing training and support
Gain valuable leadership experience
Some lunch and travel costs
Improve transferable skills and boost your CV
Grow your confidence and meet new people
We can be flexible around your education, family, work, or health etc.
Possible references for future employers
Home-Start Lomond
We are looking for volunteers to provide in-person support to local families to help make a real difference to the lives of both the children and their parents. With as little as 2 hours per week, our volunteers provide a friendly ear, companionship, advice and family fun to help ensure that the children have the best start in life.
No experience required, as full training is provided, we are just looking for caring and compassionate people who want to support a local family to thrive!
Mary's Meals
Would you like the opportunity to support Mary’s Meals’ work to feed hungry children in some of the world’s poorest countries and help give them a brighter future?
We’re looking for volunteers across Highland to join our global movement, to help raise awareness about Mary’s Meals and fundraise for our work in their local communities.
As a Community Volunteer you can become part of our Highlands & Islands Volunteer Group, working with fellow volunteers to help grow our movement by motivating and inspiring people to support our work.
We have a range of activities that you can choose to get involved in, including:
• Sharing our story with local community organisations, schools, churches, and faith groups.
• Organising fundraising events in your local area – such as coffee mornings, quizzes, and bucket collections.
• Promoting Mary’s Meals’ fundraising campaigns in your community.
• Distributing and displaying promotional materials and placing collection tins.
• Helping to generate support from businesses in your local area
Our community volunteers support us with their skills, whether they enjoy baking or crafting and selling the proceeds at local events, giving presentations about Mary’s Meals or speaking to people they know about upcoming campaigns. The small things our volunteers do add up to make a big difference to the lives of some of the world’s poorest children
Oxfam
Why we want you
Together we can help people facing poverty all over the world – all from right here, in this very shop. Join our friendly team as an Oxfam Volunteer and you’ll find yourself at the heart of your community, making amazing things happen.
What Oxfam does
Oxfam is a movement of people from around the world who won’t live with poverty. We have two key aims:
Responding to emergencies happening in the world now, giving vital support to people facing poverty due to conflict, climate change and natural disasters.
Empowering communities to challenge and change systems that promote inequality, so together we can beat poverty for good.
Oxfam shops have been fundraising to support Oxfam’s work since 1947, raising millions every year to support people facing poverty. Find out more about Oxfam’s work at oxfam.org.uk
Young Volunteers
The minimum age for this role is 18 because of the responsibility which comes
with handling sensitive information and supervising others. The minimum age
to volunteer with Oxfam is 14 years old so we will happily try to find an
alternative role for you in our shop. Parental consent and safeguarding
considerations will be required for those under 18. You can find out more about
safeguarding on our website.
Covid-19
We want to make sure everyone feels safe in our shops. Our shops comply fully
with regulations and we provide PPE.
Let’s beat poverty together.
What you will be doing
Effectively delegating responsibilities and coaching individuals and teams
Supervising volunteers and ensuring safeguarding and health and safety policies are follow and acted on as appropriate, reporting any concerns
Maximising the income from donations, Sourced by Oxfam and Gift Aid
Opening, closing and managing the shop in the shop manager’s absence
Keeping up to date with Oxfam’s internal communications and sharing any news with the shop team to ensure compliance with current requirements
The skills you need
You do not need specific skills and experience, but the following will be useful:
Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop aims and objectives and motivating others
Ability to work within Oxfam’s policies and shop guidelines
Ability to work collaboratively with the shop manager and the shop team
Commitment to Oxfam’s values of empowerment, accountability and inclusiveness
Ability to work well as part of a team and under own initiative
Helpful and friendly
Ability to deal in a tactful and professional manner with confidential information and sensitive situations
What's in it for you
Ongoing training and support
Gain valuable leadership experience
Some lunch and travel costs
Improve transferable skills and boost your CV
Grow your confidence and meet new people
We can be flexible around your education, family, work, or health etc.
Possible references for future employers
Cancer Research UK
Volunteer in our shops
Our shop volunteers are helping us beat cancer right now.
In 2019/20, 14,000 volunteers gave 3.1 million hours of their time and sold items totalling £15million. These funds are helping us start new clinical trials and research treatments as we speak.
If you volunteer at a Cancer Research UK shop, you too could make a real difference to what we can achieve. Nothing we do would be possible without amazing volunteers like you.
