The Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP) encourages and assists older people 50+ to use their skills and experiences to volunteer and keep active in retirement. Across the Forth Valley region we have hundreds of older people volunteering in their communities including in local NHS hospitals, primary schools, our Healthy Walking Group and charitable knitting groups. Volunteering can have a huge impact on the people we support, the local community and volunteers themselves. People who volunteer are less likely to become socially isolated and experience fewer health problems, while socialising more and having fun in their spare time. RSVP Forth Valley are currently recruiting a Volunteer Walk Organiser. Our Walking Group has been on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is ready to re-start. The Volunteer role includes performing administrative duties for the walking group who meet 1-3 times per week. As our organiser, you will help to recruit and induct new walk leaders, oversee the walk schedule to ensure each walk takes place safely and to recruit new walkers to join. The Walk Organiser would also take part in quarterly meetings of the RSVP Forth Valley Organisers committee who oversee the delivery of the wider programme. Each walk is led by a trained walk leader and of course, you will have the opportunity to also take part in our beautiful walks around the Forth Valley. Full support is available and provided by peers, volunteers and our buddy organisation Volunteering Matters who are a national volunteering charity.

The Stirling Interfaith Community Justice Group (SICJG) is a charitable organisation (charity no. SC042540), that works alongside the Scottish Prison Service to deliver support and assistance to families visiting those in custody. They are located in the Family Help Hub at HMP and YOI Cornton Vale and the Visitor Centre at HMP Glenochil. The aim of the Family Help Hub is to provide a supportive, friendly and welcoming environment for families visiting relatives or loved ones in prison. Support is provided by staff and trained volunteers to ensure experiences of prison visiting are less stressful and more positive, thereby encouraging more frequent visits and maintaining family ties in order to reduce re-offending, increase the stability of children's lives and achieve positive long-term outcomes for all of the family. What is the role of a volunteer? · The group have many volunteers from various backgrounds and different levels of experience with the criminal justice system. However, training is given to all volunteers so no experience is necessary. · You will be based at one of the centres and will be responsible for welcoming visitors before they head to their visits. You will usually provide teas and coffees. · If someone is visiting for the first time, you will sit down with them and talk them through the processes and signpost them to any help from other services. · Volunteers will be expected to help in building relationships with visitors and looking out for any signs that they may need additional help or support during the visit. Children’s visits: One of the main activities that SICJG coordinate is children’s visits. These are more relaxed and allow the children to interact with their parents freely. The group are even involved with organising parties throughout the year, such as Easter, Halloween and Christmas. Who to contact If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or have any questions, please contact either: Lauren - Laurensicjg@outlook.com, or Lyndsay - Lyndsaysicjg@outlook.com

Neil’s Hugs Foundation are an already established community charity based in West Lothian and strongly believe in working in communities to raise awareness of poor mental health and suicide which is affecting so many people. We believe that partnership work is the way to achieve our goal of reducing suicide rates. Neil’s Hugs Foundation provides support to people who have lost someone to suicide, support people who are currently living with/supporting someone who has attempted suicide by signposting to appropriate support agencies. We run support groups for people who have suffered a loss to suicide; peer support groups for men and women with mild to moderate poor mental health. All the groups are safe spaces to talk, but 1-to-1 support is available for people who do not feel they are able to attend a group at this moment. Neil’s Hugs Foundation provides a befriending service to reduce isolation working with the person to engage with external groups to increase network. We are looking for people who wants to support others by giving some time to befriend someone who is experiencing poor mental health. You will help them access community resources, build their confidence and help promote a healthy wellbeing. We need volunteers who can help out at weekly support groups for people who have experienced, or are experiencing, bereavement from suicide; people who have had experience of poor mental health in the past and want to help others (both men and women) in the journey. Neil’s Hugs Foundation are looking for people who can lend an ear to others who need to talk and have phone contact with the individual. The Foundation is run by a small team but we will link in with volunteers in West Lothian for a regular support group, where one can expect informal training and general discussions and support. The Coordinator, Janice Muir, will work with you on a regular basis and hold supervisions. Here you will be required to provide briefs of case notes from contacts. Training will mostly be given online, including: the experience of bereavement & grief; First Aid For Mental Health; Neil’s Hugs Suicide Awareness; Living life and good wellbeing training is in house; and further purchased training will be a large focus initially due to covid restrictions, our aim is to have our team ready to go once the lockdown is lifted. Training will be given, but all of our roles require an understanding and empathetic nature, and the ability to listen to others and provide non-judgemental support. Times will be flexible and can work around what is good for the volunteer and the person they are supporting. All volunteers will be PVG checked to work with vulnerable adults. Due to the nature of the support we offer, someone who is currently experiencing poor mental health should not apply as this work is likely to add additional stress ontop of what they may already be experiencing. However, this is a very good position for someone who has experienced the journey of recovery. Given the nature of the support we offer this would be a role best suited to someone over 18, but we are working on a programme for young volunteers which will be piloted in West Lothian, with the intention of being rolled out in Clacks & Stirling in the future. Befrienders and the people we support will be matched according to circumstances. The first few months will be shadowed around the zoom groups and training as above, to be ready for work with people directly once lock down has lifted. Most support will be in the community but some will be in the local community centres or designated areas for the support group. All workers will have a sheet to claim expenses. This can be submitted as often as needed, plus petty cash can also be made available.

