South Ayrshire
volunteering opportunities
MS Society
We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Ayrshire group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.
You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the Ayrshire area to carry out this role.
Apply online or for further information contact simon.moran@mssociety.org.uk
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Ayr Hospital Volunteers
We are currently seeking volunteers to assist in our new Trolley Service at Ayr Hospital.
The service(s) we provide is open to patients, visitors and staff who are all grateful for the work done by the volunteers.
Main responsibilities:
- Taking the trolley service around the wards selling crisps, sweets, soft drinks and magazines; with another volunteer
- May involve cash handling
- Friendly approach
The Trolley Service will be available across the wards during afternoons.
We encourage anyone to register their interest, as we support all volunteers.
For more information contact Ms Joan Wells on 01292 614567. The phone is generally answered Mon to Fri 9am to 2pm, but anyone can leave a message and we will get back to the volunteer at our earliest.
Ayr Hospital Volunteers
We are currently seeking volunteers to assist us with the newspaper delivery service at Ayr Hospital. The service we provide is open to patients, visitors and staff who are all grateful for the work done by the volunteers.
Main responsibilities:
- Loading the trolley with newspapers, snacks etc.
- Visit different stations at the hospital as guided by the station staff.
- Accept cash payment and able to give change back
- Return to shop to clear or restock trolley
Currently the newspaper delivery starts at 8am Monday to Friday. Shifts suitable to volunteers and if there is a bigger pool of volunteers, it needn't be an everyday commitment. The newspaper delivery volunteering can be in addition to or separate from the tea bar/shop volunteering duties.
We encourage anyone to register their interest, as we support all volunteers. Volunteers with support workers are also encouraged to apply.
For more information contact Ms Joan Wells on 01292 614567. The phone is generally answered Mon to Fri 9am to 2pm, if the phone is not answered, please leave a message and we will get back to the volunteer at our earliest.
South Ayrshire Community Transport
Do you have an interest in cycling?
Would you like to spend time running an e-bike project?
Would you like to get experience in e-bike maintenance?
Volunteer with us, by supporting our cycling project in Maybole. Responsibilities might include:
- helping out during cycling events
- dispatching bikes from the Carrick Centre, Maybole and/or Kirkmichael
- picking up bikes from different localities around the North Carrick area
- cleaning and up keeping of e-bikes after and before rentals
- communicating with people hiring e-bikes
- give a short demonstration/explanation of using an e-bike before rental
Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland (South Ayrshire)
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland are currently recruiting for friendly volunteers to help support individuals living with chest, heart and stroke conditions.
This volunteering opportunity involves supporting individuals to participate in person centred interests, access social opportunities and, if required, provide communication support.
For more information on all our opportunities and to apply:
email: volunteering@chss.org.uk
Alternatively, for an informal chat contact you Community Services Support Coordinator:
Alison Corbett - alison.corbett@chss.org.uk
Mob: 07826906264
Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland (South Ayrshire)
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland are currently recruiting for friendly volunteers to help support individuals living with chest, heart and stroke conditions.
This volunteering opportunity involves supporting individuals to participate in gentle exercises; one to one as well as local group walks.
For more information on all our opportunities and to apply:
email: volunteering@chss.org.uk
Alternatively, for an informal chat contact you Community Services Support Coordinator:
Alison Corbett - alison.corbett@chss.org.uk
Mob: 07826906264
Community Gift Exchange
How would you like to be part of a charity with a difference? ‘Reusables’ is a charity shop run by Community Gift Exchange (CGX) where we believe everyone has a gift or skill to share.
Little or no experience? All the better! CGX aims to equip people with the skills they need to go onto sustainable employment or further training (see also training details for further info). We want to help you realise your goals no matter how small or big!
We value our Volunteers so much that we offer everyone who gives their time a free hearty, home-made lunch. Past and current volunteers particularly appreciate making new friends and being part of a genuinely inclusive community.
The Reuseables shop operates on the ethos that all efforts should be made to save perfectly good items from going to waste. We would love you to be part of this effort!
What might I be expected to do in this role?
● Organising stock into boxes and onto shelves by product type
● Picking out stock that would be a good fit for the Reusables shop
● Creating a buffer stock area to help the retail team stock the shop
● Possibility of moving stock to and from the shop
We value creativity so if you have a particular interest or passion (eg books) let us know and we can tailor the role to suit you!
CGX have conducted and implemented a Covid-secure Risk Assessment and follow government guidelines. The safety and wellbeing of our volunteers and staff is our highest priority.
Carrick Rugby Club
Can you support Carrick Rugby? Do you enjoy hosting parties or small events? Are you a creative person and can multitask to create positive experiences for guests? You might like to volunteer with us as event organisers.
You could be doing the following duties:
- Researching target audiences to find significant occasions.
- Creating and maintaining a budget for the client.
- Searching for, booking and organizing adequate locations to host events.
- Designing event layouts and agendas, including creating pamphlets or event guides.
- Marketing events through advertisements and working with PR professionals.
- Training staff or volunteers
- Overseeing operations during events and ensuring proper cleanup after it ends
- Communicating with vendors to provide suitable resources for the event, including sound and electric equipment, security or stages.
Age Concern Ayr
Are you interested in the welfare of seniors living in Ayrshire? Do you have a few hours a month to spare? If so, we would like you to volunteer with us and join our committee as Treasurer.
At Age Concern Ayr, we have two main resources - our Charity Shop and our Advice & Information Centre which provide opportunities for our local population to support its elderly community. Our shop offers loads of pre-loved items at great prices. The funds from this allow us to run a free and confidential advice and information service to help you and provide advice on benefits, general information and much more. Our Advice & Information centre exists to create the best possible outcomes for elderly people by providing practical support and advice to those experiencing a feeling of being left behind by amongst other things today’s technology where every application seems to be online and details asked for digitally.
Main duties:
Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the community benefit.
Comply with the charity's governing document.
Act in the charity's best interests.
Ensure the charity is accountable financially.
Manage the charity's resources responsibly.
Initially we would offer a period of shadowing our current Treasurer before taking office fully as Treasurer.
Kirkmichael Community Shop and Cafe
Volunteering as a member of the Café team you will play an integral part of Kirkmichael's community shop and cafe, by helping to deliver a café experience for our visitors and guests whether in the Café or at events.
Your role as a Community Cafe volunteer will be: Assisting the Café team in the day to day running of the Café, such as the preparation and delivery of various hot and cold food and drinks and assisting with the day to day running of the Café.
- Dealing with the visitors and customers in a friendly and polite manner.
- Handling cash.
- Delivering food and drink to our guests and clearing tables.
- Emptying waste bins.
We support all volunteers and offer to pay for training such as the online food handling course. Volunteers are always supported by trustee members and/or staff at the shop and cafe.
Friends of Hillcrest, Girvan
Friends of Hillcrest is a charity group ran by many volunteers to support Hillcrest Care home in Girvan.
We also look for volunteers to support our driving team to be an extra pair of hands when out on our trips. Taking residents for trips out to places such as the seaside, bring back happy memories and provides so much joy. This encourages the residents to talk about their memories and can prove to be a powerful stimulant, providing a much-needed change of scene along with a breath of fresh air. Being a volunteer, supporting these day trips will definitely make a change to the residents.
Volunteers will come from a wide range of backgrounds and will have many different qualities and skills. Essential qualities for this role are: an enthusiastic and positive attitude and being a team player, willing to work with others from a range of backgrounds.
Throughout the volunteering opportunity you will gain new skills and experience working with residents, their families and carers. You will also gain practical experience of assisting a group of people on a minibus and day trips.
Narture Ayr
Narture was founded in June 2020 by artist father and daughter team Robert and Saskia Singer. The project evolved initially from occupying empty town centre spaces and re-purposing them for cultural and creative uses. Nurturing a thriving and successful social enterprise, where 'everyone is an artist' and are encouraged to use their creative energies towards positive change.
Narture’s ultimate goal is to become a truly inclusive creative hive, making participatory cultural activities available to all members of society.
Narture’s award winning Sourdough Bakery and acclaimed Artisan Café, are currently the core income generators of the social enterprise. The bakery specialises in handmade sourdough produce, baked daily; championing sustainable, healthy ingredients and supporting local businesses and was recently awarded Bread Bakery of the Year by Prestige Scotland for the second year running. Our purpose is to bake real bread to earn the dough to support arts projects.
Your Impact Matters: By volunteering with us, you're not just contributing skills; you're part of a movement driving creative regeneration. Some roles may even pave the way to paid employment opportunities.
Narture CIC is currently looking for volunteer shop assistants to help us showcase local makers' work and contribute to the heartbeat of our Artisan Café
We are looking for self motivated, organised individuals preferably with good customer service/retail skills.
Responsibilities:
- to help us showcase local makers' work and contribute to the heartbeat of our Artisan Café
- to greet and provide help to customers and makers
- to promote sales of the work of local makers
If you feel the call to contribute your talents to our journey, reach out! Whether you're skilled and ready to share or eager to learn and develop skills for future paid work, Narture welcomes your enthusiasm.
Boys Brigade (South Ayrshire)
17th Ayr Boys' Brigade are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help lead games and sporty activities for their children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years old. The group meets on Friday evenings during term-time, taking part in a wide range of activities including crafts, games, sports, cooking, life skills and community projects.
Boys Brigade (South Ayrshire)
1st Prestwick Boys' Brigade are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help lead games and sporty activities for their children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years old. The group meets on Friday evenings during term-time, taking part in a wide range of activities including crafts, games, sports, cooking, life skills and community projects.
Sanctuary Care
Looking for a fulfilling and rewarding experience? Join our team at our care homes for the elderly as a volunteer and make a difference in the lives of our residents. Whether its befriending and chatting with our residents or organising and participating in leisure and social activities, your contribution will have a significant impact on their well-being and quality of life. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to develop new skills, meet new people and create meaningful connections with our residents. Join us today and be a part of a community that values and appreciates the importance of companionship and human connection. Opportunities are available for weekdays or weekends, day time or early evening at:
Glenfairn House Care Home-Sanctuary Care, 28 Racecourse Road, Ayr KA7 2UX
Queens Care Home, 34 Ardayre Road, Prestwick KA9 1QL.
We are a not-for-profit organisation specialising in care homes for the elderly and currently have over 110 care homes across England and Scotland.
For more info, please go to https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs/volunteering/how-apply-be-sanctuary-care-volunteer
If you would like to help our care homes through volunteering, opportunities are available for weekdays or weekends, daytime or early evening.
We are currently looking to recruit volunteer leisure and activities volunteers to facilitate experiences for our residents. Do you have skills or interests that you could share with our residents on either individual or group basis? Are you artistic, crafty or musical? Do you have a knowledge of local history? Could you facilitate leisure or activities sessions within our care home? We would love to hear from you!
For more info, please go to https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs/volunteering/how-apply-be-sanctuary-care-volunteer to learn more and apply online.
Sanctuary Care
Looking for a fulfilling and rewarding experience? Join our team at our care homes for the elderly as a volunteer and make a difference in the lives of our residents. Whether its befriending and chatting with our residents or organising and participating in leisure and social activities, your contribution will have a significant impact on their well-being and quality of life. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to develop new skills, meet new people and create meaningful connections with our residents. Join us today and be a part of a community that values and appreciates the importance of companionship and human connection. Opportunities are available for weekdays or weekends, day time or early evening at:
Glenfairn House Care Home-Sanctuary Care, 28 Racecourse Road, Ayr KA7 2UX
Queens Care Home, 34 Ardayre Road, Prestwick KA9 1QL.
We are a not-for-profit organisation specialising in care homes for the elderly and currently have over 110 care homes across England and Scotland.
For more info, please go to https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs/volunteering/how-apply-be-sanctuary-care-volunteer
If you would like to help our care homes through volunteering, opportunities are available for weekdays or weekends, daytime or early evening.
We are currently looking to recruit Day Care Centre volunteers. Do you enjoy meeting and supporting people? Could you help us provide a day care service offering a few hours respite to and social experiences within the safe setting of our Day Care Centres? We would love to hear from you!
For more info, please go to https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs/volunteering/how-apply-be-sanctuary-care-volunteer to learn more and apply online.
Girvan Community Garden (SA)
On the 20th March 2011 the people of Girvan celebrated the official opening of their community garden. People couldn't believe the transformation of what was once a neglected and overgrown tree nursery.
Before we took over the area in 2006/07 it had lain derelict for over 30 years. We knew it had lots of potential and so we decided to ask the community what they thought of turning it into a community garden. The support was overwhelming.
As you can imagine there was lots to do to get the area into a state where we could start to design and plant. We relied heavily on volunteers who are the backbone of our community garden.
In July 2010 we became part of the Beechgrove Garden Community Garden’s project. They came and filmed us and helped with our design ideas. It finally felt like we were really getting somewhere.
After all of the hard work it's wonderful to be able to open the garden up to so many different people. We relish the opportunity to promote gardening and other related activities particularly to those who are new gardeners and young children.
We support community well-being and better health through gardening. Events held in the community garden are well attended and supported.
We are currently looking for volunteer Cafe Assistants to help us on Saturdays in our Community Garden Cafe. Do you have a few free hours on Saturdays? Are you friendly with an interest in supporting what happens here in our community garden? We would love to hear from you!
Girvan and South Carrick Community Action Network (CAN) (SA)
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer driver? Do you enjoy driving and helping people?
If you have your own vehicle and able to offer regular commitment, we have opportunities available in South Carrick.
We are looking for volunteer drivers to help us transport people to their GP or hospital appointment. We pay your mileage expenses. If you are interested please get in touch with us or drop by our shop at 40, Dalrymple Street Girvan.
Ayrshire Cancer Support
Thank you for your interest in our Retail Volunteer Role.
Ayrshire Cancer Support has operated since 1982, providing emotional support and practical help to those affected by cancer in Ayrshire. Our Volunteers make a vital contribution, by enabling the continuation of the support we offer.
Kind, Caring, Compassionate? If you have some time to spare, you can make a real difference in our Ayr Shop and we’d really love to hear from you. We have opportunities available between 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday.
Our Retail Volunteers…
Serve our Customers.
Sort our Donations.
Organise our Stock.
Merchandise our Shop Floor.
Create wonderful Window Displays.
and more…
In return, we can offer you the opportunity to…
Gain Retail experience.
Meet new people.
Develop your skills.
Increase your confidence.
Have some fun.
Contribute to the valuable services provided by Ayrshire Cancer Support.
We ask all new Volunteers to be prepared to undertake training relevant to the role prior to commencing. Associated Travel Expenses will be reimbursed.
If you are interested in this role or would like to discuss the opportunity, please contact us at volunteering@ayrshirecs.org or call us on 01563 538008.
Ayr Parkrun
Parkruns are free, weekly, 5km events, bringing communities together in public parks and open spaces to have some fun in a friendly, social and supportive environment. The event at Rozelle Park in Ayr is held every Saturday morning with heaps of different ways to volunteer, including setting up the event, marshalling, timekeeping, scanning, handing out finish tokens or tail walking, to name just a few.
It’s really simple to get involved:
- Register once for free on our website - you will get a unique parkrun ID
- Send the event an email or message on Facebook about helping out.
- Come along on Saturday morning and have a fun morning helping in the community and meeting new people.
The minimum age to formally volunteer is 16, although families with children over 4 are welcome to lend a hand. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No training is required, roles are fully supported on the day and you can take part as often or as little as you would like to at any parkrun event.
If you want to meet new people, have fun, learn new skills, use your skills, build confidence and contribute in a positive way to your community, helping at parkrun is a great place to start!
Do you love having fun, love meeting people, love making Ayr a healthier and happier place…then we’d love to hear from you.
Lochlan's Legacy SCIO
Lochlan’s Legacy is a charity which raises awareness and understanding of type 1 diabetes, reducing stigma, breaking down barriers, promoting youth voice and building a strong community. Lochlan’s Legacy is led by our founder, Lochlan Murdoch BCyA, who is fourteen years old. The charity has been working since 2020 and our work includes raising awareness of Type 1 diabetes in sport, and setting up our youth group 'T1D and ME - Giving Youth a Voice'. Come and be part of something incredible, driven by our iWill Ambassador Lochlan.
