Orkney
volunteering opportunities
Orkney Disability Forum
Have you some hours to spare?
Have you a valid Driving Licence with D1 entitlement?
Or have you considered helping as an escort/companion on Dial-a-bus Trips & Tours?
Dial-a-bus are looking for Volunteer Drivers, and Volunteer Escort/Companions for their much-loved Trips & Tours
Key Activities include:
• Ensure a safe, secure, and confidential environment is provided for users.
• To ensure passengers are collected in a timely and courteous manner.
• Adherence to data protection regulations.
• Expenses can be claimed for travel to and from your volunteer placement.
British Red Cross Charity Shop, Stromness
Volunteers will be involved in handling and pricing donations, operating the till and helping to create eye-catching displays. For more information and to register as a volunteer visit https://volunteer.redcross.org.uk/opportunities/23819-shop-volunteer-stromness-shop-2021-12-13
CLAN Cancer Support (Orkney)
What this Role Involves:
Your role as a Clan SHOP VOLUNTEER is to assist the Shop Supervisor with the overall operation of the shop to ensure that sales goals are achieved and exceeded. To provide excellent customer service at all times and ensure a positive customer experience is had by all who enter our shops. To maintain high levels of housekeeping standards.
Typical activities include ensuring the efficient running of the Clan shop by:
• Assist the store in exceeding sales targets;
• Provide the highest standard of customer service;
• Sort, price and display donations from members of the public;
• Adhere to Clan’s volunteering policies and procedures (Clan Volunteer Handbook) to ensure statutory requirements are met and maintained;
• Adhere to policies and procedures in respect of Health & Safety and security within the shop;
• Assist with visual merchandising and presentation whilst maintaining the highest standard of housekeeping standards;
• Ensure that stock levels are regularly reviewed and maintained to maximise sales and where necessary, take corrective actions;
• Alongside the E-Commerce & Retail Coordinator, assist with online sales through appropriate identification of donations/stock for online platforms;
• Support others in the retail team and share best practice to help ensure success across all Clan shops;
• Ensure that any customer complaints are dealt with in a sympathetic and timely manner and escalated to the Shop Supervisor;
Other duties will be required to be undertaken from time to time.
Orkney Library and Archive
The Orkney Library and Archive in Kirkwall are looking to start a Seed Library and are looking for volunteers who know about cultivating/drying seeds and would be keen to get involved.
The main duties will be to:
Liaise with library staff to help get the seed library up and running and organised;
Helping to write instructions to guide people on what to do and when;
Keeping a check on the seed stock, seed health and the presentation of seeds;
Helping to prepare seed packets, labelling and display in the library;
Assisting with seed library events in the future.
Hamnavoe House Care Home
Hamnavoe is a residential care home in Stromness. Our Activities Volunteers help us create a fun and stimulating environment for our residents. Sharing your hobbies, skills and time could significantly brighten an older person’s day, helping them to feel more excited by life and connected to the world around them. You might be able to offer an hour a week or an hour a month. The role is flexible and does not require a fixed commitment. Activities can include physical, social and leisure activities that are ideally tailored to the residents’ interests. This could range from a bit of pampering with hair styling or nail painting, to leisure activities such as reading, gardening, arts and crafts, conversation, and singing. Volunteers will be matched with activities and residents, so everyone feels comfortable and enjoys themselves.
Key activities
• One to one activities with residents tailored to both your own interests and the residents.
• Supporting group activities
What could a volunteer gain from the experience?
The satisfaction of making a real difference to the quality of life of residents. A sociable environment that will be very people focussed. An opportunity to gain experience in a social care setting. Get to meet new people and develop friendships with a varied group of new people, from residents to staff and other volunteers.
St Colm's Day Centre
St Colms has a large polytunnel and garden area with cold frames where they grow and sell plants. We are looking for volunteers to assist adults with learning disabilities with horticulture activities.This could be in the polytunnel or outdoors. Tasks include sowing seeds, planting out seedlings, weeding and watering.
Archie Foundation
We are looking for individuals to create a support group of The Archie Foundation and promote the work and services we provide. These groups would ideally plan local fundraisers and spread awareness about the work of the Archie Foundation and how they support the people of Orkney. To find out more please visit https://archie.org/volunteer/ or email Cassie McGunnigle (Regional Fundraising Officer) at Cassie.mcgunnigle@archie.org
Guide Dogs
How would you like to be part of the Guide Dogs family and help people with sight loss live the life they choose? We would love to have you onboard to help with our ambition of a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence and support they need to live their lives to the full.
Did you know that we don’t just provide life-changing guide dogs, we also provide advice, skills, emotional and practical support for children, adults and their families living with sight loss to help them live actively, independently and well?
To do all this we need the support of amazing volunteers like you!