You’ll also gain valuable skills to help develop your CV and experience. And you’ll volunteer alongside a wonderful team of passionate, friendly people who will support you every step of the way.
Volunteering is open to everyone and no experience is required. So, if you’re looking for a new challenge, we’d love to hear from you.
What do shop volunteers do?
Volunteering in our shops is varied, exciting and rewarding. No two days are the same and you have the chance to flex different skills regularly. There are always new opportunities to keep you engaged and help you grow and develop in your role.
While this list is not exhaustive, it gives you a flavour of some of the typical tasks in our charity shops:
Serving customers, taking cash and providing good all-round customer service
Sorting through donated items and pricing stock
Working on window and shop displays
Keeping the shop tidy, clean and well organised
Interacting with the general public
Following new health, safety and social distancing measures
You don’t need any experience to volunteer
You just need to be motivated, hardworking and enjoy being part of a team. There’ll be a full induction as well as ongoing training opportunities to make sure you’re fully confident and able to excel in your role.
Why should I volunteer?
Volunteering brings a wealth of benefits, both personal and professional.
Every volunteer hour you donate means we can sell 6 items and make £20 of income. So, if you volunteer for a 7-hour day, this can generate £140. That means that every day you volunteer, you’ll be raising more funds to beat cancer.
You’ll gain important skills that are hugely valued in the workplace such as teamwork, communication and using your initiative.
You can boost your CV by working towards an NVQ in Retail with Derby College, and we'll provide you with a reference.
It will allow you to get involved in your local community and to meet new friends.
Our friendly CRUK team will be there to support you all the way – offering guidance and helping you build your confidence.
It’s fun – you’ll gain real satisfaction from volunteering alongside our warm, friendly shop volunteers who will make you feel right at home.
The minimum age for volunteering in our shops is 18 . If you’re aged between 16 -18 you may still be able to volunteer in our shops, but you must be on a recognised scheme, for example the Duke of Edinburgh.
Barnardo's Scotland
Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.
Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!
Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.
You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.
Why we want you:
Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.
What you will be doing:
Work on the till processing sales and returns
Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
Create stylish window displays
Replenish stock on the shop floor
Stock-take and other administrative tasks
The skills you need:
Friendly and helpful
Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks
What's in it for you:
Have fun and meet new people
Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer
Other information:
Minimum age 14
Shop based
Location
41 Hafton Place, Ferry Brae, Dunoon, Argyll & Bute, PA23 7DJ, United Kingdom
Disclaimer
We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please visit your local store for a paper application form or contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on volunteering@barnardos.org.uk
SSAFA - The Armed Forces charity
Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of help they need. Next, they find the right sources of support and arrange for clients to access it. This might be funds for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.
The essential part of the role is interacting with clients, so you may be visiting clients or doing this virtually. As part of your local branch you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home.
What does this role involve?
• Contacting clients and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time either face-to-face or remotely
• Liaising with clients and completing a form to assess their circumstances
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice
• Applying on the client’s behalf to military and non-military sources of charitable funding
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping in touch with the client so they know how their case is progressing
• Keeping in touch with your branch so they know your availability
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer or fundraiser
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the
Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
• Support people in your community with a military background
• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
Minimum Age: 18
Is a criminal record check required? Yes
SSAFA - The Armed Forces charity
Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
What is a Branch Chair?
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our clients come from all
backgrounds and age groups and more people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional
support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population
know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
This role is about leadership, coordination and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access
to an office, but many volunteers are based at home.
The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per month. In addition, you would need to
organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.
What would you be doing?
• Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both
directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers and Divisional Officers.
• Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of
volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch
• Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local
fundraising programme to meet branch running costs
• Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies
• Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional
and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required
• Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such
as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
• Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable,
SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers and
supporters know how to contact the branch
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working
appropriately
• Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy
and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution
Guide Dogs
How would you like to be part of the Guide Dogs family and help people with sight loss live the life they choose? We would love to have you onboard to help with our ambition of a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence and support they need to live their lives to the full.
Did you know that we don’t just provide life-changing guide dogs, we also provide advice, skills, emotional and practical support for children, adults and their families living with sight loss to help them live actively, independently and well?
To do all this we need the support of amazing volunteers like you!
