Edinburgh
volunteering opportunities
Save the Children
Our Edinburgh Nicolson Street Save the Children Shop is a modern, contemporary, urbanised street store, unlike any other traditional charity shop you have ever seen - We want you to join us in raising much needed funding and awareness to help improve the lives of children all over the world!
No previous experience is required as all training will be provided. Activities include customer service, creative merchandising, working as part of a large and diverse team and having fun!
Craigmillar Now
Craigmillar Now, a new arts and heritage centre based in Craigmillar, Edinburgh, is in the process of creating the first publicly-accessible, community-led Craigmillar archive. This community-built project aims to preserve, care for, and celebrate Craigmillar's history as part of a wider programme of regeneration, and seeks enthusiastic volunteers to aid in collecting, cataloguing, and promoting the archive's growing collections.
Mondays from 10am - 5pm, with free lunch included!
Move On Wood Recycling
Staffing the MoveOn Wood Recycling shop, helping customers, taking orders and payments, making sure the items in the shop are priced correctly, listing appropriate items on social media/gumtree/ebay etc.
Whizz-Kidz
Whizz-Kidz aim to transform the lives of young wheelchair users aged between 2 and 25. We do this by providing life changing mobility equipment, exciting youth groups and wheelchair skills training. There are sometimes extra opportunities, such as volunteering at a residential camp. Volunteers can support us to reach this aim by: Supporting young people to get involved in activities, leading activities or ice breakers, acting as a positive role model for young wheelchair users.
DataKirk SCIO
Leading, motivating, and coaching young learners on life skills to bring the best out of them and ensure they are actively participating in the DataKirk project. The key tasks include:
Youth leadership training programme.
Youth digital training skills.
Youth employability training skills programme.
Youth life training skills programme.
DataKirk SCIO
We are looking for Professionals and Postgraduate Students from Data science background and other related subject areas, to help support our weekly Data literacy and analytics club in handling the following responsibilities.
Lead weekly online data literacy session.
Provide online mentoring support
Support the team in planning projects and other data events
Support in the development of learning materials
Support the lab sessions and workshops.
Think Circus
Would you like to help us run Circus skill workshops?? Are you welcoming and open?
We would need you to help us with the reception of audiences to the circus sessions. You can join and learn if you like!
CruiseForth
Our uniformed welcome volunteers are on duty to welcome passengers and crew from arriving cruise ships. The passengers often need orientation, transport information, advice on currency and places to visit. Occasionally we go on board ship to provide information to passengers before they disembark. We provide this service at Leith, Newhaven, and South Queensferry (as well as Rosyth).
LINKnet Mentoring (Midlothian)
This opportunity is part of (No More Tears No More Isolation) Project, Where Linknet Mentoring targets to help adult
people from ethnic minority, immigrants, and refugees to overcome isolation, Loneliness, Lack of confidence and to
develop their English language skills.
Meeting your befriendee 1-2 hours once a week, makes a big difference in that person’s live, where they can feel at
home in Scotland and facilitate their involvement in the society and developing their skills.
In return, it is a self-rewarding opportunity, and can aid those who wants to build in their CV in social work, teaching,
psychology, etc.
It is flexible as it can be conducted online/face-to-face, and someone can accommodate it to their schedule.
The Butterfly Trust
Young people living with this condition have a demanding daily treatment regime at home and sometimes experience limitations that can affect their confidence and ability to cope with the challenges of everyday living. They may also be socially isolated because of their condition. They are usually referred to us by the specialist clinical team.
Our befrienders offer one to one support to a young person aged 8 to 18, who has Cystic Fibrosis. A befriender will meet with the young person every 1 to 2 weeks, to build a trusting one to one relationship. A commitment of at least a year is sought - this will allow the young person time, space and a suitable environment to explore their feelings, discuss their fears, develop life skills and grow in the areas where they may be struggling.
Induction is one day covering the condition, the befriending process and procedures, interpersonal skills, Trust procedures. One team day per year for ongoing training. Support from befriending co-ordinator member of Trust’s staff.
Reimbursement of travelling costs, mileage (currently 30p/mile), postage/stationery, refreshments and cost of activities/materials when appropriate.
Since the role requires driving, the befriender must have held a clean driving licence for at least 2 years and have access to a smoke-free car.
Walk the Walk
Are you a dedicated and organised person, passionate about helping others? Join our night-time party and lots of other Volunteers and walkers at The Moonwalk Scotland on Saturday 9th September 2023 from Holyrood Park, Edinburgh!
Bring your energy and help many Walkers get through an overnight marathon in decorated bras, raising lots of money for breast cancer!
Volunteer with us to raise money for breast cancer and to help us celebrate 25 years of Moonwalking!
If you are interested please click the ‘apply’ button below (available when logged in and registered). You will then be contacted by the coordinator by email. If you have not heard back after 5 working days, the first step is to contact the organisation with the contact details provided. You could also check your junk/spam folder on your emails just in case the response is there. If that doesn’t work out then please feel free to contact Volunteer Glasgow on 0141 226 3431
Bethany Christian Trust
We are looking for volunteers to support the Bethany Christian Centre staff team in giving quality support to residents in the evening. This includes tasks such as participating in recreational activities with residents and staff, cleaning and/or cooking duties as required and general administrative duties, including answering phones and taking messages.
Bethany Christian Trust
Volunteers should;
Foster a supportive and encouraging environment; welcoming people to the group, facilitating social interactions through discussions and offering a listening ear.
Offer digital support to those attending the group, as well as offering advice and support on issues such as CV writing, health and well-being, filling out online forms etc.
Help with the set-up and clean-up of the group, arriving on time in order to do so.
Alert staff of any concerns.
Tuesdays from 10.30 to 12.30pm.
Bethany Christian Trust
General responsibilities:
Inside the van:
Cleaning all surfaces including inside. cupboards, boxes and shelves.
Brushing and mopping floor.
Refilling spray bottles.
Tidying cupboards.
Removing rubbish.
Brushing drivers cab and removing any rubbish.
Inside the kitchen:
Removing discarded food from shelves and fridge.
Cleaning shelving units, sink area and inside of fridge.
Removing rubbish from inside of kitchen and the area outside.
Brushing and mopping floor.
School of Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences
As a volunteer you: play a vital role in our research, since many of our studies rely on collecting data from human participants.
Can take part in research studies online and in-person at our research facilities.
Choose which studies you want to get involved in.
Can withdraw from the research at any time.
We email our volunteers with information about our current studies and they decide if they wish to take part.
Pain Concern (Midlothian)
We are looking for committed and empathetic volunteers to support people who are living with, or affected by chronic pain who access our phone, online forum and e-help support services.
This is a great opportunity to enhance your communication skills and develop an understanding of pain self-management, while providing a valued service to people living with long-term pain. By joining us you will join a fast-growing and respected service.
Due to the nature of the role, successful applicants will be required to undertake a PVG check.
What you would be doing:
· Offer emotional support and signpost resources and information to people affected by persistent pain either by phone, email or on the online forum
· You will work as part of a team of volunteers, covering a rota, ability to commit to shifts is essential
· Attend training/supervision sessions remotely
· Keep up to date with Pain Concern news and work across the UK
· Complete ‘after contact’ survey to support Pain Concern’s evaluation targets.
We would like volunteers to commit to for at least 12 months (including the training period), with the acknowledgement that your circumstances may change.
Compass
Helping Physiotherapists with administration of our rehab technology. General Admin with Excel and Word experience required.
Compass
We are recruiting two new trustees to join our well-established and committed
board. You will play an integral role in helping the charity to achieve its vision while
providing guidance, support, and constructive challenge. You will help make a
lasting difference and support our clients to live the best lives they can.
British Wireless for the Blind
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 providing ongoing support, where needed. This role also involves a small amount of admin.
Marie Curie
Marie Curie is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment for our patients and their families. We’re looking for a volunteer to help us ensure hospice gardens and grounds are kept tidy and look beautiful with attractive flowers, tree and shrubs.
Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:
Potting up and planting, depending on the season.
Sweeping, watering, weeding, pruning and remove dead heads.
Lifting and clearing garden rubbish.
Safe Families
Once approved volunteers can look after a child who has been referred to us and invest time with them by taking them out for a few hours to do fun activities. If they have a spare room they may be able to host them overnight. Others meet up with parents or carers and go to the shops, go out for a walk or help with paperwork but above all else take time to be a listen and support. Resource Friends may do some painting, joinery, gardening or anything practical that helps out.
Eric Liddell Centre
Responsibilities:
Based on your personal interests and skills, your responsibilities could include any of the following:
Support local fundraising and awareness events.
Manning a stall at an event.
Helping at any event being held by or for the Eric Liddell Centre.
Putting up posters or handing out flyers.
Approaching individuals, schools, universities, local authorities, shops and commercial organisations for sponsorship and donations.
St Columba's Hospice
Providing a helpful and professional service to patients, visitors and staff who use the Café and Gift Shop.
Serving hot food (e.g. paninis, toasties etc)
Using the till system and handling cash, including opening up and banking excess cash from the till at the end of the day.
Maintaining excellent levels of hygiene in the preparation, serving and seating areas of the café, following food hygiene guidelines.
Ensuring serving and public areas are kept clean and tidy throughout the day.
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: Unit 14b Westside Plaza, Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH14 2SW, 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
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: 196 Portobello High Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH15 1EX, 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
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.
Over 60 donation centres receive and distribute 100’s of bags of stock every single week. All of these donations need to be lifted and shifted so they end up in the right shops - we don’t require a weightlifter, but you will be need to be physically fit to help move the many donations we receive.
As well as working up a sweat, our donation centres also sell a variety of stock which all need processing and putting on the shop floor. 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 once in a while, 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:
Sorting large amounts of donations and stock
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
The Loan, South Queensferry, EH30 9SD, 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
Rock Trust
This is a live-in volunteering role. Volunteers will live with and support 3 young people who have/are experiencing homelessness. The aim is to provide safe, well-managed supported accommodation. Supportive Flatmates help to create this environment by being a responsible presence, providing practical support around the flat. A budget of £200 per month is available to plan activities with young people. Free rent, bills and internet are included.
Shrub Co-op
Supporting writing and editing grant applications, funding-related administrative tasks, researching and liaising with suitable funders, attending our fortnightly funding working group meeting.
People Know How
As a Youth Work Volunteer, you will be collaborating with and supporting a Youth & Family Coordinator to facilitate groups across Edinburgh and East Lothian. You will be supporting and facilitating children and young people in group settings to build their confidence, allow their voices to be heard and make informed choices. You may also take part in regular meetings with the coordinator to plan creative activities and develop new ideas.
Cats Protection - Dalry Shop
Shop volunteer required to help us in our busy retail space in Dalry. Duties can include:
Till operation, customer service, stock processing, donation sorting, general cleaning and making the displays and shelves appealing inside and in the window.
Your creativity and enthusiasm will be essential!
We need you to help with making displays appealing, sorting a treasure trove of donations, separating the pulp from the bestsellers and identifying the must have items as well as displaying them all to maximum effect!
Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust (FCCT)
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who would like to support the work of our canal boat the Lochrin Belle based at Edinburgh Quay
Main tasks include:
Crewing the boat.
Being a public face of the organisation.
Welcoming people aboard.
Dealing with the needs of passengers.
Supporting the health and safety of passengers.
Helping with maintenance and cleaning.
Supporting colleagues including the skipper and other volunteer crew members.
Aerial Art House
We are now seeking to appoint a Volunteer Director to work alongside the Board. This is a strategic role, responsible for ensuring that there is coherence across all the companies activity. The role will provide leadership in the areas of business planning, partnership development, and fundraising, and overall management of AAH programme. Our ideal candidate will be dynamic and flexible, with the ability to seek out opportunities for the company and genuinely interested in arts/circus arts.
Guide Dogs
Join a community of amazing people – and incredible dogs! Become a volunteer Fundraising Group Coordinator for Guide Dogs and make a massive difference to the lives of people with sight loss. We need someone to be the face of Guide Dogs in the local community and lead a fundraising group in your area. In this lead volunteer role, you will be the key contact for fundraising in your local community to raise money from a variety of activities such as collections, social events and tea parties.
“My advice to people is that they shouldn’t be put off by the word ‘fundraising’. We’re about much more than that as a group. Yes, we do raise money. But it’s also about building relationships, recruiting more volunteers, merchandising, building a community.” – Shirley, Fundraising Group Coordinator
If you don’t feel you tick every box but are sure this role is the one for you, please drop us a message and tell us why. We’re open to suggestions and happy to chat with you to find out what’s possible!
What you will be doing - Building relationships and coordinating a group of fundraising volunteers to raise funds and being the key contact in a local area.
Organising events.
Delegating tasks and responsibilities to other volunteers within the fundraising group and making sure fundraising policies and procedures are followed; including all other volunteer roles are maintaining their required records.
Skills acquired: Communication Skills, Community Development, Customer Service, Event Management, Fundraising, Interpersonal Skills, Marketing Strategy & Planning, Public Relations, Public Speaking, Teamwork, Time Management.
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.
Heart of Newhaven Community SCIO
Do you have a passion for our local community and a desire to share your skills with us? Do you live within our area of benefit?
Our vision, shaped by community consultation, is about to be turned into reality and we need help to carry it through.
The Heart is going to be a place for inspiration, exploration and enjoyment where the aim is to enrich lives through active, inter-generational learning, and discovery. Join a committed board and help shape where we go from here.
Edinburgh Food Social
Edinburgh Food Social are looking for volunteers to help support a community meal hosted by and for pupils at Castlebrae Community Campus in Craigmillar on June 16th. The main tasks will be setting up tables, serving food and helping to clear up.
Marchmont St Giles Cafe
Marchmont St Giles Parish Church is holding a summer fair and afternoon tea. We are looking for volunteers to help with food preparation the day before. You will be working alongside the café manager. The menu you will be working on consists of sandwiches, sausage rolls, cakes, shortbread and quiches.Food preparation. Helping to make sandwiches and last minute baking. Traying food up for the fridge ready for serving the next day at the summer fair.
Cats Protection
Make a difference to cats by volunteering at your local Cats Protection shop.
Our shop volunteers help with all aspects of the day-to-day running of our fantastic shops – serving customers, helping with stock rotation, creating displays, and everything in between!
You’ll develop new skills, make new friends and help raise the funds needed to help thousands of cats and kittens each year.
Buckstone Scout Group
Being a Beaver Leader (or assistant) is awesome fun. You get to to see local 6-8 year olds try a whole range of activities, growing in confidence and ability. Do you enjoy interacting with young people? Are you a team player with a positive, can-do attitude? Do you enjoy fun activities – from athletics to astronomy from photography to pioneering? Do you want to do more? Then this is right up your street. No Scouts experience, no problem. Flexible volunteering exists to fit around you.
Royal Edinburgh Hospital
The volunteer will be based in the Veterans’ First Point Lothian. This is a service that meets the needs of veterans “whatever they may be.” The purpose of the post is to support people accessing the service. Experience in the veteran community is crucial in terms of forming meaningful trusting relationships with clients and engaging them in the service. This will include supporting the afternoon ‘drop ins’ and encouraging engagement in a range of community based activities.
RNIB Scotland (ED)
Our amazing Community Volunteers play a key role in connecting blind and partially sighted people, awareness-raising, tackling barriers to independence and fundraising for our work.
Depending on your availability, training and interests, you will have the chance to take part in some or all of the following:
• help run events and regular groups
• give talks about sight loss, eye health, the work of RNIB and partners
• help with local campaigns
• organise fundraising events like store collections
• attend information stalls and cheque presentations, and
• make wellbeing calls to community members.
What will you be doing?
Build local links, Help organise campaign events, Attend local and regional events, Keep abreast of local issues/challenges, Organising, supporting and attending activities in your local area for blind and partially sighted people.
What skills and experience are needed?
Effective listening skills
Good communication skills
Good organisational skills
An understanding of issues affecting blind / partially sighted people
Ability to digest information
What will you gain from the role?
A chance to give something back
A chance to make a difference
Meeting new people
A chance to build a strong community
A sense of achievement
What support will be given?
Induction
Safeguarding training
Expenses
Regular updates
Supervision and help from your Manager
Training as appropriate
When will you be needed?
We encourage volunteers to commit to at least 3 hours each week but please try to be flexible.
Criminal Record Check Information
This role requires membership of the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) Scheme (Adults).
PEACE (Pet and Companion)
Do you have an interest in pastoral care, some free time and a lovely, gentle dog? Then volunteering for Pet and Companion (PEACE for short) could be for you and your furry friend!
PEACE is a charity providing Canine Therapy along with Pastoral Care for people in need of support and companionship, particularly: the elderly; patients receiving end of life care; students during stressful periods; and vulnerable women.
Pastoral Carers and their therapy dogs (PEACE Teams) visit people in need of support and companionship in various locations, including: Care Homes; University and College campuses; and community hubs. Ideally, PEACE Teams will volunteer for a couple of hours a week/fortnight in order to build relationships with the people they visit.
The PEACE dog helps to provide a relaxing environment (the basis of canine therapy), while the Pastoral Carer offers both a listening ear and a means of support, happy to talk through any concerns or fears a person may have (pastoral care).
The role of a PEACE Pastoral Carer is similar to that of a Chaplain. All Pastoral Carers are therefore Christians, and are comfortable praying and/or discussing their faith with the people they visit, if requested.
All PEACE Pastoral Carers receive training in Mental Health First Aid, attentive listening and dementia awareness. Volunteers will also become members of the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) scheme.
For information about volunteering or any other enquiries about PEACE, please contact Sarah Jeffrey at email: sarah@petandcompanion.com
Further information is also available at www.petandcompanion.com
Crohn’s and Colitis UK - Edinburgh Local Group
We have teams of volunteers based around the country making a positive impact in their local communities to raise awareness of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Join our local team, take an active role in planning and delivering awareness raising activities. Planning and organising events across the area to raise awareness. Get involved in tasks such as writing articles and creating newsletters to publicise local activities, manage social media pages and fundraising .
Dig-In
Dig-in is a community owned greengrocer. We are run by small staff/volunteers and not-for-profit. We are seeking support for our website www.diginbruntsfield.co.uk. We would like to be able to update it and ideally have volunteer support to update it monthly. The main tasks would be:
Liaising with the team.