If you would like more information, are unsure or need flexibility around the role then chat to us first by emailing VolunteerScotNI@Guidedogs.org.uk and someone will be in touch.
What does the role involve?
Assisting your local fundraising group in organising, promoting and taking part in a variety of activities to raise money for Guide Dogs. It costs £58,000 to support one single guide dog throughout it's life, so without our amazing Fundraisers raising money for us, we wouldn't be able to provide our life changing services!
Main responsibilities:
* Organise and facilitate fundraising events such as street collections, stalls at local fairs, tea parties, garden sales, sponsored events and anything else you can think of!
* Attend group meetings
* Take collection boxes to local businesses
* Keeping track of what we sell on our stalls at events (including the cuddly toys!)
* Count donations
Please contact VolunteerScotNI@guidedogs.org.uk for more information.
Braeburn Court Extra Care Housing
This is an opportunity to support service users who live in thier own homes in a supportive environment. If you have an interest in gardening and would enjoy helping someone to maintain their own garden or take it up as a new hobby you would gain satisfaction in enabling someone to lead a fulfilling life.
Orkney Disability Forum
Orkney Disability Forum runs a social activities Club. The primary aim of this club is to assist individuals in developing their social skills and building self-confidence and self-reliance.
The Tuesday Club is a social activities club for adults with learning difficulties. The club meets weekly at Orkney’s Youth Café and provides a safe environment for members to meet friends and take part in a wide range of activities including arts & crafts, board games, interactive computer games, baking/cooking, drama, and sports. Club members also enjoy going on various outings throughout the year.
If you have 2.5 hrs to spare on a Tuesday afternoon this would be the perfect volunteering opportunity for you.
Key Activities include:
• Assisting the Club leader with activities.
• Assisting with the preparation of teas and coffees for the club members.
• Ensure a safe, secure, and confidential environment for club users.
• Promote an inclusive space for the users.
• Encourage teambuilding with group activities.
• Adherence to data protection regulations is mandatory.
• Expenses can be claimed for travel to and from your volunteer placement.
Braeburn Court Extra Care Housing
Braeburn Court provides respite care and short breaks in St Margaret’s Hope for older people. We are looking for volunteers to help with social activities such as visiting for a chat, reading newspapers or books aloud, making crafts or playing music. This is a great opportunity for anyone wishing to gain experience of volunteering in social care but also anyone who has a fun skill to share, some time to give or just loves having a blether.
Victim Support Scotland
Scotland is a nation of kind and compassionate people. When times get tough, we rally around, stepping up when needed and looking out for one another—it’s simply what we do. This spirit is ingrained in the core of Victim Support Scotland, where our team of volunteers embodies this ethos by offering guidance, emotional support, and practical assistance to anyone affected by crime, including victims, witnesses, and their families and friends.
Key activities include:
• providing practical and emotional support to people living in your local area when they need it most
• directly support people affected by crime in the community and court environment (face-to-face appointments, telephone support, in court support)
Volunteering with Victim Support Scotland is both a challenge and an immensely rewarding experience. Here’s what you can look forward to:
• Supporting people at a time of need: Make a difference in the lives of individuals during their most challenging times, empowering them to recover and move forward.
• Learning and Experience: Acquire new skills and gain experience within the criminal justice sector.
• Training Opportunities: Access a variety of training courses tailored to your volunteering role.
• Community Impact: Positively influence your community as a vital member of a team actively working to reduce the impact of crime.
• Collaboration: Work alongside like-minded individuals with a shared passion for social justice.
Access Orkney
At Access Orkney, we believe that everyone should have equal access to the community and opportunities. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where disabled individuals can fully participate and thrive. We envision a future in which disability is not a barrier, but rather a celebration of diversity. We are looking for a notetaker to take minutes for the secretary.
Our meetings take place every two months, usually on a Monday, and lasts for around 90 minutes.
What could a volunteer gain from the experience?
This would be an opportunity to support disabled people to improve access and inclusion in Orkney. All the members either have a disability, or are carer to a disabled person, or someone who has a long-term health condition. You would gain an awareness and an understanding of challenging issues that disabled people faces daily.
Orkney International Science Festival
Established in 1991 with strong support from the Islands Council and the community, Orkney International Science Festival is one of the oldest science festivals outside Edinburgh. Now in its 34th year, it has built a reputation for programme quality, with past speakers including Jane Goodall and Nobel laureate Peter Higgs. The Festival has strong community involvement, and successfully hosted projects like the Moon installation in 2018, and the SUN Installation in 2023 which drew over 14,000 visitors in 7days.
The Festival’s success has been made possible by the help of many skilled and enthusiastic volunteers based locally and also from elsewhere in the UK. Their presence allowed us to expand our programme of events and attract audiences, particularly aiding in the recovery from the challenges posed by Covid in previous years. There are opportunities for volunteers across every aspect of the Festival, from general support to technical assistance.
