Volunteers play a vital role within GCBN. We currently have over 40 fully-trained volunteer responders working across Grampian to support bereaved children and their families. If you live within Highland, are over the age of 18 and eligible to join the PVG Scheme and would like to help a bereaved child as they come to terms with the loss of a loved one then we’d love to hear from you! Take a look at the role descriptions below to see which of the two options are most appropriate to your interests and skills and if you feel you would could join our team, then please get in touch! Volunteer Responders: Our trained volunteers receive referrals and visit families within their own homes to provide appropriate support and guidance to the families this can include direct work with the young person/s involved.

Early Intervention is a neurodivergent safe space for neuro divergent children and their families. A non-judgmental environment where you can be your true authentic self. Managed by volunteers we offer specialist support - Speech and Language therapy, Music Therapy, Pet therapy, and opportunities for children up to 9 years old to socialise with their neurokin whilst empowering them to embrace their identity, we also offer opportunities for semi structured play, arts and crafts and sensory messy play. Looking for friendly volunteers to help us support families at sessions, no experience necessary but would especially love to hear from those with lived experience - neurodivergent adults and or people with a close connection to neurodiversity or ASN for example an autistic family member. Although no experience is necessary, we would love to hear from any practicing/retired or student Speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, play therapists, teachers, or those with experience in social care and early years childcare. Early Intervention is a volunteer-led organisation which has been providing services to neurodivergent children and their families since February 2022. This is an exciting time to get involved with us as we are seeking to develop the services we offer and to look at making the transition to becoming a Scottish Charity. A fantastic opportunity to help and make a real difference. All volunteer assistance is greatly appreciated. For more details please contact Linda Lumsden, Early Intervention Founder/Volunteer at email: info@earlyintervention.org.uk or telephone: 07867 524150.

Food and Fun was introduced by the Council as a pilot to deliver free meals and activities to children in key areas of Aberdeen during school holiday periods and has been rolled out on a permanent basis. Over Christmas, as an extension of the project, special events were hosted for young people to enjoy the festivities – from ice skating and crafts to a disco and visit to Santa. For everyone involved in Food and Fun there’s a busy period ahead. The main aim is to ensure children continue to be fed, recognising the importance of school meals during term time for a large number of families, and also to provide the opportunity to take part in physical activity in a nurturing environment. The initiative has been recognised with awards – but the reward and motivation for the many people who have put their heart and soul into developing the programme is in the positive impact there is on children, families and communities. When we talk about our purpose – about caring for our city and our people – we think Food and Fun is a shining example that we can all be incredibly proud of. Many participants obtain great life skills which has assisted them in securing other opportunities as well as the personal development and satisfaction that this also brings. All help makes a difference and is greatly appreciated. To volunteer / for more information please contact Martin Smith, Locality Inclusion Manager at E Mail: martinsmith@aberdeencity.gov.uk or Tel.: 01224 788538.

We believe every child and young person deserves the same opportunity to succeed and so we provide free, immersive, instrumental music tuition to pupils and pre-school children. This leads to an enhanced ability to learn in school, improvements in emotional wellbeing, confidence and esteem, as well as the acquisition of a range of social and life skills. To achieve this, volunteers are vital for our Big Noise Centre in Torry. As a Big Noise volunteer, you'll be helping us transform children's lives through music. You don't need to have any musical experience, just a passion for making a difference to the lives of young people. Volunteers help in a variety of valuable ways, including: • Helping children stay focused and engaged during music lessons • Walk children from school to the Big Noise Centre • Helping set up for rehearsals and music lessons and assisting the children and young people to play their instruments if required • Supervise children during snack times, breaks, time-out etc. • and much more... You can become a positive role model in children’s lives and someone they look forward to spending time with. You will benefit from this by receiving training, developing skills in communication and gaining experience of working with children and young people. Big Noise Torry/Sistema Scotland have also achieved the Investing in Volunteers Award-a national quality standard for good practice in involving volunteers as part of our commitment to volunteering and providing excellent support to volunteers. A fantastic opportunity to help with a major charity in Aberdeen and Scotland. All volunteer help is greatly appreciated and makes a real difference. For more details please either: -Visit our website at https://www.makeabignoise.org.uk/volunteering/ and apply online at https://www.makeabignoise.org.uk/volunteering/apply-online/aberdeen/ Or -Contact us at email: torry@sistemascotland.org.uk or telephone: 01786 462923.