If you would like more information, are unsure or need flexibility around the role then chat to us first by emailing VolunteerScotNI@Guidedogs.org.uk and someone will be in touch.
What does the role involve?
Identifying suitable places and placing our iconic dog-shaped collection boxes locally in shops and businesses and counting up the funds every few months before paying them in to Guide Dogs.
Key responsibilities:
* Identifying and placing collecting boxes in suitable locations
* Talking to the shop owner, receptionist etc at the location about how the boxes will help Guide Dogs and what we do
* Emptying boxes every 3-6 months (as they get full) and banking the income through the paying in book provided.
Give a receipt and letter of thanks to the hosts
* Keeping a written record of the location of all boxes for your supervisor, the dates they are emptied and the dates/
amounts banked
* If boxes aren’t collecting much, you’ll decide to move them to a better location. Your supervisor may also ask you to
remove boxes
* Reporting any stolen boxes to the local mobility team
Please contact VolunteerScotNI@guidedogs.org.uk for more information.
Guide Dogs
How would you like to be part of the Guide Dogs family and help people with sight loss live the life they choose? We would love to have you onboard to help with our ambition of a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence and support they need to live their lives to the full.
Did you know that we don’t just provide life-changing guide dogs, we also provide advice, skills, emotional and practical support for children, adults and their families living with sight loss to help them live actively, independently and well?
To do all this we need the support of amazing volunteers like you!
If you would like more information, are unsure or need flexibility around the role then chat to us first by emailing VolunteerScotNI@Guidedogs.org.uk and someone will be in touch.
What does the role involve?
Identifying suitable places and placing our iconic dog-shaped collection boxes locally in shops and businesses and counting up the funds every few months before paying them in to Guide Dogs.
Key responsibilities:
* Identifying and placing collecting boxes in suitable locations
* Talking to the shop owner, receptionist etc at the location about how the boxes will help Guide Dogs and what we do
* Emptying boxes every 3-6 months (as they get full) and banking the income through the paying in book provided.
Give a receipt and letter of thanks to the hosts
* Keeping a written record of the location of all boxes for your supervisor, the dates they are emptied and the dates/
amounts banked
* If boxes aren’t collecting much, you’ll decide to move them to a better location. Your supervisor may also ask you to
remove boxes
* Reporting any stolen boxes to the local mobility team
Please contact VolunteerScotNI@guidedogs.org.uk for more information.
Guide Dogs
How would you like to be part of the Guide Dogs family and help people with sight loss live the life they choose? We would love to have you onboard to help with our ambition of a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence and support they need to live their lives to the full.
Did you know that we don’t just provide life-changing guide dogs, we also provide advice, skills, emotional and practical support for children, adults and their families living with sight loss to help them live actively, independently and well?
To do all this we need the support of amazing volunteers like you!
If you would like more information, are unsure or need flexibility around the role then chat to us first by emailing VolunteerScotNI@Guidedogs.org.uk and someone will be in touch.
What does the role involve?
Identifying suitable places and placing our iconic dog-shaped collection boxes locally in shops and businesses and counting up the funds every few months before paying them in to Guide Dogs.
Key responsibilities:
* Identifying and placing collecting boxes in suitable locations
* Talking to the shop owner, receptionist etc at the location about how the boxes will help Guide Dogs and what we do
* Emptying boxes every 3-6 months (as they get full) and banking the income through the paying in book provided.
Give a receipt and letter of thanks to the hosts
* Keeping a written record of the location of all boxes for your supervisor, the dates they are emptied and the dates/
amounts banked
* If boxes aren’t collecting much, you’ll decide to move them to a better location. Your supervisor may also ask you to
remove boxes
* Reporting any stolen boxes to the local mobility team
Please contact VolunteerScotNI@guidedogs.org.uk for more information.
Guide Dogs
How would you like to be part of the Guide Dogs family and help people with sight loss live the life they choose? We would love to have you onboard to help with our ambition of a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence and support they need to live their lives to the full.
Did you know that we don’t just provide life-changing guide dogs, we also provide advice, skills, emotional and practical support for children, adults and their families living with sight loss to help them live actively, independently and well?
To do all this we need the support of amazing volunteers like you!
If you would like more information, are unsure or need flexibility around the role then chat to us first by emailing VolunteerScotNI@Guidedogs.org.uk and someone will be in touch.