Review existing website/suggest changes and provide feedback.
Agree on one off/monthly tasks such as loading up blogs, recipes.
All volunteers get 20% off shop produce too!
Marie Curie (Midlothian)
Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. That's why the right care at the end of your life is so important. With other group members from your local area, you will organise fundraising events, collections and bring your community together in supporting Marie Curie. The group meets approximately every 6 weeks to organise 2-4 events per year.
Due to Covid-19 at present all volunteer fundraising is being carried out virtually.
Cyrenians
Volunteers are peer mentors to the community residents and both live within our city and farm communities, and manage the day-to-day domestic tasks and decisions within the building, which is their home. Volunteer tasks may include: Accompanying a resident to appointments, Helping a resident to cook a meal for the whole community, Acting as a sounding board for a problem or difficult situation, Offering mature and calm guidance.
Volunteering Matters
Volunteering Matters Overview
At Volunteering Matters we believe everyone in the UK should have the opportunity to thrive, so we bring people together to overcome some of society’s most complex issues through the power of volunteering. We partner with communities to overcome adversity, tackling social isolation and loneliness, improving health, developing skills and opportunities. And because we’re a national charity, we do this at scale, sharing our expertise and building partnerships to make an even bigger impact. We turn local knowledge and energy into action and progress, building stronger communities and a better future for all.
Project Overview
Our Family Supporters in Edinburgh project offers practical and emotional support to families across the city of Edinburgh, empowering them to face a range of life challenges. We recruit, train and match dedicated, local volunteers to help families every step of the way, spending 1-1 time together on a personalised set of goals chosen by the family, for the family.
We can help in many ways, such as improved living standards, budgeting, healthier eating, better school life and behaviour, access to health and wellbeing aid, as well as introducing parents to community resources, to name a few. So far, thousands of families across the UK have benefitted from our service and we are now delighted to extend the programmes reach to families in Edinburgh.
Who can volunteer with us?
Our volunteers are locally based people with an understanding of the challenges that families are facing. Aged 18+, each volunteer brings different life experiences and skills that they can use to help the family they are matched to, offering support on a weekly basis for an hour or so each week, usually for 6-9 months at a time that suits everyone. They build a strong relationship based on trust and mutual respect, acting as a friendly face who listens and cares about the family. All volunteers are interviewed, trained to the highest standards and undergo disclosure checks before being matched with a family. We also encourage and welcome volunteers who have the ability to speak multiple languages join our team!
What can we offer volunteers?
As well as the sense of achievement that comes through supporting a family, our volunteers will have the opportunity to learn and develop new skills, attend social events with other volunteers and enhance their employability. Certificates are provided upon completion of induction training and at the end of the commitment, with project staff happy to provide references for future studies or employment.
Royal Scottish Country Dance Society
Do you have a passion for the arts and an interest in Scottish country dance and music?
Do you have any experience writing, editing or creating engaging content?
If you answered YES to both those questions, you could be our next Editor. The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society is looking for a volunteer to lead our members magazine team – enthusiasm and ideas are more important that experience!
For more information or an informal conversation about the role email Chief Operating Officer Jon Berridge on jon.berridge@rscds.org
Marie Curie
we are looking for someone who can play our piano. if you can play and can spare 2 hours per week we would love to have you join us a volunteer. get in touch with me if you would like some more information.
please note this role is subject to a basic disclosure check.
Miricyl Mental Illness Research in Children and Young Lives
To support the development of and to deliver a social media marketing strategy for the organisation and to implement it, by agreement.
We work with a wide range of people and want our social media and marketing to reflect our work and our community. We want a volunteer who can join us to help us to reach new people and to share our stories.
Girlguiding Edinburgh
The purpose of the role is to give girls opportunities for fun, friendship, challenge and adventure. You will support leaders to deliver Girlguiding programme activities with the girls during their meetings, including:
Supporting a safe girl-only space where girls can discover their full potential.
Supporting the delivery of an accessible and inclusive programme as set out by Girlguiding.
Completing relevant training for the role to develop your skills.
The BIG Project
Would you like to make a positive difference to local children and young people? If you are enthusiastic, fun and engaging, maybe a role as a volunteer youth and children?s worker could be just what you are looking for. Support kids to have fun, learn, achieve and feel good about themselves. We are looking for volunteers to support in one of our three open youth clubs (Junior club for P5-7, Senior club for P7-S4 and our Roots club for P3/4).
British Heart Foundation Shop (Leith)
If you’re a keen rummager and like things to be neat and tidy, then we have a role for you Helping in our retail stock room to sort the fantastic donations we receive behind the scenes.
Age Scotland
Our statistics have revealed that 218,000 over 50s in Scotland say they feel lonely all or most of the time. As people get older, it can be harder to maintain social connections. Retirement, bereavement or moving somewhere new can leave people feeling lonely and isolated.
That's where you come in!
The Age Scotland Community Connecting Service aims to connect older people across Scotland to social groups and clubs in their local community.
As a Community Connector you'll help to combat loneliness and social isolation by providing older people companionship and information on social opportunities over the phone.
Positive Help
We are looking for drivers to help our service users through the Supportive Transport service. This transport service is our most popular service. It offers lifts to people who are living with or affected by HIV and /or Hepatitis C to attend vital medical, social care and welfare appointments. Our clients often struggle to travel independently due to limited mobility, social anxiety or financial constraints. Some are socially isolated and value the company of their driver. Providing a listening ear to help a Service User process what has been told to them at an appointment is of great benefit. Many tell us they would not attend vital medical appointments without having someone to support them in getting there. Our drivers provide much more to our service users than just a lift! Supportive Transport volunteers also deliver medication and food parcels. You are able to use your own car for this role or an Enterprise hire car.
Positive Help
Positive Help offers practical help to people affected by HIV and /or Hepatitis C in Edinburgh and the Lothians. The core services are delivered by a team of trained volunteers: Befriending for children and young people; Home Support (cleaning, decluttering, gardening and other domestic tasks); a free Transport service, which helps people to get to and from medical appointments as well as support groups or local supermarkets; Study Buddies, a homework mentoring service for children; and a supported shopping service.
We are a very small team, so volunteers really are the beating heart of Positive Help. We offer comprehensive training, volunteer support sessions and social events, reimburse any expenses and are able to provide a potential reference to future employers.
Visit our website to learn more: https://www.positivehelpedinburgh.co.uk
Fresh Start
Fresh Start's mission is to help people make a home for themselves. This includes independent living skills such as learning to cook healthy food on a budget and broadening knowledge of ingredients and how to use them.
Fresh Start
Being given the keys for a new tenancy after being homeless can seem like a dream come true. But sometimes the dream can fade at the first sight of a flat with stained walls, flaking paint and bare floorboards. This is where Fresh Start’s Hit Squads can help. The Hit Squads are teams of volunteers who will work alongside new tenants in their home to decorate up to two rooms. If you think you can help, then please get in touch with either Chloe (07387 141060) or Dave (07387 105198) at Fresh Start.
Citadel Youth Centre
Volunteers are invited to get involved in our youth work programme and work in a team alongside experienced full/part time staff and volunteers. Our youth clubs offer a wide range of activities that are designed to encourage, develop and reinforce children and young people's skills and self-image in a safe and supportive environment. The youth clubs run during school term times as follows: senior Drop-In (Mon) 13-18 year olds 7pm-9pm; Junior Club (Tues) 6 - 9 year olds 5.30 – 7.30pm.
LINKnet Mentoring
Through a range of support structures and services, LINKnet aims to provide a quality experience for volunteer mentors/befrienders and successful outcomes for mentees. Your commitment as a mentor/befriender will be two or three hours per week, spread over a day or two for a few months, not exceeding six months. One to one mentoring is found to be one of the most effective methods of people development . Befriending is a rewarding, personal gratification experience.
LINKnet Mentoring
A fantastic ethnic minority charity is looking for enthusiastic minority ethnic volunteers (from all ethnic groups) to join the Fundraising team. You will be part of the team to raise fund to support volunteer mentoring and befriending services. You will be adding value to LINKnet by supporting the Fundraising team and maximizing the efficiency of the fund raising process through creative thinking, creating fundraising opportunities, carrying out administration duties and networking with key contacts.
LINKnet Mentoring
LINKnet are looking for minority ethnic volunteers to support paid staff with the smooth running of mentoring and befriending services. This is a great opportunity to gain work experience and develop your skills in various fields of work as the roles at LINKnet will be varied. Volunteering involves once a week (5hrs per day).
Pilton Equalities Project
Our escorts will receive training that will make them competent in assisting frailer older people in wheelchairs. This training is an accredited course where students will receive a nationally recognised certificate Passenger Assistant Training Scheme (PATS). Must be willing to undertake a disclosure through the PVG Scheme
Pilton Equalities Project
As a trustee you will help support the strategic development of PEP ensure that it continues to thrive and develop for another 30 years. Trustees work with staff team to maintain high quality services, exploit new opportunities, and ensure that PEP continues to be well run and successful. You don’t need special skills to be a trustee. You do need to want to make a real difference to local people. PEP welcomes applications from people from all backgrounds and life experiences.
Libertus Services
This opportunity is about building relationships with our members and to help them carry out everyday tasks within the day care centre. Your Role would be to support and encourage our clients in their activities assisting them with mobilisation and general comfort. Communicating with them and help them build their confidence and self-esteem. You would also be required to assist on our buses by helping passengers get on and off the vehicle ensure they are secure along with any wheelchairs, baggag
Libertus Services
Libertus is a South Edinburgh based charity. We are looking for enthusiastic people to help us with some of the activities & projects which we run. These range from creating bi monthly radio shows, producing films & documentaries, annual theatre productions, intergenerational projects, alternative therapies, exercise & arts and crafts. You will be working with older people, younger people and people living with special needs. Particularly interested in hearing from people with web based skills.
Calton Welfare Services
Volunteers would help to organise games and activities to stimulate and provide exercise for dementia sufferers. Would also help to provide lunch and breakfast, by making food, clearing tables and washing/drying dishes. A rota system is in place so everyone takes a turn at different duties. There would also be a chance for conversation and reminiscence, to enable the volunteer to get to know everyone better. The atmosphere is one of fun and laughter and provides a great deal of satisfaction.
SSAFA - The Armed Forces charity
Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people and some occasional free time.
What is a Branch Fundraiser?
As part of a local team, our fundraisers represent SSAFA at events, and in public. The role includes helping at fayres, street collections, concerts, quizzes, raffles, sporting events etc.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
SSAFA branches rely on regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent need. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community, so everyone knows who we are and how we can help.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
This role involves being out and about at public events and would suit someone looking to give the occasional day, half day or evening to support SSAFA; when and where would be flexible to suit you.
What would you be doing?
• Be part of a team with collection/buckets tins at events, supermarkets, shopping centres, etc.
• Acting as a marshal at a public event e.g., handing out water to runners, supervising parking etc.
• Being part of a team running a stall at an event, Armed Forces Day, fayre, county show etc.
• Helping with putting up posters, building gazebos, serving refreshments, packing/unpacking cars etc.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA, engaging people of all backgrounds and interests
• 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.)
SSAFA - The Armed Forces charity
Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people and some occasional free time.
What is a Branch Fundraiser?
As part of a local team, our fundraisers represent SSAFA at events, and in public. The role includes helping at fayres, street collections, concerts, quizzes, raffles, sporting events etc.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
SSAFA branches rely on regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent need. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community, so everyone knows who we are and how we can help.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
This role involves being out and about at public events and would suit someone looking to give the occasional day, half day or evening to support SSAFA; when and where would be flexible to suit you.
What would you be doing?
• Be part of a team with collection/buckets tins at events, supermarkets, shopping centres, etc.
• Acting as a marshal at a public event e.g., handing out water to runners, supervising parking etc.
• Being part of a team running a stall at an event, Armed Forces Day, fayre, county show etc.
• Helping with putting up posters, building gazebos, serving refreshments, packing/unpacking cars etc.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA, engaging people of all backgrounds and interests
• 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.)
Hospice of Hope Shop, Gorgie
We are looking for friendly, creative & reliable people in our busy shop to help serve customers, operate the till and prepare, price & display stock. Hospices of Hope is the leading palliative care charity in South Eastern Europe. We think everyone deserves the best possible care at the end of life but in countries like Romania, Serbia and Moldova, many people still die in pain without physical, spiritual or emotional comfort.
Chest Heart & Stroke Shop - Portobello
This is an opportunity to undertake a satisfying and rewarding role. As part of our team of volunteers, you will provide customer support, whilst working in a friendly atmosphere, providing an extremely useful and appreciated service to the Charity. The role includes: welcoming and assisting customers, customer service and sales service, stock control, sorting donations, hanging and ticketing stock and helping to keep the shop clean and tidy.
The Salisbury Centre
If you feel aligned with our vision and purpose, could you be part of leading and setting our strategic direction for our organisation? We need people who can commit the time to attend and prepare for meetings, support the staff team, contribute constructively and creatively to discussion (offering respectful challenge where appropriate), and invest in the future of our community as we approach our 50th anniversary. We particularly welcome people from a diversity of backgrounds.
Venchie Children & Young People's Project
To work with children in a variety of settings which might include group work and individual support. To help ensure overall smooth running of club activities including the setting up preparation and the serving of snack as directed by the senior staff
Rowan Alba
Human contact is vital. As we are all finding out, without it, life changes.
Community Alcohol Related Damages Service is a befriending service run by Rowan Alba. Health care specialists, GP’s, hospitals and mental health services refer individuals to our service. These people, for various reasons have been living the way we experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of them for most of their lives. We need to recruit and train volunteers now so we can respond to those that have been referred to us during this time.
64th Stockbridge Scout Group
We are looking for new volunteers both male and female to help restart our Scout Troop. The Scout Troop will be part of an active Scout Group - together with Beavers (ages 6-8) and Cubs (ages 8-10) ensuring a regular stream of new entrants. We plan to meet regularly on a Friday evening, but will also take part in various activities involving other Scout Troops including Swimming and Camping Competitions, indoor football and "Unihoc". The Troop had a reputation for going camping frequently during
North Edinburgh Arts Centre
The Saturday Arts and Dance programme allows children to participate in a relaxed yet structured environment, alternating between art and dance. The classes are split into two age groups, 5 - 7 years and 8 - 12 years. A healthy snack is provided. The sessions will involve play, movement, exploring and art making indoors and outdoors weather permitting, and often involve getting a bit messy! We are looking for volunteers who can support our sessions and have experience in this area.
The Scout Association (Edinburgh)
The District comprises 17 Groups, most of which offer young people the opportunity to join their age section which are Beavers (ages 6-8); Cubs (ages 8-10 & 1/2); Scouts (ages 10 & 1/2 to 14) and Explorers (ages 14 – 18). The roles are for Section Leaders where you will be fully supported by the District Team
Volunteer Edinburgh
Could you be the new Chair of Volunteer Edinburgh’s board of trustees?
A talented, diverse and committed Board is at the heart of Volunteer Edinburgh’s success. Established in 1973, Volunteer Edinburgh has been at the vanguard of volunteering development in Scotland for 50 years. Volunteer Edinburgh innovated many of today’s accepted, standard volunteer centre services, including health and wellbeing volunteering, employability volunteering, web-based self-selection services for prospective volunteers, flexible volunteer engagement and online learning and capacity building.
The Board of Trustees is now seeking a new Chair (known as the Convenor) to lead the Board to meet its governance responsibilities and provide strategic direction for the organisation. The Convenor works closely and productively with the Chief Officer. The appointment is renewable annually.
We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experience.
If you are interested, please ask us for a nomination pack and application form.
Prior to applying, we can offer an informal chat with the current Convenor and the Chief Officer.
If you have any questions please contact finance@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
This is an opportunity to undertake a satisfying and rewarding role. As part of our team of volunteers, you will provide customer support, whilst working in a friendly atmosphere, providing an extremely useful and appreciated service to the Charity. The role includes: welcoming and assisting customers, customer service and sales service, stock control, sorting donations, hanging and ticketing stock and helping to keep the shop clean and tidy.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
From stunning boutiques full of designer gems to discount stores where you can grab a bargain, our charity shops are much-loved across Scotland.
We are looking for someone with superb interpersonal skills and the use of their own vehicle to collect and transfer donations made to the shop, providing an extremely useful and appreciated service for the Charity.
We believe everyone has the right to live life to the full following the diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, stroke, or Long Covid. Our shops are vital in helping us raise the funds needed to provide services such as community support services, specialist nurses, advice and information, education, and peer support.
Join our fabulous team of Retail volunteers and learn new skills, make great friends, and make a real difference to people in Scotland who are isolated, scared, or anxious about their condition.
Move On Wood Recycling
Our van drivers assist on waste wood collections from trade and domestic customers, as well as dropping off customer orders of timber and upcycled furniture. Volunteers must be physically capable, as some heavy lifting of timber on and off the collection vans will also be required. Based at our workshop in Granton, you will be an integral part of our friendly and supportive team of staff, volunteers and trainees.
Bethany Christian Trust
Are you a people person and enjoy mixing with people from different backgrounds? We are looking for a number of volunteers to support our Men's Group programme, which is a place for fellowship, support and encouragement in Leith, by helping make the participants feel welcomed and comfortable.
Super Power Agency
We are looking for writing mentors to support young people in our workshops to get inspired by writing and to boost their confidence. You do not have to be a writer to become a mentor, just lots of enthusiasm for working, patience and passion. Super Power Agency volunteers come from every walk of life. Some want to give back to their local community, others want to gain experience working with children and some just want to help out!
Scottish Communities Climate Action Network (SCCAN)
We are looking for someone to take responsibility for managing our website. The role will involve reviewing our existing website (on Wordpress) and ensuring that it is regularly backed up and kept up to date and secure as well as regularly refreshed with new content. Here is our website: https://www.scottishcommunitiescan.org.uk/
Setting a strategic plan for the different web pages.
Monitor and suggest ways to increase engagement on all pages.