We are currently looking for Media/Content Creation Volunteers for writing, reviewing, editing, and updating media content. This could be the ideal opportunity for someone looking to gain some experience in media.
Troon Parkrun
Volunteering at parkrun
Volunteering at parkrun is an opportunity to get outside, make new friends, have fun, learn new skills and to be a valuable part of your local community. We are always looking for new volunteers. This page explains how to get involved.
How to get involved
Finding out about Troon parkrun volunteering opportunities couldn't be easier. Simply open a recent parkrun newsletter, results email or volunteer email, click on 'manage my profile', then 'email options', then select the events you'd like to hear from and click 'save opt-in events list'. You will then receive regular emails from those events letting you know all about their volunteering opportunities.
Future volunteer roster
You can see an event's future volunteer roster via their specific future roster page. To get in touch with the event directly, just send an email to troon@parkrun.com
What would I do at the Event?
First, and most importantly, we never ask anybody to do anything they're not comfortable with. If you don't want a particular task, please let us know and we will happily give you an alternative job. Nevertheless, none of our tasks are too stressful. You could be organising the finish funnel, operating the timer, or scanning barcodes using the simple Virtual Volunteer app. If you really want to do something in particular, please let us know and we'll see what we can do.
Remember as a volunteer you are the eyes and ears of parkrun. If you have any concerns that arise at a parkrun event, whether involving children or adults, you should discuss those concerns with the Run Director on the day, as soon as possible thereafter or email Head Office at eventsupport@parkrun.com.
The core team
Troon parkrun happens largely because of our fantastic volunteers. The weekly team of volunteers are led by a small group of parkrun enthusiasts who form what we call the 'core team': They make sure the event is setup and packed away each week, the results published, the tokens resorted, event reports written and so much more.
Event Directors - Gregor Wilson & Rachel Cox
We're very grateful to the help provided by everybody, both now and in the past, who've helped make Troon parkrun happen.
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 Fundraising volunteer?
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?
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?
Examples of tasks would include:
• Being 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.)
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients
• 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!
Lochlan's Legacy SCIO
Lochlan’s Legacy is a charity which raises awareness and understanding of type 1 diabetes, reducing stigma, breaking down barriers, promoting youth voice and building a strong community. Lochlan’s Legacy is led by our founder, Lochlan Murdoch BCyA, who is fourteen years old. The charity has been working since 2020 and our work includes raising awareness of Type 1 diabetes in sport, and setting up our youth group 'T1D and ME - Giving Youth a Voice'. Come and be part of something incredible, driven by our iWill Ambassador Lochlan.
We are currently looking for Youth Voice Volunteers to promote the work we do as part of our youth group.
Lochlan's Legacy SCIO
Lochlan’s Legacy is a charity which raises awareness and understanding of type 1 diabetes, reducing stigma, breaking down barriers, promoting youth voice and building a strong community. Lochlan’s Legacy is led by our founder, Lochlan Murdoch BCyA, who is fourteen years old. The charity has been working since 2020 and our work includes raising awareness of Type 1 diabetes in sport, and setting up our youth group 'T1D and ME - Giving Youth a Voice'. Come and be part of something incredible, driven by our iWill Ambassador Lochlan.
We are currently looking for Event/Event Planning Volunteers to help plan and run our fundraising events. This could be the ideal opportunity for someone looking to gain some experience in events management.
South Ayrshire Ranger Service
Assist the Ranger Service as they tackle a variety of conservation tasks that will improve the environment and biodiversity in South Ayrshire blue and green spaces.
No experience necessary, everyone welcome.
Hot drinks and biscuits provided, bring lunch and suitable outdoor clothing.
Meet at Rozelle Lodge, 149 Monument Road, Ayr, KA7 4NQ every second Wednesday between 10.30am and 2pm.
For any further information please contact the Ranger team on ranger.service@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or via Facebook.
Narture Ayr
As a community interest company we value volunteers and their support really means a lot to us. We are looking for Delivery Drivers to assist us with delivery to our wholesale clients. You must have a full clean driving licence and be aged over 30.
In exchange for your time and energy volunteering with us, we can offer the opportunity to improve employability skills and give you driving experience. We offer references after you have volunteered with us for several months.
Narture Ayr
Narture was founded in June 2020 by artist father and daughter team Robert and Saskia Singer. The project evolved initially from occupying empty town centre spaces and re-purposing them for cultural and creative uses. Nurturing a thriving and successful social enterprise, where 'everyone is an artist' and are encouraged to use their creative energies towards positive change.
Narture’s ultimate goal is to become a truly inclusive creative hive, making participatory cultural activities available to all members of society.
Narture’s award winning Sourdough Bakery and acclaimed Artisan Café, are currently the core income generators of the social enterprise. The bakery specialises in handmade sourdough produce, baked daily; championing sustainable, healthy ingredients and supporting local businesses and was recently awarded Bread Bakery of the Year by Prestige Scotland for the second year running. Our purpose is to bake real bread to earn the dough to support arts projects.
Your Impact Matters: By volunteering with us, you're not just contributing skills; you're part of a movement driving creative regeneration. Some roles may even pave the way to paid employment opportunities.
Narture CIC is currently looking for volunteer DIY Enthusiasts: Whether it's painting, clearing, or cleaning – your hands-on skills can shape our spaces across our community projects.
Narture Ayr
Narture was founded in June 2020 by artist father and daughter team Robert and Saskia Singer. The project evolved initially from occupying empty town centre spaces and re-purposing them for cultural and creative uses. Nurturing a thriving and successful social enterprise, where 'everyone is an artist' and are encouraged to use their creative energies towards positive change.
Narture’s ultimate goal is to become a truly inclusive creative hive, making participatory cultural activities available to all members of society.
Narture’s award winning Sourdough Bakery and acclaimed Artisan Café, are currently the core income generators of the social enterprise. The bakery specialises in handmade sourdough produce, baked daily; championing sustainable, healthy ingredients and supporting local businesses and was recently awarded Bread Bakery of the Year by Prestige Scotland for the second year running. Our purpose is to bake real bread to earn the dough to support arts projects.
Your Impact Matters: By volunteering with us, you're not just contributing skills; you're part of a movement driving creative regeneration. Some roles may even pave the way to paid employment opportunities.
Narture CIC is currently looking for volunteer Tech Wizards to help us with website upkeep, ensuring our online presence aligns with our vibrant community.
We are looking for self motivated, organised individuals preferably with relevant experience and/or skills
Kirkmichael Village Renaissance
Kirkmichael Shop and Café is a small, friendly organisation run by a combination of paid and volunteer staff. There are always at least two people on at one time and the volunteer shifts tend to be three hours long. The main activities are serving in the Shop and Café, greeting and helping customers, stocking the shelves, light cleaning and food and drinks preparation [optional] .
SeAscape
Over the last 24 years Seascape have supported thousands of people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness. We recognise that simply giving someone a house is not the answer to tackling homelessness - what is needed is a holistic approach, positive relationships and a sense of purpose and belonging. We provide this support through multiple projects and partnership working with specialist services, to ensure that people can access the support they need, when they need it, advocating on their behalf where necessary.
We are currently looking for an enthusiastic Warehouse Assistant to help fill a vital role in our organisation. The role includes:
- Assisting with deliveries and collections.
- Managing and sorting the donations that we receive.
- Keeping storage/warehouse areas clean, safe and tidy.
Come and be a part of the SeAscape team and gain new skills and experience in warehousing. Full training will be provided. If you require more information please email beverly.campbell@seascapeayr.co.uk or call 01292 285424 (option 3)
South Ayrshire Community Transport
Share your passion and knowledge of social media to promote the activities of our charity - the South Ayrshire Community Transport.
What can you expect to be doing? You will be:
- promoting the work of SACT through various social media channels, for example, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
- gathering information locally about activities happening and any other updates
- writing and creating social media content, ensuring it complies with policies and guidelines
- scheduling and posting social media content
- monitoring activity and responding to comments on social media channels
You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge, and make a significant contribution to improving alternative transport initiatives through social media. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
We’re looking for someone with:
- A passion for social media and experience of using social media channels regularly
- Knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of using social media
- Good IT skills
- Good communication skills
- Willingness to be part of a team
This role is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.
Irvine and Troon Cancer Care
We offer free transport to cancer patients and where possible their escort to all hospitals and clinics in Glasgow, Edinburgh and throughout Ayrshire. Patients are collected from their homes, accompanied to hospital and taken home again after treatment. This service is especially useful for patients who feel unwell, those living in rural areas, the elderly and parents taking their children for treatment. We also provide transport for the hospice and to appointments for all therapy sessions.
We can only ensure to continue the service with the support of our volunteer drivers. If you can commit to a few hours of driving and waiting for patients every week or fortnight or every month, please consider volunteering with us.
To safeguard both service users and drivers, we require all volunteers to be PVG checked and we do require volunteers to own a vehicle (MOT & insured) and have a clean valid driving license. We will reimburse mileage expenses for volunteers.
Cancer Research UK
Volunteer in our shops.
Our shop volunteers are helping us beat cancer right now.
If you volunteer at a Cancer Research UK shop, you too could make a real difference to what we can achieve. Nothing we do would be possible without amazing volunteers like you.
You’ll also gain valuable skills to help develop your CV and experience. And you’ll volunteer alongside a wonderful team of passionate, friendly people who will support you every step of the way.
Volunteering is open to everyone and no experience is required. So, if you’re looking for a new challenge, we’d love to hear from you.
What do shop volunteers do?
Volunteering in our shops is varied, exciting and rewarding. No two days are the same and you have the chance to flex different skills regularly. There are always new opportunities to keep you engaged and help you grow and develop in your role.
While this list is not exhaustive, it gives you a flavour of some of the typical tasks in our charity shops:
- Serving customers, taking cash and providing good all-round customer service
- Sorting through donated items and pricing stock
- Working on window and shop displays
- Keeping the shop tidy, clean and well organised
- Interacting with the general public
- Following new health, safety and social distancing measures
You don’t need any experience to volunteer . You just need to be motivated, hardworking and enjoy being part of a team. There’ll be a full induction as well as ongoing training opportunities to make sure you’re fully confident and able to excel in your role.
Why should I volunteer?
Volunteering brings a wealth of benefits, both personal and professional.
Every volunteer hour you donate means we can sell 6 items and make £20 of income. So, if you volunteer for a 7-hour day, this can generate £140. That means that every day you volunteer, you’ll be raising more funds to beat cancer.
You’ll gain important skills that are hugely valued in the workplace such as teamwork, communication and using your initiative.
You can boost your CV by working towards an NVQ in Retail with Derby College, and we'll provide you with a reference.
It will allow you to get involved in your local community and to meet new friends.
Our friendly CRUK team will be there to support you all the way – offering guidance and helping you build your confidence.
It’s fun – you’ll gain real satisfaction from volunteering alongside our warm, friendly shop volunteers who will make you feel right at home.
The minimum age for volunteering in our shops is 18 . If you’re aged between 16 -18 you may still be able to volunteer in our shops, but you must be on a recognised scheme, for example the Duke of Edinburgh. or the Saltire Award.
DEBRA
Be part of a dedicated team carrying out a wide and varied range of tasks to help make our shops a success whilst helping to raise vital funds to help support people living with the painful genetic skin condition EB.
The role will involve:
Operating the till
Giving excellent customer service
Sorting donated stock
Keeping the shop clean and tidy
Visual merchandising
Fishermen's Mission (South West)
The Fishermen’s Mission is the only national charity that works solely to support fishermen and their families. Offering practical, financial and emotional support at all times to Fishermen, Veterans and their families.
Main duties: Collection Box Coordinator
If you love getting out and about but also want to support a cause in achieving it’s aim, then becoming a Collection Box Coordinator could be the right step for you. You will be involved in displaying our iconic collection boxes in your local community to help raise funds for the Fishermens Mission
Visit premises on a regular basis to service the collection boxes
Establish and build relationships with site contacts, ensuring boxes are well positioned and visible.
Emptying and banking funds in the collection boxes, meaning you can see how much money you have helped us raise.
18th Ayrshire Scout Group
Our trustees help behind-the-scenes doing various jobs, like admin, organising, and helping to improve Scouts for all.
You won’t need to come to Scouts every week, run a session, or give up all your free time. If you’re not keen on working directly with young people, that’s OK too. Trustees do lots of things out of the spotlight, and there’s lots you can do from home.
In terms of effort, the Group Executive Committee have approximately 3 to max 6 meetings per year which lasted between 1-2 hours; however in the GEC a lot of operational points would be discussed which will not be part of the Trustee Board.
The Trustee Board will have the role to oversee the group from a governance perspective. The following tasks are done by the Trustee Board:
GOVERNANCE TASKS
- Make sure sufficient resources (funds, people, property and equipment) are available for the delivery of a high quality programme
- Make sure the charity's finances are properly managed, including appropriate budgets
- Make sure there's effective administration in place to support the work of the Trustee Board
- Take responsibility for following Data Protection legislation
- Make sure everyone follows legal requirements and Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR)
- Make sure employed staff are managed effectively
SUPPORT OR OPERATIONAL TASKS
- Fundraising activities; premises management and equipment maintenance
- Bookkeeping, banking, paying invoices and expenses
- Distribute agendas, minutes, etc. for meetings and AGMS; manage appointments to the Board
- Manage any websites, email systems, or document stores
- Act as line manager, supporting staff in their work
The Carrick Centre
The Carrick Centre is a community facility incorporating a modern church, soft play area and youth wing. Its purpose is to be at the heart of the community with values of inclusiveness and openness.
We are currently looking for volunteer support to assist with promoting and marketing the Centre. Volunteers must have basic skills in these area and we would prefer someone who is able to work independently and is creative in their approach.
We have several areas that need support - marketing the Centre as a conference and letting facility as well as marketing the cafe and catering functions.
65 Club (South Ayrshire)
We are currently looking for volunteers in our community cafe which works to help reduce loneliness and social isolation. We are looking to extend our opening hours and serve food over lunchtime and are looking for people who already have a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate or would be willing to obtain one (any costs will be met by 65 Club).
You will get to know the customers and build a positive relationship with them. Tasks will include:
- Meeting and greeting customers
- Food Preparation
- Clearing tables and general cleaning
- Building a positive relationship with customers.
Carrick Community Chest, Heart & Stroke Group
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland supports groups across Scotland to meet the needs of people living with chest and heart conditions and following a stroke. Peer support groups give people the chance to share experiences with others who understand what they are going through.
Peer support groups have various reasons for coming together. It may be to meet socially, take part in physical activity or learn how to live well with their condition. Each group is unique and tailored to the needs of its local community. Everyone involved with the group will have a say in how the group is run.
Tasks may include setting up and clearing the room; organising refreshments; taking the register, and collecting subs; meeting, and greeting new members; organising, and taking part in the programme of activities; supporting, and taking part in fundraising (e.g., raffles); promoting the group; and working to the group’s health & safety and other procedures.
Ayrshire Tigers Powerchair Football Club (South Ayrshire)
Role Title: Trustee/Treasurer
Role description of volunteering opportunity:
The Club runs its own powerchair football training sessions on Tuesdays between 7pm and 10pm at the Citadel in Ayr. Sessions specifically designed for wheelchair users across the Ayrshire region.
Ayrshire Tigers PFC is a community-based Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) based in Ayr which works in partnership with the Scottish Powerchair Football Association (SPFA) to provide equal opportunities for powerchair users in Ayrshire to engage in team sport. The Club is an independent organisation run by its own board of trustees which is elected by its members.
The club is focused on providing opportunities to play, coach and support powerchair football and is open to everyone. The team is currently playing in the Scottish Powerchair Football Championship. The Club was formed to benefit wheelchair users living in Ayrshire to engage in team sport and prevent isolation by offering a place for people to come and feel welcome, have fun and be part of a team.