What does the role involve?
Identifying suitable places and placing our iconic dog-shaped collection boxes locally in shops and businesses and counting up the funds every few months before paying them in to Guide Dogs.
Key responsibilities:
* Identifying and placing collecting boxes in suitable locations
* Talking to the shop owner, receptionist etc at the location about how the boxes will help Guide Dogs and what we do
* Emptying boxes every 3-6 months (as they get full) and banking the income through the paying in book provided.
Give a receipt and letter of thanks to the hosts
* Keeping a written record of the location of all boxes for your supervisor, the dates they are emptied and the dates/
amounts banked
* If boxes aren’t collecting much, you’ll decide to move them to a better location. Your supervisor may also ask you to
remove boxes
* Reporting any stolen boxes to the local mobility team
Please contact VolunteerScotNI@guidedogs.org.uk for more information.
Guide Dogs
How would you like to be part of the Guide Dogs family and help people with sight loss live the life they choose? We would love to have you onboard to help with our ambition of a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence and support they need to live their lives to the full.
Did you know that we don’t just provide life-changing guide dogs, we also provide advice, skills, emotional and practical support for children, adults and their families living with sight loss to help them live actively, independently and well?
To do all this we need the support of amazing volunteers like you!
If you would like more information, are unsure or need flexibility around the role then chat to us first by emailing VolunteerScotNI@Guidedogs.org.uk and someone will be in touch.
What does the role involve?
Identifying suitable places and placing our iconic dog-shaped collection boxes locally in shops and businesses and counting up the funds every few months before paying them in to Guide Dogs.
Key responsibilities:
* Identifying and placing collecting boxes in suitable locations
* Talking to the shop owner, receptionist etc at the location about how the boxes will help Guide Dogs and what we do
* Emptying boxes every 3-6 months (as they get full) and banking the income through the paying in book provided.
Give a receipt and letter of thanks to the hosts
* Keeping a written record of the location of all boxes for your supervisor, the dates they are emptied and the dates/
amounts banked
* If boxes aren’t collecting much, you’ll decide to move them to a better location. Your supervisor may also ask you to
remove boxes
* Reporting any stolen boxes to the local mobility team
Please contact VolunteerScotNI@guidedogs.org.uk for more information.
Guide Dogs
How would you like to be part of the Guide Dogs family and help people with sight loss live the life they choose? We would love to have you onboard to help with our ambition of a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence and support they need to live their lives to the full.
Did you know that we don’t just provide life-changing guide dogs, we also provide advice, skills, emotional and practical support for children, adults and their families living with sight loss to help them live actively, independently and well?
To do all this we need the support of amazing volunteers like you!
If you would like more information, are unsure or need flexibility around the role then chat to us first by emailing VolunteerScotNI@Guidedogs.org.uk and someone will be in touch.
What does the role involve?
Identifying suitable places and placing our iconic dog-shaped collection boxes locally in shops and businesses and counting up the funds every few months before paying them in to Guide Dogs.
Key responsibilities:
* Identifying and placing collecting boxes in suitable locations
* Talking to the shop owner, receptionist etc at the location about how the boxes will help Guide Dogs and what we do
* Emptying boxes every 3-6 months (as they get full) and banking the income through the paying in book provided.
Give a receipt and letter of thanks to the hosts
* Keeping a written record of the location of all boxes for your supervisor, the dates they are emptied and the dates/
amounts banked
* If boxes aren’t collecting much, you’ll decide to move them to a better location. Your supervisor may also ask you to
remove boxes
* Reporting any stolen boxes to the local mobility team
Please contact VolunteerScotNI@guidedogs.org.uk for more information.
Oxfam
Why we want you
Together we can help people facing poverty all over the world – all from right here, in this very shop. Join our friendly team as an Oxfam Volunteer and you’ll find yourself at the heart of your community, making amazing things happen.
What Oxfam does
Oxfam is a movement of people from around the world who won’t live with poverty. We have two key aims:
Responding to emergencies happening in the world now, giving vital support to people facing poverty due to conflict, climate change and natural disasters.
Empowering communities to challenge and change systems that promote inequality, so together we can beat poverty for good.