Sight Scotland Veterans (Midlothian)
In this role you will help ensure our Forward Vision service’s recently renovated garden areas look fantastic and appeal to all the senses, all year round. Hands-on tasks will include planting, pruning, weed control, and pressure washing pathways and garden furniture. In addition, we would like you to be involved in helping us plan our gardens so that they are beautiful and stimulating in all seasons.
Aerial Art House
Are you passionate about working with children and fascinated by the captivating world of circus arts? We are seeking enthusiastic individuals to join us as volunteer children's' class assistants. Our classes focus on aerial silks and static trapeze, offering young aspiring performers an opportunity to learn and master these awe inspiring disciplines. As a volunteer you will play a crucial role in creating a safe and encouraging environment for our talented students to thrive.
Guide Dogs
We are Guide Dogs and we’re here to 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.
We don’t just provide life-changing guide dogs, we also provide advice, skills, emotional and practical support for people and families living with sight loss to help them live actively, independently and well.
What does the role involve?
Are you an organised person with strong administration skills who enjoys being part of a team? Fundraising secretaries do a fantastic job in keeping our fundraising groups running efficiently... From taking minutes, maintaining accurate records, booking collections and writing letters of thanks to our supporters, the tasks are engaging and most importantly you'll be making a real difference by helping Guide Dogs to provide life changing services to people living with sight loss to help them to live their lives independently!
Action Porty
DIY volunteers to meet at Bellfield once per fortnight to complete ongoing maintenance jobs: You will be working alongside 2-3 other people building skills and friendships whilst helping to maintain the building through completing jobs such as:
Painting; window frames/ walls.
Broken chairs (approx. 4-5 to be repaired).
Fitting lights.
Fixing doors, tables.
General DIY/ odd jobs.
British Heart Foundation (Edinburgh)
The role includes Ensuring the warehouse is always kept clean and tidy.
Moving stock by manual operation.
Sorting and unpacking deliveries and assisting in conjunction with British Heart Foundation van.
Identifying poor quality donations for recycling.
Sorting and processing donated goods, this is mainly grading stock in order of quality.
Replenish sold furniture on the shop floor.
Acting as an ambassador for British Heart Foundation always.
44th (Marchmont) Braid Scout Group
Working in small teams with others as part of a larger group, help to plan and run a wide variety of activities for young people. We have various roles available on different evenings throughout the week. We also run occassional day trip or camping at weekends but not essential. Monday (6-7pm), Wednesday (6-7:30pm) and Friday (7:30-9pm) with different ages of young people 6-8, 8-10, 10-14. No experience is necessary as full training is given. Just a little bit of enthusiasm and a sense of fun.
10th Leith Boy's Brigade
As part of The BB you will help plan and deliver a safe and exciting programme for our young people, making sure everyone reaches their full potential and has the opportunity to gain a wide range of badges, awards, experiences, and develop skills for life. As part of our team you will be supported and empowered to deliver this and share best practice. Giving up just one hour of your week could make a huge difference.
Compass
We have been providing therapies and support for people living with MS and other conditions since 1984 from our Therapy Centre in Leith. We actively encourage and support volunteering opportunities – they are vital to our organisation and everything we do. We welcome people from all walks of life who can support us and provide a welcoming and friendly face. You will be trained and supported in the operation and delivery of our oxygen therapy service. This is a vital and beneficial therapy for many of our clients in the management of their long-term condition. We also offer volunteering opportunities with our physiotherapy service, administration and in fundraising activities.
Chest Heart & Stroke (Fife)
One in five people in Scotland are living with a chest, heart or stroke condition. In becoming a trustee, you will be leading our efforts to help people live life to the full and help make sure that CHSS is best placed to meet their strategic goal of ‘No Life Half Lived’.
As a trustee you will be joining a talented & experienced team and will help ensure CHSS runs well & effectively for the people they support; first-time trustees are welcome to apply and will be supported by more experienced trustees & a comprehensive induction programme.
They are keen to recruit for a more diverse Board, to reflect the communities they support, offer new perspectives on what’s important to them and meet the challenges for the future to be agile, collaborative and sustainable.
Whilst they welcome all applications, they are eager to hear from groups currently under-represented on their Board; women, people with disabilities or long-term conditions, people from ethnic minority backgrounds and/or people who are younger/of working age.
Real Life Options
Choose a Volunteer role and start your day knowing that you’re making a real difference to people’s lives. Feel the fulfilment of a rewarding role – working with a great team of people to support greater independence and creating more opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autism. In planting and maintaining the gardens, main tasks include:
Planting, pruning, sowing seeds and weeding.
Edging borders, digging, ground clearance and grass cutting.
Real Life Options
We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to support our fundraising activities for our services.
The fundraising volunteer's tasks will be varied but will aim to support the service in ways such as; With support from service manager and staff team, help to plan and deliver events and activities to raise funds and awareness of the project ahead. Support fundraising initiatives by providing ideas and on going administration. Support local fundraising by promoting the campaign.
Eric Liddell Centre
The Eric Liddell Centre provides a number of services including a Day Care service for people with dementia, a Befriending service, the leasing of office space to several charities, as well as room hire for all sorts of different events, from professional workshops to pilates classes! The Centre is a busy place with a real buzz and a huge variety of people come through the doors each day. Café Connect is situated on the ground floor of the Centre and offers hot drinks, light meals and cakes.
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: 29/31 Deanhaugh Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH4 1LR, 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
Scottish Seniors Computer Clubs - Edinburgh
The club runs for 2 hours each week. Tutoring is on a one to one basis if possible and can cover all types of device from laptops running different versions of Windows to different types of tablet (IPAD, andriods. Hudl). The subjects that our members wish to learn range from an introduction to computing to browsing the internet to find information plus online shopping.
Please specify which Club you are interested in joining when you apply.
Marie Curie (East Lothian)
Use your skills to help our hospice. By carrying out complementary therapies on patients and carers you will help alleviate their physical and mental stress. We welcome a wide range of therapies including yoga, acupuncture, massage and reiki. It’s vital that you have completed an approved training scheme, be registered with a relevant regulatory body and have indemnity and liability insurance. Must be committed to the principles of palliative care and its application in practice.
This role can either be based at our Edinburgh Hospice or at the Day Therapy Unit in St John’s Hospital, Livingston.
Cyrenians
Your support and encouragement could help someone to:
Remain independent at home, socially connected and engaged.
Reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Increase self-confidence.
Create links with the local community.
Develop informal local support networks.
Examples of activities include;
Taking up a new hobby or interest.
Joining a local club or group of interest, eg craft, singing, gardening.
Visiting a library, church, local gallery or exhibition.
Short walks.
Cyrenians
You'll be engaging with a group of older people together with the groups coordinator, helping participants feel welcome, improving their confidence and helping them integrate with the others in the group. Setting up and delivering a range of activities. Example group includes Nordic Walking on Wednesdays 12-2pm or Thursdays 1-3pm.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
Volunteers are bereaved through suicide for a minimum of *2 years, therefore, having the understanding of the type of support the client requires. Each local SoBS group is run by a team of 3: the group leader and two group volunteers. Between them, they facilitate the session, get the conversation started. The team also work together to manage the administration, fundraising and communication for the group.
St Giles' Cathedral
St Giles' Cathedral is a site of significant spiritual, historical and architectural interest. Each year it attracts over 1,000,000 visitors, drawn from many nationalities, age groups and walks of life. Our volunteer guides are the first point of contact for most visitors and play a crucial role in ensuring the quality of their experience. Feedback from visitors suggests that each encounter with the guides has the potential to make someone's visit; 'I appreciated the warm and personal tour'.
Positive Help
The Home Support service supports people affected by HIV and/or Hepatitis C to take care of their homes. When illness, mobility or side-effects of medication makes housework too difficult we can offer the support that enables people to feel more comfortable with their environment. You will work with the client to achieve goals that they have set by assisting them with cleaning and decluttering, as well as one-off tasks such as gardening or DIY (dependent on volunteers’ skills).
LINKnet Mentoring
Mentors spend one hour per week supporting an adult from an ethnic minority community in the areas of language development, employability, education or personal development.
Mentor training will be provided via What’s app /Zoom/Skype. The mentors will be matched with a suitable mentee via a conference call. The weekly mentoring can be over the phone, email or zoom/skype.
Corstorphine Dementia Project
We are seeking to increase the experience and skills of our Board, particularly in relation to fundraising / HR / organisational development / quality assurance. If you have an interest or experience in any of these areas and can spare a few hours a month we'd love to hear from you. Our Board meet up for 2hrs every 6 weeks and have overall responsibility for the governance of the project.
Oxfam Shop, Nicolson St
Opening & closing the shop.
Daily admin & accountancy tasks.
Monitoring performance & training the team.
Understanding sales figures & targets.
Oxfam Shop, Nicolson St
Our shops would not be able to raise crucial funds for Oxfam’s emergency and development work all over the world without volunteers.
Depending on the needs of the shop and your interest, you may be involved in the following:
Providing customer service on the shop floor.
Creating attractive displays.
Using the shop’s guidelines to sort and price donated clothes, homewares etc.
Providing customer service on the shop floor.
Promoting our Gift Aid scheme.
Pet Care Network (Edinburgh)
Fostering with pet Care Network involves taking care of someone's pet in your own home for a week or two and to include them in your day to day routine. You may also be asked to collect and return pets to their owners after you have fostered them although alternative transport can be arranged if necessary. We are asked to care whilst owners are in hospital or respite care. The Volunteers and Fosterers from pet Care Network are ordinary people recruited on the basis of their love of animals.
Barnardo's Shop, Stockbridge
Customer service and creative focused role with in our Stockbridge Barnardos branch. Visual Merchandising, till work, preparation of stock and being part of a friendly team.
Apply here https://volunteer.barnardos.org.uk/opportunities/17926-retail-volunteer-edinburgh-stockbridge-2021-04-13
The Junction - Young People, Health & Wellbeing
This is a fun and supportive volunteering opportunity for 14 to 21 year olds who are interested in health and wellbeing. The Junction Youth Advisors (JYAs) meet as a group to talk about issues affecting young people's health and wellbeing in North-East Edinburgh. You'll make a real difference to The Junction by helping us to improve and promote our services. The JYAs are often asked to contribute their ideas to city-wide, national and international projects too. You can help try out our new services, create new resources like posters and videos, promote The Junction at events, take part in discussions and suggest your own ideas. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and build up your confidence in a safe and friendly group which values young people's rights and voices.
Venchie Children & Young People's Project
To fix up some wooden toys, change light bulbs, repair locks on doors, keep our storeroom clean and tidy and do general maintenance.
Heart Research UK
In June 2019 Heart Research UK launched the Heart of Scotland Appeal, 48 people a day in Scotland die of heart disease. The heart of Scotland Appeal is to raise money to be spent in Scotland funding cutting edge research projects. The Heart of Scotland Appeal is calling you to help us spread the word in your communities. We are looking for people who will help us flyer at hospitals, GP's, community groups etc. We are also looking for research volunteer to help us reach out to online communities.
64th Stockbridge Scout Group
We are looking for new volunteers both male and female to help to run a well established Cub Pack. The Cub Pack is part of an active Scout Group with Beavers (ages 6-8) and Scouts (11 to 15) ensuring a regular stream of new entrants. We meet regularly on a Friday evening, but also take part in various activities involving other Cub Packs. The main commitment needed is somebody who is going to be prepared to commit to regular attendance on a Friday evening: to get involved leading the activities.
Community One Stop Shop
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who has a great understanding of charity or similar corporate governance to join our Management Committee.
You will play a critical role in leading the charity, driving our fundraising strategies and bring a solid networking background that can help us achieve our aims.
We are ideally looking for trustees with an interest in poverty and social exclusion with a social care background, and also trustees with experience of board governance.
Mary’s Meals
We are looking for people who are passionate about ending child hunger and ensuring that every child receives a daily meal in a place of education.
We have a range of activities that can be done from the comfort of your home, while Covid-19 restrictions are in place. They include: hosting virtual talks, spreading the word about our work on social media or holding screenings of our inspiring videos with family and friends.
Dig-In
We need volunteers to work alongside our Shop Manager and Shop Supervisor. Volunteers need to be friendly and reliable team players, with an interest in healthy eating. Dig-In is a friendly place to work and we are lucky to have very engaged and supportive customers. You will work as part of a team of all ages and backgrounds! You will learn more about Dig-In through our induction sessions. You can choose a regular weekly slot or work on an ad-hoc basis.
CAPS Independent Advocacy
This role involves using your own lived experiences of Personality Disorder in a positive way to raise awareness and campaign for change.
The aim of the project is for people who have been given a diagnosis of a personality disorder or had experiences that they feel fit with a personality disorder diagnosis to come together, have a collective voice and create change.The group decides what it wants to do (it is experience-led) and has a CAPS staff member to enable/facilitate its decisions
Individuals can get involved in a way which suits them. Activities and achievements of the group so far have included: developing and delivering experience led training; creating films based around experiences of living with a Personality Disorder; organising various awareness events , creating leaflets and resource packs based on peoples’ lived experience, responding to and creating consultations and attending and delivering presentations at conferences.
(Collective advocacy is where a group of people who are all facing a common problem and have had similar experiences get together to work on specific issues and have their voices heard. The group as a whole may campaign on an issue that affects them. A collective voice can be stronger than that of an individual, as groups are more difficult to ignore.)
Due to Covid 19 CAPS we have had to alter the way we work. Groups and volunteer roles are currently taking place online until we can resume face to face meetings.
University of Edinburgh
These examinations require volunteer patients with clear physical signs (e.g. a heart murmur) that can be found by a skilled doctor when they examine a patient, or symptoms (e.g. breathlessness). The use of "real" patients in clinical examinations allows the candidate to discover abnormalities on examination in a way that actors and manikins cannot, and gives the students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, attitudes, behaviours and skills in a much more reliable way.
NHS Lothian
The hospital benefits from Therapet visits from Canine Concern. These visits are such a highlight to the patients who are in hospital, and such a boost to the staff that work in these areas. The volunteer will support these visits by accompanying the Canine Concern volunteer and Therapet, ensuring that all necessary checks for infection control purposes are done and evaluation is gathered from each visit.
NHS Lothian
As a Clothing Store volunteer, you will help to sort clothes donations, bag items for laundry, arrange clothes into the appropriate cupboards and take items to wards at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh hospital. The Clothing Store is a much-utilised resource providing a change of clothes for patients who need it - in particular trauma patients and those living with dementia.
If you like being organised, would like to help out in a hospital but in a non-direct patient way, this could be the role for you. You must be comfortable volunteering on your own due to the size of the space.
Oxfam
Join the Oxfam community
As a Sales Assistant Volunteer you will be at the till, serving customers as the friendly face of your shop. You will help people facing poverty around the world by giving great customer service and making donors, customers, and supporters feel welcome in our shop. We’ll give you ongoing training and support so that you can feel right at home as part of the Oxfam Community!
About this role
We will give you all the training and support you need so you will develop your skills as part of our team. You don’t need to have any experience – we’ve got you covered. You can also get some lunch and travel costs too. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.
As a Sales Assistant Volunteer you’ll develop skills that boost your confidence:
Improving your communication skills in this customer-facing role
Serving customers on the till, handling cash and card payments
Creating a friendly shop environment to make everyone feel welcome
Volunteering that works for you
Volunteering can be very flexible to suit you. So even if your availability or skills don’t match this role, get in touch and we will find something right for you. By volunteering for a few hours a week, you will meet new people and have some fun for a good cause.
If you can’t apply online, please visit the shop for a paper form or contact us on givetime@oxfam.org.uk
Everyone has something to offer
At Oxfam we know that everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role which works for you. You can find out more about volunteering with Oxfam here.
What happens next?
After you apply the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!
Crisis Skylight Edinburgh
We’re looking for passionate, community-minded people, to help us talk about homelessness and the solutions to end it. You can be a voice for change in your community and encourage others in your area to support our work and join the mission to end homelessness!
You will contribute to ending homelessness by raising awareness about homelessness in the community. You will do this by delivering inspiring talks to varying groups, including schools and scout groups and educating the community about the causes of homelessness, the services that Crisis offers and how they can support us through volunteering, fundraising and campaigning.
You will be helping us to engage with more people, gain more supporters and achieve our mission to end homelessness.
Core Tasks:
• Deliver talks to local organisations and groups
• Be proactive about seeking out new opportunities and venues for delivering talks
• Keep up to date with Crisis’ key messages, speaker resources, fundraising initiative and news
• Encourage local organisations and groups to volunteer or fundraise on behalf of Crisis
• Provide feedback on talks and notify your Volunteer Supervisor about further opportunities for fundraising or partnership working
To apply please go to our website https://volunteer.crisis.org.uk/opportunity/CR_9QhcGqS/details
City of Edinburgh Council - Family and Household Support
Volunteers will help to support Family and Household supports vision around engaging communities by offering tailored support to those they are matched with.
As a volunteer you will help to support the adults within households or on an individual basis to work toward agreed outcomes and to promote their health and well-being. This could be helping to support the person you are matched with to applying for housing, make and or attend GP appointments, go to the citizens advice with them or allow them the opportunity for social interaction by giving them someone to talk to and to be listened to.
If you’re able to spare some time to work with us, you can play a vital role in making sure we’re doing everything we can to help Edinburgh’s citizens.
NHS Lothian Primary Care Organisation
You will carry out meaningful activities one-to-one with patients such as painting, playing board games, listening to music, looking through old photographs to reminisce, doing quizzes and crossword puzzles or completing a storybook of the patient’s life. You will also help facilitate group activities with patients during special events like afternoon teas or parties. Where trained, you may also have opportunities to take patients outside for walks and assist with feeding at mealtimes.
Edinburgh Garden Partners
EGP will support you to access a local garden to grow your own produce; develop a rewarding relationship with your garden partner through regular visits to the shared garden; make a positive contribution to your community; boost your health and well-being through exercise outdoors; share your interest in growing and gardening with a dynamic community of garden volunteers across Edinburgh; enjoy freshly grown produce with your garden partner.
Vintage Vibes
Vintage Vibes is a fresh way of tackling isolation and loneliness among the over 60s in Edinburgh – who we call our VIPs.
Our goal is to tackle isolation and loneliness and to encourage VIPs to become more active in their local communities.