Key activities include the following (but not limited to):
• Helping with arrangements at the venues and managing event logistics
• Moving and setting up staging and audio/visual equipment.
• Assisting with technical support during the event, including assistance with roving and speaker microphones
• Assisting speakers, performers and artist.
• Assisting attendees, including directing them to seating or facilities.
• Distributing materials or resources, such as programmes and feedback forms.
• Assisting Door/Front of House team with Onsite ticketing and Family Day activities.
• Ensuring adherence to health and safety protocols throughout the event.
• Collaborating with the team to ensure smooth execution of the event.
• Conducting post-event cleanup and ensuring the venue is left in good condition.
• Handling any on-the-spot changes or emergencies that may arise.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to be part of a team and gain networking opportunities with event speakers and attendees from various backgrounds within the science and event management community. A volunteer involved in the onsite event assistant role would gain valuable experience in event coordination and technical support. Additionally, they would gain insights into the behind-the-scenes operations of organising a successful event, and gain exposure to diverse scientific topics and presentations.
The 2024 Orkney International Science Festival will run from Thursday 5th September through to Wednesday 11th September, with events running anytime between 9am and 11pm. Morning, afternoon, and evening shifts are available with volunteers committing 2-3 hours per shift.
Restart Orkney
We need your help! Our busy Restart Showroom is busier than ever selling donated items of furniture, household items, electrical goods and bric-a-brac. This helps the planet by reusing and recycling and helps people access low cost items at a time they need it most. If you would like to be a part of our amazing local charity and have some spare time to volunteer, we would love to hear from you.
Key activities include:
• Meeting and greeting customers in a friendly, welcoming manner
• Processing cash and card payments
• Scheduling deliveries and collections for our busy van
• Responding to queries in person, over the phone and via social media
• Sorting, cleaning and merchandising donated goods
• Organising eye-catching displays
• Uploading photos and item descriptions to social media
What could a volunteer gain from the experience:
Volunteering at Restart is a great way to meet new people in a busy environment. It’s an opportunity to learn new skills and gain confidence in a supportive, welcoming environment. Perhaps you have skills and knowledge to pass on to other volunteers and supported employees!
Being a part of our charity can provide an amazing “feel-good” feeling – whether that’s from assisting people in times of need or from knowing we are helping our environment by actively encouraging the re-use and recycling of goods in our community. If you are looking for work, volunteering is a great addition to your CV and we can also provide a reference to prospective employers. We can assist with your next steps – we have a dedicated staff member who can help with practical areas such as CV’s, job searching, application forms, interview coaching as well as offering emotional and well-being support if required.
Sunnybrae Centre
We at Sunnybrae are a Very Sheltered Housing complex, set up to enable people to live independently in a community setting with the added bonus of high-quality care and access to meals and activities provided at the Core building. We are looking for volunteers to support our friendly staff team with organising and leading activities for our residents.
Activities could include organising or providing:
* Live music or singing;
* Arts and crafts sessions;
* Physical exercise such as chair yoga, boccia, any active games;
* Gardening and sprucing up our little cul-de-sac;
* Pampering sessions, hair and nails and make-up;
* Technology and learning, maybe you could show our residents a games console or VR set?;
* Fundraising ideas for out comfort fund;
… or just taking a resident for a wander and a blether.
We will be delighted to have your ideas and for you to share your hobbies with us.
These can be group activities or one-to-one activities with residents, tailored to both your interests and the resident’s.
This role is very flexible and does not require fixed days – every hour spent with our residents enriches their lives and will be very much appreciated.
What could a volunteer gain from the experience:
Helping our residents lead a fulfilled life - reviving old skills or even learning new ones is a wonderful thing for them and the satisfaction you will gain from this can make an immense positive difference to your life as well. Maybe you are interested in a job in care in the future? This would be a great opportunity to gain an understanding of the sector and can support a future application. Maybe you could even learn an old skill from one of our residents!
British Red Cross Charity Shop, Kirkwall
Volunteers will be involved in handling and pricing donations, operating the till and helping to create eye-catching displays.
Restart Orkney
Restart Orkney receives a large amount of donated electrical items, which are required to be PAT tested and checked for safety before being sold on. Due to an increasing volume of donations we have a volunteering opportunity for someone to help PAT test these items.
Key activities would include:
• Visual inspection of electrical items
• Plug in items to check on working condition
• Simple remedial actions if required (ie. change plug or fuse)
• Ensure internal electrical safety with our PAT testing machine
• Documentation of test results
• Cleaning items and preparing for sale
What could a volunteer gain from the experience:
The opportunity to meet new people in a busy environment. Learn new skills and update existing skills. A rewarding way to get involved in a local charity with environmental aims to encourage and increase re-use and recycling, whilst also enabling people on low incomes to access quality, low cost electrical goods. Pass on your skills to other volunteers and supported employees.