Oxfam shops have been fundraising to support Oxfam’s work since 1947, raising millions every year to support people facing poverty. Find out more about Oxfam’s work at oxfam.org.uk
Young Volunteers
The minimum age for this role is 18 because of the responsibility which comes
with handling sensitive information and supervising others. The minimum age
to volunteer with Oxfam is 14 years old so we will happily try to find an
alternative role for you in our shop. Parental consent and safeguarding
considerations will be required for those under 18. You can find out more about
safeguarding on our website.
Covid-19
We want to make sure everyone feels safe in our shops. Our shops comply fully
with regulations and we provide PPE.
Let’s beat poverty together.
What you will be doing
Effectively delegating responsibilities and coaching individuals and teams
Supervising volunteers and ensuring safeguarding and health and safety policies are follow and acted on as appropriate, reporting any concerns
Maximising the income from donations, Sourced by Oxfam and Gift Aid
Opening, closing and managing the shop in the shop manager’s absence
Keeping up to date with Oxfam’s internal communications and sharing any news with the shop team to ensure compliance with current requirements
The skills you need
You do not need specific skills and experience, but the following will be useful:
Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop aims and objectives and motivating others
Ability to work within Oxfam’s policies and shop guidelines
Ability to work collaboratively with the shop manager and the shop team
Commitment to Oxfam’s values of empowerment, accountability and inclusiveness
Ability to work well as part of a team and under own initiative
Helpful and friendly
Ability to deal in a tactful and professional manner with confidential information and sensitive situations
What's in it for you
Ongoing training and support
Gain valuable leadership experience
Some lunch and travel costs
Improve transferable skills and boost your CV
Grow your confidence and meet new people
We can be flexible around your education, family, work, or health etc.
Possible references for future employers
Volunteering opportunities advertised
across
Argyll & Bute:
72
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Home-based volunteering, Suitable for groups, One-off volunteering
We are seeking individuals to help with running face-face communication sessions for babies, children and young people with Ds. We are also recruiting volunteers to assist with online delivery and resource making.
Love Her Wild is a UK-based nonprofit women’s adventure community. We believe outdoor adventures boost well-being, increase confidence and help protect our planet through better connections to nature. Love Her Wild is an inclusive community providing opportunities, support and funding to make the outdoors more accessible. We’ve taken thousands of women on adventures from first-time mountain hikes to world-first overseas expeditions! To learn more about Love Her Wild visit the website: https://www.loveherwild.com/
Many of these experiences are run in our Local Groups and led by Local Wilders. We now have 39 local groups covering the whole of the UK including 10 groups in Scotland! Most of our Scottish groups are new so we are reaching out for volunteers who can help us build the community in Scotland. Each of these groups is run by a Local Wilder. These groups give women and non-binary people the opportunity to connect with others looking for adventure, ask for advice, share their stories, and join local meetups.
Local Wilders have a wide ranging but flexible role which can be adapted to suit the needs of the volunteer and the wants of the Local Group. As well as leading outdoor activities you will also be responsible for a Facebook group and community. Most groups have more than one Local Wilder who work together to manage their group. The description bellow outlines the typical responsibility taken on by a local wilder. however if you are interested in volunteer but are not sure you are able to meet certain aspects of the role then please get in touch so we can discuss how you could be involved.
You need to be:
• Enthusiastic about helping other women experience adventure.
• Confident to stand up, chat and lead in front of a group of women.
• Experienced enough to lead a walk/ride/swim etc in your local area.
• Competent enough on social media to help with admin work within the group.
• Able to commit to running 8 (or more!) events each year as Local Wilder as a mixture of evening and weekend events.
As a local wilder you will be expected to:
• Help admin the online group (approx 1 hour per week, usually 10 minutes a day),
approving membership requests, checking the mood of discussions (stepping in if required to maintain peace), and removing any advertising or offensive members. We will work together as team to do this and discuss any borderline cases together by messenger.
• Run FREE local events in your local group. (approx 8 per year between 3-7hours) These could be walks, bike rides, , wild swims, canoe trips, camping trips, surfing, picnic’s, SUP trips, trail running or anything else that you fancy organising!
• Help maintain online engagement within the Facebook group (particularly over the winter months) This might include hosting a free online zoom event or sharing educational content.
Benefits and rewards.
• It’s hugely rewarding. You'll get to accompany people on life changing trips from their first wild swims, first camping trips and confidence building first expeditions.