Tasks include:
Visiting your VIP once a week for home visit, walks, café visit.
Creating a wonderful friendship with them.
Shrub Co-op
We are looking for personable and outgoing volunteers to join our Zero Waste Cafe team. Cafe volunteers are the first people that visitors see when coming in to our space. Cafe volunteers are essential for welcoming new people to our Zero Waste Hub as well as serving a variety of drinks and delicilous food made in-house by our cooking volunteers.
Venture Scotland (Edinburgh)
Encouraging young people to participate in activities, praising them for their achievements and challenging any unhelpful attitudes or behaviour that they may display. Participating in and, when confident and competent to do so, leading fun and engaging group work, conservation and outdoor activities. You will also be involved in the planning of activities and contributing to the evaluation of each trip. More information is available on our website www.venturescotland.org.uk
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
From stunning boutiques full of designer gems to discount stores where you can grab a bargain, our charity shops are much-loved across Scotland.
We are looking for someone with superb interpersonal skills and the use of their own vehicle to collect and transfer donations made to the shop, providing an extremely useful and appreciated service for the Charity.
We believe everyone has the right to live life to the full following the diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, stroke, or Long Covid. Our shops are vital in helping us raise the funds needed to provide services such as community support services, specialist nurses, advice and information, education, and peer support.
Join our fabulous team of Retail volunteers and learn new skills, make great friends, and make a real difference to people in Scotland who are isolated, scared, or anxious about their condition.
Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans
We’re looking for friendly volunteers with good interpersonal skills to support people who use our services. As a befriender, you will meet a wide range of people, all living with sight loss living in our community and experiencing isolation.
This could involve meeting the client for a cup of tea and a chat or accompanying them to an activity (such as a trip to a cafe or the theatre). In some cases, you may accompany the person to the occasional hospital or doctor's appointment. There will likely be some volunteering from your own home involved, checking in with clients by telephone.
You will help us to improve the quality of life of people using our services and play a vital role in easing isolation.
COVID SAFETY: We take every precaution to ensure no one, including our volunteers and services users, is exposed to potential COVID infection. We will explain this as part of volunteer training, but we welcome any questions about this in advance of or during your application to join us. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this.
If you are interested please click the ‘Apply’ button below (available when logged in and registered). You will then be contacted by the coordinator by email or phone call. If you have not heard back after 5 working days, the first step is to contact the organisation with the contact details provided. You could also check your junk/spam folder on your emails just in case the response is there. If that doesn’t work out then please feel free to contact Volunteer Glasgow on info@volunteerglasgow.org
Alzheimer's Research UK East Lothian
Walk For A Cure is an event for everyone impacted by dementia. A cure is within our grasp, together we can make it happen. In supporting this event, volunteers will be creating a platform through which friends & family can gather and make a lasting difference to dementia for future generations.
• Greeter – welcoming walkers to the event village, generating a positive atmosphere,
and helping to bring a warm personality to the day’s event.
• Route and/or Start/Finish Marshal – guiding walkers along the route, ensuring safety of
walkers at crossings and junctions. Or supporting the start and handing out water and
medals at the finish.
• Sweep Marshal – following behind final walkers and checking in with route marshals.
Liaison with event organisers where necessary.
• Event Village – helping with arrival and registration and supporting event village
activities, e.g. assisting with public engagement stalls/stands.
30th Craigalmond Scout Group
Attend regular meetings of the fundraising committee. Identify fundraising opportunities for the Group such as local events held by other community groups or hosted by the Group. Submit funding applications. Establish relationships with stakeholders that can assist in securing funding. Work as a team to ensure fundraising events are well organised, with sufficient volunteers with the right expertise, experience and skills.
Bethany Christian Trust
This role includes
Stock the Care van with cups, lids, flasks and food.
Serve food and drinks to guests.
Distribute any donations of clothing.
Speak to clients; offer advice where appropriate.
Report any incidents, feedback or training needs in the report folders.
Clean the van on return to the Centre.
Drivers:
Check the Care Van for damage or issues before leaving the Centre. The same should be done on return.
Drive the Van, following the usual route & stay close to the Van at all times.
Bethany Christian Trust
This role will involve the following tasks;
Internal customer problem support and resolution.
System and network support and administration.
System monitoring and response to issues.
Cloud tenant administration.
Bethany Christian Trust
Every Thursday, in partnership with Stenhouse Baptist Church, we run a free weekly community lunch called Lunchtime Plug-in.
We are looking for volunteers to help us set up and prepare the room, welcome, chat & get to know our guests who come for lunch, serve food and help with tidying up.
It takes place every Thursday from 12pm to 2pm.
It is a safe and welcoming space for people to get to know one another in a relaxed environment. We also have a number of laptops for use while people are here and we offer budgeting and debt advice to anyone who might need it.
PSPA
PSPA is a national charity providing support and information to people living with PSP and CBD, while funding research into treatments and ultimately a cure. We rely entirely on voluntary donations. You can see more about this here at https://pspassociation.org.uk/
PSP and CBD are rare and little known. Education Volunteers can improve this situation. Our volunteers raise awareness with health and social care professionals and in local communities by offering informative talks to interested groups. These talks are set up on an ad hoc basis, a small number of times in a year and as close as possible to the volunteers’ local area - A driving licence and access to a car is desirable.
Aerial Art House
Aerial Art House is looking for a video maker to produce a video for a crowdfunding platform.
The Video Producer will be responsible for leading on, creating and delivering compelling video content for Aerial Art House
Marchmont St Giles Cafe
Marchmont St Giles Parish Church is holding a summer fare and afternoon tea. We are looking for volunteers to help with kitchen duties. You will be working alongside the café manager. The menu you will be working on consists of sandwiches, sausage rolls, cakes, shortbread and quiches. The role involves food preparation, plating up afternoon tea platters, helping to keep the kitchen clean and topping up tea and coffee flasks.
Marie Curie (East Lothian)
We are looking for volunteers to place and manage our static cans in your local area. You would visit premises on a regular basis building relationships with site contacts ensuring that boxes are well positioned and visible. After collecting you would collect, count and bank donations filling in the records required for the collection boxes.
Colinton Parish Church Swing Cafe
The Swing Cafe is located within Colinton Parish Church, Dell Road, Colinton, Edinburgh, and is run by volunteers whose tasks vary from serving our customers, clearing tables, preparing food and washing up/operating the dishwasher. Our volunteers work two to six hours on a weekly or fornightly rota. The choice is yours. The Swing Cafe opened in 1999, with the aim or providing a welcoming space for Colinton folk and beyond. The name originated from a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Royal National Institute of Blind People
Would you like to help blind and partially sighted people in your community? Do you enjoy driving and meeting new people and live in the Edinburgh and Lothian area? If so, we want you to come and join us as a Volunteer Driver.
Our volunteers provide a friendly face and that personal touch to brighten the days for the people they drive. Our drivers can become a regular part of someone’s life and for some their journeys together may be the only chance an RNIB customer has had to get out of their home for some time.
If you are friendly, courteous and reliable then this is the opportunity for you.
Hospices of Hope Shop, Tollcross
We are looking for friendly, creative & reliable people in our busy shop to help serve customers, operate the till and prepare, price & display stock. Hospices of Hope is the leading palliative care charity in South Eastern Europe. We think everyone deserves the best possible care at the end of life but in countries like Romania, Serbia and Moldova, many people still die in pain without physical, spiritual or emotional comfort.
Enable Scotland
At our clubs on Wednesday and Saturday evenings we run a coffee bar selling tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks to our members, who have learning difficulties. The work involves serving customers, making tea and coffee, adding up how much is due and giving change where necessary. The Wednesday Club runs from 7pm to 9pm and the Saturday Disco runs from 7pm to 9:30pm. Coffee bar helpers are asked to arrive by 6:30pm to help with setting up the coffee bar,
The Salisbury Centre
Our building sub-committee oversees maintenance and building projects at the centre. We need a volunteer to help us make the right decisions to take care of our beautiful listed building so that it thrives long into the future.
Do you have experience of building projects, trades, architecture or quantity surveying and would you like to give your time and knowledge to help a community building? We would love to hear from you!
We particularly welcome people from a diverse range of backgrounds
LifeCare
We are recruiting volunteers to run bingo in our community café in Stockbridge. Welcoming café visitors and handing out bingo cards, calling out numbers and giving prizes. We are trying to encourage the local community to come along to bingo to break social isolation and provide a warm place for people to have fun and chat.
Rowan Alba
You will be involved in finding out what activities our residents would like to do then help to plan, organize and make it happen for them. You will be running one to one activities with residents but also put on group events. Our aim is to encourage and support our residents to pursue what they enjoy, reduce isolation and hopefully in turn reduce their drinking by engaging them in meaningful activities.
Community Renewal - Muirhouse
Peoples Health Trust (PHT) Peoples Health Trust: Community Conversation Project.
Duties will involve door knocking within the local community to raise awareness of the project and services provided.
Accompany staff to visit residents involved with the Peoples Health Trust Community Conversation project at home and in community settings.
Assisting to organise and facilitate community forum meetings.
Support community projects involved with the community conversations project
British Heart Foundation Shop (Portobello)
Fundraising for research begins at your local charity shop. Whether you’re a lover of vintage clothing, stunning jewellery or beautiful bric-a-brac or fancy the company of other friendly volunteers our shop sort room is the place to be. Our team is welcoming and friendly, we love meeting people form all walks of life.
Typical tasks include: Sorting donated items and preparing them for sale, using a clothes steamer, identifying unsalable donations for recycling, keeping the sort room tidy.
Grassmarket Community Project
Greeting service users and general public. Help sign service users in. Keeping the reception area tidy. Answering and forwarding phone calls. Updating sign up sheet for service users to attend classes/activities.
Crisis Skylight Edinburgh
Enthusiastic volunteers needed to create Crisis’s first Scottish fundraising group! An opportunity to use your creativity to shape the fundraising activities in the group, raising awareness and funds for homeless people.
Our fundraising groups bring a passion for ending homelessness in their local area – they raise vital funds by putting on fundraising events, and act as ambassadors in their communities to spread the word about homelessness and the work that Crisis does.
You will contribute to ending homelessness by Joining a group of dedicated, empowered volunteer fundraisers to help raise the funds needed for our vital services. You will use your communications, events, and teamwork skills to deliver local fundraising events and collections in aid of Crisis.
The monies raised by your Fundraising Group will help fund services such as one to one support in finding a home or a job, helping people achieve learning goals, or supporting our Christmas events where we offer hot meals, access to essential services, and an introduction to our year-round services to leave homelessness behind for good.
Core Tasks:
• Attend regular Fundraising Group meetings to work collaboratively with the Fundraising Group lead and other members.
• Use your skills and knowledge to play an active role in making fundraising events and activities happen.
• Representing Crisis in your community, using your own networks to raise awareness of what needs to be done to end
homelessness. This includes sharing our broader activities such as our campaigns
• Represent Crisis by attending fundraising and engagement events organised by others
• Ensure group activities comply with relevant fundraising regulations and Crisis policies and procedures; including ensuring monies
raised are accounted for in line with agreed financial processes.
Please email volunteering.edinburgh@crisis.org.uk to register your interest in this opportunity.
NHS Lothian Primary Care Organisation
You will visit Astley Ainslie Hospital to chat to patients and provide social stimulation. This really helps to relieve some of the boredom and frustration patients sometimes feel whilst in hospital. You will also have an opportunity to serve patients teas and coffees, serve meals (evening shift only), and complete other ad-hoc tasks as directed by the ward staff. With additional training, you may also have opportunities to take patients outside for walks during spells of nice weather.
Place2Be
Place2Be works with over 280 primary and secondary schools, reaching a school population of more than 116,000 children. As a volunteer counsellor you will work one to one in a therapeutic capacity with up to 3 children per week. The commitment is for one day per week, for three school terms, from 8.30am to 4.30pm to include therapy sessions and supervision of clinical work. There may also be opportunities to get involved with group work alongside the School Project Manager.
Polwarth Parish Church
Volunteers wanted for Polwarth Pop Up Café. The role includes welcoming customers, serving pre-made food, hot drinks, clearing tables, taking payments, help to tidy away and return hall ready for other users. We are open Tues mornings with volunteers forming small teams rotating every week. Our aim is to meet members of the community, creating a safe space to come to on your own or with friends. Mindfull of isolation and loneliness, we will offer sensitivity, a listening ear and good hospitality.
Save the Children
Our Marchmont Save the Children Shop has been a much loved part of the local community for years and continues to be hugely popular with customers and supporters, thanks to the kindness and generosity of the volunteer team.
All you need is some enthusiasm and a desire to make a difference. The role is diverse, taking place on the shop floor and behind the scenes. Volunteer activities include customer service, creative merchandising, preparing items for sale and working as part of a team.
Erskine
Each year Erskine cares for ex-Servicemen and women from all backgrounds. You can help us make a difference to the lives of our country’s Veterans who have sacrificed so much. We are always looking for volunteers to support us to help meet our fundraising targets in order that we can provide our Veterans with the very best quality of life, care and support. Help us to reach our goals. You can help us to achieve more for our Veterans by offering your time, energy and support. There are lots of ways to get involved including supporting our various events and bucket collections. To find out more about the variety of roles involved in being a fundraising volunteer please register your interest here.
Sustrans Scotland
Are you passionate about cycling and walking? Could you inspire young people to cycle or walk more? Volunteer with I Bike!
I Bike is a really fun and rewarding project to volunteer with that offers plenty of opportunities to get outdoors for cycling-related activities, boost the CV, gain experience of work with children and young people, meet new people and learn new skills.
Good training and support is provided to all volunteers including induction, Safeguarding Training, Essential Cycling Skills and Bike Repairs.
I Bike aims to help children and young people become more active through taking part in cycling and walking activities. You would be volunteering alongside a dedicated I Bike Officer in schools, supporting activities for children such as learn to cycle, playground cycle skills, led bike rides, led walks, bike maintenance and much more!
What could be better than helping children to ride their bike without stabilisers for the first time!
We find that our volunteers value their improved skills and knowledge and often feel their own prospects improve as a result of volunteering. It’s a great way to do something for others and research shows that volunteering benefits people of all ages through increasing feelings of self-esteem, respect, motivation and wellbeing.
Edinburgh Headway Group
Do you want to make a difference to someone’s life?
Are you patient, caring and a good communicator?
Are you interested in volunteering?
If so, you could join our team! (PVG required).
Edinburgh United FC
Match day volunteer required to help with kit, assisting with strips and training equipment, turn style operation, pitch maintenance and general organisation.
Project Esperanza
Volunteer gardener required. The person taking up this role will lead on our horticulture project and teach participants about growing food as well as facilitate gardening in a way that promotes the integration of migrant families.
Pain Concern (Midlothian)
Pain Concern is looking for volunteers to help moderate the charity’s online community on the Health Unlocked platform. Our forum provides peer support and a learning environment for people living with chronic pain and those who care for them. Forum moderators follow Health Unlocked guidance, creating a great culture and setting the tone for the forum.
As a volunteer moderator you will help to ensure that our online community is maintained as a safe, supportive and fun environment.
You will gather information on what issues are important to forum users. You will help to monitor and moderate user-generated content. By joining us you will join a fast-growing and respected service.
Due to the nature of the role, successful applicants will be required to undertake a PVG check and complete a 1hr Safeguarding online course.
Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity
Shop trolley volunteers will take our trolley around the various hospital floors/wards to enable patients, visitors and staff who are unable to access the shop to purchase items. Volunteers will be responsible for:
Speaking to NHS staff to access wards/check any ward specific guidance.
Ensuring patients, families and staff know the trolley is there & what is available.
Serving customers & taking payments.
Safely returning trolley & payment device back to the shop/storage.
Chest Heart & Stroke - Stockbridge
This is an opportunity to undertake a satisfying and rewarding role. As part of our team of volunteers, you will provide customer support, whilst working in a friendly atmosphere, providing an extremely useful and appreciated service to the Charity. The role includes: welcoming and assisting customers, customer service and sales service, stock control, sorting donations, hanging and ticketing stock and helping to keep the shop clean and tidy.
YMCA Edinburgh
As an Intandem mentor you will make a difference to the life of a young person, providing a positive role model and supporting access to hobbies and interests. The ability to be consistent, non-judgemental, supportive, fun and understanding is key to success in this role. Full initial training will be provided along with ongoing support to ensure the best possible outcomes. We look for a regular commitment of around 2-3 hours per week over a minimum 12 month period. A PGV scheme record check will be required (no cost involved).
YMCA Edinburgh
As a Plusone mentor you will make a difference to the life of a young person, providing a positive role model and supporting access to hobbies and interests. The ability to be consistent, non-judgemental, supportive, fun and understanding is key to success in this role. Full initial training will be provided along with ongoing support to ensure the best possible outcomes. We look for a regular commitment of around 2-3 hours per week over a minimum 12 month period. A PGV scheme record check will be required (no cost involved).
British Heart Foundation Shop (Nicolson Street)
Could you be the face of your local British Heart Foundation shop? If you want to gain cashier and sales experience in a friendly environment, this is a great way to get a taste of a career in retail while helping to raise live-saving funds. With support around you, you will be processing sales through the till as a cashier, talking to customers and thanking every donor - helping us beat heartbreak forever.
Prestonfield and District Neighbourhood Workers Project
We are seeking indivduals with an interest in the care of older people and experience of the operation of Day services in a community setting. Someone with a background in social care, nursing, community work or the operation of a social care business could be the ideal person for this role. Other valuable skills would include business management, social and therapeutic care, personnel or legal background.
Edinburgh Crisis Centre
We have an exciting opportunity to join our wonderful volunteer team. We are looking for a Writing Group Volunteer to host fortnightly groups in person at the Crisis Centre building in Leith.
The purpose of the group is to encourage people to express their feelings and emotions through writing. Your work may be, with consent, displayed within the Edinburgh Crisis Centre and any potential exhibitions in the local area
The Turing Trust
We need the help of a volunteer driver with their own car to help us collect donations of ICT equipment. This role is vital to our work in getting thousands of computers into African schools, enabling otherwise waste computers to have a second life in a classroom.