Would you like to give a little back to your local community? Would you like to gain invaluable experience in Project Management, Committee Meetings and Teamwork?
Do you have some spare time to help a local charity involved in helping people with disabilities to engage in sport?
We are currently seeking committee members with life skills or business experience to assist with the continuous improvement of our work.
Benefits of being a board member with Ayrshire Tigers PFC include • Supporting the work of organisation. • Meeting new people. • Being part of a team. • Developing new and existing skills.
We are looking for a Treasurer to join our committee and help guide our organisation as it moves forward into what we see as a new and exciting phase. Our Treasurer will work as part of the Board providing financial oversight and preparing regular finance reports to ensure financial rigour across our organisation.
We are looking to recruit enthusiastic and dynamic individual(s) with accounting and finance experience to assist with the continuous improvement of our work.
The committee meets once every three months for two hours.
If you are new to community work, support and training will be provided.
A full UK driving license is desirable but not essential.
To apply for this role, please upload a CV to info@ayrshiretigers.co.uk. Interviews will take place, via video conference and will be conducted by a trustee.
Paths for All (SA)
South Ayrshire Walking Development - Paths for All want everyone to have the opportunity to walk everyday creating a happier, healthier and greener Scotland. There are currently 15 active health walks across South Ayrshire and we are looking for walk leader volunteers to support one of the existing health walks or perhaps start up a new group. If you like to walk and have a blether this could be the ideal opportunity for you.
1st Crosshill Guides and Senior Section
Girls in Brownies have incredible experiences together, make brilliant friends and discover the world around them. Every time they meet up, groups of Brownies learn new skills and take on challenges as they work out what they want to be and do in the future.
We are looking for volunteers to help us set up a Brownie unit in Crosshill. We already run the Guides and the Rangers units yet there is already a demand for a Brownie Unit. This opportunity is ideal for someone who is training to work in teaching or childcare, and would like to gain experience.
There's no doubt that volunteering at Girlguiding will enhance your CV. Here are some of the valuable skills you could gain as part of our charity.
Teamwork – whether you're planning meetings with your fellow volunteers, or collaborating on a community project, guiding offers numerous chances to work effectively as a team.
Leadership – developing leadership skills is integral to many of our volunteering roles, especially those responsible for coordinating local guiding.
Organisation – planning a event or simply a weekly meeting - it all counts.
Motivation. Gaining any experience in Girlguiding shows that you are reliable, dedicated and can work independently.
Communication – if you’re making contact with parents, Commissioners, young members, external contacts – anyone – then you’re demonstrating excellent communication skills.
That’s not to mention the more specific skills that different roles within guiding can give you. Whoever you want to be, guiding can support you to achieve your full potential.
Guiding can enhance your experience and help you build a host of highly transferable skills. It's all about...
Fun – Guiding can give you the space to let off steam when work mounts up – whether that's through once-in-a-lifetime opportunities or just the mess and mayhem of weekly unit meetings.
Friendship – guiding can offer you a support network. Many of our volunteers make life-long friends through guiding.
Flexibility – volunteers can be involved in guiding plan their unit meetings on a termly basis – meaning you don't need to worry about guiding getting in the way of your schedule.
Future – volunteering at Girlguiding offers a highly enjoyable way of enhancing your employability outside of ordinary work experience.
Biosphere Bikes
Biosphere Bikes Community Bike Hub (BB) is a registered charity and non-profit social enterprise located in Girvan which is utilising local assets for the benefit of people, place and planet.
BB is not just about cycling and bikes, it is a Community Bike Hub that uses cycling as a tool to have a positive social impact benefitting Girvan and the wider South Ayrshire area. We repurpose bikes, saving them from landfill and provide accessible cycles for all at affordable prices.
Biosphere Bikes Shop & Community Hub is seeking dedicated and skilled Bike Maintenance Volunteers to join our team.
As a Bike Maintenance Volunteer in our small charity, you will play a crucial role in repairing, maintaining, and refurbishing bicycles that are donated to our organization. We have a strong work ethic and promote accessible cycling and wheeling for all to encourage sustainable transportation and healthy lifestyles.
Your expertise will directly support our mission to make cycling accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
If you have a few hours per week and would like to share your bike knowledge and skills for the benefit of others we would love to hear from you!
We welcome adults and young people into our charity who may have physical or learning disabilities so an ability to collaborate inclusively to support their unique abilities and contributions would be welcome.
Boys Brigade (South Ayrshire)
1st Coylton Boys' Brigade are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help lead games and sporty activities for their children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years old. The group meets on Wednesday evenings during term-time, taking part in a wide range of activities including crafts, games, sports, cooking, life skills and community projects.
Oshay's Brain Domains
Oshay’s Centre is the home of Oshay's Brain Domains CIC which focuses on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) education and advocacy. It provides education to professionals, schools, parents, and children about what FASD is and how it affects individuals’ brains and those around them. Oshay’s also offers resources and a sense of community to empower and support families and professionals working with individuals with brain-based disabilities. Additionally, our work extends to supporting various neurodiverse conditions like ADHD, Trauma, Autism, Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia, falling under the umbrella of “Neurodiversity.” Additionally, we have recently launched a much needed Child Contact, Mediation and Counselling Service within our Centre.
Oshay’s are looking for a Volunteer Admin Assistant twice weekly, between Monday & Saturday, our hours are 10am – 3pm, hours agreed to suit. They will be supporting the Admin Manager, with the day to day tasks, including filing, printing, photocopying, and any other admin tasks that may arise.
Please email info@oshays.org to find out more.
Shelter Charity Shop Ayr
Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!
Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.
Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 09:30-17:00
Location: Shop in Ayr, KA7 1QL
Supervised by: Community Shop Manager/Assistant Manager
Opportunities include: Front of shop, Customer service, till handling
Preparation/back shop: Sorting, Ragging, Steaming items, Pricing
Why volunteer with Shelter Scotland?
Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.
We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.
We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun.
Active Schools (South Ayrshire)
To support/coach/deliver sports sessions to young people.
VASA - Ayr Pantry @ The Book & Bun
Your role as the Food Pantry Customer Assistant is to help customers who come into the Food Pantry, offering information and assistance as they are enquiring, browsing or purchasing food.
Our Food Pantry is the first one in South Ayrshire based in Ayr Town Centre. A Pantry is a membership scheme aimed at helping people make their money go further by reducing their food shopping bills and providing advice and support.
Local Pantries mean people can bring down their food shopping bills, and access good food, whilst freeing up more money for other essentials and enabling tight budgets to stretch a little further. A Pantry offers dignity, choice, community and food quality.
Your role will be to assist new and current members learn about the Pantry and do their shopping. We will give you full training on how it works, equipment used, systems to follow etc. You will always be volunteering as part of a team of volunteers with a staff team leader present.
As there will be a café on the premises, there will be an opportunity to benefit from Barista training.
DUTIES: The role of the Food Pantry Customer Assistant will be as follows:
• Assist customers to the Pantry, engaging in conversation
• Offer information on how the Pantry works
• Offer signposting to other services where necessary
• Operate till with cash / card handling
• Restock and rotate shelves and fridges as required
• Clean and sanitise according to guidance
• To commit to a minimum of 3.5hrs per week
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (SA)
Try new things and decide on the career for you. We offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities which are great for learning about the work of a particular location or role. At the Trust, there’s a role for everyone. Volunteering doesn’t have to be a slog – we’ve got a wide range of projects across Scotland that are suited to all ages.
This is a very exciting time. Many local people visit the property regularly for a variety of reasons, it is also a popular stop-off point for a walk, food and beverages or to enjoy the playpark.
The property runs a number of successful events throughout the year and we would like to know more about who comes to those events, is it mainly local people or do people come from more further afield?
We would also like to know what draws them to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, what is special about it and what else would help the property build and maintain stronger community relationships or perhaps we need to offer different types of events that would appeal to visitors.
To find this information out we need to ask people their views and so we are seeking to recruit a small team of Engagement volunteers to help us carry out research at each event who we will support and train to ask those important questions.
What’s included in the role?
The main part of this role will have you positioned in the Burns Museum when events are happening, interacting with visitors, etc and asking a series of set questions to help the Trust gather vital information about the community needs, aspirations about days experience.
Why should I volunteer in this role?
Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to meet lots of different people and make new friends.
Most of our volunteer roles are flexible and can be tailored to meet your needs. Our volunteer manager will be happy to discuss any help that you might need to volunteer when you first meet up.
Bfriend
A group volunteer is someone who, after a period of training and assessment, will provide support to young people on a 1:1 basis or to the group as a whole at the Project’s group outings. Bfriend facilitates 12 group outings per year for socially isolated young people aged between 8 & 18, living in South Ayrshire.
TASKS
• To participate where possible in monthly group outings & volunteer support sessions and attend a minimum of 6 per year
• To read the volunteer handbook and be aware of Bfriend's policies and procedures and adhere to them.
• To comply with the team’s administrative procedures.
Boys Brigade (South Ayrshire)
1sr Girvan Boys' Brigade are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help lead games and sporty activities for their children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years old. The group meets on Sunday evenings during term-time, taking part in a wide range of activities including crafts, games, sports, cooking, life skills and community projects.
Boys Brigade (South Ayrshire)
1st Troon Boys' Brigade are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help lead games and sporty activities for their children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years old. The group meets on Friday evenings during term-time, taking part in a wide range of activities including crafts, games, sports, cooking, life skills and community projects.
Ayr Housing Aid Centre
The Trustee will provide direction for the Centre on a wide range of matters with due care and diligence. They will provide strategic overview in terms of purpose and delivery of services. They will develop forwarding planning systems which consider current and future factors which impact on services we provide. They will closely monitor and review external and internal factors which influence the need for services within South Ayrshire.
Accountability
The Trustee is accountable to the Board, contractual partners, regulatory bodies such as OSCR and Care Inspectorate.
Trustee’s manage the Centre effectively and regularly meet to oversee the activities and services provided by the Centre. They have a vital role in terms of setting and reviewing policies and procedures in consultation with all staff within the Centre and if appropriate partner agencies.
The Committee shall ensure that our Annual Report is completed, and our AGM is held within the timescales set out within the Constitution of the Centre.
Interest of the Charity
Trustees are expected to put the interest of the charity before their own interests or the interests of any other person or organisation. Applicants must be committed to the ethos/aims and objectives of the Centre.
Charitable Purpose
Trustee much ensure the charity is operating and fulfilling its charitable purpose as outlined within its constitution.
Specific duties
• Attend Board Meetings and Sub-Committee meeting as required
• Give priority to the interests of the Centre
• Act with due care and diligence
• Ensure the charity operates within its charitable purpose
Qualifications and Skills
• Experience within the Charitable Sector
• Understanding of decision-making systems within Local and National Government
• Good understanding in terms of housing and homelessness
• Good understanding Debt, Benefits and income maximisation
• Understanding poverty related issues
• Good team worker
• Attendance at related training and seminars
Personal Qualities
• Maturity
• Patience
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Confident
• Caring and approachable
• Resourceful
• Negotiating ability
• Non-judgemental
Friends of Fullarton, Troon
South Ayrshire Council Ranger Service are offering the opportunity for young persons aged between 13 to 18 to learn new, or develop existing skills in practical outdoor work.
These sessions will introduce essential environmental conservation skills like basic bushcraft, use of manual hand tools and invasive non-native species control.
The programme will run once a month on a Sunday, from 10am to 12pm.
Booking is essential so to book a place or for more information, please feel free to contact the ranger service via ranger.service@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
The sessions are held with the collaboration of the Friends of Fullarton Woods - a small charity concerned with the restoration and care of the ancient woodlands of Troon. In operation since 2015, raising funds for improvements and planting. We host regular volunteer work parties, tackling jobs such as invasive species control, tree planting and repairing paths. Together with the South Ayrshire Ranger Service and Scottish Wildlife Trust, Ayrshire, we regularly involve schools and community groups in woodland activities.
No experience or tools required. We have tasks to suit all abilities.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland supports groups across Scotland to meet the needs of people living with chest and heart conditions and following a stroke. Peer support groups give people the chance to share experiences with others who understand what they are going through.
Peer support groups have various reasons for coming together. It may be to meet socially, take part in physical activity or learn how to live well with their condition. Each group is unique and tailored to the needs of its local community. Everyone involved with the group will have a say in how the group is run.
Tasks may include setting up and clearing the room; organising refreshments; taking the register, and collecting subs; meeting, and greeting new members; organising, and taking part in the programme of activities; supporting, and taking part in fundraising (e.g., raffles); promoting the group; and working to the group’s health & safety and other procedures.
Community Gift Exchange
How would you like to be part of a charity with a difference? ‘Reusables’ is a charity shop run by Community Gift Exchange (CGX) where we believe everyone has a gift or skill to share.
Little or no experience? All the better! CGX aims to equip people with the skills they need to go onto sustainable employment or further training (see also training details for further info). We want to help you realise your goals no matter how small or big!
We value our Volunteers so much that we offer everyone who gives their time a free hearty, home-made lunch. Past and current volunteers particularly appreciate making new friends and being part of a genuinely inclusive community.
The Reuseables shop operates on the ethos that all efforts should be made to save perfectly good items from going to waste. We would love you to be part of this effort!
What might I be expected to do in this role?
• Assisting in the day-to-day running of the CGX Charity Shop.
• Recording sales and refunds,
• Handling cash and card payments.
• Assisting customers and providing excellent customer service.
• Creating displays for visual merchandising.
• Organising and pricing of stock.
We value creativity so if you have a particular interest or passion (eg books) let us know and we can tailor the role to suit you!
CGX have conducted and implemented a Covid-secure Risk Assessment and follow government guidelines. The safety and wellbeing of our volunteers and staff is our highest priority.
Marie Curie (South Ayrshire)
Our charity shops rely on generous donations made by the public to raise crucial funds for Marie Curie. From clothes, homeware and books, to CDs and DVDs, we sell a wide variety of products.
We are looking for volunteers to help us sort through all these donations, pick out the best items and prepare and sell them to our customers. Without the help of our dedicated volunteers we could not provide our customers with high quality items at affordable prices. This allows us to raise funds so our nurses can continue to provide care to terminally ill people and support for their families.
Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:
Sort through donations, being aware of the possibility of a hidden gem and better quality brands
Prepare items for sale by checking, hanging, steaming, sizing and pricing them
Work on the shop floor and provide excellent customer service to our shoppers
Operate the till
Help out with basic housekeeping to keep the shop clean and tidy
For more information or if you have any questions please pop into the Troon shop.
Carrick Rugby Club
Can you support Carrick Rugby? Do you enjoy spending time with a rugby team and report writing? We need volunteer match reporters and it would be the perfect volunteering opportunity for you.
Reporter responsibilities include:
- collecting and verifying newsworthy information
- assembling information into a stable story
- writing and delivering news stories with the readers' perspective in mind
- accompany the youth and senior teams during the tournament (matches, activities and events) and report
Friends of Dundonald Castle
Dundonald Castle is a 14th Century hilltop fortified ruin which is looked after on a daily basis by The Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO, who also manage the attraction’s Visitor Centre.
We are currently looking for Education Volunteers to assist with themed education workshops for both school pupils, as well as groups of all ages. Every year Friends of Dundonald Castle host around 100 educational workshops with topics including Celts, Romans, Vikings, Knights & Castles and Jacobites.
Volunteers would assist in running activities, handing out and collecting items, setting up and cleaning at the end. Volunteers will have the opportunity to explore areas which interest them.
Friends of Dundonald Castle
Dundonald Castle is a 14th Century hilltop fortified ruin which is looked after on a daily basis by The Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO, who also manage the attraction’s Visitor Centre.
We are currently looking for Volunteer Tour Guides to take members of the public on tours of the castle. If you are a people person with a passion for history this could be the opportunity for you. Tasks will include:
- Telling the fascinating story of the castle and the castle hill
- Undertaking castle opening and closing procedures and daily cleaning
Sue Ryder Care (South Ayrshire)
Lead Volunteers are essential to the running of our shop. Be involved in the planning and running of the shop, such as risk assessments, fire escape routes, volunteer health and safety, team involvement, supporting in events and pop-up stalls, and the responsibility of the day to day running of the shop in the absence of the shop manager.
