North East Sensory Services' social groups are looking to return to full capacity in Moray, but need some friendly, welcoming volunteers to help them. NESS delivers a 'Community Inclusion Project' that aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness in people over the age of 65 who have a significant sight or hearing impairment. They do this by supporting social groups in Forres, Elgin, Keith and Buckie, which provide their service users with the opportunity for friendship, activity and support. Transport to attend community groups is often an issue for members so they provide drivers too! ( and would welcome new volunteer drivers as well!) As a group volunteer volunteer, you might be needed to guide someone on an outing, to describe the cake selection, or assist someone to take part in a game of floor curling: every session is different. Induction training will be provided, so no previous experience of groups or of sight/hearing loss is required. A PVG check will be required for this role and a 6 month commitment would be ideal. Some main tasks can include: • support the group to achieve what they wish to do • assist group members with refreshments • assist group to plan and organise activities/speakers • assist group members to find seats and negotiate the room • interact with group members and develop positive relationships • encourage the group to interact with one another Volunteers are well supported and find their experience rewarding, uplifting and fun, often forming fulfilling long-term friendships with our service users. Roles solely based on driving or escorting on bus transport may also be available. Full induction and Sensory Awareness training is provided, as well as the opportunity to get more involved with the charity in other ways if desired. Out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed monthly.

“A digital world accessible to all” Award winning IT charity AbilityNet is looking for IT Support volunteers to help people get the most out of technology. We support older and disabled people to use technology, from setting up a new device, to showing how to use zoom or do an internet food shop. The role would take place in your local area, face to face with clients or help over Teamviewer. You don’t need to be a tech guru to help out. If you use a computer at home or work, and perhaps support family and friends with their tech issues, you are likely to have the skills we are looking for. Relevant guidance and excellent support is provided to all volunteers. A fantastic opportunity to help and make a real difference for people. All volunteer assistance is greatly appreciated. For more information please contact Donna Baker-Smith at email community@abilitynet.org.uk or telephone 01926 956850.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to listen, some basic I.T and communication skills. If so, this could be the role for you. *What is a caseworker? 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. *Why do we need you? Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan. Our trained volunteers listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help people navigate life in and beyond military service. We need you to join your local SSAFA team to help us achieve this. *When would you be needed and where would you be based? The essential part of the role is visiting clients at home or in a care home setting. There are a range of times available to volunteer and all help is greatly appreciated. *What does this role involve? • Contacting clients and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time • Meeting clients and completing a form to assess their circumstances • Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice • Applying on the client’s behalf to military and non-military sources of charitable funding • 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 • 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). • Excellent support and relevant training is provided to all volunteers. A great opportunity to help. All help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated. If you wish to volunteer/for further details please contact Julie Silva (Branch Secretary, Grampian) at email: Julie.Silva@grampian.ssafa.org.uk or telephone: 07879846200. More information about SSAFA is also available at https://www.ssafa.org.uk/

Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA–The Armed Forces Charity in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English. If you already have some fundraising experience that would be great too but it’s not essential. As Fundraising Coordinator, you would work with your local SSAFA branch to develop a Fundraising Plan. You would be central to delivering this local plan to raise funds through a range of local sources including grants, trusts, appeals, collections and events. *What would you be doing? • Developing an ethical fundraising plan based on the needs of the branch and choosing a mix of sources. • Working with the branch secretary and Regional Fundraising Manager, recruit a team of fundraising volunteers to support events, appeals and collections. • Working with the Regional Fundraising Manager, support national fundraising campaigns. • Working with the Branch Publicity Officer, develop opportunities to combine awareness and fundraising. • Planning and running local appeals, collections and events. • Identifying and submitting applications to appropriate trusts and grant funding organisations. • Working with Marketing staff at central office check that all fundraising materials meet SSAFA branding style and current key messages. • Liaise with Regional Fundraising Manager when pursuing opportunities beyond local sources e.g. corporates, • Evaluate fundraising activities and provide reports and information for the branch. • Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA including all sections of the community in awareness raising. • 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 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! A great opportunity to help. All help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated. If you wish to volunteer/for further details please contact Shirley Lumby, Administration Coordinator at email: shirley.lumby@grampian.ssafa.org.uk or telephone: 07938 099 547.