Connect Alloa are looking for a new Treasurer to join their Trustee Committee. Are you passionate about helping young people? Supporting the Clackmannanshire community? Great with money and budgets? Then this role might be of interest. Being a Trustee is a voluntary role that requires working with other members of the board to manage Connect Alloa. Connect Alloa is a local youth group, supporting young people and tackling social isolation/loneliness. They host regular youth group sessions, where young people can play games, get involved in fundraising challenges and just generally have a safe place to hang out and make friends. What does being the Treasurer involve? · Overseeing the finances/budgets · Attending monthly board meetings · Help direct and grow the organisation, setting goals/monitoring outcomes · Occasionally supporting with different tasks (funding applications, etc.) What they are looking for: · Positive, can-do attitude · Willingness to get involved · Strong communication/teamwork · Any experience with charities, youth work/education, money management, etc. Connect Alloa are an open-minded organisation and are really just looking for someone who wants to get involved with the team and can bring some varied experience to the role! Interested? Got some questions? Email Dave Crozier, the Project Leader at dave@connectalloa.org.uk.

The Forth Region Scout Council provides support to four districts in the Forth Valley area, encompassing the local authority areas of Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Stirlingshire and West Lothian. Role description Purpose: Lead the strategic development of the Region based on the six areas of leadership and management: 1. Providing direction 2. Working with people 3. Achieving results 4. Enabling change 5. Using resources 6. Managing time and personal skill Responsible to: The Chief Commissioner of Scotland Responsible for: Leadership of Scouting within Forth Region including members of the Regional Leadership Team and District Commissioners. Who you will be working with: You will need to enthusiastically work with, and support, a wide variety of people and teams in Scouting as well as those from other youth and external organisations and charities, to deliver your work and support our strategy. Key tasks: As a member of the Scouts Scotland Team • Lead Scouting in the Region and help everyone play their part • Work with others across Scotland to achieve goals • Develop and Maintain good working relationships • Think Big! Develop proactive working relationships with senior volunteers and staff at Scouts Scotland and The Scouts UK Working with others in the Region • Create a Team to support your work and set priorities • Make goals and targets for the Region in keeping with our strategic plan • Outline how to achieve these goals and monitor progress • Communicate well and appropriately • Work with and support all four Districts to achieve regional unity and cohesion • Be the voice of the Region locally and nationally • Be a Trustee of the Forth Regional Scout Council and support the work of the Trustee Board. Terms of appointment: • The appointment is for an initial term of 3 years (subject to annual review with the Chief Commissioner of Scotland) with the potential for re-appointment for a further period. • It is expected this would be the only significant role that the person in post holds. • In common with all Scouts Scotland appointments, the successful candidate will be assigned a Training Adviser and will complete a Manager/Supporter Wood Badge, within 3 years of appointment. • The applicant must become a member of The Scout Association, if not already, requiring them to pass our vetting process and making the Promise. Person specification Skills and abilities: • Inspire and motivate people • Lead and manage people in a voluntary environment • Contribute to strategy development and identify practical actions to achieve strategic objectives • Communicate effectively and show intermediary skills • Chair meetings effectively • Be able to cope with challenging situations • Undertake the appropriate Adult Training requirements • Work in partnership with staff members across the Scouts Scotland and The Scouts UK teams Knowledge and experience: • Previous experience of the effective management and leadership of volunteers • Previous experience of managing adults across a wide geographical area and from various personal backgrounds • An understanding of the third Sector Personal qualities: • Approachable • Able to demonstrate initiative and empathy • Excellent time management and a commitment to the role • A demonstrable commitment to The Scout Association’s Purpose, Values and Method • No envisaged barriers to obtaining enhanced PVG status

To assist in the day to day running of The Gate’s charity shop to maximise sales and profitability. • To assist and serve customers, providing a service of the highest standard. • To assist with processing stock, including sorting, steaming, pricing and hanging of donated items. • To be involved with the till operation and the handling of cash (although this is not a necessary requirement). • To promote public understanding of the work The Gate delivers and the importance of raising funds through the shop. • To promote and apply The Gate’s Health and Safety Policy.