All Sue Ryder Shop Volunteers have the opportunity to be involved in many aspects of the day to day running of the store including but not limited to….
- Sorting and pricing stock
- Stock replenishment
- General customer service
- Till work
- Window Dressing
- PAT Testing
- Ebay and social media use
Our lead volunteers receive an enhanced level of training enabling them to take on additional levels of responsibility. This training is both in the store with colleagues, and via eLearning.
Narture Ayr
Narture CIC is looking for Bakery Assistants for their Sourdough Bakery in Ayr. If you are interested in gaining customer service skills and learning about baking this could be the ideal opportunity for you. Share your baking skills and contribute to our acclaimed sourdough bakery.
Tasks will include:
• Assisting bakery team with, weighing, mixing and shaping doughs
If you feel the call to contribute your talents to our journey, reach out! Whether you're skilled and ready to share or eager to learn and develop skills for future paid work, Narture welcomes your enthusiasm
Victim Support South Ayrshire
We are looking for enthusiastic and committed people from all backgrounds from across South Ayrshire.
While qualifications and experience are good to have, what’s more important to us is to have a ‘can do’ attitude and are committed to providing compassionate and informative services to people who have been affected by crime.
You could be a student or recent graduate who is keen to build their CV; or you could be a mid-career professional who is looking to take their life in a different direction. We are open to applications from people from all walks of life.
Victims of crime often feel a range of emotions such as anxiety, confusion and anger, while witnesses may feel confused, anxious and overwhelmed by the court system. As a support volunteer, you will provide help and support in both local communities and within the court environment, ensuring people receive the high-quality support and care they need to move forward after crime.
As a support volunteer, you will make personal contact with people affected by crime, providing them with support at a time when they need it most.
You will:
• Discuss service users’ needs by telephone, face-to-face visits or other means, agreeing next steps at the end of each contact
• Help witnesses feel more confident at court by arranging and conducting court familiarisation visits
• Support service users in the court room and other appropriate locations on the day of a trial, liaising with court officials on behalf of service users
• Give feedback and agree follow-up actions with staff members
• Provide administrative support in completing service users’ journeys Benefits to volunteering with VSS
As a support volunteer you will gain many benefits, such as:
• Supporting people when they most need it, helping them to recover from what can be a very distressing time in their life and empowering them to move forward
• Learning new skills and gaining experience of working within the criminal justice sector
• Gaining access to a range of training courses that are relevant to your volunteering role
• Positively affecting your community as a member of a team actively working to reduce the impact of crime
South Ayrshire Ranger Service
South Ayrshire Council Ranger Service are offering the opportunity for young persons aged between 13-18 to learn new, or develop existing, skills in practical outdoor work. These sessions will introduce essential environmental conservation skills like basic bushcraft, use of manual hand tools and invasive non-native species control. The programme will run on a fortnightly basis (every second Saturday) and from 10am-12pm. Booking is essential so to book a place, or for more information, please feel free to contact the ranger service via ranger.service@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
Our next session will take place on Saturday 21st October 2023 and then every two weeks thereafter. Sessions are suitable for one-off volunteering so attendance is not required at every session.
Our meeting point is Rozelle Lodge, Rozelle Park, Monument Road, Ayr, KA7 4NQ
Sanctuary Care
Looking for a fulfilling and rewarding experience? Join our team at our care homes for the elderly as a volunteer and make a difference in the lives of our residents. Whether its befriending and chatting with our residents or organising and participating in leisure and social activities, your contribution will have a significant impact on their well-being and quality of life. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to develop new skills, meet new people and create meaningful connections with our residents. Join us today and be a part of a community that values and appreciates the importance of companionship and human connection. Opportunities are available for weekdays or weekends, day time or early evening at:
Glenfairn House Care Home-Sanctuary Care, 28 Racecourse Road, Ayr KA7 2UX
Queens Care Home, 34 Ardayre Road, Prestwick KA9 1QL.
We are a not-for-profit organisation specialising in care homes for the elderly and currently have over 110 care homes across England and Scotland.
For more info, please go to https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs/volunteering/how-apply-be-sanctuary-care-volunteer
If you would like to help our care homes through volunteering, opportunities are available for weekdays or weekends, daytime or early evening.
We are currently looking to recruit volunteer befrienders to spend time with our residents; to build positive relationships and, where appropriate, to facilitate time spent/trips out of the care home .
For more info, please go to https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs/volunteering/how-apply-be-sanctuary-care-volunteer to learn more and apply online.
Sanctuary Care
Looking for a fulfilling and rewarding experience? Join our team at our care homes for the elderly as a volunteer and make a difference in the lives of our residents. Whether its befriending and chatting with our residents or organising and participating in leisure and social activities, your contribution will have a significant impact on their well-being and quality of life. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to develop new skills, meet new people and create meaningful connections with our residents. Join us today and be a part of a community that values and appreciates the importance of companionship and human connection. Opportunities are available for weekdays or weekends, day time or early evening at:
Glenfairn House Care Home-Sanctuary Care, 28 Racecourse Road, Ayr KA7 2UX
Queens Care Home, 34 Ardayre Road, Prestwick KA9 1QL.
We are a not-for-profit organisation specialising in care homes for the elderly and currently have over 110 care homes across England and Scotland.
For more info, please go to https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs/volunteering/how-apply-be-sanctuary-care-volunteer
If you would like to help our care homes through volunteering, opportunities are available for weekdays or weekends, daytime or early evening.
We are currently looking to recruit Hairdressing/beauty volunteers. Could you share your skills and talents within our care home setting as a volunteer? Want to find out more? We would love to hear from you!
For more info, please go to https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs/volunteering/how-apply-be-sanctuary-care-volunteer to learn more and apply online.
Girvan and South Carrick Community Action Network (CAN) (SA)
Are you interested in volunteering as an office volunteer?
As a small charity we benefit from volunteers who give their time to help our organisation and the families we work with.
If you are interested please get in touch with us or drop by our shop at 40, Dalrymple Street Girvan.
Girvan Prom Parkrun (SA)
Volunteering at parkrun is an opportunity to get outside, make new friends, have fun, learn new skills and to be a valuable part of your local community. We are always looking for new volunteers. This page explains how to get involved.
What would I do at the Event?
First, and most importantly, we never ask anybody to do anything they're not comfortable with. If you don't want a particular task, please let us know and we will happily give you an alternative job. Nevertheless, none of our tasks are too stressful. You could be marshaling, or using the parkrun volunteer app to record times or scan barcodes, operating the timer, or scanning barcodes using the simple Virtual Volunteer app. If you really want to do something in particular, please let us know and we'll see what we can do. To find out more, please visit our website https://www.parkrun.org.uk/girvanprom/ or have a look at our page on Facebook.
The core team: Girvan Prom parkrun happens largely because of our fantastic volunteers. The weekly team of volunteers are led by a small group of parkrun enthusiasts who form what we call the 'core team': They make sure the event is setup and packed away each week, the results published, the tokens resorted, event reports written and so much more.
Event Director - Moira McDowall. We're very grateful to the help provided by everybody, both now and in the past, who've helped make Girvan Prom parkrun happen.
Saving and rehoming Strays
Saving and Rehoming Strays are a kennel-free animal sanctuary and rehoming centre. We rescue dogs of all
shapes and sizes, irrespective of their physical needs or backgrounds, and care for them whilst they wait to find their new forever homes (predominantly through adoption, but we do have a small proportion of forever fosters).
A proportion of dogs in our care who are unlikely to be rehomed, for one reason or another, and these dog
benefit from our long-term sanctuary care.
As a small charitable organisation, we are seeking a fundraising volunteer to support with our fundraising and event activities. This is a key role within our team as an unfunded rescue we rely on our events and donations to support the continued running of the charity.
The successful applicant will be expected to commit a minimum of 6-8 hours per week to their volunteering (and trustee duties if relevant).
Volunteer Role Summary
You will be a passionate individual with experience in fundraising and/or event management and an interest in animal welfare. You will be organized with excellent communication skills, able to write engaging and professional appeals and be confident picking up the phone to follow-up on potential leads. You will be confident using social media platforms to research and promote our events. You will be confident working with a team of enthusiastic volunteers and ensuring individuals are completing actions as promised. You will be a team player, communicating and obtaining feedback from the trustees and our general manager.
Volunteer Responsibilities
• Investigate and bring creative ideas for fundraising to the table
• Oversee and promote fundraising campaigns establishing the actions required for success of the event and where these are delegated, providing oversight until the event is completed. Bring feedback for each event back to the trustee team.
• Liaise with General Manager to ensure appropriate staffing levels are available for events and that preparations are completed in a timely manner
• Commit to organizing and hosting at least one local event per quarter – includes booking locations, advertising, coordinating with volunteers, venue set-up and promotion of the event.
• Outreach to organisations for donations to be used at charity events for auctions, tombolas, prizes etc.
• Able to visit Ayr site at least every 2 months (and prior to/ following events) to sort, collect and return event supplies.
• Ensure updates and trackers are maintained on the charities online workspace
Where the volunteering position is successful there may be an opportunity to join the board as
a trustee and lead our fundraising efforts and take responsibility for our fundraising/events
management activities. In addition the trustee will sit on our board to ensure the charity is run
efficiently and in accordance with our constitution and purpose.
Please request a copy of the fundraising Trustee Job Description if you are interested.
Lochlan's Legacy SCIO
Lochlan’s Legacy is a charity which raises awareness and understanding of type 1 diabetes, reducing stigma, breaking down barriers, promoting youth voice and building a strong community. Lochlan’s Legacy is led by our founder, Lochlan Murdoch BCyA, who is fourteen years old. The charity has been working since 2020 and our work includes raising awareness of Type 1 diabetes in sport, and setting up our youth group 'T1D and ME - Giving Youth a Voice'. Come and be part of something incredible, driven by our iWill Ambassador Lochlan.
We are currently looking for Social Media Content Volunteers. Tasks will include:
- Developing engaging social media posts
- Day to day running of the organisation's various social media channels
Shelter Prestwick
Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!
Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.
Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 09:00-17:00 and Sunday 12:00-16:00.
Location: Shop in Prestwick, KA9 1JS
Supervised by: Community Shop Manager/Assistant Manager
Why volunteer with Shelter Scotland?
Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.
We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.
We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun.
What can I do?
After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal chat to find the right role for you. Some roles involve a basic criminal record check being completed during recruitment. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us, but it may impact the ways you can get involved.
Volunteering in the shop
Our retail volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.
- You will not undergo a criminal record check for this role
Volunteering in a leadership role
Our volunteer supervisors help with overseeing the running of our shop and creating a fantastic environment for our customers. You may be involved with coordinating and supporting other volunteers, operating computer systems, and being a key point of contact for the shop.
Benefits of volunteering with Shelter Scotland…
- Supporting Shelter Scotland in our fight against bad housing and homelessness
- Gain valuable experience in a retail environment
- Getting involved in your local community and being part of a great team
- Build your confidence and develop transferable skills
Monkton Community Council
We have opened our cosy space at the Pioneer Cafe, at the Community Church Hall for anyone who is keen to get out of the house for a few hours to meet other people, relax and have a chat. Volunteers can help socialise, chat and support staff serve teas/coffee, warm soup and snacks at the cafe.
Volunteers are not expected to undertake care sector roles, but support individuals by chatting, socialising, helping out in the kitchen, set up, tidy the cafe and clear tables, etc. Could you offer a few hours per week?
Friends of the Broadway Prestwick
Volunteer with Friends of the Broadway Prestwick!
Come and help us bring the Broadway back to the community. We are looking for anyone interested in helping to make the Broadway Cinema of the future a reality.
We are currently looking for a Volunteer Bookkeeper to assist with our finances. Tasks will include:
- Reconciling payments
- Updating payment spreadsheets
- Data Input
- Reporting to Board Member responsible for finance
If you believe you can help and would like to join our project. We would love to have you on board! This is a home-based role with no requirement to attend committee meetings.
Ayr Hospital Radio
Do you like music?
Do you have good communication skills?
Can you spare 2 hours per week?
Do you attend fundraising events?
Do you like working as part of a team?
Would you like to help your local community?
Have you ever wanted to be on the radio?
Then we would love to hear from you. We are currently looking for volunteers to become reserve radio presenters to cover holidays and unexpected absences. This role may also involve pre-recording shows. If you think you are interested in joining our charity then we want to hear from you.
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 including financial information
• 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
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
16 Portland Street, Troon, Ayrshire, KA10 6EA, 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
Ayrshire Ukraine Community Group (SA)
Ayrshire Ukraine Community group aims are to raise as much money as possible to aid the needs of those in Ukraine who are affected by the ongoing war. The monies raised also supports those who have been temporarily relocated to the UK.
Over the last 2.5 years since the war commenced, the group has assisted and supported the incoming displaced persons fleeing the war zone with approximately 350 refugees now settled in Ayrshire homes
We are currently recruiting a Retail Assistant for our shop unit in Ayr.
Main duties: Greeting customers, cash handling (optional), keeping shop floor clean and tidy, putting out stock, sorting through donations, pricing.
Skills & experience required: No experience required as full support given. Are you happy to help, to be part of a team then we want to hear from you. Whether you love cleaning, chatting or love to organise, or have an eye for fashion? Or are you a social media wiz! All we ask is you have a couple of hours to spare and want to help a good cause!
The Carrick Community Food Garden
The Carrick Community Food Garden (CCFG) invites you to discover the joy of growing fruit and vegetables, building and creating with members of your community garden, where everyone shares the work and the harvest.
Being part of a community garden is a great activity to do by yourself or with friends and family and a good opportunity to get outdoors, learn new skills, meet new and like-minded people, keep active, improve mental health and contribute towards your community and the environment.
All work is supervised, tasks could include clearing the ground in preparation for food growing, planting, seed sowing, weeding, digging, harvesting produce, building raised beds, shifting compost and general site maintenance or occasional help with events and sharing ideas.
We share the harvest with our community food pantry, contributors, the groups we support and when possible we cook and share meals on site.
We encourage people of all ages and levels of fitness, from complete beginners to experienced growers there is a way for you to contribute to your community garden. At CCFG we are very flexible, you can drop in to learn more and see what it's like before you decide to contribute your time and energy.
Tarbolton Community Council
Tarbolton Community Council is a voluntary organisation made up of local residents, each with a genuine interest in the community. Their main role is to be representative through consultation with the local community, and make it known to the local authority and other public bodies the views of local people on all matters affecting them.
If you're interested to help out our community in Tarbolton doing various tasks depending on what's happening in our village. Some tasks may include:
- Gardening
- Participating in events
- Maintaining public areas
- and any other tasks that might be needed by the TCC
We welcome all volunteers, even if it is just for a couple of hours a week or a month. We would also welcome any suggestions and ideas which could benefit our community.
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (SA)
Try new things and decide on the career for you. We offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities which are great for learning about the work of a particular location or role. At the Trust, there’s a role for everyone. Volunteering doesn’t have to be a slog – we’ve got a wide range of projects across Scotland that are suited to all ages.
Are you interested in taking guided tours?
We have opportunities for volunteer guides for public tours or to help with school visits.
Tasks will include welcoming local and tourist visitors, sharing the history and stories of Burns Birthplace cottage along with the option of helping at special events. This is an excellent opportunity to meet lots of a new people and gain hands-on experience in a unique and fascinating heritage site, with privileged access to an outstanding historical building.
What’s included in the role?
· Welcoming visitors and customers to our property
· Provide information about the building, its history and stories
· Working as part of a team
· Provide information regarding the National Trust for Scotland and other NTS properties.
· Opportunity to assist and run guided tours.
Most of our volunteer roles are flexible and can be tailored to meet your needs. Our volunteer manager will be happy to discuss any help that you might need to volunteer when you first meet up.
