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

2nd Hawick Boys' Brigade are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help lead games and sporty activities for their children and young people in the Anchors and Junior Sections, working with Primary 2 - Primary 6 aged children. 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.

You don't need to be a social media or marketing expert for this role - just able to use the internet, email and confident talking to people. We’ll tell you about our latest national fundraising activities, emergency appeals and campaign messages so you can tell others and encourage them to take part, support and attend events. You’ll research local opportunities, and contact local businesses, schools and local groups. You’ll also find free ways to tell your community about what’s happening locally and nationally. The Community Fundraising Manager is only a phone call away for support and you’ll meet up with them regularly to make promotional plans and for any mutual updates. It’s a really flexible role which can fit around your other commitments. If you’re over 18 and can commit to at least two hours a week for a minimum of six months please get in touch.

Our Save the Children Shop in Broughty Ferry has been a much loved part of the local community for years and continues to be hugely popular with customers and supporters, thanks to the kindness and generosity of the wonderful volunteer team. If you would like to volunteer with us all you will need is some enthusiasm and a desire to make a difference. The role is diverse, taking place on the shop floor and behind the scenes. Volunteer tasks include anything from sorting donations, steaming clothes, pricing products, managing the till, and helping with the window displays. You can choose how much time you dedicate, and we’ll give you training and support along the way. No special skills are needed, and we welcome people from all nationalities and backgrounds. Your donation of time, creativity and kindness can help us change the future for children all over the world!