• The opportunity to meet and chat with a broad range of women and make new friendships.
• There is the option to run occasional paid events within our group (once you have some experience with running free events). With the agreement of Love Her Wild staff and using pre-approved qualified leaders the Local Wilder who undertakes the organisation for these events will have a free place made available to them in return for their time.
• Free attendance at the Local Wilder Weekend (run approximately every 9 months). This is a weekend open to all Local Wilders giving them an opportunity to meet each other, gain advice and mentorship, take part in training and have lots of fun!
The role will help give girls opportunities for fun, friendship, challenge and adventure! Girlguiding's unit helpers usually work with other volunteers to assist in delivering a high-quality programme to the girls and young women in the unit, while ensuring the safety of the unit members. Unit helpers assist the unit leadership team in running units (groups) of Rainbows (age 5-7), Brownies ) age 7-10), Guides (age 10-14), and Rangers (age 14-18). You will be part of a Leadership Team that includes at least one unit leader, assistant leaders and possibly also young leaders and other unit helpers.
What is the purpose of this role?
To help give girls opportunities for fun, friendship, challenge and adventure! Occasional Helpers usually work with other volunteers to assist in delivering a high-quality programme to the girls and young women in the unit, while ensuring the safety of the unit members. Helpers assist in running units (groups) of Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers on a regular or ad-hoc basis. You will be supported by at least one Unit Leader, Assistant Leaders, Young Leaders and other Unit Helpers and Occasional Helpers.
What will I do as a unit helper?
The responsibilities below will be shared among the Unit Leadership Team. As a helper you will work with others in the team to make the most of the skills and time you are able to give.
- Provide a safe girl-only space where girls and young women can discover their full potential.
- Provide support to members of the unit and the Unit Leadership Team.
- Take an active role in creating and delivering an accessible and inclusive programme, based on the Girlguiding programme for your section.
- Encourage and support the members of the unit in making decisions within the unit and the wider Girlguiding community.
- Develop and maintain clear communications with the Unit Leader and other members of the
Leadership Team.
- Maintain clear communication with parents and carers.
- Be willing to participate in any relevant ‘on-the-job’ training for the role.
- Comply with current Girlguiding policies and regulations.
Helpers are key in supporting girls and young women to experience how great Girlguiding can be. While we can offer you support in your role we would expect you to possess the personal qualities outlined below.
- An open and approachable manner.
- Reliable and trustworthy.
- Creative and enthusiastic.
- Committed to ongoing personal development.
- Fun-loving.
- A sense of humour.
- Enjoys working with young people.
Girlguiding welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds, ages, cultures, faiths and abilities. We are flexible, and volunteering can be arranged to fit around a busy lifestyle.
Our units are currently meeting online and/ or outdoors. This autumn we anticipate that units will also return to indoor guiding but the situation will differ from area to area, following Scottish Government advice and regulations. When you register interest, we'll chat to you about whether you are interested in supporting units face to face (indoors or outdoors) or remotely (whether as part of online guiding or by supporting other ways of staying in touch remotely)
Guides have an exciting and varied programme designed to inspire and challenge girls from 10-14.
What girls do in Guides is up to them, from taking part in lots of exciting activities at regular meetings to special events and trips away.
They will choose from different badges and awards which will help them learn new skills and try new challenges. They can do some of this by themselves and some of this is done in groups in regular unit meetings.
As a Guide Leader you have the opportunity to provide fun and challenging opportunities for girls aged ten to
fourteen.
The Guide programme is based on the premise that girls of this age, supported by a caring adult and given adequate resources, are capable of planning and carrying out most of their own activities.
What's the purpose of this role?
To give girls opportunities for fun, friendship, challenge and adventure! The unit leader is ultimately responsible for the Guide unit she works with – although of course she doesn’t have to do everything herself! Our Unit Leaders usually work with other volunteers to deliver a high-quality programme to the girls and young women in the unit, ensure the safety of the unit members and oversee the administration of the unit.
All units have at least one unit leader, who is generally supported by a Leadership Team that can include other unit leaders, assistant leaders, young leaders and unit helpers. Units are grouped together into local areas called districts or divisions, and all leaders in the area are supported by a volunteer manager called a district or division commissioner.
Unit leaders take part in learning and development opportunities both ‘on the job’ and through formal and informal training sessions.