"I have been a volunteer for more than a few years now at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. I take guided tours round the Museum site, organise the free, open to all Highlight Talks held at the Museum roughly every fortnight from September to June. I've also been involved with fund raising events to support the work of the Museum. A memorable moment, from volunteering, was the fun of reading the Gruffalo in Scots for two Australian visitors. I just happened to meet them in the Monument Gardens, got talking and agreed to their request to read the Scots language version of the book. Another memory is meeting the family of the Night Watchman who prevented Suffragettes blowing up Burns Cottage in 1914." - Melvyn
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (SA)
Our volunteers help us look after this wonderful museum, welcome visitors from around the world and ensure that they have a fantastic experience while visiting. Our volunteer guides explain the museum's long history to our visitors, and help them understand more about the importance of Robert Burns.
What’s included in the role?
· Welcoming visitors and helping them to enjoy their visit
· Ensuring that the property and its contents are respected and secure
· Ensuring the people working and visiting the property remain safe at all times
- Lending a hand in maintaining the surrounding gardens
- Learning and explaining crafts that would be common in the time of Burns, such as spinning or ink-making
Who will I be working with?
Generally, you’ll be working with a team of other volunteers and Trust employees, and as you’ll usually volunteer on a specific shift, you’ll see the same volunteer team on a regular basis. If you need help while volunteering, your volunteer manager or another appointed person will also be around to assist.
Who can volunteer with the Trust?
We have an Equality and Diversity policy, and our volunteering opportunities are open to anyone to apply. After you apply, we’ll get in touch to arrange an informal chat with you, to help you understand a bit more about the role and see if it’s right for you.
What if I need some extra help to volunteer?
Most of our volunteer roles are flexible and can be tailored to meet your needs, although due to the shift pattern for this role, here we’re looking for volunteers who are regularly available at specific times. Our volunteer managers will be happy to discuss any help that you might need to volunteer, including adapting the role or assisting with volunteer expenses, when you first meet up.
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (SA)
Today, our volunteers help us to look after this wonderful place and welcome visitors from around the world who come to admire our museum. As the number of visitors to our tearoom increases, we are looking for additional tearoom volunteers to work alongside our existing team of staff and volunteers to ensure our visitors receive great service at our shop and a high-quality food & beverage offering at our cafe.
We want our visitors see the tearoom as part of the experience at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum as it is one of the main income streams that enables us to continue to maintain and care for this unique location in Alloway, Ayr.
What’s included in the role?
· Providing a warm welcome to visitors using the tearoom
· Taking orders and payments using EPOS system
· Serving hot / cold drinks and a range of scones / cakes
· Keeping the tearoom serving area and indoor / outdoor seating areas clean and tidy
· Greeting and serving customers at the shop
· Managing the till at the shop
· Ensuring all food safety rules are followed
· Replenishing the shelves when required
· Maintaining a safe environment for staff, volunteers and visitors at all times
Full training will be provided for all aspects of the role.
Who will I be working with?
Generally, you’ll be working with a team of other volunteers and Trust employees. If you need help while volunteering, your volunteer manager or another appointed person will also be around to assist.
Do I need any previous experience for this role?
In general, you don’t need any specific experience or qualifications to volunteer with us.
For this role, we’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic about the work of the Trust, passionate about its values and objectives, and happy to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds. You’ll be able to provide clear and helpful information to our visitors and ensure they all have a great experience.
We’ll provide an induction and training for you (all about the Trust, its values and your role) to get started, and we’ll help you keep learning while you’re volunteering with us. This includes free access to all of the courses in our online e-learning system.
Prestwick Junior Parkrun (SA)
Volunteering at parkrun
Volunteering at parkrun is an opportunity to get outside, make new friends, have fun, learn new skills and to be a valuable part of your local community. We are always looking for new volunteers. This page explains how to get involved.
How to get involved
Finding out about Prestwick Oval junior parkrun volunteering opportunities couldn't be easier. Simply open a recent parkrun newsletter, results email or volunteer email, click on 'manage my profile', then 'email options', then select the events you'd like to hear from and click 'save opt-in events list'. You will then receive regular emails from those events letting you know all about their volunteering opportunities.
Future volunteer roster
You can see an event's future volunteer roster via their specific future roster page. To get in touch with the event directly, just send an email to prestwickovaljuniors@parkrun.com
What would I do at the Event?
First, and most importantly, we never ask anybody to do anything they're not comfortable with. If you don't want a particular task, please let us know and we will happily give you an alternative job. Nevertheless, none of our tasks are too stressful. You could be organising the finish funnel, operating the timer, or scanning barcodes using the simple Virtual Volunteer app. If you really want to do something in particular, please let us know and we'll see what we can do.
Remember as a volunteer you are the eyes and ears of parkrun. If you have any concerns that arise at a parkrun event, whether involving children or adults, you should discuss those concerns with the Run Director on the day, as soon as possible thereafter or email Head Office at eventsupport@parkrun.com.
The core team
Prestwick Oval junior parkrun happens largely because of our fantastic volunteers. The weekly team of volunteers are led by a small group of parkrun enthusiasts who form what we call the 'core team': They make sure the event is setup and packed away each week, the results published, the tokens resorted, event reports written and so much more.
Event Director - Jamie Marshall-Watt & Paul Deas
We're very grateful to the help provided by everybody, both now and in the past, who've helped make Prestwick Oval junior parkrun happen.
Friends of Hillcrest, Girvan
Friends of Hillcrest is a charity group ran by many volunteers to support Hillcrest Care home in Girvan.
We also look for volunteers to support our residents at the care home. Friendly faces visiting our older residents on a regular basis at a time that is convenient to both the resident and yourself. You could sit down with a tea and chat about your lives, or maybe a chat while you play cards.
As a volunteer, you can be the vital link between the resident and the outside world. You can really make a difference, with the residents having something to look forward to.
Friends of Hillcrest, Girvan
Friends of Hillcrest is a charity group ran by many volunteers to support Hillcrest Care home in Girvan.
We are looking for people who would go on a rota to join our minibus drivers team. With our minibus service we try to provide the residents of Hillcrest transport to and from hospital appointments but also to get out and about on day trips to sight see, build relationships, make memories, reminisce old places, support mental health and generally to provide different experiences for all residents.
You do not need to commit to weekly, monthly days or dates it’s as and when you are available.
If this is something you may be interested in, please get in touch to find out how you can help, join our fantastic team of volunteers and make a real difference at Hillcrest.
MiDAS (Minibus Driving Awareness Scheme) training would have to be carried out but full costs would be covered by Friends of Hillcrest Charity
Sanctuary Care
Looking for a fulfilling and rewarding experience? Join our team at our care homes for the elderly as a volunteer and make a difference in the lives of our residents. Whether its befriending and chatting with our residents or organising and participating in leisure and social activities, your contribution will have a significant impact on their well-being and quality of life. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to develop new skills, meet new people and create meaningful connections with our residents. Join us today and be a part of a community that values and appreciates the importance of companionship and human connection. Opportunities are available for weekdays or weekends, day time or early evening at:
Glenfairn House Care Home-Sanctuary Care, 28 Racecourse Road, Ayr KA7 2UX
Queens Care Home, 34 Ardayre Road, Prestwick KA9 1QL.
We are a not-for-profit organisation specialising in care homes for the elderly and currently have over 110 care homes across England and Scotland.
For more info, please go to https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs/volunteering/how-apply-be-sanctuary-care-volunteer
If you would like to help our care homes through volunteering, opportunities are available for weekdays or weekends, daytime or early evening.
We are currently looking to recruit Reception volunteers. Do you enjoy meeting and helping people? Do you have good communication and social skills? Could you be the welcoming face of our care homes/day care centres? We would love to hear from you!
For more info, please go to https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs/volunteering/how-apply-be-sanctuary-care-volunteer to learn more and apply online.
Sanctuary Care
Looking for a fulfilling and rewarding experience? Join our team at our care homes for the elderly as a volunteer and make a difference in the lives of our residents. Whether its befriending and chatting with our residents or organising and participating in leisure and social activities, your contribution will have a significant impact on their well-being and quality of life. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to develop new skills, meet new people and create meaningful connections with our residents. Join us today and be a part of a community that values and appreciates the importance of companionship and human connection. Opportunities are available for weekdays or weekends, day time or early evening at:
Glenfairn House Care Home-Sanctuary Care, 28 Racecourse Road, Ayr KA7 2UX
Queens Care Home, 34 Ardayre Road, Prestwick KA9 1QL.
We are a not-for-profit organisation specialising in care homes for the elderly and currently have over 110 care homes across England and Scotland.
For more info, please go to https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs/volunteering/how-apply-be-sanctuary-care-volunteer
If you would like to help our care homes through volunteering, opportunities are available for weekdays or weekends, daytime or early evening.
We are currently looking to recruit Catering Assistant volunteers. Do you have an interest in food preparation and/or food serving We would love to hear from you!
For more info, please go to https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs/volunteering/how-apply-be-sanctuary-care-volunteer to learn more and apply online.
Night Before Christmas Campaign
Come and join our cause any time of the year. You don't have to wait up till Christmas to help make a real difference to the lives of families in Ayrshire. Volunteering with Night Before Christmas is a meaningful way to help some of Ayrshire’s most vulnerable children and families. It’s also an opportunity to develop and enjoy new experiences. You’ll connect with your community, meet new people, learn new skills and share what you know.
All our voluntary roles are supported: people come first. We’ll give you an induction and relevant training, and you’ll always have space to raise issues.
You don’t need specific skills for many of our roles. All we ask for is enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved. Tasks may include:
- Sorting and tidying
- Packing bags
- Talking and greeting other volunteers
- Driving and delivering bags
- Keeping records
- Fundraising
- Participating in events
- Creating social media posts
- Photography
Ayr Hospital Radio
Do you like music?
Do you have good communication skills?
Do you like working as part of a team?
Would you like to help your local community?
We would love to hear from you if you are interested in volunteering as a producer to assist with the production of live shows.
Go Girvan: Community Led Tourism
Girvan Town Ambassador Volunteer Opportunity
Last year we ran a very successful pilot scheme which saw 6 local volunteers sign up as Girvan Town Ambassadors
From welcoming hundreds of visitors from all over the world to attending events and working on a variety of initiatives to improve the town, it is fair to say it was a resounding success
Due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors, locals, businesses and the Ambassadors themselves, we are not only going to bring the scheme back next year, we also plan to expand it
We would love to add more volunteer Ambassadors to the team so we can welcome even more visitors in 2024.
If you have a passion for Girvan, love chatting to people, and enjoy getting out and about, this could be the ideal opportunity for you.
We welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities, hours are flexible
For more information, please contact: Explore@GoGirvan.co.uk
You can read about the idea behind the initiative here
https://gogirvan.co.uk/new.../girvan-town-ambassador-scheme/
Oshay’s FASD Services CIC
We are FASD Educators and offer advice to Professionals, Schools, Parents and Children to help educate on what FASD is and how it affects everyone around them. We are passionate about helping families and professionals, working with individuals with Brain Based Disabilities, to feel confident to advocate for themselves or children, by providing a library of resources and a sense of community so they are empowered in supporting these individuals and advocating on their behalf. We are looking for volunteers to help with administration tasks or website help
Friends of Fullarton, Troon
We are a small charity concerned with the restoration and care of the ancient woodlands of Troon.
We have been in operation since 2015, raising funds for improvements and planting. We host regular volunteer work parties, tackling jobs such as invasive species control, tree planting and repairing paths. Together with the South Ayrshire Ranger Service and Scottish Wildlife Trust, Ayrshire, we regularly involve schools and community groups in woodland activities.
Our volunteer work parties are usually held on the last Sunday of the month, April to September 2pm till 4pm and October to March 10am-12noon.
No experience or tools required. We have tasks to suit all abilities. Age 15 and over. Meet us at the noticeboard, wear study footwear and clothing to protect you from brambles and nettles. Please come and give it a try - there's no commitment to turn up every time!
Please come and give us a hand - it's great fun!
Girl Guiding South Ayrshire
Your local Girlguiding group needs leaders and unit helpers for all sections in Carrick, Alloway, Central Ayr, Castlehill/Doon, Montgomerie, Prestwick, Troon. Mauchline and Cumnock. Whatever time commitment you have, Girlguiding is flexible.
We help all girls know they can do anything!
Girls in Guiding have incredible experiences together, make brilliant friends and discover the world around them. Every time they meet up, groups of Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, and Rangers learn new skills and take on challenges as they work out what they want to be and do in the future.
Volunteering with Guiding is ideal for someone who is training to work in teaching or childcare, and would like to gain experience.
There's no doubt that volunteering at Girlguiding will enhance your CV. Here are some of the valuable skills you could gain as part of our charity.
Teamwork – whether you're planning meetings with your fellow volunteers, or collaborating on a community project, guiding offers numerous chances to work effectively as a team.
Leadership – developing leadership skills is integral to many of our volunteering roles, especially those responsible for coordinating local guiding.
Organisation – planning a event or simply a weekly meeting - it all counts.
Motivation. Gaining any experience in Girlguiding shows that you are reliable, dedicated and can work independently.
Communication – if you’re making contact with parents, Commissioners, young members, external contacts – anyone – then you’re demonstrating excellent communication skills.
That’s not to mention the more specific skills that different roles within guiding can give you. Whoever you want to be, guiding can support you to achieve your full potential.
Guiding can enhance your experience and help you build a host of highly transferable skills. It's all about...
Fun – Guiding can give you the space to let off steam when work mounts up – whether that's through once-in-a-lifetime opportunities or just the mess and mayhem of weekly unit meetings.
Friendship – guiding can offer you a support network. Many of our volunteers make life-long friends through guiding, all across the world.
Flexibility – volunteers can be involved in guiding plan their unit meetings on a termly basis – meaning you don't need to worry about guiding getting in the way of your schedule. We can also have event and district helpers, and working groups if you would like to work on projects rather than Unit guiding. There really is something in Guiding for you, no matter how much time you have to give.
Future – volunteering at Girlguiding offers a highly enjoyable way of enhancing your employability outside of ordinary work experience, having an absolute blast at the same time.
Register and start your Guiding adventure today!
Oshay's Brain Domains
Oshay’s Centre is the home of Oshay's Brain Domains CIC which focuses on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) education and advocacy. It provides education to professionals, schools, parents, and children about what FASD is and how it affects individuals’ brains and those around them. Oshay’s also offers resources and a sense of community to empower and support families and professionals working with individuals with brain-based disabilities. Additionally, our work extends to supporting various neurodiverse conditions like ADHD, Trauma, Autism, Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia, falling under the umbrella of “Neurodiversity.” Additionally, we have recently launched a much needed Child Contact, Mediation and Counselling Service within our Centre.
Oshay’s are looking for Volunteer Drivers to pick up and drop off children/parents/carers at our Centre in Ayr and at community venues for supervised and supported family contact sessions. Volunteer drivers would require to use their own cars (Business Insurance required).
Volunteer drivers would not be involved in supervised contact sessions but in driving participants to and from meeting venue.
Please email info@oshays.org to find out more.
Oshay's Brain Domains
Oshay’s Centre is the home of Oshay's Brain Domains CIC which focuses on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) education and advocacy. It provides education to professionals, schools, parents, and children about what FASD is and how it affects individuals’ brains and those around them. Oshay’s also offers resources and a sense of community to empower and support families and professionals working with individuals with brain-based disabilities. Additionally, our work extends to supporting various neurodiverse conditions like ADHD, Trauma, Autism, Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia, falling under the umbrella of “Neurodiversity.” Additionally, we have recently launched a much needed Child Contact, Mediation and Counselling Service within our Centre.
Oshay's are currently looking to recruit Child Contact Centre volunteers to facilitate supported or supervised child contact.
The central concept of a child contact centre is to offer a safe, friendly, neutral, child-centred environment for children to meet their non-resident parent or family member. They are designed to be a stepping stone to a more permanent arrangement for future contact.