Guide Dogs
How would you like to be part of the Guide Dogs family and help people with sight loss live the life they choose? We would love to have you onboard to help with our ambition of a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence and support they need to live their lives to the full.
Did you know that we don’t just provide life-changing guide dogs, we also provide advice, skills, emotional and practical support for children, adults and their families living with sight loss to help them live actively, independently and well?
To do all this we need the support of amazing volunteers like you!
If you would like more information, are unsure or need flexibility around the role then chat to us first by emailing VolunteerScotNI@Guidedogs.org.uk and someone will be in touch.
What does the role involve?
Identifying suitable places and placing our iconic dog-shaped collection boxes locally in shops and businesses and counting up the funds every few months before paying them in to Guide Dogs.
Key responsibilities:
* Identifying and placing collecting boxes in suitable locations
* Talking to the shop owner, receptionist etc at the location about how the boxes will help Guide Dogs and what we do
* Emptying boxes every 3-6 months (as they get full) and banking the income through the paying in book provided.
Give a receipt and letter of thanks to the hosts
* Keeping a written record of the location of all boxes for your supervisor, the dates they are emptied and the dates/
amounts banked
* If boxes aren’t collecting much, you’ll decide to move them to a better location. Your supervisor may also ask you to
remove boxes
* Reporting any stolen boxes to the local mobility team
Please contact VolunteerScotNI@guidedogs.org.uk for more information.
Guide Dogs
How would you like to be part of the Guide Dogs family and help people with sight loss live the life they choose? We would love to have you onboard to help with our ambition of a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence and support they need to live their lives to the full.
Did you know that we don’t just provide life-changing guide dogs, we also provide advice, skills, emotional and practical support for children, adults and their families living with sight loss to help them live actively, independently and well?
To do all this we need the support of amazing volunteers like you!
If you would like more information, are unsure or need flexibility around the role then chat to us first by emailing VolunteerScotNI@Guidedogs.org.uk and someone will be in touch.
What does the role involve?
Identifying suitable places and placing our iconic dog-shaped collection boxes locally in shops and businesses and counting up the funds every few months before paying them in to Guide Dogs.
Key responsibilities:
* Identifying and placing collecting boxes in suitable locations
* Talking to the shop owner, receptionist etc at the location about how the boxes will help Guide Dogs and what we do
* Emptying boxes every 3-6 months (as they get full) and banking the income through the paying in book provided.
Give a receipt and letter of thanks to the hosts
* Keeping a written record of the location of all boxes for your supervisor, the dates they are emptied and the dates/
amounts banked
* If boxes aren’t collecting much, you’ll decide to move them to a better location. Your supervisor may also ask you to
remove boxes
* Reporting any stolen boxes to the local mobility team
Please contact VolunteerScotNI@guidedogs.org.uk for more information.
St Colm's Day Centre
St Colms has a well equipped workshop and produces many woodwork items such as planters, birdhouses, garden benches, pet houses, creepies and one off items as per customers’ orders.
We are looking for volunteers to assist adults with learning disabilities with woodworking activities which include dismantling pallets, chopping kindling, cutting out wooden shapes, sandpapering and painting. This would suit someone with an interest in woodwork but experience is not necessary as training will be given. Tasks will be arranged to suit ability and preference.
St Colm's Day Centre
St Colms has a well equipped craft room where they make all kinds of greetings cards and have just began making wedding invitations to order.
We are looking for volunteers assist adults with learning disabilities with various craft activities with the main one being card making
Tasks include cutting out shapes, assembling cards, computer work and photography. This would suit someone who is creative but experience is not necessary as training will be given. Tasks are arranged to suit ability and preference.
Orkney Citizens Advice Bureau
We are looking for a volunteer to help in the Orkney Citizens Advice Bureau reception on a Monday, covering a 10am to 2pm shift. Reception is a great social option as you will always be paired with another volunteer and you have lots of interaction with the public. The main duties on reception are answering the phone, transferring calls or taking messages and making appointments. Basic computer skills are an advantage for this – we will of course show you how to use all our systems. Reception volunteers also greet clients who come to the office – mainly this is folk who already have an appointment booked but we get some walk ins that need appointments arranged. There are often other admin jobs to do as well such as scanning/copying/shredding and reception as and when you have the time.
Greener Orkney
Do you care about reducing food waste and have a couple of hours free a week? Why not help Greener Orkney in their Kirkwall and Stromness community fridges?
The community fridge aims to reduce the amount of food waste going into landfill and will be stocked with ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ food given by the supermarkets and local businesses. Donations from the public are also accepted under certain circumstances.
As a community fridge volunteer you will be:
- picking up the food from the supermarket (if you have transport)
- Weighing and sorting the food
- assisting members of the public coming to take food away
Full training will be given and there is flexibility on evenings and cover for holidays or sickness etc. If you are interested in helping in any way please contact greenerorkney@gmail.com or call Jane Nelson on 07739 144064.