The role is quite flexible as we can coordinate collections of computers to suit you. To support us in this role you must have access to your own vehicle, have a valid UK driving license and be able to lift 20kg. For application details please go to: https://turingtrust.co.uk/how-to-help/volunteer/apply-to-volunteer/
RESULTS UK
Are you passionate about ending global poverty?
Do you have a couple of hours a month spare?
Do you want to meet like-minded people?
Do you want to gain skills in campaigning and advocacy?
Then why not join the RESULTS Edinburgh campaign group! RESULTS UK is a movement of passionate, committed, everyday people. Together we use our voices to influence political decisions that we believe will bring an end to poverty, advocating on issues such as global health and education.
Our campaign groups are connected by a passion to end poverty and to take action to influence political decisions. There are 13 campaign groups, and many individual campaigners, who make up the RESULTS UK grassroots network.
Each month our campaigners take a well-researched campaign action, which is sent out in our action materials. The 'Call to action' each month is often to write and engage with, MPs and Government Ministers. Who you write to depends on who the RESULTS UK policy and parliamentary teams think you can influence the most! There are often also prompts for taking action on social media or local media. Our recent campaigns include global COVID-19 vaccine equity, effective nutrition programmes and an ongoing campaign to save the UK Overseas Development Assistance (ODA, often known as aid) budget!
As well as taking monthly actions, the Edinburgh group regularly joins our monthly conference calls. We discuss the focus of that month's campaign action, and hear an update from around the network. We also welcome an expert guest speaker on the topic of the month. The calls are a great opportunity to learn about international development, ask questions, and connect with other campaigners.
It is an exciting time to get involved, meet likeminded people, and join a network of passionate campaigners across the UK!
Check out our Welcome Pack for an overview of what getting involved is all about:
https://www.results.org.uk/guides/welcome-pack-volunteers
Email us at join@results.org.uk. We'd Love to hear from you!"
People Know How
We are a Scottish social innovation charity based in Edinburgh and East Lothian. We work with people and communities to develop innovative strategies and services to address social issues both locally and nationally.
Our aim is to support and empower both individuals and organisations to mobilise their assets and realise their true potential. Often, people do not realise that they know how. That’s where we come in, unlocking ideas for a brighter future.
People Know How aims to achieve three main outcomes:
Ensure positive school transitions for all children and young people
Eliminate data poverty through connectivity for all
Establish social innovation in the public consciousness
We're always open to new volunteers to support our projects and drive social innovation. Because the work we do is so broad we offer roles to suit a range of ages, interests and parts of the community. In joining our team, you’ll receive comprehensive support to gain work experience and training to develop your skills and achieve your goals.
We’re looking volunteers to operate our national helpline, supporting individuals over the phone. You’ll provide support for people who have received a digital device as part of Connecting Scotland, supporting the most vulnerable to get online. Queries range from enquiries about the programme, to basic support with turning on or using a device. We call these volunteers Digital Champions. We do this locally by delivering projects that fall within our core services and social innovation programme. We also do this on a national level, by initiating action-research derived from our local work in the community and taking part in various working groups and networks. From these activities we run nationwide campaigns that aim to influence government policy, enhancing community development and acting as a catalyst for systems change across Scotland.
Training: You will receive an induction to the organisation and role specific training before you start your role and you will get support throughout the duration of your role too. You will need access to a phone that can download apps or a computer/laptop to download the app we use to take calls on the helpline.
We conduct our role-specific training via Microsoft Teams. For the helpline, you will be put in contact with our Helpline Coordinator, Kirsty, who will guide you through the role and go over some common queries that you might be asked on the phone. We will also provide a bit of insight about Connecting Scotland and how our national helpline feeds into this.
Practical information:
In the role, volunteers are required to do a 2-hour helpline shift, once a week, between 9-5 Monday to Friday (remotely). In the role you will be providing responses to enquiries and basic digital support to callers, logging any calls that require follow-up, support our staff in obtaining monitoring details from callers. You can decide with the role coordinator what days suit you best to do this shift.
Next steps:
If you are interested, please click the ‘apply’ button below (available when logged in and registered). You will then be contacted by the coordinator by email or phone call. If you have not heard back after 5 working days, the first step is to contact the organisation with the contact details provided. You could also check your junk/spam folder on your emails just in case the response is there. If that doesn’t work out then please feel free to contact Volunteer Glasgow on 0141 226 3431.
Once you’ve applied, one of the VIP Management team will be in touch with you to arrange an initial meeting to discuss the role in more detail and answer any questions. Then you will be invited to a VIP induction which provides an overview of our services and goes over some policies and procedures. After that, you will be passed on to Kirsty, the Helpline Coordinator, who will provide you with role-specific training and get you started in your role.
Alzheimer Research UK
Walk For A Cure is an event for everyone impacted by dementia. A cure is within our grasp, together we can make it happen. In supporting this event, volunteers will be creating a platform through which friends & family can gather, share and make a lasting difference to dementia for future generations.
What you could be doing:
Greeter.
Route and/or Start/Finish Marshal.
Sweep Marshal.
Event Village Helper.
Photographer.
The Scottish Blind Golf Society
The Secretary shall convene all meetings of the Society on behalf of the Captain, and maintain accurate minutes of all procedures and decisions, deal with all correspondence, maintain accurate records of membership, sight classifications, contact details, and to distribute news and information, including match results and minutes of meetings, to all members as required.
CAPS Independent Advocacy
The role involves using personal experiences of living with Psychosis as part of CAPS collective advocacy group (Experiences of Psychosis); to raise awareness of Psychosis, promote understanding, fight against stigma and campaign for change. The group have made films, produced a training workshop, attended conferences & are working on awareness raising around psychosis in the local community and beyond.
Buckstone Scout Group
Buckstone Scout Group Secretary ... are you an organised person? Do you want to help? No previous secretarial experience is required, we just need someone who is good at admin support. Simples...and it only takes a couple of hours a month. No previous Scouts experience, no problem! This is a non-uniformed volunteering role. This is ideal for someone who does not wish to work directly with young people but support Scouts. Come and be part of our fun team.
Volunteering Matters
Give the gift of your time and become a volunteer mentor for young people. It could be life changing for you both!
Would you like to support a young person in high school on their journey to gaining new skills and experience, becoming more self-confident and achieving their goals? If the answer is yes, we would love to hear from you.
We are looking for volunteer mentors specifically for our projects based in secondary schools in Edinburgh. St Thomas Aquins’ High School is near The Meadows and Castlebrae Community High School. As a mentor, you would be matched to a S2/S3 (12-14 years) young person from one of the schools. This is an amazing opportunity to support and mentor a young person who has been identified by the school as benefitting from wrap around support and a volunteering placement. The young person may experience challenges in their lives- care experience, mental ill health, low confidence and self esteem, disability, low income household, young carer, uncertainty about their future.
Why mentoring?
Mentoring is at the heart of what we do here at ProjectScotland and we offer every young person we support, the opportunity to be matched with a volunteer mentor. We are searching for people in Edinburgh who are able to offer one hour of their time once a week or fortnight for up to 12 months to help transform the life of someone else.
As a volunteer mentor, you could support your mentee with whatever is important to them. This could be: goal setting; identifying interests and strengths; confidence building; helping to establish a routine; social connections; or just someone consistent to talk to and check in with to see how they are. The support you can offer is invaluable and can be life changing.
How does it work?
• Following recruitment, we provide training, support to join the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme, ongoing support, access to lots of resources and a wonderful community of mentors across the country to connect with, learn from and build friendships with.
• you are matched to one young person and meet with them once a week or fortnight for around one hour. This is likely to start at the school during school hours, however we hope once the relationship has developed, the mentoring sessions could move out with the school building to encourage the young person's independence and connection to their local community.
•matches can last from 3-12 months depending upon the relationship and the needs of the mentee
What’s in it for you?
• Help transform your mentee’s life
• Develop communication and interpersonal skills e.g. coaching, motivating others, adaptability
• Gain transferable skills and experience volunteering with disadvantaged young people
• Participate in regular support and training
• Meet new people, connect and have fun!
• Learn about yourself and gain a sense of achievement supporting others
• Learn more about your community and the challenges that people can face
More info about ProjectScotland:
ProjectScotland (now part of the Volunteering Matters Family of Brands) works with people (predominantly young people) across the country who are struggling to overcome challenges such as social isolation, mental health issues, low confidence and general uncertainty about their futures. By providing wrap around support and the chance to complete a voluntary placement with a local charity; not only can this enhance confidence and self-belief, but it gives that individual the opportunity to build on their skills and experience and potentially move on to a job, further education or training when they are ready. Everyone we work with is also offered a volunteer mentor.
St Andrews and St Georges West Church
Volunteer Catering Assistant in church cafe.
Providing friendly welcome to customers, showing to tables, serving at tables, taking orders, taking payment (after training).
Serving hot drinks and soup, using coffee machine, and providing take-away drinks and soup.
Assisting in kitchen (optional) with baking, preparing soups and sandwiches etc.
Cleaning at end of day including kitchen, tables, coffee machine, servery.
Friends of Seaview Charitable Trust
We are looking for volunteers to be involved in gardening at our garden at Seaview Children’s Unit. Seaview is a residential and respite centre for children and young people with severe needs. Volunteers will work with the gardener to maintain and develop the garden doing weeding, watering, planting, propagation and creative projects. The garden offers a therapeutic space for the children and young people, staff, parents and visitors to Seaview. Gardening experience is not required.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
From stunning boutiques full of designer gems to discount stores where you can grab a bargain, our charity shops are much-loved across Scotland.
We are looking for someone with superb interpersonal skills and the use of their own vehicle to collect and transfer donations made to the shop, providing an extremely useful and appreciated service for the Charity.
We believe everyone has the right to live life to the full following the diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, stroke, or Long Covid. Our shops are vital in helping us raise the funds needed to provide services such as community support services, specialist nurses, advice and information, education, and peer support.
Join our fabulous team of Retail volunteers and learn new skills, make great friends, and make a real difference to people in Scotland who are isolated, scared, or anxious about their condition.
Butterfly Trust (The)
The Butterfly Trust are the lead providing agency of social support for Scotland's Cystic Fibrosis community.
We are looking for pro-active, enthusiastic volunteers to support our fundraising team at public collections, bag packs and to place/collect static collection cans in the community.
The role involves:
Attending collections in supermarkets, football grounds and street collections
Attending bag packs in supermarkets
Placing & collecting collection cans in local businesses
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
Being a Collection Can Volunteer is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the success of a leading health charity and make a real difference to the people we support. As a CHSS Collecting Can Volunteer, you will play a key role in sourcing new collecting can sites, helping to raise awareness and vital funds to ensure Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland continues to support people who are living with effects of stroke, chest and heart conditions in Scotland.
Your role will include:
* Placing CHSS charity collection cans in shops, local businesses, and community venues.
* Regularly revisiting the sites where you have placed the collecting can, emptying the can and supporting the site holder with any queries or concerns.
* Counting, banking and recording the income from your collecting cans.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
We currently have around 40 shops/ community hubs across Scotland. Our shops and hubs help us raise funds so we can provide our services to the people who need us. Every one of our stores relies on a team of volunteers to help run it and support our staff. Quite simply, we cannot provide our services or raise funds without the amazing support of our volunteers. The time, support and the work they do is vital to us and the people we help. By helping out in one of our stores, you can make a difference to people and their families in Scotland who are isolated, scared or anxious about their condition.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
From stunning boutiques full of designer gems to discount stores where you can grab a bargain, our charity shops are much-loved across Scotland.
We are looking for someone with superb interpersonal skills and the use of their own vehicle to collect and transfer donations made to the shop, providing an extremely useful and appreciated service for the Charity.
We believe everyone has the right to live life to the full following the diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, stroke, or Long Covid. Our shops are vital in helping us raise the funds needed to provide services such as community support services, specialist nurses, advice and information, education, and peer support.
Join our fabulous team of Retail volunteers and learn new skills, make great friends, and make a real difference to people in Scotland who are isolated, scared, or anxious about their condition.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
From stunning boutiques full of designer gems to discount stores where you can grab a bargain, our charity shops are much-loved across Scotland.
We are looking for someone with superb interpersonal skills and the use of their own vehicle to collect and transfer donations made to the shop, providing an extremely useful and appreciated service for the Charity.
We believe everyone has the right to live life to the full following the diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, stroke, or Long Covid. Our shops are vital in helping us raise the funds needed to provide services such as community support services, specialist nurses, advice and information, education, and peer support.
Join our fabulous team of Retail volunteers and learn new skills, make great friends, and make a real difference to people in Scotland who are isolated, scared, or anxious about their condition.
Bethany Christian Trust
We are looking for a Social Media Volunteer to support the Volunteer Coordinator in managing different social media channels, with the aim to promote volunteering with Bethany and raise awareness of our work across Scotland.
Bethany Christian Trust
The Rapid Re-accommodation Welcome Centre is a free service offering food, sleeping facilities and a high level of support to people who do not have any accommodation and otherwise would be sleeping rough. Volunteering as a cleaner for just one hour a week can help support this vital service.General responsibilities;
Change bedding;
Clean the bathroom including the floor;
Clean the surfaces in the room;
Vacuum;
Bag up any belongings that have been left behind.
Bethany Christian Trust
General responsibilities:
Setting out the room, including choosing appropriate toys and games for free play.
Preparing teas and coffees.
Supporting the Community Builder with simple activities for the children and discussion topics for the adults.
Adhering to training and guidelines given to ensure the safety and well-being of all who attend.
It takes place every Monday during term time between 9.30-11.30am.
Any Dog'll Do Rescue (ADDR)
We are looking for an excellent written communicator to identify and apply for trust and corporate grants. You will be researching funding opportunities and writing grant applications for the rescue, keeping records on appropriate grant giving bodies, (application closing dates and processes), and reporting back to donors the difference their grant has made. You will also keep in touch with our coordinators about the progress of applications.
Cats Protection - South Clerk Street Shop
Would you like to be part of our amazing volunteer retail team?
You’ll develop new skills, make new friends and help raise the funds needed to help thousands of cats and kittens each year.
We have several volunteer roles in our shops, so you can pick whichever appeals to you most!
DataKirk SCIO
We need support in the area of income generation and building a financially sustainable project. We need help in the following
areas:
Business Development
Commissioning /Contracting
Fundraising Events
Fundraising Strategy
Researching Funders and writing proposals
Save the Children
Our Stockbridge Save the Children Shop has been a much loved part of the local community for years and continues to be hugely popular, thanks to the kindness, generosity and creativity of the volunteer team.
All you need is some enthusiasm and a desire to make a difference. The role is diverse, taking place on the shop floor and behind the scenes. Volunteer activities include customer service, creative merchandising, preparing items for sale and working as part of a team.
Save the Children
Our Morningside Save the Children Shop has been a much loved part of the local community for years and continues to be hugely popular, thanks to the kindness and generosity of the volunteer led team.
All you need is some enthusiasm and a desire to make a difference. The role is diverse, taking place on the shop floor and behind the scenes. Volunteer activities include customer service, creative merchandising, preparing items for sale and working as part of a team.
Rock Trust
To provide safe overnight accommodation and support for a young person using the scheme including a meal and washing facilities.
To support young people to feel relaxed and comfortable in the accommodation.
To introduce a young person to the household and make them aware of essential routines and act upon any relevant information.
To operate creative methods of assisting young people to articulate their needs.
To ensure a safe, secure and respectful environment within the scheme.
National Trust for Scotland
As a volunteer room guide you'll be interacting with international visitors of Gladstone's Land directly, telling them of the property's fascinating history and helping them gain insight into what life was like on Edinburgh's Lawnmarket throughout the last 400 years.
We also offer additional research or guiding opportunities, if requested.
Action Porty
Volunteers needed to help the Bellfield Garden flourish.
Group meets weekly on a Friday 10am-12:30pm to develop the garden space. Any volunteers welcome. No gardening experience necessary. Typical tasks include weeding, planting, plotting etc.
Aerial Art House
We are looking for a volunteer to help with administrative tasks at our lovely circus centre. The main tasks involved in the role are:
replying to and distributing emails
managing online bookings, using our online booking system TeamUp (no worries if you have no experience with TeamUp -you will be introduced to everything that is new for you!)
creating written content for social media advertising
updatiing excel spreadsheets
North Edinburgh Dementia Care
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to join our kitchen team at North Edinburgh Dementia Care, a day care centre for people with dementia. We are looking for an enthusiastic person to assist our staff and chef in our day care centre kitchen. Specifically the individual will assist with catering for our members and ensuring a clean and controlled kitchen environment is maintained.
Edinburgh College - Community Based English as a Second Language
Volunteering as an English tutor could be for you if you have good English and communications skills, You have an interest in language, You would like to teach in the future and need to gain some practical experience. You would be comfortable going into students' homes to teach them one-to-one. We are looking for volunteers who are interested in teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). We are looking for people with good communication skills and an interest in language learning
St Giles' Cathedral
St Giles’ at Six concerts are at 6pm every Sunday, and are free to enter, with a collection at the end for anyone who wishes to donate. As a Concert Steward, you would be responsible for several duties, including welcoming the audience and showing them to seats, assisting with the Test and Protect system, and helping with general queries on the night. It’s a great opportunity to do some volunteering in Edinburgh’s historic High Kirk, whilst experiencing music from performers across the globe.
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
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
Oxfam
Join the Oxfam community
As a Sales Assistant Volunteer you will be at the till, serving customers as the friendly face of your shop. You will help people facing poverty around the world by giving great customer service and making donors, customers, and supporters feel welcome in our shop. We’ll give you ongoing training and support so that you can feel right at home as part of the Oxfam Community!
About this role
We will give you all the training and support you need so you will develop your skills as part of our team. You don’t need to have any experience – we’ve got you covered. You can also get some lunch and travel costs too. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.
As a Sales Assistant Volunteer you’ll develop skills that boost your confidence:
Improving your communication skills in this customer-facing role
Serving customers on the till, handling cash and card payments
Creating a friendly shop environment to make everyone feel welcome
Volunteering that works for you
Volunteering can be very flexible to suit you. So even if your availability or skills don’t match this role, get in touch and we will find something right for you. By volunteering for a few hours a week, you will meet new people and have some fun for a good cause.