Parents/family members can spend time with their children in a supported or supervised context. They can also use the centres to collect and return the children to the other parent at the start and end of visits. Adults do not have to see or speak to each other at contact centres.
Please see link for further information regarding our Contact Centre. https://www.oshays.org/oshay-s-contact-centre/
Do you think you have the common sense and communication skills to effectively and safely support and/or supervise child contact sessions? Are you reliable and responsible?
Please email info@oshays.org to find out more.
Age Concern Ayr
Main duties: We would love to find some new people to help in our Crown Street charity shop which is open Monday to Saturday. We have teams of volunteers working each day: receiving, unpacking and pricing donations; helping on the shop floor; and serving customers. Ideally volunteers would be able to commit to a full day each week, but even half a day would be welcome.
The Ayr Ark
The opportunity is for vibrant people who enjoy all that entails working with young people of various backgrounds and for those who are looking for experience within this area.
Volunteers will assist with the running of after school activities, helping with the set-up, and pack down, as well as running holiday activities. Volunteers should be flexible as all activities will take place during evenings and school holidays.
If you’re interested in volunteering with us, get in touch to find out how you can get involved.
Student Placements
Looking to get experience in a youth work setting? We are open to working with students who are required to do a work placement as part of a Youth Work related degree. We have a partnership with UWS, speak to your programme leader or get in touch with us to find out more.
Why should I volunteer with the Ayr Ark?
Opportunity to gain volunteer awards
Develop employability skills and work experience.
Training opportunities
Meet new people.
Volunteer team building days and activities.
We are looking for vibrant people who enjoy all that entails working with young people of various backgrounds.
FRIDAY YOUTHWORK TEAM – VOLUNTEERING
This opportunity is for vibrant people who enjoy all that is involved with working with young people of various backgrounds. The Ayr Ark is open to young people on Friday evenings from 6:30-9:00pm. Volunteers are required to help from 6:00pm-9:15pm, this will involve both set up and pack down.
Some of the responsibilities include, handling money and use of our till, serving drinks and snacks at the bar, engaging with young people through conversation and/or games, and being a role model to our young people.
Volunteer roles are rotated to different areas within the building throughout the night, to allow you to gain more skills and qualities.
One of our volunteers, started coming to the Ayr Ark at the age of 13 and went on to become a part of our volunteer group. Erin recently left us to start UNI but when asked about her experience as a volunteer she said:
“I’ve made friends for life here and gained skills and real life experience I never thought possible, and it helped me grow as a person” – Erin Cran, Volunteer.
Carrick Rugby Club
Can you support Carrick Rugby? Do you enjoy spending time with a rugby team and trained as a physio/therapist assistant?
Sports physiotherapy plays an integral role when it comes to common rugby injuries. Treatment does not only involve basic therapy because sports physiotherapy aims to fully rehabilitate the player after an injury and to also find ways to prevent aggravating previous injuries and come up with a helpful plan to avoid further injuries. We need volunteers to assist our rugby players to help them prevent, manage and rehabilitate injuries.
Sue Ryder Care (South Ayrshire)
Come and join our lovely shop team in Prestwick. Have fun, learn new skills and make new friends, while supporting your local community.
You can develop new and existing a variety of new skills, including:
• Tagging, sorting, pricing donations
• Steaming and conditioning of donations
• Restocking of shelves
• Helping out at events to set up and pack away
Being a volunteer at the Sue Ryder Care Prestwick is an opportunity to:
• Make new friends
• Share in regular social activities
• Share tea/coffee and cake/biscuits with other volunteers
• Share a blether with volunteers and customers
• Get a reference for work
• Get experience to include in your CV
• Get reimbursed for any out of pocket expenses
• Support a great charity
Days and hours to suit.
Apply online or pop along to the shop 35/37 Main Street, Prestwick.
Narture Ayr
As a community interest company we value volunteers and their support really means a lot to us. We are looking for volunteers to manage our social media. Tasks will include:
- Creating engaging social media posts to grow our followers
- Day to day running of our social media content on Tik Tok, Instagram and Facebook
- Assisting with marketing for the organisation
Some of this role can be done at home but volunteers must be able to visit our bakery, cafe and studio to create content.
In exchange for your time and energy volunteering with us, we can offer the opportunity to improve employability skills, fulfill your volunteering hours for Saltire Awards/Duke of Edinburgh or your company's corporate social responsibility. We can even provide you with a character reference if you have volunteered with us for a number of months.
Oxfam (Troon)
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!
DEBRA UK (Scotland office)
DEBRA is a national charity and patient support organisation for people living with the rare, extremely painful, genetic skin blistering condition, Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) also known as ‘Butterfly Skin’. EB causes the skin to become very fragile and tear or blister at the slightest touch. With your help we can find treatments and cure(s) for EB.
Volunteering in a DEBRA shop can teach you new skills as well as meeting new people and gaining experience in retail.
The role involves:
- Operating a till to take cash and card payments
- Engaging with customers on the shop floor
- Replenishing stock on the shop floor
- Recording donor details for gift aid
- Creating eye catching displays
MS Society
Transport Volunteer
We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us.
About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Transport Volunteer for the Ayrshire Group. As a Transport Volunteer, you will help make sure people with MS can access activities and events, by setting up relationships with local transport providers.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You will understand the local area and be confident to liaise with organisations that provide local transport.
Apply
- Read through the role description carefully
- Please apply online
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
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.
As a Community Volunteer you can contribute as an individual or become part of one of our local groups of passionate volunteers, helping to grow our movement by motivating and inspiring people in your local community to support our work.
You can raise awareness of our work within your community in a number of ways, including:
•Helping us to share our story - give Mary’s Meals talks to local community organisations, schools, churches and faith groups to raise vital awareness and funds
•Host fundraising events in your local area such as coffee mornings, quizzes, and bucket collections
•Promote Mary’s Meals fundraising campaigns
•Distribute and display promotional materials and place collection tins in your local community
•Host community engagement events such as film screenings to share our message
•Help us to generate corporate support in your local area
•Support with local media opportunities
•Come together as a group with other local volunteers to support each other with this work
All of our volunteer activities are tailored to suit your different skills and time constraints.
Lochlan's Legacy SCIO
Lochlan’s Legacy is a charity which raises awareness and understanding of type 1 diabetes, reducing stigma, breaking down barriers, promoting youth voice and building a strong community. Lochlan’s Legacy is led by our founder, Lochlan Murdoch BCyA, who is fourteen years old. The charity has been working since 2020 and our work includes raising awareness of Type 1 diabetes in sport, and setting up our youth group 'T1D and ME - Giving Youth a Voice'. Come and be part of something incredible, driven by our iWill Ambassador Lochlan.
We are currently looking for Analysis Volunteers to help out behind the scenes with day to day running of the organisation including funding and administration. This could be the ideal opportunity for someone looking to gain some business experience.
Loans Community Centre Limited (LCCL)
The Drop in Centre is held every Wednesday in Loans Village Hall between 13:30 and 16:15 and it urgently needs two new volunteers so that it can keep running. One volunteer is stepping down now and the other at the end of the year due to failing health.
This would involve buying cakes and milk, keeping the receipts, collecting money and serving tea to some of the more elderly members of our Community. For some of the locals who come along, it’s the only day of the week that they get out.
If you’re interested in helping out then feel free to drop-in yourself when one of the sessions are running so you can see first hand what it’s all about.
Relationships Scotland - Couple Counselling Ayrshire
Relationships Scotland are Scotland's largest provider of relationship counselling, family mediation and child contact centres. Relationships Scotland - Couple Counselling Ayrshire are currently looking for committee members. We are ideally looking for individuals with a background in finance or law but would be open to other skills.
Our meetings are currently held every 2nd month on a Friday afternoon. Volunteers will provide support and advice on our goals and activities and ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation. Committee members also ensure that the charity operates within its charitable purpose and complies with the requirements of OSCR. Our committee members are an essential and valued part of the team.
Bfriend
We're looking for an adult volunteer who will provide a supportive friendship for a socially isolated young person aged between 8 and 18 who lives in South Ayrshire. Ideally this will involve meeting with their young person every couple of weeks for a few hours, spending time together accessing local activities.
This includes:
• Be matched on a 1:1 basis with a young person.
• Go on regular outings and activities with the young person.
• Have the opportunity to participate in group outings/activities and also volunteer support sessions.
• Keeping in touch with the Project about the young person’s achievements / growth and activities, and to receive ongoing support from the Bfriend team.
• Open minded as we work with young people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Following training, to be able to have empathy and understanding of some of the issues encountered by young people referred to the team.
• Continuous focus on the needs of the young person who you are matched with.
• Willing to participate in a broad range of activities mutually agreed with the young person.
• To be a positive adult role model for the young person and, very importantly, to have FUN!
• Have an awareness of and be able to adhere to Bfriend’s policies and procedures.
Bfriend
The main aim of befriending is to reduce the social isolation of the young people we support, increase their confidence and self-esteem and ensure they are included and feel valued. Befrienders meet with the young person once a fortnight to support and encourage them to take part in activities in the community. In addition to one to one activities Bfriend offers regular group activities for young people and a youth group which is run with the help of the young people themselves. Group outings vary in nature, anything from a day out to the Farm park, to a beach clean to arts and crafts at the office – all are great fun and ensure the young people can meet with their peers in a safe and supportive environment.
The Group Outing Assistant will:
• Support staff with the smooth delivery of group activities.
• Maintain a register of attendees during activities and oversee additional administrative tasks as and when required.
• Organise and oversee resources and materials for the activity.
• Set up and tidy up for the activity.
• Assist with transport of young people and/or volunteers to and from the activity.
Saving and rehoming Strays
We rely on the help of the many volunteers who give their time and their talents to us freely. We always need dedicated and reliable volunteers that can help out and new volunteers are always welcome.
There are many volunteering opportunities including working directly with our dogs, manual and maintenance, fostering, becoming a home checker, fundraising and helping at our events. Yet for safety reasons, we ask you to start off as a general volunteer with us and once you have gained the trust of our rescues, then you can start to volunteer directly with our dogs.
Volunteering not only benefits our dogs but also provides lots of benefits for our volunteers too including:
- Meeting like-minded people who are passionate about animal welfare
- Gaining new skills or developing existing ones
- Gaining a sense of achievement by doing something rewarding
- Putting something back into the community
- Developing personal skills and confidence
Please note that if you wish to volunteer at the centre, it does involve physical work and due to our location your own transport is essential.
For on-site roles you will be invited to attend an induction course with our team when you will be asked to show ID and full proof of address before you can take up a volunteering role with us.
On site sessions will currently be at our principle site in Ayr.
The different types of sessions are as follows:
CORE session – daytime, on site including poop picking, kennel cleaning and water checks.
SUPPORT sessions – other on-site activities which may include any of the activities listed below as required by SRS at the time.
SORT session – on site (or may be at home) sorting and preparing donations (daytime or evening).
BARTER session – offsite (with on-site collection – requires transport) supporting with bartering deals made, collecting donations and may also include help with taking washing to the large wash centres.
EVENT sessions – preparing and running events such as car boot sales, tabletop sales etc.
Other activities you can help with? Just get in touch with us and we'll find the perfect role for you.
THANK YOU!
Sanctuary Care
Looking for a fulfilling and rewarding experience? Join our team at our care homes for the elderly as a volunteer and make a difference in the lives of our residents. Whether its befriending and chatting with our residents or organising and participating in leisure and social activities, your contribution will have a significant impact on their well-being and quality of life. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to develop new skills, meet new people and create meaningful connections with our residents. Join us today and be a part of a community that values and appreciates the importance of companionship and human connection. Opportunities are available for weekdays or weekends, day time or early evening at:
Glenfairn House Care Home-Sanctuary Care, 28 Racecourse Road, Ayr KA7 2UX
Queens Care Home, 34 Ardayre Road, Prestwick KA9 1QL.
We are a not-for-profit organisation specialising in care homes for the elderly and currently have over 110 care homes across England and Scotland.
For more info, please go to https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs/volunteering/how-apply-be-sanctuary-care-volunteer
If you would like to help our care homes through volunteering, opportunities are available for weekdays or weekends, daytime or early evening.
We are currently looking to recruit volunteer drivers to drive our mini bus to help our residents attend appointments and outings.
For more info, please go to https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs/volunteering/how-apply-be-sanctuary-care-volunteer to learn more and apply online.
Sanctuary Care
Looking for a fulfilling and rewarding experience? Join our team at our care homes for the elderly as a volunteer and make a difference in the lives of our residents. Whether its befriending and chatting with our residents or organising and participating in leisure and social activities, your contribution will have a significant impact on their well-being and quality of life. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to develop new skills, meet new people and create meaningful connections with our residents. Join us today and be a part of a community that values and appreciates the importance of companionship and human connection. Opportunities are available for weekdays or weekends, day time or early evening at:
Glenfairn House Care Home-Sanctuary Care, 28 Racecourse Road, Ayr KA7 2UX
Queens Care Home, 34 Ardayre Road, Prestwick KA9 1QL.
We are a not-for-profit organisation specialising in care homes for the elderly and currently have over 110 care homes across England and Scotland.
For more info, please go to https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs/volunteering/how-apply-be-sanctuary-care-volunteer
If you would like to help our care homes through volunteering, opportunities are available for weekdays or weekends, daytime or early evening.
We are currently looking to recruit Gardening volunteers. Are you interested in gardening? Could you help look after the grounds at our care homes? Could you plant and maintain our gardens? Could you work alongside our residents to provide opportunities for them to plant and grow? Could you help facilitate our 'Grow your own' projects, growing vegetables to use in our kitchens? We would love to hear from you!
For more info, please go to https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs/volunteering/how-apply-be-sanctuary-care-volunteer to learn more and apply online.
Sanctuary Care
Looking for a fulfilling and rewarding experience? Join our team at our care homes for the elderly as a volunteer and make a difference in the lives of our residents. Whether its befriending and chatting with our residents or organising and participating in leisure and social activities, your contribution will have a significant impact on their well-being and quality of life. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to develop new skills, meet new people and create meaningful connections with our residents. Join us today and be a part of a community that values and appreciates the importance of companionship and human connection. Opportunities are available for weekdays or weekends, day time or early evening at:
Glenfairn House Care Home-Sanctuary Care, 28 Racecourse Road, Ayr KA7 2UX
Queens Care Home, 34 Ardayre Road, Prestwick KA9 1QL.
We are a not-for-profit organisation specialising in care homes for the elderly and currently have over 110 care homes across England and Scotland.
For more info, please go to https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs/volunteering/how-apply-be-sanctuary-care-volunteer
If you would like to help our care homes through volunteering, opportunities are available for weekdays or weekends, daytime or early evening.
We are currently looking to recruit volunteer entertainers. Do you enjoy entertaining? Do you have a talent you could share with our residents to entertain them? Are you a singer, musician, comedian, dancer, magician?
If you could spare some time to come in and entertain our residents we would love to hear from you!
For more info, please go to https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk/jobs/volunteering/how-apply-be-sanctuary-care-volunteer to learn more and apply online.
Voluntary Action South Ayrshire
Your role as the Telephone Befriender is to engage in conversation with a client over the phone, building a rapport and engaging with them on a weekly basis (note: some befriending matches require more than one call per week). Most of the referrals come from our partners and other agencies but some are self-referrals. All referrals are due to the client being lonely and feeling isolated. It should be noted, that does not necessarily mean they are an older person living on their own. Some referrals are for younger adults who may live in a ‘busy’ household.
As a Befriender your co-ordinator will match you to a suitable client. This will be done after finding out more about both yourself and the client to see if there are similarities in personality, hobbies etc. It will not be done purely on age – often the perfect match is with different generations.
Your role will be to chat to the client, using your own phone from your own home. You will be required to actively engage and encourage conversation – sometimes this needs to be led by you, the volunteer, as there could be barriers with the clients such as: confidence, disability, speech issues etc. The Telephone Befriender will not be expected to offer advice or to ‘counsel’ the client – you are simply someone to have a chat to and be a listening ear – something for the client to look forward to each week. Befrienders should give minimal personal details about themselves and should never ‘off-load’ their own issues to a client. Your coordinator will always be there to deal with any concerns you have about any of your matches.