**Volunteers are currently needed for a Thursday lunchtime in Kirkwall (12noon to 2pm), and mid-week evening volunteers in both Kirkwall and Stromness for approximately 1 hour**
Orkney Housing Association Limited (OHAL)
INFLUENCE THE FUTURE OF YOUR COMMUNITIES
Are you interested in supporting those within our community and the provision of affordable housing?
Our Committee are responsible for determining strategy, developing policies and for the overall management of the Association but are not involved in day to day operations. Management Committee meetings are held bi-monthly, usually at 10.30am on the last Wednesday of the month. In addition, members can take part in the work of sub-committees which are held quarterly, between Management Committee meetings.
Orkney Citizens Advice Bureau
Volunteering at CAB as an adviser is hugely rewarding. Each session is different. Clients come to us with issues as diverse as consumer issues through to housing problems and those simply needing to be signposted to another organisation. We are looking for people who love to work as part of our friendly team and have an open and enthusiastic manner. Advisers help clients reach informed decisions and may assist in drafting letters, making phone calls and filling in forms.
Perhaps you’ve never considered being an advisor before and worry that you don’t know enough to give advice. The key message is that you don’t need to know anything – Citizens Advice give full training and you are expected to look up the information for every enquiry on our advice system. You don’t need to have lots of knowledge, you just need to be a good listener, be interested in helping people and be able to break down information and explain it to others. Enquiries and advice are recorded on to an online system, so you need some basic computer skills.
Young People's Befriending Project
The Young Person's Befriending Project works alongside young people (aged 8 - 18) offering them support through a volunteer befriender.
Befrienders meet with their young person for a couple of hours every fortnight and take part in a wide variety of activities together. Over these sessions the volunteers aims is to offer support and encouragement, introduce new activities, build the young persons confidence and self-esteem and offer real friendship to them.
We need volunteers of all different walks of life, as no two of our young people are the same!
Smiddybrae House (OIC)
Care home staff do an amazing job but often they just don’t have the hours in the day to spend regular one-to-one time with residents or to find ways to connect the care home with its local community. That’s where you come in. Our Activities Volunteers help us create a fun and stimulating environment for our residents.
Sharing your hobbies, skills and time could significantly brighten an older person’s day, helping them to feel more excited by life and connected to the world around them. Smiddybrae is a residential care home in the village of Dounby that provides a service to up to 32 older residents. You might be able to offer an hour a week or an hour a month. The role is flexible and does not require a fixed commitment. Activities can include physical, social and leisure activities that are ideally tailored to the residents’ interests. This could range from a bit of pampering with hair styling or nail painting, to leisure activities such as reading, gardening, arts and crafts, conversation, and singing. Volunteers will be matched with activities and residents, so everyone feels comfortable and enjoys themselves.
Key activities
• One to one activities with residents tailored to both your own interests and the residents.
• Supporting group activities
What could a volunteer gain from the experience?
The satisfaction of making a real difference to the quality of life of residents. A sociable environment that will be very people focussed. An opportunity to gain experience in a social care setting. Get to meet new people and develop friendships with a varied group of new people, from residents to staff and other volunteers. Help keep Smiddybrae an integral part of your community. Putting a smile on the faces of our residents is the best reward.
Marie Curie
We're looking for volunteers who love meeting new people to help us support people in the community across the Orkney Islands who are affected by a terminal illness. We know that facing the end of life can be an isolating experience for both patients and carers, and that little things can make a big difference. Our Companion Volunteers are matched with people in their area to help them life well and remain socially active whatever their diagnosis.
Key activities include:
• Meeting with the person you are matched with once a week to provide company and social support.
• Being a listening ear for someone affected by a terminal illness.
• Providing support with small practical tasks, i.e. collecting shopping or accessing the internet.
• Reporting in to the Volunteer Services Coordinator after your visit by email.
• Maintaining the boundaries of the role and seeking further support if unsure.
• Respecting the people we work with and their individual circumstances.
• Attend all training and supervision sessions including one to one support sessions.
What could a volunteer gain from the experience?
This is a wonderful opportunity if you want to make a direct difference to someone in your community and if you enjoy working with people. This is also a great opportunity if you want to gain skills relevant to employment in the Health and Social Care sector. You will be part of a dedicated team who are making a real difference to the lives of people across the Orkney Islands.
Guide Dogs
How would you like to be part of the Guide Dogs family and help people with sight loss live the life they choose? We would love to have you onboard to help with our ambition of a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence and support they need to live their lives to the full.
Did you know that we don’t just provide life-changing guide dogs, we also provide advice, skills, emotional and practical support for children, adults and their families living with sight loss to help them live actively, independently and well?
To do all this we need the support of amazing volunteers like you!
