Could you spare a few hours a month to enable someone to participate in community activities? Leonard Cheshire Disability have supported living and residential units in Glenrothes and along at our St Andrews service. Those that use our services would like volunteer support whether it's just coming along for a visit, going to the local shops/theatre/cinema, or a run on the bus. It may be that you have craft skills, reading skills, are a gaming enthusiast, anything that you are comfortable with doing. There are mandatory checks that need to be completed and some basic training for those that are interested and there is always the opportunity to learn new skills which may contribute towards your CV and/or job prospects.

Our volunteers are carefully matched with Sported member clubs within their locality, who they then support on a one-to-one basis to help them to attract investment into their organisation. Sported supports groups who are utilising sport to bring about real social difference throughout the UK so volunteers will be paired with a group that are doing really inspiring work. These groups are doing incredible work but require some guidance around fundraising in order to make them more sustainable and increase their capacity. If you have over 5 years experience in a range of fundraising, then Sported would love to hear from you. This is a great opportunity to make a lasting impact on a community group in your area. If you enjoy working with people and have a desire to make a difference then please get in touch.

LINK is currently seeking volunteers for the Adolescent Befriending Project. If you can spare a couple of hours a fortnight and would like to help young people (12-18) who have become isolated due to mental health issues, LINK would love to hear from you.

Our volunteer business mentors are paired with community sports clubs who need expertise in a particular area to become more sustainable and increase their capacity. Sported works closely to support our volunteers throughout the process, and the opportunities available are very flexible - from answering a 15 minute call from a club leader who has questions in your skill area, to delivering a workshop or a 6 month mentor placement. As a Sported volunteer, you will have the opportunity to share your professional skills and expertise with community groups, having a huge effect on the sustainability and capacity of these clubs. Full induction is offered, as well as personal development opportunities, and you will join a network of skilled Sported volunteers across the UK. You will volunteer with a diverse range of people and organisations, and will receive support throughout from the Sported Volunteer Services team. Most importantly you will have fun!

LINK is currently seeking volunteers for the Adolescent Befriending Project. If you can spare a couple of hours a fortnight and would like to help young people (12-18) who have become isolated due to mental health issues, LINK would love to hear from you.

By becoming a Volunteer Buddy you will enable someone to get out and about a bit more. It may be that you spend social time with someone at their own home, chatting, playing a game of dominoes or watching sports. Or, depending on the individual you are matched with, you might go out for a coffee, a walk or to see a show. The benefits to you as a volunteer can include, meeting new people, learning new skills, gaining valuable experience, confidence building but most importantly knowing that you are making a positive difference to someone’s life.

Last is a social enterprise based in Glasgow that aims to support people to reduce their plastic waste. We do this by providing advice and selling products that help people do this. Our profits will be used to develop educational programmes focussed on the environment. You will work closely with the Directors to collate and create valuable market insights that will inform the Business Plan and Financial Forecasting model for the company. These will be used to help us better understand the market and our competitors and persuade prospective funders to provide financial support to Make it Last. Specific tasks include: • Collect data on consumers, competitors and the marketplace and consolidate this information into actionable items, reports and presentations • Understand business objectives and design surveys to discover prospective customers’ preferences • Compile and analyse statistical data using modern and traditional methods to collect it • Perform valid and reliable market research SWOT analysis • Interpret data, formulate reports and make recommendations • Use online market research and catalogue findings • Provide competitive analysis on various companies’ market offerings, identify market trends, pricing/business models, sales and methods of operation The work generated by the post will directly inform the future development of this business and as such will provide valuable experience and examples for use in CVs and job interviews. All work will be undertaken remotely, as the business does not currently have office premises. You will require access to a laptop and a good internet connection.

Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (better known as CHAS) is a charity that provides the only hospice services in Scotland for children and young people who have life-shortening conditions for which there is no known cure. CHAS have recently piloted an exciting new home support volunteer service to help deliver support to families in their own homes. Due to the success of this pilot we are now looking to expand this service to reach more families who require our help and support in Tayside, Perth and Kinross , Fife, Stirling and Edinburgh areas. Two main activities home support volunteers would be involved within would be sibling support and practical support. Sibling support can include helping siblings with homework, activity and play, drop off and pick up from clubs or groups and practical support can include cleaning, ironing, shopping and/or dog walking. Any prospective volunteers might be interested in one of these areas or both. You will make a massive difference to the lives of families going through the most difficult time of their lives.

Lead Scotland’s Befriender for Young Carers in Fife is for Young Carers who require some 1:1 support who feel isolated, lonely or disconnected as a result of their caring responsibilities. Lead Scotland Fife Volunteer Befrienders provide one to one support to enable Young Carers people to improve their confidence, to try new activities and to make more connections with their communities and local services. Volunteers do not need to have any qualifications as full training and support will be given. This interim role is to befriend someone within your community who may be feeling lonely and isolated during these challenging times. This may be via a telephone or other means such as Skype/WhatsApp video call etc. Volunteers are matched with a suitable service user – a ‘befriendee’. A variety of factors are considered in the matching process, for example interests and hobbies. Each match can continue for the duration of the outbreak and will be reviewed when face to face befriending is able to resume. Main tasks: • To make a regular agreed commitment to the project: One or two calls (or other forms of contact) per week • To contact the befriendee at an agreed time and day • To give the person(s) some social interaction and emotional support through conversation • To develop a positive and supportive relationship with the befriendee but not create a dependency • To adhere to Lead Scotland’s policies and procedures; including Health and Safety, Lone Volunteering, Confidentiality, Equality and Diversity • To work within the Lead Scotland Befriending guidelines to telephone befriending • To complete a monthly record of hours of volunteering and activities • To maintain contact with the Volunteer Manager to discuss progress and any concerns Benefits to the volunteer: • Get to know new people • Make a real difference in the local community • Training opportunities • Add value to CV (many volunteers have gained or changed employment by volunteering with Lead) • Receive of out-of-pocket expenses • Volunteer flexibly around other commitments • We can provide a reference to a future employer • Feel valued as part of the Lead team • Have fun! Recruitment process: • Contact the Volunteer Manager, by phone or email, for further information and an application form and self-declaration form • Complete the application form and have an informal chat on phone with the Volunteer Manager • Have an informal interview via telephone or video call and answer a number of questions to help determine suitability and apply for PVG membership Please note that PVG membership must be received before volunteering can start.

Update *During Covid-19 Pandemic all support will be provided virtually and/or telephone* The Buddy volunteer provides support for a parent, usually spending a couple of hours, once a week with them. The Buddy will support the parent to help them in the way they need most. This may be with practical and emotional support to allow them to escape from the house for a coffee or a walk, support to attend groups or exercise classes, getting to appointments or helping get organised. Just as important is a non-judgemental listening ear. By sharing your time and friendship in this way, our volunteers offer the parent the opportunity to build their confidence, develop new skills and enjoy family life. This early intervention model reduces social isolation, having a positive impact on the family as a whole.