VASA induction training will be given and guidelines issued around safety protocols for volunteers and clients. Workshops will be available from time to time to cover areas of interest around Befriending.
A PVG check will be carried out prior to commencement as a befriender.
It should be noted that this role does not include any face-to-face befriending and no volunteer should arrange to meet with a client. Post COVID, if a one-to-one, face-to-face service was developed, appropriate training would be given then if deemed applicable.
DUTIES: The role of the Telephone Befriender will be as follows:
• To offer friendship and encouragement, via a telephone call, to a client who is isolated and lonely.
• To provide a listening ear.
• To facilitate conversation and engage with clients.
• To build up a relationship with the befriendee, giving them something to look forward to on a weekly basis.
• To commit to a minimum of 20min per week to the service.
Voluntary Action South Ayrshire
Are you a young person (12-25) with existing experience of volunteering? Do you live in South Ayrshire?
Then you might be interested in becoming a Saltire Ambassador!
Our recently formed 'Saltire Squad' are looking for new members to help us 'fly the flag' about volunteering across South Ayrshire. If you are passionate about the benefits and impact of volunteering, then this is the ideal opportunity for you.
You will be a member of a growing group of Saltire Ambassadors who are promoting volunteering and the Saltire Awards in their local communities. This opportunity is flexible to your schedule and your talents - ideal for those in school, college or university. If you sign-up, you will have the opportunity to:
• Plan and attend events across South Ayrshire to promote youth volunteering.
• Create engaging social media content and videos to raise awareness about volunteering and the Saltire Awards.
• Work as part of a team to come up with new and fun ideas for increasing youth volunteering in South Ayrshire.
• Help to plan the Saltire Awards Ceremony - an annual event celebrating the achievements of Saltire Award participants.
• Join a group of young people who are passionate about making a difference in their local community!
All participants will be provided with a mentor for ongoing support as well as access to events, training, and opportunities.
Unique Friends Together
UNIQUE Friends Together is a Community Group based in Ayr in the south west of Scotland.
Our purpose is to promote inclusivity and integration for young people aged 16 to 30 with additional support needs.
We do this by organising and running safe and accessible social events and activities such as disco, karaoke, games, cinema, trips etc.
New people are always welcome to come along to any of our events - we love seeing new faces.
The group is run entirely by volunteers and managed by a small committee of five Trustees.
Our trustees and event volunteers include parents/guardians of young people with ASN.
We are looking for a volunteer who can provide the technical know how to set up equipment for our various social activities and events, for example discos, cinema/movie nights and karaoke. We have regular social events every second Friday evening with occasional activities happening from time to time.
These events provide fun, friendship and social inclusion for the young people who come along. We are based in Heathfield Community Centre in Ayr and the events take place there. We need someone with the technical know how and a few hours to spare as a volunteer to help us make sure that we can deliver events as promised.
This is a great opportunity to share your technical wizardry and make sure our activities are well set up and successful!
Interested? Could this be you? To find out more please email enq.uniquefriends@gmail.com
Unique Friends Together
UNIQUE Friends Together is a Community Group based in Ayr in the south west of Scotland.
Our purpose is to promote inclusivity and integration for young people aged 16 to 30 with additional support needs.
We do this by organising and running safe and accessible social events and activities such as disco, karaoke, games, cinema, trips etc.
New people are always welcome to come along to any of our events - we love seeing new faces.
The group is run entirely by volunteers and managed by a small committee of five Trustees.
Our trustees and event volunteers include parents/guardians of young people with ASN.
We are looking for volunteers who can provide social support and help out at our various social activities and events, for example discos, cinema/movie nights and karaoke. We have regular social events every second Friday evening with occasional activities happening from time to time.
These events provide fun, friendship and social inclusion for the young people who come along. We are based in Heathfield Community Centre in Ayr and the events take place there.
Event Volunteers
We are always on the look out for great event volunteers. Without them we simply would not be able to run our events which benefit so many young people with additional support needs.
Our event volunteers encourage and support the young people to participate and develop self confidence.
If you can spare two or three hours every fortnight or even once a month to help out at our events then we would love to hear from you.
This is a great opportunity to share your social skills (and dancing skills sometimes! ;-) and make sure our activities are well supported, safe and successful!
Interested? Could this be you? To find out more please email enq.uniquefriends@gmail.com
Pet Fostering Services Scotland (South Ayrshire)
Pet Fostering Service Scotland provide short term care for pets, when their owner is unable to do so through illness, homelessness or domestic abuse and cannot arrange any alternative care.
We are looking for volunteer foster carers for these pets who would be responsible for meeting the daily needs of the pets in your care, including feeding, cleaning, grooming, exercising and socialising until the pet is returned to its owner. Pet costs such as food and veterinary fees will be met by the owner.
British Red Cross
For people leaving hospital, adjusting to life at home can be a difficult time. Helping someone get their essential shopping, pick up their prescription or get the heating turned on can make all the difference for them to feel safe at home.
We are looking for volunteers who live in Ayrshire and are able to volunteer at least 4 hours per week from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Are able to drive and have use of a vehicle, this is preferred if providing outreach support but not essential. If you will be driving for this role you need to have held a full driving licence for at least 2 years which allows you to drive in the UK.
Have good communication skills.
Are warm, friendly and able to empathise with others.
Are reliable and passionate about making a difference to the lives of vulnerable people.
Due to the nature of this role, applicants must undergo an Enhanced PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check.
Please apply directly via the British Red Cross link
Sensory Impaired Support Group (Ayrshire Hearing Support) (SC029706)
Help is needed to support first time hearing aid users to adjust the aid and to use it correctly. Some assistance can also be required to clean and maintain the hearing aid - particularly by those who have a problem with eyesight or manual dexterity.
Teenage Cancer Trust
This is your chance to sign up to be in involved in raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust at the Ayr Ladies Lunch on Saturday 9 September 2024!
We’re looking for support across a number of tasks including, selling raffle tickets, issuing raffle prizes, bucket collecting and generally supporting with the event.
This promises to be a great day of volunteering, and the perfect opportunity to sign up with your friends and family or to come along meet other Teenage Cancer Trust volunteers.
What will volunteers do?
We're looking for volunteers to sell raffle tickets, issue raffle prizes, and take part in bucket collections, as well as general event support and being a friendly and approachable face of the charity.
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
Sue Ryder Care (South Ayrshire)
Come and join our lovely shop team in Prestwick. Have fun, learn new skills and make new friends, while supporting your local community.
You can develop new and existing a variety of new skills, including:
• Greeting our customers who might also be mystery shoppers.
• Filling the shop floor with treasures
• Providing great customer service on the till
• Making the windows look amazing
Being a volunteer at the Sue Ryder Care Prestwick is an opportunity to:
• Make new friends
• Share in regular social activities
• Share tea/coffee and cake/biscuits with other volunteers
• Share a blether with volunteers and customers
• Get a reference for work
• Get experience to include in your CV
• Get reimbursed for any out of pocket expenses
• Support a great charity
Days and hours to suit.
Apply online or pop along to the shop 35/37 Main Street, Prestwick.
Narture Ayr
Narture was founded in June 2020 by artist father and daughter team Robert and Saskia Singer. The project evolved initially from occupying empty town centre spaces and re-purposing them for cultural and creative uses. Nurturing a thriving and successful social enterprise, where 'everyone is an artist' and are encouraged to use their creative energies towards positive change.
Narture’s ultimate goal is to become a truly inclusive creative hive, making participatory cultural activities available to all members of society.
Narture’s award winning Sourdough Bakery and acclaimed Artisan Café, are currently the core income generators of the social enterprise. The bakery specialises in handmade sourdough produce, baked daily; championing sustainable, healthy ingredients and supporting local businesses and was recently awarded Bread Bakery of the Year by Prestige Scotland for the second year running. Our purpose is to bake real bread to earn the dough to support arts projects.
Your Impact Matters: By volunteering with us, you're not just contributing skills; you're part of a movement driving creative regeneration. Some roles may even pave the way to paid employment opportunities.
Narture CIC is currently looking for volunteer gallery attendants to monitor and supervise the gallery or exhibition, ensuring the safety of the artworks and providing assistance or information to visitors.
We are looking for self motivated, organised individuals.
Volunteering as a gallery attendant can offer several perks:
1. Access to Art: Volunteers often get exclusive access to exhibitions, allowing them to view artwork up close and learn about different artistic styles and techniques.
2. Networking Opportunities: Volunteering in a gallery setting can provide opportunities to connect with artists, curators, and other professionals in the art world, potentially leading to future collaborations or career opportunities.
3. Enhanced Knowledge: Gallery Attendants often receive training and information about the artworks on display, deepening their understanding of art history, contemporary art trends, and cultural contexts.
4. Personal Development: Volunteering as a Gallery Attendant can help develop skills such as communication and customer service which are valuable in various professional and personal contexts.
5. Contribution to the Community: By volunteering, individuals contribute to the local arts community and help support the cultural enrichment of visitors, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.
6. Overall, volunteering as a gallery attendant can be a rewarding experience that combines a passion for art with opportunities for personal growth and community involvement.
If you feel the call to contribute your talents to our journey, reach out! Whether you're skilled and ready to share or eager to learn and develop skills for future paid work, Narture welcomes your enthusiasm.
Narture Ayr
Narture CIC is an artist collective, working to fund arts projects in Ayr. Our bakery is where we bake real sourdough bread to ‘earn the dough’ to fund arts projects. So if you love art and food then this is the right place for you! We are a friendly little team in need of some help to make sure that everything is running smoothly. As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to learn about sourdough baking and always have access to some freshly baked sourdough bread; that’s the least we can do to thank our volunteers. Working with us you can also meet new people in your local area make new connections.
We are currently looking for a volunteer bookkeeper to help keep our numbers and financial reports up to date and report to our Finance Director. Main duties will include:
- Recording financial transactions
- Handling accounts payable and receivable
- Managing profit and loss statements and balance sheets
- Paying regular bills for the company
- Maintaining company ledgers
Please contact us if you have relevant book keeping experience and would like to join our team.
If you feel the call to contribute your talents to our journey, reach out! Whether you're skilled and ready to share or eager to learn and develop skills for future paid work, Narture welcomes your enthusiasm
Narture Ayr
Narture was founded in June 2020 by artist father and daughter team Robert and Saskia Singer. The project evolved initially from occupying empty town centre spaces and re-purposing them for cultural and creative uses. Nurturing a thriving and successful social enterprise, where 'everyone is an artist' and are encouraged to use their creative energies towards positive change.
Narture’s ultimate goal is to become a truly inclusive creative hive, making participatory cultural activities available to all members of society.
Narture’s award winning Sourdough Bakery and acclaimed Artisan Café, are currently the core income generators of the social enterprise. The bakery specialises in handmade sourdough produce, baked daily; championing sustainable, healthy ingredients and supporting local businesses and was recently awarded Bread Bakery of the Year by Prestige Scotland for the second year running. Our purpose is to bake real bread to earn the dough to support arts projects.
Your Impact Matters: By volunteering with us, you're not just contributing skills; you're part of a movement driving creative regeneration. Some roles may even pave the way to paid employment opportunities.
Narture CIC is currently looking for a volunteer to assemble and submit grants requests for our community projects.
We are looking for self motivated, organised individuals preferably with expertise in submitting funding applications, to local and national government and other organisations who may advertise funds that we may make applications to.
You are able to volunteer from home and as the time required for this opportunity can vary a degree of flexibility is required.
Responsibilities:
• Contribute to compiling and submitting funding applications, enabling us to expand our work and provide more opportunities for creativity and well-being
- Research and identify sources of funding and grants that match the company’s objectives
• Write high quality and winning grant proposals
Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland (South Ayrshire)
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.
You will be liking and sharing posts on social media to help us spread our word, completing on-line surveys, signing campaigns or petitions, and more. As little as 5 minutes of your time per week could help us ensure no life is half lived in Scotland!
Tasks will include:
- Liking and sharing posts on social media to help us spread our work
- Completing online surveys
- Signing campaigns or petitions
PDSA (Ayr Shop)
Urgent call for volunteers to regularly help at the charity shop or more sporadic support as needed.
Volunteers are involved in a wide range of roles and day-to-day activities that support the running and upkeep of each shop. On the shop floor you could be involved with providing excellent customer service, processing transactions on the tills, replenishing stock and putting up eye-catching displays to entice customers in. Behind the scenes, volunteers get involved with sorting through donations to find those hidden gems and preparing goods for sale by sorting, steaming and pricing.
A few hours a week could make a difference.
PDSA positively encourages volunteer applications regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect.
To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous and all appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.
Community Gift Exchange
How would you like to be part of a charity with a difference? At Community Gift Exchange (CGX) we believe everyone has a gift or skill to share.
Little or no experience? All the better! CGX aims to equip people with the skills they need to go onto sustainable employment or further training (see also training details for further info). We want to help you realise your goals no matter how small or big!
We value our Volunteers so much that we offer everyone who gives their time a free hearty, home-made lunch. Past and current volunteers particularly appreciate making new friends and being part of a genuinely inclusive community.
Cycleworks aims to save bicycles from going to waste by repairing, fixing and restoring so they can be ridden once again!
What can I expect to learn and do in this role?
• Bicycle refurbishment including : bike ‘stripping’; brake and gear calibration; wheel repair and building; pedal care and repair
• How to set up a bicycle for a customer
• How to fully clean and maintain a bicycle
• How to check parts for wear and sort accordingly
• Maintain the workshop to a high standard of tidiness
This is a great opportunity if you are interested in going into mechanics or engineering to gain experience of a workshop environment.
CGX have conducted and implemented a Covid-secure Risk Assessment and follow government guidelines. The safety and wellbeing of our volunteers and staff is our highest priority.
The Ayr Ark
The opportunity is for vibrant people who enjoy all that entails working with young people of various backgrounds and for those who are looking for experience within events.
Volunteers will assist with the running of events and activities, helping with the set-up, social media and marketing of the events, as well as running activities all day. Volunteers should be flexible as events and activities will take place during weekends and evenings.
If your interested in volunteering with us, get in touch to find out how you can get involved.
Student Placements
Looking to get experience in a youth work setting? We are open to working with students who require to do a work placement as part of a Youth Work related degree. We have a partnership with UWS, speak to your programme leader or get in touch with us to find out more.
Why should I volunteer with the Ayr Ark?
Opportunity to gain a youth qualification
Develop employability skills and work experience.
Training opportunities
Meet new people
Volunteer team building days and activities
Marie Curie (South Ayrshire)
Our charity shops rely on generous donations made by the public to raise crucial funds for Marie Curie. From clothes, homeware and books, to CDs and DVDs, we sell a wide variety of products.
We are looking for volunteers to help us sort through all these donations, pick out the best items and prepare and sell them to our customers. Without the help of our dedicated volunteers we could not provide our customers with high quality items at affordable prices. This allows us to raise funds so our nurses can continue to provide care to terminally ill people and support for their families.
Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:
Sort through donations, being aware of the possibility of a hidden gem and better quality brands
Prepare items for sale by checking, hanging, steaming, sizing and pricing them
Work on the shop floor and provide excellent customer service to our shoppers
Operate the till
Help out with basic housekeeping to keep the shop clean and tidy
Young Volunteers
Please note: A signed Parent/Guardian Consent Form is required for all volunteers aged 14-17 years.
Carrick Rugby Club
As we cover the whole of Carrick (North and South) transport is a huge issue and cost for the club. Could you help us by driving SACT or Community minibuses?
This will allow us to offer transport links to rural areas and give young people in these areas the opportunity to participate in our fantastic sport and committed community club.
For this role full membership of the PVG scheme is mandatory but we can organise that free of charge. You will be fully supported by our club committee, volunteers and players.
The time commitment for coaching is generally approx. 5 hours per week including 1 weekday evening and either Saturday or Sunday mornings during term time, you will primarily be associated with one year group.