If you would like more information, are unsure or need flexibility around the role then chat to us first by emailing VolunteerScotNI@Guidedogs.org.uk and someone will be in touch.
What does the role involve?
Identifying suitable places and placing our iconic dog-shaped collection boxes locally in shops and businesses and counting up the funds every few months before paying them in to Guide Dogs.
Key responsibilities:
* Identifying and placing collecting boxes in suitable locations
* Talking to the shop owner, receptionist etc at the location about how the boxes will help Guide Dogs and what we do
* Emptying boxes every 3-6 months (as they get full) and banking the income through the paying in book provided.
Give a receipt and letter of thanks to the hosts
* Keeping a written record of the location of all boxes for your supervisor, the dates they are emptied and the dates/
amounts banked
* If boxes aren’t collecting much, you’ll decide to move them to a better location. Your supervisor may also ask you to
remove boxes
* Reporting any stolen boxes to the local mobility team
Please contact VolunteerScotNI@guidedogs.org.uk for more information.
Volunteering opportunities advertised
across
Orkney:
117
Being a trustee brings lots of opportunities and there are many reasons why people take on the role. If you’re passionate about making a difference then this could be the role for you! As a Girlguiding Scotland trustee, you’ll have the opportunity to use your skills, knowledge and experience to support our work. You’ll make a difference to the lives of thousands of girls. The trustee board focuses on the strategy and performance of Girlguiding Scotland ensuring we continue to develop in response to member needs. Currently the main focus for our work is on providing a motivating and rewarding volunteer experience so that we can build capacity to enable more girls to join Girlguiding in Scotland, thereby ensuring we can sustain the organisation for the future.
As a trustee, you will contribute to shaping the future direction for Girlguiding Scotland and be responsible for ensuring the charity meets all legal obligations. You must be eligible to serve as a trustee of a charity, including being aged 18 or over at the time of appointment. Find out more here about who can be a trustee.
As a trustee you will be an active member of the trustee board, which is chaired by the chief commissioner (our most senior volunteer). The board is responsible for the governance and overall effective management of Girlguiding Scotland. The trustee board ensures that Girlguiding Scotland works within the legal, charitable, and financial requirements of a charity, meets regulatory requirements and promotes good practice.
We’re for all girls and we want Girlguiding Scotland to be a safe and welcoming space for every person that wants to join us. Our trustee board should be as diverse as the girls that we support and inspire which is why we encourage trustee applications from people of all backgrounds. In particular, we would welcome trustee applications from people with disabilities and individuals from ethnic minority groups.
You can find out more about the role by downloading the application pack from our website.
We're looking for volunteers who love meeting new people to help us support people in the community across the Orkney Islands who are affected by a terminal illness. We know that facing the end of life can be an isolating experience for both patients and carers, and that little things can make a big difference. Our Companion Volunteers are matched with people in their area to help them life well and remain socially active whatever their diagnosis.
Key activities include:
• Meeting with the person you are matched with once a week to provide company and social support.
• Being a listening ear for someone affected by a terminal illness.
• Providing support with small practical tasks, i.e. collecting shopping or accessing the internet.
• Reporting in to the Volunteer Services Coordinator after your visit by email.
• Maintaining the boundaries of the role and seeking further support if unsure.
• Respecting the people we work with and their individual circumstances.
• Attend all training and supervision sessions including one to one support sessions.
What could a volunteer gain from the experience?
This is a wonderful opportunity if you want to make a direct difference to someone in your community and if you enjoy working with people. This is also a great opportunity if you want to gain skills relevant to employment in the Health and Social Care sector. You will be part of a dedicated team who are making a real difference to the lives of people across the Orkney Islands.
Why we want you
Parent to Parent is the National Autistic Society’s award-winning UK wide confidential emotional support helpline which is provided over the phone by trained volunteers, who are all parents of autistic children and adults. The volunteers all have personal experience of autism and the impact it has on their own families. They are there to give parents and carers the opportunity to talk through any issues, feelings or problems they’re experiencing. They can suggest helpful strategies, signpost them to other sources of information and support, or just provide a non-judgmental listening ear. Volunteers provide this from their own home.
All volunteers must be a parent or primary carer of an autistic child or adult.
What you will be doing
Calling parents and carers of autistic children and adults who have contacted the Parent to Parent Emotional Support Helpline
Providing emotional support and a non-judgemental listening ear to other parents and carers
Signposting parents, when appropriate, to information and advice services via email
Recording details of interactions with parents on the service’s secure system
Dealing appropriately with confidential information and documentation in line with the service’s policies
Some occasional travel to attend training and forums will be necessary
You will need access to your own computer/laptop with internet access
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Home-based volunteering, Suitable for groups
At Nourish, our new project looks at researching the ‘British restaurants’ government initiative of the 1940s to develop a Public Dining concept that will support local communities today.
