The Monday Night Social Club has just launched and the group are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help run their sessions. The club is open to anyone who has a leardning disability or is autistic and aims to reduce social isolation and support the building of life skills for these members of our community. The group is organised and facilitated by Outreach Staff who sit within social work day services, in consultation with the group members. The group organise activities like karaoke nights, disco nights, movie nights and bingo and quiz evenings.

Do you own a friendly, outgoing, though not too boisterous dog who loves to have a fuss made of them? Then perhaps, you might like to thank about registering them in our THERAPET visiting service. You heard of it? Let me tell you about it. For some years now it has been recognised, more nd more, that pets are good for us! Indeed it has been scientifically proved that the mere action of stroking a dog, cat, slows down the heartbeat, reduces blood pressure, and makes someone who has already suffered a heart attack much less likely to have another. Through no fault of their own, many people find themselves deprived of the companionship of a much loved dog. It may be they have had to go into sheltered housing, residential care, a long stay hospital etc. The same applies to children and adults who have an additional support need and those suffering from a terminal illness. THERAPETS come in all breeds, cross-breeds, or 57 variety mongrels! They can be small, medium or large. The only vital statistic is a steady and happy temperament. The dogs are approved for temperament and general stability being accepted and are not considered until at least one year old. Volunteer owners must become actual members of CANINE CONCERN SCOTLAND TRUST - mainly so that we can be sure of insurance cover - although happily so far we only know of one, very minor accident, a happy day's tail sweeping a vase from a low table. Volunteers must be willing to make a regular commitment to visit, it need not be very often, once a fortnight, once a month or whenever, but the visits must be regular because the residents and patients look forward to them so much and are disappointed if they suddenly cease. Sometimes small miracles occur - people who have never spoken, turned their faces to the wall in fact - magically come to life at the first appearance of a dog in a ward! This to the surprise and delight of the nursing staff, in many cases the dogs and owners provide some light relief for them too. Sadly, it has to be said that some of the residents or patients the THERAPETS are their only visitors. We like to encourage them to regard the doggy visitors as their very own. There is no charge for this service which is organised and carried out entirely by volunteers. We fund raise in various ways to keep it going. More than anything else, we need MORE VOLUNTEERS! The service has proved so popular that they demand has overtaken the supply. So, if you think this might be for you, or once importantly, for your dog, please do contact us for more detail and perhaps an application form to register your dog.

It starts with ‘Hello’. From new mums to empty nesters, it's often surprising who is affected by loneliness. That's why we're teaming up with The Co-operative. Together we want to reach out and reconnect thousands of lonely people with their communities, and tackle a problem that is shortening lives and eroding wellbeing. The aim of the Community Connector is to support people affected by social isolation and loneliness and to help them gain confidence and to reconnect to their community in partnership with existing and new partner organisations. We will place the person at the centre of what we do and help them by offering positive encouragement, practical help and emotional support, for up to three months, depending on their needs. Full training and excellent support is provided to all volunteers. This is a great opportunity to make a real difference in the local community. All help is greatly appreciated. For more details please contact Ieva Nevulyte, Community Connector Co-ordinator at email inevulyte@redcross.org.uk / tel:: 07872 839864.

The Phoenix Club is a wonderful social club for adults with learning or physical disabilities, where people have fun and socialise together. Every Monday night from 7pm-9pm, the club meets at Inchgarth Community Centre to play pool, video games or board games, to sing karaoke or paint. We are seeking new volunteers for the club and for befrienders. Your role would be to take part in activities, play pool and board games with our members, take people to the cafe and have a hot drink. No experience necessary we just need you to be friendly and enthusiastic. We want our Phoenix Club members to feel special during this fantastic club and you could be that difference in people’s lives. It is also a good opportunity to improve your communication skills, to gain experience working with people with learning and physical disabilities and to help the community grow. You will also be joining team Inchgarth that was awarded the highest award in the country by Her Majesty the Queen via the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, a collective MBE for all team members who volunteer. Be part of this fantastic centre and the wonderful Phoenix club. If interested, please call us at 01224 325191 or email us at volunteerinchgarth@gmail.com