If you can’t apply online, please visit the shop for a paper form or contact us on givetime@oxfam.org.uk
Everyone has something to offer
At Oxfam we know that everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role which works for you. You can find out more about volunteering with Oxfam here.
What happens next?
After you apply the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!
Woodcraft Folk Scotland
Woodcraft Folk are looking for group leaders and helpers for our Leith group for children and young people from 6 to 16 . The group meets one evening a week in term time but may organise day trips and camps in school holidays.
Our groups aim to develop children and young people's confidence and awareness of the world. We promote big ideas like equality, co-operation and environmental sustainability through fun activities.
We do a wide range of activities including games, craft, exploring nature, bushcraft, drama, discussions and songs. As well as weekly group nights we take part in day events and camps with groups from across Scotland.
If you are interested in joining our friendly team of volunteers please get in touch with Fleur Gayet, Scottish Officer by emailing scotland@woodcraft.org.uk or phoning 07833 051 557. We will provide induction information, taster sessions and training opportunities.
Lothians Conservation Volunteers
No long term commitment, you can do just one day and there is no application process, simply call us with the date you want to come and we will book you a seat on our minibus. The work carried out by our volunteers can make a positive difference to an area immediately benefiting the environment, wildlife and people. It's worthwhile, fun and sociable. We do practical activities such as tree planting, tree weeding, control of invasive species, pathwork, pondwork, meadow raking, fencing and more.
Positive Help
The Supportive Shopping Service offers assistance with shopping to people who are living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C. Our clients often struggle to manage to get their shopping independently due to poor physical/mental health, limited mobility, social anxiety or literacy issues. This service allows people to choose their own shopping and have some social time and chat with a trusted person. Being able to shop for food and have regular social interactions are important parts of staying well and independent. You’d be helping service users maintain their independence and be supporting their nutrition - a core part of staying healthy while on treatment.
B Healthy Together
We are recruiting new walk leaders, helping older adults to get active, maintain or improve their levels of walking, fitness and wellbeing. Our walks range from low-level and slow paced to moderate/brisk paced, often ending with a cuppa and conversation. The walks take place on Friday mornings into early afternoon.
LINKnet Mentoring
LINKnet is looking for minority ethnic volunteers (from all ethnic groups) to become development assistants to support the development team in the evaluation and prioritization of volunteer mentoring and befriending services. Through a range of support structures, the voluntary job is likely to include: Assisting the development process of various projects, Helping in completing all project-related documentation, Working with the development team in project initiation.
Edinburgh & The Lothians Samaritans
The Edinburgh branch of the Samaritans is seeking two trustees to join its Board of Trustees. We seek one trustee with skills and experience in management of a charity shop. Another trustee is sought with skills and experience in HR and personnel management.
The new trustees will be part of the regular trustee meetings and also attend the Shop Management Committee meetings, making a valuable contribution to the charity and encouraging the dedicated group of volunteers.
Children 1st
Are you caring, non-judgmental, empathic and passionate about supporting others?
Can you commit to our training course, give a little of your time and help families in Scotland in need?
If so, please get in touch - we’d love to hear from you.
What will I be doing?
Children 1st Parentline volunteers provide support to adults by phone, webchat and text offering a kind and skilled listening ear and time to talk about anything to do with children. They build supportive relationships and work alongside individuals to help them think through what will work best for their families, keeping children at the centre but being mindful of the challenges to families today. Our team of staff and volunteers are trauma sensitive and knowledgeable in child development and work alongside callers to prevent stress increasing in families.
Volunteering for Children 1st Parentline is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and families across Scotland.
The helpline is open Monday-Friday 9am-9pm and 9am-12 noon Saturday and Sunday throughout the year. We ask our volunteers to give a weekly commitment of time and there are a range of options for days/times based at the Children 1st Edinburgh office.
A caring, kind and non-judgemental response can make a real difference to someone who wants to talk. No previous experience or formal qualifications are necessary, but good communication skills are essential to enable you to listen to and support those who contact Children 1st Parentline. You will become part of a friendly, supportive team where trained staff are always on had to provide support and guidance.
We provide a comprehensive, introductory training course as well as ongoing support and opportunities to develop in the role. Our volunteers tell us that they gain experience and learn skills and that are valuable in many other areas of their lives. We also offer to cover travel expenses.
Training Course will take place in February 2023
• Sat 11th Feb - 10.00am-4.30pm
• Sat 18th Feb - 10.00am-4.30pm
• Sat 25th Feb - 10.00am-4.30pm
• Thurs 2nd Mar – 5.30pm-8.30pm
• Thurs 9th Mar - 5.30pm-8.30pm
Training sessions will take place at our office: 83 Whitehouse Loan, Edinburgh, EH9 1AT.
Heart Research UK
We will provide posters for you to display in your local shops, community centres, libraries, supermarkets, pharmacies and doctors surgeries to help us reach as many people as possible. We can send you a box of badges to sell to friends, family and colleagues for donations, as well as asking local shops to have a box of badges on their counter (that we can send out directly).
British Heart Foundation Furniture Shop (Dalry)
Are you calm, collected and happy to chat on the phone? We’re always looking for friendly, confident and helpful people to join our team and become the voice of your local shop. You will be the first point of contact for our customers helping them with any enquiries and arranging collections for donations.
64th Stockbridge Scout Group
We are looking for new volunteers both male and female to help to run the Beaver Colony. The Beaver Colony is part of an active Scout Group - together with Cubs (ages 8-10) ensuring a regular stream of new entrants. We meet regularly on a Wednesday evening, but also take part in various activities involving other Beaver Colonies. The main commitment needed is somebody who is going to be prepared to commit to regular attendance on a Wednesday evening: to get involved leading the youngsters.
Grassmarket Community Project
Volunteers will be helping in the production of making Items from our own Greyfriars tartan which will include. soft toys, purses, bags, kilts ect.
All these items will then go on sale to generate additional funds which will provide learning opportunities to adults who have or are experiencing homelessness, abuse, addiction, poor mental/physical health, loneliness, and social isolation. Embracing an asset-based approach, we provide free meals and skill-based activities to empower participants to re-connect and boost their self-esteem and social capital.
Enable Scotland
This role is to assist with the governance of the Branch; in particular by attending the monthly meetings of the Management Committee and by taking responsibility for agreed tasks suited to their abilities. Also to be one of the key-holders responsible for opening and locking the building before and after club meetings. To help with our three clubs (which include a disco, indoor games, arts and crafts, Scottish country dancing).
City of Edinburgh Council Museums & Galleries
We are looking for new members to join Edinburgh Living History. Edinburgh Living History (ELH) is a multi-award-winning group of costumed interpreters. They devise all their own improvised performances and perform to audiences at events including murder mysteries and promenade plays. They assist with school programmes and special tours where they interact with audiences, primarily as the Edwardian residents who lived in Lauriston Castle in the early 20th century.
For more information and details on how to apply, please visit:
Volunteering | Museums and Galleries Edinburgh (edinburghmuseums.org.uk)
Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre
The aim of this project is to bring people together of all ages to grow and share the harvest from our community garden. Crops harvested from the garden will be used to create simple healthy meals or snacks. Tasks involved are basic gardening tasks (no prior knowledge needed), planting seeds, potting up, weeding, watering and harvesting of the crops. For the more experienced gardeners propagation and pruning techniques will be taught.
Water of Leith Conservation Trust
Greeting Water of Leith walkway users and local customers. Serving drinks, cash handling, giving advice about the walkway, clearing and cleaning tables, answering incoming telephone calls.
Community One Stop Shop
We are looking for a volunteer administrator to help us process requests for our services. The main tasks will be computer entry, general admin work and answering phones. The post is on a Thursday for 3 hours, either 9am-12pm or 12pm-3pm.
Space@ the Broomhouse Hub
We are looking for people who are local to South West Edinburgh to join our board of trustees.
Board Trustees have enabled Space to become the charity it is today. Space now delivers 17 projects, with 60+ staff and over 250 volunteers. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated people from all backgrounds to join our Board of Trustees.
Trustees help decide what services we deliver in The Broomhouse Hub. The board of trustees plays an integral part in developing the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring its good governance, and overseeing the delivery of the organisation’s defined aims, values, mission, and objectives.
Trustees fall into two categories:
Local – people living within the South West Edinburgh locality, or within 3 miles of EH11 3RH.
Business – people who have joined the board to offer specific skills and experience.
Space@ the Broomhouse Hub
Space at Youth Befriending provides one-to-one befriending for children and young people aged 5-16 though supporting them to learn new skills and provide a social experience for children and young people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives due to parental drug and alcohol use. Through the befriending relationship the child / young person and the befriender may touch on topics such as increasing self-esteem; dealing with worries; respect for others.
Space@ the Broomhouse Hub
To attend the Beacon Club 10am – 2.30pm on one of the following days Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday
To help with:
Assisting staff to set up the day’s activities and tidying up afterwards.
Escorting the members on and off the minibus safely and while they are mobilising elsewhere should they require this.
Laying tables and serving meals, observing club hygiene procedures.
Helping the members get the best out of a range of planned activities and outings.
CLIC Sargent
Coordinating local collection tins is just one way volunteering with Young Lives vs Cancer can make a difference to our work.
You’ll be responsible for coordinating collection tins in your local area. Please rest assured that Young Lives vs Cancer are adhering to Covid-19 safety guidelines.
Contact the team here to apply https://www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/join-our-fight/get-volunteering/from-your-community/
Bethany Christian Trust
Across all three sites, we are looking for volunteers to support the running of the group, and volunteers to befriend attendees on a 1-2-1 basis. The group has Christ at the centre, and group volunteers need to have a Christian faith with a church connection. For those engaging in 1-2-1 support, a strong Christian faith is required, ideally with lived experience of addiction or experience of working in this area. All volunteer should help attendees feel welcomed and comfortable, whilst also maintaining appropriate boundaries, e.g. chatting and contributing to the group discussion.
Big Hearts Community Trust
School's Out! is Big Hearts' holiday project which enables local young people to thrive outside the school term and have a safe place to spend their school holidays.
Arts and crafts within our community space.
Sports day on the community pitch at Tynecastle Park.
Fun trips to the park.
Magic shows and many other fun and engaging activities.
Big Hearts Community Trust
Big Hearts Befrienders provides one-to-one befriending for children and young people aged 5-16 years either in kinship care or who are socially isolated within the city through supporting them to learn new skills and provide a social experience. Through the befriending relationship the child / young person and the befriender may touch on topics such as increasing self-esteem; dealing with worries; respect for others, with the main aim of building a trusting and reliable relationship with an adult and working towards set outcomes.
Eric Liddell Centre
Befriending aims to remove or lessen isolation that carers may experience as a result of their caring role. We welcome volunteer befrienders who ideally have an understanding of dementia and carer's needs, and are willing to spend time listening to, encouraging and supporting a carer. Befrienders support carers to become more engaged with the community, or simply have a break from caring for a little while. Some carers like to get out and about and attend activities of interest.
Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council
Looking for a way to get involved in your community and stay active? Join us as a volunteer for our cycling activities! We're looking for enthusiastic individuals to help us organize and lead cycle rides, as well as assist with various other cycling events.
British Red Cross (Edinburgh)
There are opportunities to work front or back of house in retail operations in Leith, Stockbridge and Morningside from till work to merchandising and window dressing. The back shop is where all the preparation happens, with the sorting, steaming and labelling of items for sale. There are roles in social media cover, general housekeeping, admin, gift aid promotion, brand research and customer care. We run a friendly sociable team in a busy, popular shop and would love to welcome some new volunteers to join us.
Roles will vary in each shop. Apply here:
https://volunteer.redcross.org.uk
Leith Community Crops in Pots
We are currently looking for volunteers for our open volunteer days on Thursdays. Volunteers will drop in any time between 10am - 5pm and spend time cultivating the market garden and beautifying the Croft. This is not only a good opportunity to get involved in our community, but also a great way to get hands-on experience of gardening and DIY crafts led by our education officers. Spend time outside, learn something and meet great folks!
Changeworks Ltd
Gain practical experience in facilitating behaviour change towards low carbon living.
Our community engagement projects aim to support residents to adopt low carbon lifestyle changes, these may include energy efficiency actions, reducing waste, or adopting sustainable transport behaviours.
Volunteers are regularly provided a list of upcoming events and tasks and can opt in to those they would like to get involved with.
Edinburgh Carers Council
The role of a volunteer charity trustee is essential to the continued effective working of the organisation and its ability to achieve its aims and objectives. Although the position carries some legal liability, it is chiefly one of trust and responsibility. Trustees should be able to ensure the organisation is clear in its purpose and direction. Trustees must be able to attend monthly meetings and the annual general meeting each year.
Cyrenians
This role is similar to that of peer mentor or befriender in that you will provide companionship to those living at Crighton Place. This could be as simple as being available to play a board game or cook a meal together. At other times you may accompany a resident to the cinema/shops/museum or to an event in the city.
Cyrenians
Local pantries are designed to give dignified and affordable access to a selection of chilled and ambient foods and fresh fruit and vegetables. Your skills and experience will help: lead in the setting up of the Pantry. Taking delivery of products. Setting up products in a safe and appropriate manner. Ensuring that food is handled safely. Taking payment from members. Assisting members where necessary
Cyrenians
Overview
Local pantries are designed to give dignified and affordable access to a selection of chilled and ambient foods and fresh fruit and vegetables.
As opposed to the foodbank model of free crisis provision, Pantries aim to offer dignity and choice in exchange for a small subscription fee. Pantries provide support to people on a low income, or recovering from crisis. By helping people with their food costs, they are better able to manage other debts and outgoings. They are also more able to
Project Esperanza
The ideal volunteer is someone who likes working with groups of women who shares our vision and willing to work in line with our mission. Experience of working with women of African heritage is most desirable. Knowledge and experience around facilitating groups is essential. Knowledge around the diversity of African cultures is essential. Must be open minded and operate from a place of cultural sensitivity. Must be a good team player. Must have empathy and kindness.
Bikes for Refugees (Scotland)
Our volunteers are essential in helping us fix and repair bikes to give to New Scots. Whether you are a self-taught hobby mechanic or are a bike-building wizard, we’d love to have your help in our workshops. You can practise and improve your skills alongside other friendly volunteers.
St Giles'Cathedral Shop
Within one of Edinburgh's foremost historical buildings, Cathedral Shop Assistant works in a busy vibrant environment selling a selective range of items and acting as a contact point for cathedral's visitors.
Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust (FCCT)
This role is for volunteers to join us aboard the Lochrin Belle to offer hospitality and a warm welcome to guests. We organise a wide range of cruises on the Union Canal but we need volunteers to help support the increasing number of themed ticketed events that we organise.
Main tasks:
Welcoming guests aboard
Answering questions about the trip/boat
Directing guests to the facilities
Making drinks
Cleaning and tidying the cabin space
Supporting the on board activities
Go Dharmic Welfare UK
The role is to take part in our food service aiming to help homeless and hungry people in Edinburgh. The tasks include setting up the food distribution, welcoming the beneficiaries, distributing the food available, sharing time and giving compassion to the beneficiaries or anyone who needs it. Other tasks could include collecting surplus food from supermarkets or supporting broader operations in Edinburgh in cooperation with the local team. Please note, if you are aged 16 or under you must be accompanied by an adult.
Royal British Legion Scotland (SL)
Volunteers are essential to Royal British Legion Scotland’s ability to support veterans in the community. We are currently recruiting volunteers for the Legion Scotland Veterans Community Support Service.
Trained and supported volunteers will be matched with Armed Forces veterans to provide a befriending relationship in the community – this could take the form of a regular social visit to relieve isolation and loneliness, or to provide assistance with more specific issues at other times. Training and support is provided and volunteers will be PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) checked prior to contact with clients as well. This is not a personal care or advisory service.
A tremendous opportunity to volunteer with Legion Scotland and support veterans. All assistance makes a difference and is greatly appreciated.
For more information please contact Elliot Thomson, Veterans Community Support Co-ordinator–West Scotland, Legion Scotland at Email: e.thomson@legionscotland.org.uk or tel.: 07876 203393.
The Edinburgh Cup
Over the weekend of the 4th - 6th August is a high-quality tournament of football designed to provide an unforgettable few days of football and fun, on and off the field.
This opportunity would suit enthusiastic individuals who would like to gain experience in the events industry, or those that would like to take the chance to do some good by supporting a Social Enterprise in its journey to providing a better life for young children.
Sign up now while you can!
Edinburgh College (Midlothian)
Do you want to make a positive change to the lives of learners across Midlothian? Then come and join the Board of Management of Edinburgh College.
The Edinburgh College Board of Management currently seeks to fill four non-executive vacancies before its scheduled meeting on 28 March 2023.
The Board of Management would particularly welcome applications from individuals with:
· A formal Accounting Qualification ideally combined with relevant experience in the fields of accountancy, Audit and Risk Assurance Committee experience or financial management.
OR
· Experience in one or more of the following fields: Education and training (across Further or Higher Education, schools and/or other training providers), SME and local business / enterprise, and/or expertise within an area of the College curriculum.
Successful applicants will have the ability to contribute to a dynamic board, which deals with a variety of complex and interesting issues and promotes the highest standards of governance.
Applications are also encouraged from groups currently under-represented on Scotland’s public bodies.
NHS Lothian
As a Ward Helper in the largest acute hospital in Edinburgh, you will assist with distributing refreshments and meals to patients as well as offering a listening ear and an opportunity for conversation during their stay.
You need to be attentive, compassionate and a confident communicator. Our busiest times are mealtimes at 12pm for lunch and refreshment rounds at 10am and 2pm.
7th Braid Edinburgh (George Heriot's School) Scout Group
The Heriot's Beavers and Cubs groups need help! They meet on a Friday evening between 18:30 and 20:00 at George Heriot's School. Cubs are aged 8-10 and Beavers 6-8 years old. The Assistant Leader will support the operation of the group, in particular the planning and delivery of a balanced programme with the help of the Section Leaders. They will actively support and promote the achievement of badges and awards and support the delivery of a safe, exciting and stimulating balanced programme.