Contact us on carrickrugby@gmail.com please mark Volunteering in the subject line and have a look at our Facebook pages to see what our amazing volunteers support: @carrickrugby and @ Carrick Micro/minis
Please note: only drivers between the ages of 25 and 75 with two full years of driving experience and who have or are willing to complete MiDAS training within 12 months will be permitted to drive the minibuses. Over the age of 70, drivers must have completed a PCV medical in order to continue driving any minibus.
Friends of Dundonald Castle
Dundonald Castle is a 14th Century hilltop fortified ruin which is looked after on a daily basis by The Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO, who also manage the attraction’s Visitor Centre.
We are currently looking for volunteers for our cafe. Full day and half day shifts are available and tasks will include:
- Greeting/welcoming customers
- Helping with serving customers
- Keeping the visitor centre clean and tidy
- Daily set up and clean up
- Preparing food and drinks
- Restocking and compiling shopping lists
- Assisting regular groups in the cafe including Knit n Natter, Scrabble, History Group and Walking Group
Boys Brigade (South Ayrshire)
1st Alloway Boys' Brigade are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help lead games and sporty activities for their children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years old. The group meets on Friday evenings during term-time, taking part in a wide range of activities including crafts, games, sports, cooking, life skills and community projects.
Boys Brigade (South Ayrshire)
2nd Ayr Boys' Brigade are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help lead games and sporty activities for their children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years old. The group meets on Friday evenings during term-time, taking part in a wide range of activities including crafts, games, sports, cooking, life skills and community projects.
Boys Brigade (South Ayrshire)
4th Ayr Boys' Brigade are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help lead games and sporty activities for their children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years old. The group meets on Friday evenings during term-time, taking part in a wide range of activities including crafts, games, sports, cooking, life skills and community projects.
Boys Brigade (South Ayrshire)
8th Ayr Boys' Brigade are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help lead games and sporty activities for their children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years old. The group meets on Friday evenings during term-time, taking part in a wide range of activities including crafts, games, sports, cooking, life skills and community projects.
Ayrshire Hospice
Help make today matter by supporting the Ayrshire Hospice as a Customer Service Assistant in our Hospice shops.
Do you have a passion for fashion and love working with people?
Then we have a new exciting opportunity for you. Volunteering is always in style!
Volunteers play a huge part in the running of our stores and our retail chain could not function without the support they provide. We have various volunteer opportunities in our stores in our locations throughout Ayrshire. As a customer service assistant, you will be enhancing every customers experience. You will be welcoming and on hand to assist as well as manning the tills.
To read the full role description, visit ayrshirehospice.org Benefits of Volunteering with Ayrshire Hospice:
Volunteering with us is flexible and fits around work and life commitments. Giving just 2 to 4 hours per week can make a real difference.
Volunteering is a great opportunity to meet new people and be included in a caring, diverse group of people and perhaps even make some new friends for life!
Many volunteers feel a sense of belonging as they have a chance to make a difference to others’ lives and be part of something more. The knowledge and skills used in all of our volunteer roles can be great for students looking to enhance their experience and CV to give them an edge in future job applications.
Regardless of your reasons for wanting to volunteer we hope that you, along with our other volunteers have fun and enjoy any amount of time you are able to have with us!
How do I apply?
Visit our website: ayrshirehospice.org to download an application form. For further information contact Ayrshire Hospice on 01292 269200 or email recruitment@ayrshirehospice.org
Completed application forms can be sent to recruitment@ayrshirehospice.org or to Ayrshire Hospice HR, Lochranza Building, Ailsa Hospital, Dalmellington Road, Ayr, KA6 6AB.
Oxfam (Troon)
Join the Oxfam community
As a Retail Volunteer you will learn all about what goes into making our fantastic shop thrive. You can keep busy in the stockroom sorting and checking donations or be on the shop floor, serving customers and putting stock out on sale. Whatever suits you! Best of all you’ll be raising vital funds to support people facing poverty around the world.
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.
You can focus on any part of volunteering that interests you the most. As a Retail Volunteer you’ll develop skills that boost your confidence. Why not try a bit of everything?
Sorting donations including checking and pricing
Serving customers on the till
Create stylish window displays
Keeping the shop fully stocked
Helping donors as they come in
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!
Girvan Community Garden (SA)
On the 20th March 2011 the people of Girvan celebrated the official opening of their community garden. People couldn't believe the transformation of what was once a neglected and overgrown tree nursery.
Before we took over the area in 2006/07 it had lain derelict for over 30 years. We knew it had lots of potential and so we decided to ask the community what they thought of turning it into a community garden. The support was overwhelming.
As you can imagine there was lots to do to get the area into a state where we could start to design and plant. We relied heavily on volunteers who are the backbone of our community garden.
In July 2010 we became part of the Beechgrove Garden Community Garden’s project. They came and filmed us and helped with our design ideas. It finally felt like we were really getting somewhere.
After all of the hard work it's wonderful to be able to open the garden up to so many different people. We relish the opportunity to promote gardening and other related activities particularly to those who are new gardeners and young children.
We support community well-being and better health through gardening. Events held in the community garden are well attended and supported.
We are currently looking for volunteer gardeners to join us on Tuesdays to help plant and maintain the gardens. We welcome volunteers from across the spectrum of gardening knowledge and experience. Would you like to volunteer and learn more about gardening? Do you have gardening knowledge and skills you could use by volunteering to help us in the garden? We look forward to hearing from you!
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.
Cancer Research UK
Volunteer in our shops.
Our shop volunteers are helping us beat cancer right now.
If you volunteer at a Cancer Research UK shop, you too could make a real difference to what we can achieve. Nothing we do would be possible without amazing volunteers like you.
You’ll also gain valuable skills to help develop your CV and experience. And you’ll volunteer alongside a wonderful team of passionate, friendly people who will support you every step of the way.
Volunteering is open to everyone and no experience is required. So, if you’re looking for a new challenge, we’d love to hear from you.
What do shop volunteers do?
Volunteering in our shops is varied, exciting and rewarding. No two days are the same and you have the chance to flex different skills regularly. There are always new opportunities to keep you engaged and help you grow and develop in your role.
While this list is not exhaustive, it gives you a flavour of some of the typical tasks in our charity shops:
- Serving customers, taking cash and providing good all-round customer service
- Sorting through donated items and pricing stock
- Working on window and shop displays
- Keeping the shop tidy, clean and well organised
- Interacting with the general public
You don’t need any experience to volunteer . You just need to be motivated, hardworking and enjoy being part of a team. There’ll be a full induction as well as ongoing training opportunities to make sure you’re fully confident and able to excel in your role.
Why should I volunteer?
Volunteering brings a wealth of benefits, both personal and professional.
Every volunteer hour you donate means we can sell 6 items and make £20 of income. So, if you volunteer for a 7-hour day, this can generate £140. That means that every day you volunteer, you’ll be raising more funds to beat cancer.
You’ll gain important skills that are hugely valued in the workplace such as teamwork, communication and using your initiative.
You can boost your CV by working towards an NVQ in Retail with Derby College, and we'll provide you with a reference.
It will allow you to get involved in your local community and to meet new friends.
Our friendly CRUK team will be there to support you all the way – offering guidance and helping you build your confidence.
It’s fun – you’ll gain real satisfaction from volunteering alongside our warm, friendly shop volunteers who will make you feel right at home.
The minimum age for volunteering in our shops is 18 . If you’re aged between 16 -18 you may still be able to volunteer in our shops, but you must be on a recognised scheme, for example the Duke of Edinburgh. or the Saltire Award.
Volunteering opportunities advertised
across
South Ayrshire:
312
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Suitable for groups, One-off volunteering
Rotary is a global network,1.4 million strong, who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change-in our communities, across the world and in ourselves.
Ayr Rotary Club is one of 46,000 clubs worldwide. We are very active in the local community supporting many charities. Examples of our current projects include a charity cycling event, a Primary Schools careers fair, fundraising for Poppy Scotland, a beach clean, Food bank support, youth pubic speaking competitions, and a charity golf tournament,
Members aim to enjoy “fun and friendship while helping others”
It’s a great way to meet like-minded people and make long-lasting friendships.
Men and women of all ages are welcome, and you choose the type of activities you would like to be involved with.
There are lots of different ways to become involved with Ayr Rotary, and you don’t have to become a member. With many projects ongoing, we always require help from non-members.
We are currently recruiting volunteer fundraisers to help support our efforts towards the Poppy Scotland 2024 campaign culminating on Armistice Day, 11 November.
This volunteering role could involve collecting cash donations in cans for poppies outside supermarkets, or having responsibilities for installing cans and poppies in shops, renewing/refreshing these if required, and collecting cans and banking the cash. This is a seasonal volunteering opportunity mid October to mid November but contributes to important fundraising for Poppy Scotland by Ayr Rotary.
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Home-based volunteering, Suitable for groups, One-off volunteering
Rotary is a global network,1.4 million strong, who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change-in our communities, across the world and in ourselves.
Ayr Rotary Club is one of 46,000 clubs worldwide. We are very active in the local community supporting many charities. Examples of our current projects include a cycling event, a Primary Schools careers fair, fundraising for Poppy Scotland, a beach clean, Food bank support, youth pubiic speaking competitions, and a charity golf tournament.
Members aim to enjoy “fun and friendship while helping others”
It’s a great way to meet like-minded people and make long-lasting friendships.
Men and women of all ages are welcome, and you choose the type of activities you would like to be involved with.
There are lots of different ways to become involved with Ayr Rotary, and you don’t have to become a member. With many projects ongoing, we always require help from non-members. We call our regular helpers and volunteers “Friends of Rotary”
If you have skills, experience or talents to offer, and would like to give something back to the community, we would love to hear from you!
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Suitable for groups, One-off volunteering
Rotary is a global network,1.4 million strong, who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change-in our communities, across the world and in ourselves.
Ayr Rotary Club is one of 46,000 clubs worldwide.We are very active in the local community. Examples of our current projects include a cycling event, a Primary Schools careers fair, fundraising for Poppy Scotland, a beach clean, Food bank support, youth pubic speaking competitions, and a charity golf tournament.
Members aim to enjoy “fun and friendship while helping others”
It’s a great way to meet like-minded people and make long-lasting friendships.
Men and women of all ages are welcome, and you choose the type of activities you would like to be involved with.
There are lots of different ways to become involved with Ayr Rotary, and you don’t have to become a member. With many projects ongoing, we always require help from non-members.
We are currently recruiting 'Tree of Remembrance’ volunteers for December 2024.
This volunteering role involves promoting the Tree of Remembrance installed at Fish Cross Ayr during the 10 days leading up to Christmas. Volunteers will undertake short shifts (approx 1.5 hours) at the Tree of Life to meet with members of the public who can make a donation by cash or card and place a yellow ribbon on the tree to remember a loved one who has died.
This is a seasonal volunteering opportunity mid to end December but contributes to important Ayr Rotary fundraising activities to benefit Ayrshire Hospice and other local cancer charities.
If this volunteering opportunity interests you, we look forward to hearing from you.
Ayrshire Ukraine Community group aims are to raise as much money as possible to aid the needs of those in Ukraine who are affected by the ongoing war. The monies raised also supports those who have been temporarily relocated to the UK.
Over the last 2.5 years since the war commenced, the group has assisted and supported the incoming displaced persons fleeing the war zone with approximately 350 refugees now settled in Ayrshire homes
We are currently recruiting a Retail Assistant for our shop unit in Ayr.
Main duties: Greeting customers, cash handling (optional), keeping shop floor clean and tidy, putting out stock, sorting through donations, pricing.
Skills & experience required: No experience required as full support given. Are you happy to help, to be part of a team then we want to hear from you. Whether you love cleaning, chatting or love to organise, or have an eye for fashion? Or are you a social media wiz! All we ask is you have a couple of hours to spare and want to help a good cause!
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.
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
What will I get out of it?
You will get to meet the inspirational faces of community groups across the UK and immerse yourself in their work; use your existing skills in a rewarding fashion whilst developing new ones; guide members to become more inclusive; network with other like-minded individuals helping grassroots sports groups survive; and so much more. Our volunteers say that making a positive difference to our members is what they most enjoy about volunteering at Sported.
What will I do as a Sported volunteer?
You'll use your professional skills and lived experience to help groups overcome operational challenges, become better equipped for the future, and tackle inequality in sport.
Most of our roles are quite flexible and work around your schedule. We do our best to only share opportunities we think are relevant to you. With most of our volunteering support being delivered digitally, it’s even easier to get started supporting members across our network.
What will I get out of it?
You will get to meet the inspirational faces of community groups across the UK and immerse yourself in their work; use your existing fundraising skills in a rewarding fashion whilst developing new ones; guide members to become more inclusive; network with other like-minded individuals helping grassroots sports groups survive; and so much more. Our volunteers say that making a positive difference to our members is what they most enjoy about volunteering at Sported.
What will I do as a Sported volunteer?
You'll use your professional skills and lived experience to help groups overcome operational challenges, become better equipped for the future, and tackle inequality in sport.
Most of our roles are quite flexible and work around your schedule. We do our best to only share opportunities we think are relevant to you. With most of our volunteering support being delivered digitally, it’s even easier to get started supporting members across our network.
This is your chance to sign up to be in involved in raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust at the Ayr Ladies Lunch on Saturday 9 September 2024!
We’re looking for support across a number of tasks including, selling raffle tickets, issuing raffle prizes, bucket collecting and generally supporting with the event.
This promises to be a great day of volunteering, and the perfect opportunity to sign up with your friends and family or to come along meet other Teenage Cancer Trust volunteers.
What will volunteers do?
We're looking for volunteers to sell raffle tickets, issue raffle prizes, and take part in bucket collections, as well as general event support and being a friendly and approachable face of the charity.
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
Saving and Rehoming Strays are a kennel-free animal sanctuary and rehoming centre. We rescue dogs of all
shapes and sizes, irrespective of their physical needs or backgrounds, and care for them whilst they wait to find their new forever homes (predominantly through adoption, but we do have a small proportion of forever fosters).
A proportion of dogs in our care who are unlikely to be rehomed, for one reason or another, and these dog
benefit from our long-term sanctuary care.
As a small charitable organisation, we are seeking a fundraising volunteer to support with our fundraising and event activities. This is a key role within our team as an unfunded rescue we rely on our events and donations to support the continued running of the charity.
The successful applicant will be expected to commit a minimum of 6-8 hours per week to their volunteering (and trustee duties if relevant).
Volunteer Role Summary
You will be a passionate individual with experience in fundraising and/or event management and an interest in animal welfare. You will be organized with excellent communication skills, able to write engaging and professional appeals and be confident picking up the phone to follow-up on potential leads. You will be confident using social media platforms to research and promote our events. You will be confident working with a team of enthusiastic volunteers and ensuring individuals are completing actions as promised. You will be a team player, communicating and obtaining feedback from the trustees and our general manager.
Volunteer Responsibilities
• Investigate and bring creative ideas for fundraising to the table
• Oversee and promote fundraising campaigns establishing the actions required for success of the event and where these are delegated, providing oversight until the event is completed. Bring feedback for each event back to the trustee team.
• Liaise with General Manager to ensure appropriate staffing levels are available for events and that preparations are completed in a timely manner
• Commit to organizing and hosting at least one local event per quarter – includes booking locations, advertising, coordinating with volunteers, venue set-up and promotion of the event.
• Outreach to organisations for donations to be used at charity events for auctions, tombolas, prizes etc.
• Able to visit Ayr site at least every 2 months (and prior to/ following events) to sort, collect and return event supplies.
• Ensure updates and trackers are maintained on the charities online workspace
Where the volunteering position is successful there may be an opportunity to join the board as
a trustee and lead our fundraising efforts and take responsibility for our fundraising/events
management activities. In addition the trustee will sit on our board to ensure the charity is run
efficiently and in accordance with our constitution and purpose.
Please request a copy of the fundraising Trustee Job Description if you are interested.