What will I do in the role?
The responsibilities below will be shared among the Unit Leadership Team. As a unit leader you may delegate duties to other leaders and volunteers, working together to make the most of the skills and time you are able to give.
- Provide a safe girl-only space where girls and young women can discover their full potential.
- Provide ongoing leadership and support to the Unit Leadership Team and members of the unit.
- With the Unit Team, create and deliver an accessible and inclusive programme based on the Girlguiding programme for your section.
- Encourage and support the members of the unit in making decisions within the unit and the wider Girlguiding community.
- Keep up to date with new resources and programme initiatives, and use them as appropriate.
- Complete relevant training for the role and encourage other members of the team to develop their skills.
- Ensure unit administration and financial tasks are completed.
- Ensure all unit volunteers comply with current Girlguiding policies and regulations.
- Ensure all activity instructors/visitors to the unit meet the requirements laid out in The Guiding Manual.
- Maintain clear communication with parents and carers and gain all necessary permissions for activities.
- Provide an initial response to any concerns or complaints from girls and young women or their parents/carers, following Girlguiding’s Safeguarding Policy
Our Guide units are currently meeting online and/ or outdoors. This autumn we anticipate that some units will also return to indoor guiding but the situation will differ from area to area, following Scottish Government advice and regulations. When you register interest, we'll chat to you about whether you are interested in supporting units face to face (indoors or outdoors) or remotely (whether as part of online guiding or by supporting other ways of staying in touch remotely).
Brownies is for all girls aged seven to ten. Girls in Brownies have incredible experiences together, make brilliant friends and discover the world around them. Every time they meet up, groups of Brownies learn new skills and take on challenges as they work out what they want to be and do in the future.
Brownies is about getting together regularly - often each week - to work on badges, learn new skills, play games and see friends. It's about trying adventurous activities and going along to special events, day trips, sleepovers, camps and holidays.
Every Brownie unit is run by a team of volunteers including unit leaders, assistant leaders and unit helpers. As a unit leader, assistant , assistant or helper, you'll run exciting activities, games, projects and events that give girls the chance to discover their potential, learn about the world around them and help them earn badges and awards.
What's the purpose of this role?
To give girls opportunities for fun, friendship, challenge and adventure! The unit leader is ultimately responsible for the Brownie unit she works with – although of course she doesn’t have to do everything herself! Our Unit Leaders usually work with other volunteers to deliver a high-quality programme to the girls and young women in the unit, ensure the safety of the unit members and oversee the administration of the unit.
All units have at least one unit leader, who is generally supported by a Leadership Team that can include other unit leaders, assistant leaders, young leaders and unit helpers. Units are grouped together into local areas called districts or divisions, and all leaders in the area are supported by a volunteer manager called a district or division commissioner.
Unit leaders take part in learning and development opportunities both ‘on the job’ and through formal and informal training sessions.
What will I do in the role?
The responsibilities below will be shared among the Unit Leadership Team. As a unit leader you may delegate duties to other leaders and volunteers, working together to make the most of the skills and time you are able to give.
- Provide a safe girl-only space where girls and young women can discover their full potential.
- Provide ongoing leadership and support to the Unit Leadership Team and members of the unit.
- With the Unit Team, create and deliver an accessible and inclusive programme based on the Girlguiding programme for your section.
- Encourage and support the members of the unit in making decisions within the unit and the wider Girlguiding community.
- Keep up to date with new resources and programme initiatives, and use them as appropriate.
- Complete relevant training for the role and encourage other members of the team to develop their skills.
- Ensure unit administration and financial tasks are completed.
- Ensure all unit volunteers comply with current Girlguiding policies and regulations.
- Ensure all activity instructors/visitors to the unit meet the requirements laid out in The Guiding Manual.
- Maintain clear communication with parents and carers and gain all necessary permissions for activities.
- Provide an initial response to any concerns or complaints from girls and young women or their parents/carers, following Girlguiding’s Safeguarding Policy
Our Brownie units are currently meeting online and/ or outdoors. This autumn we anticipate that some units will also return to indoor guiding but the situation will differ from area to area, following Scottish Government advice and regulations. When you register interest, we'll chat to you about whether your interested in supporting units face to face (indoors or outdoors) or remotely (whether as part of online guiding or by supporting other ways of staying in touch remotely).