Shrub Co-op
Key tasks: We have a number of different roles available from shop floor volunteers (Welcoming and informing customers at the Shrub, working on the till, keeping the shop floor tidy, chatting to customers about carbon literacy and sustainable fashion ) to pricing and sorting (helping in the stockroom, sorting and pricing donations, working out which things to keep and which things to pass on) as well as helping with merchandising and displays. We would also love to have some volunteers with particular interests (e.g. graphic design, photography, organisation skills).
DebRA Shop - Stockbridge
The is a varied role and could include lifting heavy furniture and electrical items, electrical testing ( testing our donated electrical items to make sure they work), customer service, helping to keep the shop spick and span,
making our donated stock and shop floor clean and presentable, handyperson tasks (includes assembling and dismantling as necessary, occasional repair work), helping with rotation of stock, pricing, operating the till and visual merchandiser tasks such as creating displays.
Buckstone Scout Group
Help make a difference. Do you have good leadership skills and enjoy motivating a team? Then you could be our next Buckstone Scout Group Chair of our Group Executive Committee. As Chair you will manage things and work with our Leadership Team to ensure our Scout Group provides the best Scouting possible for our young people.
Although the ‘executive’ bit in our committee’s title makes it sound very formal, it is actually not like that at all! No prior Scouting experience is required.
Salvation Army Donation Centre
The Salvation Army is opening a brand new Donation Centre which we hope will become a re-use hub for the local area and beyond. Reducing how much we all send to landfill is so very important and we will offer people a convenient hub to donate items that still have re-use potential. As well as collecting donations we will have a small charity shop. We are looking for someone who loves to engage with people and has an eye for detail to help maintain our shop and till areas and serve customers.
CAPS Independent Advocacy
Oor Mad History is a community history project, led by people with their own personal lived experience of mental health, using oral history to record and promote the history of activism and collective advocacy by people with mental health issues. We have also developed a short course in “Mad People’s History and Identity” at Queen Margaret University. As a participant with us you will be able to get involved in all aspects of the project.
Butterfly Trust (The)
Our support workers provide social support in their local community for people affected by Cystic Fibrosis. They offer a listening ear and help to negotiate official systems that include housing, benefits, education, employment and independent living.
The support worker is our first point of contact with clients in their area, responding to requests that are often for help to acquire home improvements, disability related benefits or just someone to talk to. Desirable qualities required include good verbal and written communications skills, sensitivity and an adaptable approach. Training and support is provided; and expenses reimbursed.
Support workers can also be trained to provide advocacy if they wish to be more challenged, learn new skills or perhaps make good use of those they already have.
The Butterfly Trust provides unconditional, non-judgemental, confidential services that are designed to improve the quality of life for young people living with Cystic Fibrosis. These outreach services are delivered by trained volunteers who provide face to face support across the country.
The support worker role offers an opportunity to utilise your professional or personal life experience
for the purpose of enhancing the life of a family or individual living with the impact of Cystic Fibrosis.
Support Workers need to hold a full driving licence and have access to a car.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
We currently have around 40 shops/ community hubs across Scotland. Our shops and hubs help us raise funds so we can provide our services to the people who need us. Every one of our stores relies on a team of volunteers to help run it and support our staff. Quite simply, we cannot provide our services or raise funds without the amazing support of our volunteers. The time, support and the work they do is vital to us and the people we help. By helping out in one of our stores, you can make a difference to people and their families in Scotland who are isolated, scared or anxious about their condition.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
We currently have around 40 shops/ community hubs across Scotland. Our shops and hubs help us raise funds so we can provide our services to the people who need us. Every one of our stores relies on a team of volunteers to help run it and support our staff. Quite simply, we cannot provide our services or raise funds without the amazing support of our volunteers. The time, support and the work they do is vital to us and the people we help. By helping out in one of our stores, you can make a difference to people and their families in Scotland who are isolated, scared or anxious about their condition.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
This is an opportunity to undertake a satisfying and rewarding role. As part of our team of volunteers, you will provide customer support, whilst working in a friendly atmosphere, providing an extremely useful and appreciated service to the Charity. The role includes: welcoming and assisting customers, customer service and sales service, stock control, sorting donations, hanging and ticketing stock and helping to keep the shop clean and tidy.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
We are pleased to share this exciting opportunity to support Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland as a trustee.
In becoming a trustee, you will be leading our efforts to help people live life to the full and help make sure that CHSS is best placed to meet our strategic goal of ‘No Life Half Lived’.
The last few years have been difficult for everybody and people living with chest, heart or stroke conditions need our support more than ever. This includes people living with Long Covid, who we recognise as part of the CHSS family.
Our trustees are a passionate group of committed unpaid volunteers. Whether they have lived experience of our conditions or an understanding of the professional context CHSS operates in, they are committed to helping CHSS be the best we can be. You will be joining a talented and experienced team and will help ensure CHSS runs well and effectively for the people we support.
CHSS is so much more than a charity – we are a movement helping people in Scotland do more than survive their condition. If you are looking to be part of something that really matters, we would love to hear from you.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
From stunning boutiques full of designer gems to discount stores where you can grab a bargain, our charity shops are much-loved across Scotland.
We are looking for someone with superb interpersonal skills and the use of their own vehicle to collect and transfer donations made to the shop, providing an extremely useful and appreciated service for the Charity.
We believe everyone has the right to live life to the full following the diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, stroke, or Long Covid. Our shops are vital in helping us raise the funds needed to provide services such as community support services, specialist nurses, advice and information, education, and peer support.
Join our fabulous team of Retail volunteers and learn new skills, make great friends, and make a real difference to people in Scotland who are isolated, scared, or anxious about their condition.
Re-engage
As a call companion, you will make regular telephone calls to a lonely and isolated older person experiencing loneliness and isolation. These calls provide a lifeline of friendship for our older people, and the regular, warm, friendly chats and companionship provide a vital link with the outside world from which they have become isolated. Over time, you and the older person you have been matched with will get to know each other well and together you will spend many hours full of fun, laughter and stories. Tasks include calling the older person you have been matched with two to four times per month at an agreed time, following the guidance in your call companion training modules to ensure that your calls are enjoyable and keeping in regular contact with Re-engage.
Ramblers Scotland
We believe that everyone should be able access the outdoors in Scotland with confidence and there is great potential to improve the mapping of paths in Scotland, to help more people getting active and healthy and to feel confident to explore our wonderful nature and landscapes.
That’s why we need you to help us to develop a pioneering Scotland-wide path network for the benefit of all.
We need community path volunteers to get out and about in their local area and review existing paths and record new paths. The next step will be to develop new local routes for health, heritage, and nature to encourage people to get out and about and explore their local area.
LINKnet Mentoring (Midlothian)
Volunteers must be available to work one full day from our office in Edinburgh per week for about three to four months. They should have good IT and communication skills. Must be aiming to secure employment in the UK or further education for themselves.
LINKnet Mentoring is a voluntary sector charitable organisation that provides support for minority ethnic people on employment, education admissions, personal development and health and wellbeing through various projects. We have many vacancies for volunteers in different categories to provide online or face-to-face support. If you are keen to participate in the voluntary work, please email Dissa.
Email: volunteers@linknetmentoring.com
Bethany Christian Trust
Befriending can make a huge impact in the lives of people who are at risk of homelessness or moving into new settled accommodation. You can help an individual in Edinburgh reconnect back into the community by taking them out and introducing them to social groups and activities in their area.
Bethany Christian Trust
What will the volunteering role look like?
Assisting customers in the shop in a friendly and professional manner, whether that be answering enquiries or just having a chat.
Sorting donated goods. This a large part of every retail role.
Pricing donated goods
Replenishing and changing the stock on display.
Operating the till.
Talking to customers.
Making our displays and window look their best!
Bethany Christian Trust
Retail volunteers are the backbone of our shops. A day can include sorting donations, operating the till or pricing stock – every day, and every shop, is different! Each volunteer brings their own skills, experience and character to a role.
Bethany Christian Trust
The BME (Black Minority and Ethnic) Homework club is an after school club for families who have English as a second language. Volunteers will be involved in planning, preparing and supervising activities for the children. They will also be working one to one with families and carers, to help them to support their children complete their homework and improve their English. Volunteers will help to prepare snacks and drinks and encourage attendees to engage with activities.
It takes place every Wednesday during term time from 3.30-4.30pm.
Blackwood Homes and Care
Digital exclusion can be isolating, and we really hope we can help make a difference by assisting our Peoplehood members feel included, with the help of Digital buddies like you! Group sessions will be arranged where possible and 1:1 sessions will be organised where needed. 1 to 2 hours a week or fortnight wold be sufficient to help a digital user to become digitally proficient. You will be supported by out Peoplehood community workers and Volunteer Coordinator. All expenses will be covered and you could benefit from our Value exchange system. Our participants reside in Cardonald, Glasgow. The sessions will take place in this area.
We aim to help our participants to become safely digitally aware by.
•Learning how to log into and use online accounts like council portals, energy providers, insurance companies and benefit accounts.
•Learning how to access lifestyle apps.
•Learning how to send and receive emails.
•Learning how to attach documents and images to emails.
•Learning how to use social media apps.
•Learning how to shop online safely.
•Learning how to make a video call to family or friends.
•Last but not least we need to teach our participants how to stay safe online.
If you are interested please click the ‘Apply’ button below (available when logged in and registered). You will then be contacted by Blackwood Homes and Care by email or phone call. If you have not heard back after 5 working days, the first step is to contact TCV with the contact details provided, glasgow@tcv.org.uk . You could also check your junk/spam folder on your emails just in case the response is there. If that doesn’t work out then please feel free to contact Volunteer Glasgow on info@volunteerglasgow.org
Erskine
Each year Erskine cares for ex-Servicemen and women from all backgrounds. You can help us make a difference to the lives of our country’s Veterans who have sacrificed so much. We are looking for volunteers to assist our activities staff to give our Veterans a stimulating and fun environment and the quality of life they deserve. You can help us to achieve this by offering your time, skillset, energy and support. There are lots of different activities that you can get involved with and you will be matched to the activities that suit you best. Erskine Park is a lovely homely environment where the care is excellent and we have fabulous staff who can support you.
Girlguiding Glasgow
Would you like to go on fun adventures, explore and laugh with friends?
Are you aged 14+?
At Girlguiding we do everything from camping to campaigning! We’re all about girls and young women laughing, learning and having adventures. Why not join the fun?
Meetings usually run on weekday evenings after school for about an hour, and you can choose how much or how little you can help out!
Youth volunteering with Girlguiding Scotland looks great on a CV, and can improve skills like teamwork, leadership, communication, creativity and IT. It’s great experience if you want a career in youthwork or education, and counts towards your Duke of Edinburgh award. Colleges and universities love seeing volunteering on an application too! There are loads of meetings happening all over Glasgow, so you can join one close to you.
Our volunteers are what makes Girlguiding amazing, and we welcome people of all backgrounds and walks of life. Come have a chat with us, you won’t regret it!
https://www.girlguidingscotland.org.uk/become-a-volunteer/
Safe Families
Resource Befrienders may do some painting, joinery, gardening or anything practical that helps out the family on a practical level.
Humanist Society Scotland
Young Humanist Scotland Ambassadors (age 18-30) play a vital role in supporting the charity. Helping to promote our work and campaigns, organising events, representing the charity online and at events, and speaking about our work and the importance of our campaigns (media training is available). Most events take place online, with some opportunities for in-person. A flexible role which can be designed around your skills and interests. For example, you could help run our film club, create social media content to amplify our campaigns, get involved in campaigning, and more. Contact us to explore what this volunteer opportunity could look like for you. You can help to further Humanist Society Scotland’s aims; grow our youth membership and engage young people in a meaningful way; enable young humanists to meet socially and discuss relevant issues; and help promote national campaigns and fundraising initiatives. Focus areas might include: Climate change, Women's rights, fighting religious bigotry, LGBT+ and trans rights, Religion and freedom thought in education, Children's rights, Histories of science, Humanist celebrations and ceremonies.
Marchmont St Giles Cafe
This fun roles includes checking what cakes and scones from the menu selection are needing topping up.
Baking what is needed.
Clearing up after.
Keeping the manager informed of low stocks of ingredients.
Discussing new cakes to add to the menu with the manager.
Occasionally baking for large events.
You're Never Too Old
Volunteers role – Passenger assisting by support old people getting on and off transport. Carry out various activities, i.e., arts and crafts, gentle exercise, board games, dominoes, quizzes, singing, we do indoor bowling and Kurling we also go on outings. Help by serving lunch and clearing up. Bringing their own skills to the group would also be welcomed. This is a group enjoy the social interaction. The group is on a Monday and Tuesday for passenger assist 9am-3pm for group support 10am-2pm.
Cattitude Boutique
Cattitude Cats Protection Boutique on Dundas Street is looking for volunteers! Our shop specializes in the finer things and we are looking for people with a keen eye for fashion. If you have a couple of hours to spare and would enjoy talking with customers, creating dynamic displays, posting on our social media, or just helping tidy up the shop we would love to hear from you!
The Lions Gate
To coordinate the work of approx 80 individuals we have on our database. Signing-up new volunteers, arranging drop-in sessions. Arranging events and workshops. Administrating volunteers. Health & Safety. Considerable knowledge of planting, plant-lore, growing, harvesting.
CAPS Independent Advocacy
Midlothian Voices is a Collective advocacy group of people in Midlothian who identify as having Mental Health issues. CAPS facilitate their group to enable them to come together to achieve their goals. The group is fairly new but since getting together as the end of last year they have identified three goals for the group to work on: To engage with services at a strategic level by attending meetings and events where decision making happens, to work on topic specific issues that are important to people such as Welfare Reform and reducing stigma and to bring people in Midlothian together around these issues.
So far members of the group have attended Lothian wide events on Human Rights and the reform of the Scottish Health Council and have looked at how these issues are relevant in Midlothian and fed back through the Mental Health Strategy group on their thoughts. They have also been part of a sit down with the Minister for Mental Health at the NHS annual conference to ask questions about Mental Health services in Midlothian
Midlothian voices describe themselves as a go-getting friendly group and have many ideas on issues they would like to work on in the future, they are very much looking forward to welcoming new members of the group and generating new ideas. Individuals can get involved in the project at a level that suits their own abilities, skills and commitments. Meetings usually take place every six weeks.
Due to Covid 19 CAPS we have had to alter the way we work. Groups and volunteer roles are currently taking place online until we can resume face to face meetings.
Risk Factory (The)
The Risk Factory is a purpose built centre set up like a film set of everyday situations where visitors can experience risk in a safe environment covering topics such as fire, home and road safety. Our volunteer Safety / Tour Guides escort small groups round the lifelike scenarios delivering safety messages and running simple activities that enable them to think about dangers and actions to reduce and / or avoid risk.
Positive Help
As a Study Buddy you will support the learning and development of a child or a young person who is affected by HIV and/or Hepatitis C. You will meet weekly for 1-2 hours to spend one-on-one time together. Sessions usually take place in a café or community space such as a library Together you can work on homework or development of relevant skills, such as developing the child’s motor skills by doing crafts or doing a physical activity. The sessions are creative and child-lead. This is a great opportunity if you would like to gain experience for working in education. Study Buddies help children build their confidence, develop a love of learning, gain new life-skills and improve their numeracy and literacy.
B Healthy Together
We are an organisation which aims to facilitate health improvement for the communities in the West of Edinburgh which include Broomhouse, Sighthill & Parkhead. Using an inclusive approach, we promote healthy lifestyles and provide a variety of social health activities. We are looking for volunteers to join our Board who represent
our local communities of Broomhouse, Sighthill and Parkhead.
Fresh Start
Unpacking, sorting donations and assigning them to the designated area in the warehouse.
Making starter packs – food, crockery, pots and pans, cleaning, bed linens, towels, curtains or toiletries.
Keeping the packing and sorting areas safe and tidy.
Recycling items as necessary.
Working in a team and ensuring warehouse is clean and organised.
LINKnet Mentoring
LINKnet are looking for volunteers to support paid staff to increase awareness of oral health among ME (minority ethnic) communities by bringing the communities in and delivering oral and wider health improvement messages in an accessible manner. “Edinburgh Smile”, is a project of LINKnet that partners MEHIS (Minority Ethnic Health Inclusion Service)- NHS. The successful candidates will be involved in the development and coordination of activities to raise awareness.
Pilton Equalities Project
Set up dinner plates and cups etc, help with co-ordinating games or activities organised for that day, assist service users when playing board games or bingo, clear away and assist with washing cutlery and plates. Must be willing to undertake a disclosure through the PVG Scheme
Health All Round
Provide one to one support to a Polish speaking individual who may be isolated or struggling with health problems.
Help them to attend groups and events.
Provide some practical support such as helping with letters or phone calls.
No personal care or crisis support is involved.
British Heart Foundation Shop (Leith)
Engaging with customers and serving them in a helpful and friendly way.
Communicating with fellow volunteers about what has sold and needs re-stocking.
Honing your retail and cashier skills behind the till and taking payments.
Helping with administration and reception duties around the till area.
Promoting Gift Aid and sales campaigns, and chatting to customers.
Acting as an ambassador for the British Heart Foundation.
Edinburgh Leisure
Are you 45+ with a warm and open manner, and an appreciation
for the benefits of being active?
We are looking for enthusiastic and caring people, who are
confident in water, to join our friendly & sociable team of
volunteers to support older adults (50+) to be physically active, and
comfortable in a swimming pool environment, at one of our
venues in Edinburgh.
We’ll make sure that you receive training and support to enable
you to have fun and succeed in making a difference with us.
Buddy Swimming is for older adults who would like to swim but
who have either lost their confidence, or perhaps due to ill health,
are no longer able to swim on their own. Ageing Well volunteers -
all of whom are older adults themselves – meet participants in the
reception area prior to the session and give the necessary support
both at poolside and in the pool to help participants regain their
confidence whilst working on improving their strength,
coordination, and flexibility.
Volunteers say that they develop deeper connections within their
communities, feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally; and
are better able to manage health conditions such as stress.