British Restaurants were created to provide a hot, healthy, and cheap meal (9p equivalent to £1.50 today) to those who needed it such as those who had homes destroyed by bombings, ran out of food rations, were desperate for support and a place to socialise and to feel a part of a community. By 1943 there was more than 2,000 restaurants serving 500,000 meals a day. Restaurants were set up by local councils in safe spaces from town halls to local churches, they also featured artwork to make the space engaging and joyful- not just a simple soup kitchen but a proud place for community.
We want individuals from all backgrounds, anywhere in Scotland, with a range of skills and abilities to join us on researching this forgotten history!
We are also interested in learning from international examples of state-subsidized dining experiences as further inspiration for our framework of Public Diners. Our current community researchers have found examples all over the world such as: Milk Bars (Poland), Hawker Centres (Singapore), Langar’s (Sikh Gurdwara), Peoples Commune Kitchens (China) and many more.
This is a mostly at home role, where volunteers can access online collections and archives for anything relating to British Restaurants in Scotland. Volunteers are encouraged, if able, to visit local museums, archives, and libraries for this research also. We will provide support and training for volunteers for accessing these materials.
The role also includes interviewing members of the public who may have visited/ used these restaurants during World War Two and after. We will also be interviewing individuals who also used international examples of state subsidised restaurants. This will involve the actual interviewing but recording and transcribing the session. We will also provide support and training (through a separate group) on this. This means that occasionally a volunteer may need to travel to interviewing locations. Volunteers will be reimbursed for travel and related costs, this will be further explained during onboarding. Volunteers can also be involved with outreach strategies to find interviewees.
All these resources and materials will be used to create a touring exhibition on British Restaurants as evidence and inspiration to how they would work today; Public Diners. Volunteers also have the opportunity to assist in the curation of this exhibition.
This is a great opportunity for those interested in advancing their academic journey or career in the heritage sector or even if you are interested in local history!
For more information about the project and the type of research we are looking for please visit our website: https://www.nourishscotland.org/projects/public-diners/
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Home-based volunteering, Board/trustee role
Creative XR Theatre Lab and SCIO Produced Moon is looking for new trustees who are excited by what we do, who share our values, and who are interested in bringing their experience in finance to join our team.
Our board is looking to grow later this year, adding another voice to our Trustees. Produced Moon is specifically looking for someone interested in our Treasurer role.
Produced Moon is a young arts organisation in an innovative and rapidly growing sector. As our treasurer you would both support us as we deliver the ongoing financial management of the organisation as well as help us think strategically about our future, building financial processes and structures as we grow. This role is great for someone who is interested in gaining board experience and working in a hands-on, collaborative role to support an arts charity delivering meaningful creative projects.
We’re looking for someone who is excited by what Produced Moon does, who shares our values, and who is interested in bringing their experience in finance to join our team. You don’t need to have worked in charity finance before, or have been a board member, and we can offer support and guidance for people who are new to working with charity finances in this way and are keen to learn.
Please read full role descriptions on our website to apply: https://www.producedmoon.co.uk/workwithus
Location: All Scotland ,England, Wales, Northern Ireland
For further information, please contact board@producedmoon.co.uk or visit https://www.producedmoon.co.uk/workwithus
The deadline is Thursday 08 August 2024 at 17:00.
As a CHSS Community Connector you can support CHSS any time or anywhere, giving as much or as little time to the tasks as you wish. As long as you have access to a smartphone, tablet or computer you can get involved to ensure No Life is Half Lived.
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Home-based volunteering, Suitable for groups
At Nourish, our new project looks at researching the ‘British restaurants’ government initiative of the 1940s to develop a Public Dining concept that will support local communities today.
British Restaurants were created to provide a hot, healthy, and cheap meal (9p equivalent to £1.50 today) to those who needed it such as those who had homes destroyed by bombings, ran out of food rations, were desperate for support and a place to socialise and to feel a part of a community. By 1943 there was more than 2,000 restaurants serving 500,000 meals a day. Restaurants were set up by local councils in safe spaces from town halls to local churches, they also featured artwork to make the space engaging and joyful- not just a simple soup kitchen but a proud place for community.
We want individuals from all backgrounds, anywhere in Scotland, with a range of skills and abilities to join us on researching this forgotten history!
We are also interested in learning from international examples of state-subsidized dining experiences as further inspiration for our framework of Public Diners. Our current community researchers have found examples all over the world such as: Milk Bars (Poland), Hawker Centres (Singapore), Langar’s (Sikh Gurdwara), Peoples Commune Kitchens (China) and many more.
This is a mostly at home role, where volunteers can access online collections and archives for anything relating to British Restaurants in Scotland. Volunteers are encouraged, if able, to visit local museums, archives, and libraries for this research also. We will provide support and training for volunteers for accessing these materials.