Girlguiding Scotland are looking for Youth Group Leaders for Rainbows (aged 4-7) across Scotland.
About the Role
The purpose of the role is to give girls opportunities for fun, friendship, challenge and adventure. As a leader you have responsibility for the unit you work with but you don’t need to do everything by yourself! Tasks can be shared with other leaders and volunteers – working together to make the most of the skills and time you are able to give. Some of these tasks include:
• Providing a safe girl-only space where girls can discover their full potential.
• Creating and delivering an accessible and inclusive programme as set out by Girlguiding.
• Encouraging and supporting members in making decisions within the unit and the wider Girlguiding community.
• Completing relevant training for the role and encouraging other members of the team to develop their skills.
• Overseeing unit administration and finance.
• Complying with Girlguiding policies and regulations.
About Rainbows
Being a Rainbow is all about having the space to try new things through a programme of age-appropriate activities, trips and adventures - both in their unit meetings and at special events. Rainbows is for all girls aged five to seven and are supported by a group of trained, inspirational leaders to explore, challenge themselves and have fun.
Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of help they need. Next, they find the right sources of support and arrange for clients to access it. This might be funds for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.
The essential part of the role is interacting with clients, so you may be visiting clients or doing this virtually. As part of your local branch you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home.
What does this role involve?
• Contacting clients and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time either face-to-face or remotely
• Liaising with clients and completing a form to assess their circumstances
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice
• Applying on the client’s behalf to military and non-military sources of charitable funding
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping in touch with the client so they know how their case is progressing
• Keeping in touch with your branch so they know your availability
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer or fundraiser
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the
Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
• Support people in your community with a military background
• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
Minimum Age: 18
Is a criminal record check required? Yes
About us
The RNLI’s Lifeboat Station in Campbeltown is looking for volunteers to join the existing team in the role of Inshore Lifeboat Crew.
Established in 1861, Campbeltown Lifeboat Station is strategically placed to cover the notorious Mull of Kintyre and the North Channel. The crews have been awarded 11 medals for gallantry.
The impact you will make
This role will help us save lives at sea by ensuring that our lifeboats are in a state of permanent readiness and crewing the lifeboat on service and exercise, under the command of the Helm.
What you will be doing
Undertake training and maintain competence under the Competency Framework as necessary to fulfil the role of crew member
Be on call for lifeboat ‘shouts’
Attend exercises
Contribute to the overall upkeep of the station, lifeboats and equipment
What you need for this role
Team player
Good communicator
General fitness
Ability to learn new skills
Live or work within close proximity of the station and be between 18 and 65 years of age (B-Class)/ 18 and 55 years of age (D-Class)
What’s in it for you
Join an inclusive and diverse organisation
Have fun, meet new people and join a motivated and enthusiastic team who are making a difference
Learn skills and gain experience to enhance your CV
Gain the satisfaction of giving back
Training to fulfil your volunteer role will be provided and reasonable out of pocket expenses reimbursed
About us
The RNLI’s Lifeboat Station in Campbeltown is looking for volunteers to join the existing team in the role of All Weather Lifeboat Crew.
Established in 1861, Campbeltown Lifeboat Station is strategically placed to cover the notorious Mull of Kintyre and the North Channel. The crews have been awarded 11 medals for gallantry.
The impact you will make
This role will help us save lives at sea by ensuring that our lifeboats are in a state of permanent readiness and crewing the lifeboat on service and exercise, under the command of the coxswain.
What you will be doing
Undertake training and maintain Competency Based Training as necessary to fulfil the role of crew member
Be on call for lifeboat ‘shouts’
Attend exercises
Contribute to the overall upkeep of the station, lifeboats and equipment
What you need for this role
Team player
Good communicator
General fitness
Ability to learn new skills
Live or work within close proximity of the station and be between 18 and 65 years of age
What’s in it for you
Join an inclusive and diverse organisation
Have fun, meet new people and join a motivated and enthusiastic team who are making a difference
Learn skills and gain experience to enhance your CV
Gain the satisfaction of giving back
Training to fulfil your volunteer role will be provided and reasonable out of pocket expenses reimbursed
As part of the RAF Association, our Connections Volunteers offer the vital connection and support our beneficiaries need. In this role, you will make a real difference by helping support a lonely individual via regular telephone calls.