The project is run in partnership with NHS Lothian and is part of
the UK Ageing Well network, which aims to increase the
expectation of good health in older adults. Please check out our
webpage for more information on our activities
https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/ageing-well
Edinburgh Leisure
In the Movement For Memories programme you will have the opportunity to support those living with dementia to access physical activity opportunities. You will work on a 1:1 basis with a person living with dementia to help them access swimming, tennis, golf, the gym, or fitness classes. You will offer them support and encouragement to help them enjoy and participate in their chosen activity. You will also complete observation sheets so we can see how the participant is getting on.
Age Scotland
Our statistics have revealed that 218,000 over 50s in Scotland say they feel lonely all or most of the time. As people get older, it can be harder to maintain social connections. Retirement, bereavement or moving somewhere new can leave people feeling lonely and isolated.
That's where you come in!
The Age Scotland Community Connecting Service aims to connect older people across Scotland to social groups and clubs in their local community.
As a Community Researcher, you'll help to identify and research groups and clubs around the country, updating our Community Connecting database with the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Rowan Alba
Many of our clients who engage with the CARDS Service become curious about or wish to engage in recovery or with dedicated recovery services. In response to feedback from clients and volunteers we now have dedicated Peer Volunteers who themselves are in recovery and have lived experience of that journey and can provide our clients with hope and belief that they can make a positive change.
British Heart Foundation Furniture Shop (Dalry)
Do you have a knack for presentation, an eye for detail and enjoy making things look their best? We’re looking for people like you to volunteer in our F&E stores to help make them look as appealing and inspiring as possible. You can expect to be helping out with visual merchandising, making sure everything is displayed to its full potential; you will also be involved in creating eye catching displays in our homeware department ensuring the items are clean and labelled.
British Heart Foundation Furniture Shop (Dalry)
Do you always have a welcoming smile on your face and love getting in to conversations? Why not get to know the people from your community with this versatile volunteering role. You will be serving customers, helping to promote our stock and awareness campaigns and encouraging every donor to become part of our Gift Aid scheme.
Grassmarket Community Project
Lone working in the shop. Able to open and close shop. Handling cash and card payments.
Rotational basis to cover 7-day opening 10.30 to 4.40 or 2-3 shifts to cover opening hours.
Customer service. Pricing as outlined by the shop team. Display and merchandising (may include transferring items from one display to another). Stock control.
University of Edinburgh - Simulated Patient Programme
We require volunteers from both sexes and all age groups who will pretend to be patients so that students can gain experience in dealing with patients in a relaxed and safe atmosphere. A simulated patient is someone who has been carefully trained to portray the emotional, symptomatic and physical characteristics of an actual patient. They are additionally trained to provide feedback to students on their performance during the simulated patient encounter.
City of Edinburgh Council - Health & Social Care Department
The COVID-19 crisis is difficult for us all but people with caring responsibilities (unpaid carers) are under even more pressure and stress. Reduced/closed services mean that many carers have no choice but to care round the clock for loved ones without any hope of break.
Once the support is restored, many carers will feel burnt out and physically and emotionally tired. We hope that this is where you can step in. As a volunteer you will be spending 1:1 time with the person to give their carer a break
Pasda
The main tasks are attendance at the monthly meetings, except August and December. This involves reading the reports and following up any allocated tasks. If volunteer trustees are available to attend other relevant meetings eg autism Cross Party Group, trustee training or staffing at awareness events that is welcome. Campaigning is part of our objectives and any skills in this area would be useful.
DebRA Shop - Stockbridge
The is a varied role and could include lifting heavy furniture and electrical items, electrical testing ( testing our donated electrical items to make sure they work), customer service, helping to keep the shop spick and span,
making our donated stock and shop floor clean and presentable, handyperson tasks (includes assembling and dismantling as necessary, occasional repair work), helping with rotation of stock, pricing, operating the till and visual merchandiser tasks such as creating displays.
CAPS Independent Advocacy
Use your own lived experience of living with a personality disorder diagnosis to raise awareness and understanding, challenge stigma and promote positive changes in attitudes and services. The role involves sharing personal experiences of living with personality disorder with groups of participants and helping to facilitate training workshops, aimed at raising awareness of personality disorder. You will need to be willing to share experiences with people from a variety of different backgrounds.
Buckstone Scout Group
Help us ensure that as many young people as possible are able to join our local scout group through the management of the waiting list. No previous experience of Scouting is a problem, everyone is welcome.
This role is incredibly flexible and can be done from home, around your current commitments. Dealing with enquiries either over the phone or via email, there are no set hours. It is a great opportunity to hone your communication skills. Help enable more young people locally to enjoy Scouts.
CAPS Independent Advocacy
This role involves using your own lived experiences of eating disorders in a positive way to raise awareness, fight against stigma and campaign for change. Working as a team, 'Seen but not Heard' eating disorders collective advocacy have developed training around eating disorders, two films, awareness events, attended conferences, responded to/developed consultations and have produced leaflets and resource packs.
Jock Tamson's Gairden
Help to create, develop and maintain the beautiful Glebe by Duddingston Loch. Tasks include Sowing seeds, ground cultivation, taking cuttings, pruning, grass-cutting, path-building, making garden structures and generally adding your skills and personality to the Glebe field.
85th Braid Scout Group
We are looking for 2-3 motivated volunteers who would enjoy working with young people (10 ½ - 14) to be leaders of our Scout Troop, planning and delivering the Scouting programme over the year. Primary task is to plan and deliver the "Scouting programme" (a mixture of games and activities that work towards the many badges Scouts can earn), alongside the other leaders in the team. This involves attendance at our Thursday evening meetings (during term time only), etc.
Volunteering Matters
*****Exciting New Partnership with Lead Partner The Welcoming and Project Scotland ****
The Inspire Project is a new wraparound volunteering and mentorship programme being launched to support New Scots across Edinburgh and Dundee. New Scots aged 16-30 will be provided with a tailored volunteer placement within their local community and a mentor who will support them as they navigate their experience while gaining valuable skills and confidence. As a mentor you will meet regularly with your mentee to provide practical and emotional support over the course of their placement.
Volunteering Matters
We are looking for volunteer mentors specifically for our project based in secondary schools in Edinburgh. Castlebrae Community High School is based in the Greendykes area of Edinburgh. As a mentor, you would be matched to a S2/S3 (12-14 years) young person from one of the schools. This is an amazing opportunity to support and mentor a young person who has been identified by the school as benefitting from wrap around support and a volunteering placement.
Eric Liddell Centre
Our Carer Befriending Service aims to breakdown the isolation experienced by carers in providing them with a volunteer befriender. The role is flexible, allowing the volunteer and carer to negotiate when and where, and how often, they will meet. What they do in that time depends on what the carer needs from the relationship. This may involve joining in an activity, going for a walk or to the cinema or just having time for a chat and coffee in a local cafe.
LINKnet Mentoring Ltd.
At our organization, we believe that everyone deserves a sense of community and belonging. Unfortunately, many ethnic minority individuals in Scotland face challenges that hinder their ability to connect with others and feel a part of society. This is where our befriending service comes in.
Our befriending program is specifically designed to provide support and companionship to ethnic minority individuals who may be experiencing isolation and struggling to integrate into Scottish society. Our trained volunteers are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of those they serve, offering language assistance, social interaction, and cultural exchange to help break down barriers and promote a sense of belonging.
Befrienders and Befriendees are matched within their region, there may be the opportunity to have meeting on zoom.
By participating in our befriending service, ethnic minority individuals can gain the necessary skills and confidence to communicate more effectively, integrate into local communities, and ultimately thrive in Scottish society. Our goal is to empower individuals to overcome isolation and achieve their full potential.
Join us in our mission to promote inclusivity and create a welcoming community for all. Contact us today to learn more about our befriending service and how you can get involved.
Talbot Rice Gallery
We are looking for volunteers to get involved in every exhibition at the Talbot Rice Gallery as Volunteer Exhibition Assistants. Our team of volunteers are crucial in the success of our exhibitions and provide essential and valued support. All volunteers receive training for their role and support from the Gallery team throughout their time volunteering with us. We offer practical experience of working in a contemporary gallery space, public engagement and the opportunity to meet artists.
For more information, please check our website about this opportunity: https://www.trg.ed.ac.uk/get-involved/opportunities
Salvation Army Donation Centre
The Salvation Army is opening a brand new Donation Centre which we hope will become a re-use hub for the local area and beyond. Reducing how much we all send to landfill is so very important and we will offer people a convenient hub to donate items that still have re-use potential. Part of our work will be to offer to collect donations of furniture from people’s houses and deliver some sold items. We are looking for a volunteer to assist in this work.
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
Chest Heart & Stroke Shop - Easter Road
This is an opportunity to undertake a satisfying and rewarding role. As part of our team of volunteers, you will provide customer support, whilst working in a friendly atmosphere, providing an extremely useful and appreciated service to the Charity.
The role includes: welcoming and assisting customers, customer service and sales service, stock control, Sorting donations, hanging and ticketing stock and helping to keep the shop clean and tidy.
Greyfriars
Greyfriars Kirk has been welcoming over 50,000 visitors from around the world, every year. We are looking for volunteer Welcomers to join our team. In a nutshell, your role will be to greet our visitors and ensure their experience with us is unique and welcoming. Sound like fun?
It’s your job to personalise their visit by sharing your knowledge, encouraging their questions, assisting them in the gift shop, and making everyone feel welcome!
From the signing of the Covenant and our place in Scotland’s history, to Edinburgh’s most beloved dog, Bobby and our connection to the Harry Potter franchise, there is something here for everyone!
The Salisbury Centre
We are looking for a motivated volunteer to join our reception team. The role will focus on being a friendly face of the centre. Duties will include welcoming new and existing users of the centre. This includes helping to answer enquiries about the centre and its facilities. The role would also include answering the door and phone. The role has the potential to expand into some light administrative duties.
Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust
Supporting a local charity board in the role of Treasurer. Developing the strategy of the Charity and defining the path for sustainability and development of the organisation along with the Board, Trust manager, and the Staff Leadership Team. Within this, the Treasurer particularly considers financial evidence and analysis. Supporting the Finance officer with the annual budgeting process and in reviewing management accounts presented to the boards bi-monthly meetings.
Venchie Children & Young People's Project
Do you have green fingers, do you enjoy making green spaces neat and tidy. You would be required to cut grass and weed borders, help plant out seasonal plants and sweeping up of leaves and rubbish. We are a children and young people?s project based in East Edinburgh.
The Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre
We are looking for someone to assist in the maintenance of our private garden.
Duties include;
General Gardening - weeding, pruning, clearing leaves, general tidying, lawn mowing.
Maintenance of the garden access steps
Seasonal gardening projects - growing herbs, fruits and vegetables (both in our garden and front courtyard)
All tools required will be provided.
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: 26 Crighton Place, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH7 4NY, 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
Shrub Co-op
Welfare Volunteers work together helping to ensure the mental, physical and emotional wellbeing of volunteers and members of the SHRUB Coop. This could include helping create accessible welfare policies, assisting with workshops and drop in sessions and arbitrating conflicts and complaints - not all volunteers have to take part in all tasks, giving the volunteers opportunity to focus on their interest areas. We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months of volunteering, approximately 2-3h/week.
Pain Concern (Midlothian)
Pain Concern are looking for a volunteer to support with preparing information leaflets and magazines orders for dispatch using courier services. Please note, this role involves light physical work including lifting and stretching. Training will be given.
What you would be doing:
· Preparation and packing of orders
· Dispatching information leaflets and magazines to individuals and organisations
· Dispatching boxes of information leaflets to clinics and exhibitions
· Dispatching fundraising letters
· Dealing with email correspondence
· Answering and recording client enquiries
· Recording stock in and out
· Maintain accurate stock data base(s)
· Follow health and safety policies and procedures and be proactive in supporting a positive health and safety culture.
· Liaise with appropriate members of staff
Connecting Craigmillar
ESOL volunteer with Syrian Men's Group. Providing informal assistance in a social group setting with English learning to Arabic speakers from Syria in the Hays, Niddrie. Relaxed group of around 12 to 15 adults from a range of different backgrounds looking to improve their English language speaking though activities, socialising, conversation and walks or trips.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
Community Support Volunteers support people who have had one of our conditions 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.
To undertake your role you will be required to undertake membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Adults) schemes in Scotland (PVG).
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
This is an opportunity to undertake a satisfying and rewarding role. As part of our team of volunteers, you will provide customer support, whilst working in a friendly atmosphere, providing an extremely useful and appreciated service to the Charity. The role includes: welcoming and assisting customers, customer service and sales service, stock control, sorting donations, hanging and ticketing stock and helping to keep the shop clean and tidy.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
We currently have around 40 shops/ community hubs across Scotland. Our shops and hubs help us raise funds so we can provide our services to the people who need us. Every one of our stores relies on a team of volunteers to help run it and support our staff. Quite simply, we cannot provide our services or raise funds without the amazing support of our volunteers. The time, support and the work they do is vital to us and the people we help. By helping out in one of our stores, you can make a difference to people and their families in Scotland who are isolated, scared or anxious about their condition.
Volunteering opportunities advertised
across
Edinburgh:
392
Our support workers provide social support in their local community for people affected by Cystic Fibrosis. They offer a listening ear and help to negotiate official systems that include housing, benefits, education, employment and independent living.
The support worker is our first point of contact with clients in their area, responding to requests that are often for help to acquire home improvements, disability related benefits or just someone to talk to. Desirable qualities required include good verbal and written communications skills, sensitivity and an adaptable approach. Training and support is provided; and expenses reimbursed.
Support workers can also be trained to provide advocacy if they wish to be more challenged, learn new skills or perhaps make good use of those they already have.
The Butterfly Trust provides unconditional, non-judgemental, confidential services that are designed to improve the quality of life for young people living with Cystic Fibrosis. These outreach services are delivered by trained volunteers who provide face to face support across the country.
The support worker role offers an opportunity to utilise your professional or personal life experience
for the purpose of enhancing the life of a family or individual living with the impact of Cystic Fibrosis.
Support Workers need to hold a full driving licence and have access to a car.
We are looking for writing mentors to support young people in our workshops to get inspired by writing and to boost their confidence. You do not have to be a writer to become a mentor, just lots of enthusiasm for working, patience and passion. Super Power Agency volunteers come from every walk of life. Some want to give back to their local community, others want to gain experience working with children and some just want to help out!
Are you a dedicated and organised person, passionate about helping others? Join our night-time party and lots of other Volunteers and walkers at The Moonwalk Scotland on Saturday 9th September 2023 from Holyrood Park, Edinburgh!
Bring your energy and help many Walkers get through an overnight marathon in decorated bras, raising lots of money for breast cancer!
Volunteer with us to raise money for breast cancer and to help us celebrate 25 years of Moonwalking!
If you are interested please click the ‘apply’ button below (available when logged in and registered). You will then be contacted by the coordinator by email. If you have not heard back after 5 working days, the first step is to contact the organisation with the contact details provided. You could also check your junk/spam folder on your emails just in case the response is there. If that doesn’t work out then please feel free to contact Volunteer Glasgow on 0141 226 3431
The Board of Almond Valley Heritage Trust is responsible for the strategic direction of our charity. It sets and monitors policy, and provides oversight of operations and activities that are implemented by our professional team. Board members (Trustees) bring a diverse range of interests and experiences to the Board, represent a fair balance of views and perspectives, and are able to draw on many skills and strategic insights. We’re always happy to hear from individuals with appropriate interests and experiences who may be interested in joining the Board, and at present have a special interest in recruiting Board members who have insight into legal matters, or have experience in financial management. The minimum commitment sought is attendance and contribution to Board meetings that are held six times a year, normally on a Wednesday evening.
We have an exciting opportunity to join our wonderful volunteer team. We are looking for a Writing Group Volunteer to host fortnightly groups in person at the Crisis Centre building in Leith.
The purpose of the group is to encourage people to express their feelings and emotions through writing. Your work may be, with consent, displayed within the Edinburgh Crisis Centre and any potential exhibitions in the local area
Would you like to be part of our amazing volunteer retail team?
You’ll develop new skills, make new friends and help raise the funds needed to help thousands of cats and kittens each year.
We have several volunteer roles in our shops, so you can pick whichever appeals to you most!
Do you have an interest in pastoral care, some free time and a lovely, gentle dog? Then volunteering for Pet and Companion (PEACE for short) could be for you and your furry friend!
PEACE is a charity providing Canine Therapy along with Pastoral Care for people in need of support and companionship, particularly: the elderly; patients receiving end of life care; students during stressful periods; and vulnerable women.
Pastoral Carers and their therapy dogs (PEACE Teams) visit people in need of support and companionship in various locations, including: Care Homes; University and College campuses; and community hubs. Ideally, PEACE Teams will volunteer for a couple of hours a week/fortnight in order to build relationships with the people they visit.
The PEACE dog helps to provide a relaxing environment (the basis of canine therapy), while the Pastoral Carer offers both a listening ear and a means of support, happy to talk through any concerns or fears a person may have (pastoral care).
The role of a PEACE Pastoral Carer is similar to that of a Chaplain. All Pastoral Carers are therefore Christians, and are comfortable praying and/or discussing their faith with the people they visit, if requested.
All PEACE Pastoral Carers receive training in Mental Health First Aid, attentive listening and dementia awareness. Volunteers will also become members of the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) scheme.
For information about volunteering or any other enquiries about PEACE, please contact Sarah Jeffrey at email: sarah@petandcompanion.com
Further information is also available at www.petandcompanion.com
This is an opportunity to undertake a satisfying and rewarding role. As part of our team of volunteers, you will provide customer support, whilst working in a friendly atmosphere, providing an extremely useful and appreciated service to the Charity. The role includes: welcoming and assisting customers, customer service and sales service, stock control, sorting donations, hanging and ticketing stock and helping to keep the shop clean and tidy.
Attend regular meetings of the fundraising committee. Identify fundraising opportunities for the Group such as local events held by other community groups or hosted by the Group. Submit funding applications. Establish relationships with stakeholders that can assist in securing funding. Work as a team to ensure fundraising events are well organised, with sufficient volunteers with the right expertise, experience and skills.
Within one of Edinburgh's foremost historical buildings, Cathedral Shop Assistant works in a busy vibrant environment selling a selective range of items and acting as a contact point for cathedral's visitors.