Overview: Volunteering Matters are the UK’s leading volunteering charity, supporting over 20,000 volunteers across the UK and run over 120 projects set up to help children and young people, older people, disabled people and vulnerable families. The Peer Perspectives Project is a peer-led youth mental health project in Clackmannanshire for young people wanting to feel more empowered to have discussions around mental health – their own, and that of their friends and family. The Peer Perspectives project involves recruiting young people aged 16-25, training them on issues related to mental health, working with them to create workshops that can be delivered to other young people, and providing volunteers with a valuable development opportunity along the way. This project is very much about giving young people the space and the tools they need to talk confidently about mental health issues. The Peer Perspectives project will focus on ways to achieve mental wealth, and learn about things young people can all do to help ourselves and others. Peer Perspectives has run successfully in Wales for a number of years, and is being expanded by bringing the project to Scotland, starting in Clackmannanshire. The Role There are a number of volunteer roles available as a Peer Perspectives Mental Health Champion, and upon application a plan will be created that makes the most of the applicant's skills, talents and comfort zones. There will be opportunities to help with social media platforms, to create and deliver workshops on a range of topics in schools or to other groups of volunteers in the community, or to create a social media campaign. There are opportunities to join the Peer Perspectives Youth Committee to help steer the strategic direction of the project. Peer Perspective opportunities will be tailored to each individual. The goal is to ensure that the project is very much led by young people, for young people. Your input will be welcomed on issues you think should be covered, and how this is communicated to others, and your support will be integral to growing Peer Perspectives beyond Clackmannanshire…. it’s a super exciting time to get involved! What is asked of you - · Commit to attending a minimum of 4 training sessions – dates and times to be confirmed · Commit to regular supervision sessions with our Engagement Manager · Be a trustworthy, reliable and positive role model If you have any further questions or would like to speak to someone about this role, please contact: Lynn Raynal on 07950 309706 or by email – lynn.raynal@volunteeringmatters.org.uk

Forth Valley Welcome are a charity who work to support Syrian Refugees who have been re-settled in Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire. Their mission is to welcome re-settled families, and support them to integrate within their new community. Their work spans various activities - from assisting with ensuring homes have what families require, to supporting them access healthcare, providing social opportunities, and much more! Volunteers are integral to all activities within the organisation, and they always welcome interest for the following roles: Home Visitor: Forth Valley Welcome match Home Visitors (previously called befrienders) with each of the Syrian families being resettled across the two council areas. Home Visitors support the families to learn English, involve them in activities with their own families, take them shopping and help them understand information coming out of children’s school bags. Fundraiser: Join their small fundraising team who develop and implement the FVW fundraising strategy and research and write fundraising applications to appropriate trusts and foundations. Fundraising Events: This role has two main parts: volunteers can be part of the core team that plans and coordinates fundraising events and/or be an Assistant Events person who helps out from time to time as events across Stirling and Clackmannanshire Material Needs: Help manage donations of clothes, toys, bedding etc so Forth Valley Welcome can enhance the quality of a refugee’s life by supporting and promoting their welfare. External Relations: Designing, printing publicity materials to raise awareness of Forth Valley Welcome; help keep Facebook account active and post interesting content; liaise with partnership organisations to help organise outings for the families Snack and Chat Event: Help organise and run the monthly ‘Snack and Chat’ events where Forth Valley Welcome bring the Syrian families together for information and social events. Volunteer jobs range from 30 mins to a few hours; welcoming families, setting up the hall, kitchen duties, tidying up and supporting the families to supervise the children. Language and Life Skills: Liaises with council teams, other charities and Forth Valley Welcome befrienders to support English language learning, literacy, volunteering and employment opportunities Forth Valley Welcome also have volunteers who help out with driving family members to appointments, policy development, monitoring and evaluation and various other ways. If you have a skill/interest that is not covered in the above roles, please do get in touch as they are always keen to adapt and involve keen individuals, whether a formal role exists or not.

We are a mainstream church, part of the United Free Church of Scotland, and have been in Alloa since 1747. We offer worship, chaplaincy, and community activities. Volunteers would help the Minister with producing the Powerpoint for worship for Sunday and ideally running the PowerPoint on Sunday. Furthermore, volunteers can expect to help out during lockdown by helping to film and record the pre-recorded Sunday services. So some knowledge of video editing is helpful and familiarity of working in a voluntary environment. Looking ahead to worship after lockdown, having a good knowledge of Powerpoint and troubleshooting with a projector.

Connect Alloa are looking for new members to join their Trustee Committee. Are you passionate about helping young people? Supporting the Clackmannanshire community? Great with money and budgets? Then this role might be of interest. Being a Trustee is a voluntary role that requires working with other members of the board to manage Connect Alloa. Connect Alloa is a local youth group, supporting young people and tackling social isolation/loneliness. They host regular youth group sessions, where young people can play games, get involved in fundraising challenges and just generally have a safe place to hang out and make friends. What does being a Trustee involve? · Attending monthly board meetings · Help direct and grow the organisation, setting goals/monitoring outcomes · Occasionally supporting with different tasks (funding applications, etc.) · Help oversee staff/volunteers What they are looking for: · Positive, can-do attitude · Willingness to get involved · Strong communication/teamwork · Any experience with charities, youth work/education, etc. Connect Alloa are an open-minded organisation and are really just looking for someone who wants to get involved with the team and can bring some varied experience to the role! Interested? Got some questions? Email Dave Crozier, the Project Leader at dave@connectalloa.org.uk.