The role also includes interviewing members of the public who may have visited/ used these restaurants during World War Two and after. We will also be interviewing individuals who also used international examples of state subsidised restaurants. This will involve the actual interviewing but recording and transcribing the session. We will also provide support and training (through a separate group) on this. This means that occasionally a volunteer may need to travel to interviewing locations. Volunteers will be reimbursed for travel and related costs, this will be further explained during onboarding. Volunteers can also be involved with outreach strategies to find interviewees.
All these resources and materials will be used to create a touring exhibition on British Restaurants as evidence and inspiration to how they would work today; Public Diners. Volunteers also have the opportunity to assist in the curation of this exhibition.
This is a great opportunity for those interested in advancing their academic journey or career in the heritage sector or even if you are interested in local history!
For more information about the project and the type of research we are looking for please visit our website: https://www.nourishscotland.org/projects/public-diners/
About Pain Concern:
Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and
those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our
website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio
programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education
sessions and our research and campaigning work.
All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain
it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition,
leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop
persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is
usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support
can manage their condition effectively with life-changing results
Purpose of Volunteer Role
Pain Concern could not exist without our volunteers. We are looking for someone with
an interest in chronic paint o help raise funds for Pain Concern by coordinating
fundraising events.
What would you be doing:
• Maintain communications those fundraising in aid of Pain Concern and provide
support
• With support from the Fundraising Team, Fundraising Steering Group and your
fellow volunteers, help to plan and deliver events and activities to raise funds
and awareness
• Send out fundraising packs
• Liaise with Media Team for publicising fundraisers and events
• Maintain a list of fundraising opportunities such as walks and marathons
• Help develop and maintain the fundraising section of Pain Concern’s website
• Research opportunities to promote community fundraising
• Develop links with local businesses
• Research and organise local fundraising events
• Recruit community fundraisers to support events in their area
• Attend events organised by our fundraisers as the ‘face’ of Pain Concern
• Maintain a database of contact and other ad hoc admin support for the team as
required
Is this role right for me:
We are looking for an individual who possesses some or all of the below
experiences, skills and qualities.
• Budgeting
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in event management
• Interest in chronic pain
• Ability to work flexibly with enthusiasm and commitment
• Strong IT skills and knowledge of MS Office
Availability and location
Minimum commitment of 6 months.
Minimum 2-3 hours per week.
Hybrid volunteering from our office at Newcraighall Road, Edinburgh EH15 3HS or from
your own location.
Benefits to you:
• Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team
• Meet new people
• Build on your employability skills
• Training and a dedicated volunteer line manager looking after you
• A job reference after 6 months of volunteering.
• Satisfaction of giving a valuable service to the community
• On-site car parking
• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our
Volunteer Policy
How do I apply:
Download and complete an application form our website at
https://painconcern.org.uk/volunteer-for-pain-concern/
For more information please contact hr@painconcern.org.uk
Volunteer Task Description and Person Specification
Pain Concern is a UK based charity for those living with chronic pain, and those who care for and about them.
Purpose of Volunteer Role
The volunteer will be responsible for reviewing Pain Concern’s information including leaflets, Pain Matters magazine and Airing Pain radio programmes.
Task Description
• Read information leaflets
• Listen to audio files
• Give feedback to us by filling out an easy form
Skills and Personal Qualities
• Be flexible (E)
• Good communication skills (E)
• Proficient using Google Forms and/or Microsoft Word (E)
• Critical thinking (E)
• An interest in chronic pain (E)
E/D = Essential or Desirable
Availability and location
•Remote location. Desired minimum commitment of 3 months.
• This role does not require a regular time commitment, but responding to requests for feedback
as and when it is required.
Support, supervision and training
The Listener & Reader Panel Team Leader will provide any guidance required on an ad-hoc basis.
To apply:
Please email hr@painconcern.org.uk
We are looking for volunteers who have strong IT skills and have experience using online platforms such as Teams and Zoom. This volunteer opportunity is perfect for those looking to volunteer remotely, have the chance to access opportunities and gain more third sector experience.
Who Cares? Scotland Education and Engagement team are looking for a Virtual Education and Engagement volunteer to assist in the delivery of online sessions, discussing and reflecting on Corporate Parenting practice in relation to people with Care Experience. The role will involve providing technical support and supporting the delivery team where necessary. This is an exciting and newly developed role which gives practical experience within the Third Sector, providing training to Corporate Parents on care experience, and would allow for personal development for a suitable candidate.
This position is almost exclusively online, therefore, open to anyone with the ability to work remotely and possesses IT skills.
Who Cares? Scotland is a people organisation. We invest in our people, our relationships and in a positive working culture. It’s important to us that our volunteer team is included, involved and motivated to change society.
We aim to recruit people with excellent qualities from a wide variety of backgrounds who share in our mission. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with care experience