Our food banks provide three-day emergency food parcels for people in crisis, working in partnership with organisations across the community.  We are committed to ensuring anybody visiting a food bank is welcomed, valued and treated with dignity.  Volunteers take time to share a warm drink, discuss food requirements, offer a listening ear and, when appropriate, signpost people for further support and help. As a Food bank centre helper you will play a vital role giving direct support to people who use food banks, meeting and greeting people coming into the food bank, packing their food parcels, making them feel comfortable and providing further signposting support where appropriate. In this role you can make a real difference to people’s lives providing vital help and support to those in crisis in your local community. Key task • Welcome clients to the foodbank centre • Receive vouchers, check validity, and prepare food parcels according to the standard packing lists • Make refreshments and tidy up as required during the session • Offer a listening ear and signpost clients, as required, to further support, using information from the signposting folder/leaflets • Offer prayer to clients, when appropriate (if a volunteer is happy to do so) • Work under the guidance of the session leader and report any health & safety or safeguarding concerns to the project manager/session supervisor

The Forres pantry is open on Saturdays from 10am-noon in the Lesser Hall, and contains quality fresh and frozen surplus food via the FareShare scheme, which would otherwise go to waste. There is a small charge for people to access it, but the value of their shopping will be much higher than what they actually pay. Volunteers are required to help out. If you are interested please call FACT on 01309 674 388 or email info@forresarea.org if you can help.

When there is a fire, flood or severe weather, we’re among the first to respond. From making a cup of tea to trekking through snow and sleet to deliver the essentials, we work with other organisations to do what’s needed straight away. This service operates 24/7 and is staffed by volunteers on an on call rota To be a part of this Emergency Response Service, we are looking volunteers who: Can be on call for 24 hours a month. Can ideally drive and have access to a vehicle , though this is not essential. To apply: https://volunteer.redcross.org.uk/opportunities/22590-emergency-response-volunteer-shetland-2021-11-09 Health and Safety Statement We take an individual approach to ensuring your safety. We may ask you to complete a simple risk assessment. We will also have a conversation with you to discuss any restrictions that may still be in place in your region and identify any adjustments you may need. If you have any questions before applying please contact us at healthvolunteer@redcross.org.uk

Could you help an older person living nearby with their weekly shopping? Food Train Connects is looking for volunteers to help older people with their weekly shop in Buckie, Elgin, and Forres. Food Train Connects provides a one to one grocery shopping services for older people who are no longer able to manage independently, through age, ill health, frailty or disability. As a volunteer shopper, you will collect the customer's shopping list, do the shopping and deliver it to their home. You can do this during your own shopping trip, or separately with expenses paid for travel. No money would be exchanged between customer and volunteer. Instead, you would pay for your customer’s shopping upfront and be reimbursed by Food Train Connects. Becoming a Food Train Connects Shopping Friend is rewarding and it makes a huge difference to people’s lives. It’s amazing the impact that regular support with grocery shopping can have on someone who is isolated or lonely. If you want to make sure that an older person is able to live well in their own home this is a great opportunity to do so. The Role: • Contact the older person you are matched with on a regular basis, usually weekly, to obtain their shopping list, carry out their shopping and then deliver to their home, putting away if necessary. • Submit brief records, receipts for payment and to report any matters of concern to staff • Keep within the boundaries of the role • To inform Food Train Connects Staff of any accidents, incidents or complaints • To maintain confidentiality • To represent Food Train in a professional manner to our members and the wider community All help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated. If you are interested in volunteering with us/for more information please visit https://www.foodtrainconnects.org.uk or email connects@foodtrainconnects.org.uk