A group befriender will work with a team of volunteers to run a friendship group in one of our localities in South Lanarkshire. The groups are run for older people (50 and over) in their area that are looking for more social contact. Volunteers will spend time with our clients offering companionship to build their confidence and link them back into the local community. Your role will consist of helping to make teas and coffees, welcoming in guests and running activities at the group such as crafts, seated exercise, reminiscence to name a few of the activities we run. You will have the support of staff and other volunteers while at the group. Some of the skills we look for in a volunteer are: An empathy with older people; reliable and trustworthy; being sensitive and supportive; flexible; Having a few hours spare each week; Being friendly; Being interested in people.

Can you spare an evening a week to help run a group, giving young people some much-needed fun? Are you passionate about giving our younger participants opportunities to grow in confidence and develop friendships? We require a team of volunteers to organise activities, such as games, sports and crafts. Our volunteers are responsible for transporting young people to and from each session. Therefore, you must be able to drive and have access to a car to take on this role. In return, you will receive the full support of our dedicated staff members, reimbursement for any expenses relating to your voluntary role and, of course, the truly rewarding experience of making a positive impact to a young person’s life.

Neil's Hugs Foundation is a well-established charity in West Lothian and are expanding into the Clackmannanshire area. The group are developing a safe, compassionate and confidential space where support groups can meet for: • Anyone who are experiencing poor mental health • To support people who have lost loved ones to suicide • Families who are supporting a loved one who attempted suicide. The Foundation seeks to provide a safe place to talk and listen and support each other. They aim to reduce loneliness and isolation people with poor mental health experience. Neil's Hugs are developing a one-to-one, 12 week Befriending Service to aid people who are experiencing anxiety and poor mental health to build confidence and skills. Volunteers can help in offering this one-to-one support by becoming Befriender, which will: • Aid in achieving people's desired outcomes • Help people become more active in their local community. Volunteers can help in facilitating groups. Often people find it difficult to talk to people they know, so Neil's Hugs have also established a number of groups. The Support Groups are designed around providing a safe space for people to talk. The groups allow members the space and time while offering a compassionate, listening ear. The Foundation also utilises activities such as art therapy: - Listening Ear Service which is a phone or video service (Zoom) where volunteers support individuals who are experiencing poor mental health by giving them space on a weekly basis to talk. The volunteer’s listen and give support to those who just need someone to talk to. - People who have lost loved ones to suicide can attend a weekly Support Group that provides peer-support for families and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide. This too is a safe place to talk about loved one and to have peers involved in people's grief and loss. - The Gardening Group is among the newest developments at The Foundation. They have now linked in with the Wimpy Park's Garden who have offered an area for volunteers and those grieving to develop into a reflection garden. Volunteers can: If the above roles are not suitable, there are always extra help needed in raising awareness of suicide in communities and raising funds to help keep these vital projects going.

We support groups who are utilising sport to bring about real social difference throughout the UK so you’ll be paired with a group that are doing really inspiring work. These groups are doing incredible work but require some guidance around fundraising in order to make them more sustainable and increase their capacity. If you’ve got over 5 years in a range of fundraising then we’d love to hear from you: This is a great opportunity to make a lasting impact on a community group in your area. If you enjoy working with people and have a desire to make a difference then please does get in touch. Applications from different ethnicities are encouraged.