Disability Equality Scotland is a national charity working to make life more accessible, equal and inclusive for disabled people in Scotland. We are the umbrella organisation for all local disability Access Panels in Scotland, providing them with support and guidance to improve the lives of disabled people at a local level throughout Scotland. Our Nairn panel is currently operating in Moray and would welcome new volunteers to support their work. What is an Access Panel? Access Panels are groups of volunteers who work to improve access and inclusion for disabled people in their local community. They do this by raising awareness and helping to change attitudes among the general public about the need for inclusive access. Access Panels are made up of people of all ages and abilities who share a passion for the issues faced by disabled people. With the help of Disability Equality Scotland as the national umbrella body, Access Panels support their communities to become as accessible as possible, particularly in relation to the built environment, healthcare, employment, education, and transport.

The Partnership works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and to break down barriers, overcome challenges and improve quality of life. The group comprises approximately 15 members of the public, working with five local councillors, and its vision is to: a) To bring about improvements to the lives of people in Aberdeen City who experience exclusion because of disability by promoting a rights-based approach to disability equality. b) To create a society where disabled people are valued, respected and included in the life of the City. c) To encourage and promote inclusion and equality. d) To create fair opportunity by identifying and removing the disabling barriers which disabled people face daily including prejudice, discrimination and negative attitudes. e) To provide a means of partnership, consultation and joint action with Aberdeen City Council Meetings are held at Aberdeen Town House (entrance from Queen Street, Aberdeen). There is also the option to join the meeting remotely if you choose to do so. The Disability Equity Partnership (DEP) has 6 meetings over the year. Examples of projects we have been working on include the City Centre Masterplan, Union Terrace Gardens, webpage and information accessibility to reduce barriers and improve access to information, goods and services. A fantastic opportunity to make a real difference and all volunteers are greatly appreciated. For further details please contact Baldeep McGarry, Equalities Officer at email: BMcGarry@aberdeencity.gov.uk or tel.: 07767353006.

Young Scot are looking for young people from across Scotland aged 11-25 inclusive, to be part of their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Champions Panel. Project information 🎂 11-25 inclusive 📅 From June 2022 🗺️ Anywhere in Scotland About the Young Scot DEI strategy: Young Scot continue to be fully committed to achieving diversity, equity and inclusion throughout their organisation. They’re also working harder to become an explicitly anti-racist organisation. They this by taking a close look at their operations and identifying what it is that is contributing to structural discrimination. The DEI strategic goals are to: • Create an inclusive working culture, recognising the value of diversity and maintaining a culture where everyone feels valued and respected • Ensure all services for young people are accessible to all young people, recognising the intersectional diversity of their needs • Learn from and share best practices in the third sector, demonstrating work to eliminate discrimination, recognise and promote equality and diversity, address inequity and be inclusive in everything The Young Scot DEI Panel will be a diverse group of young people, co-chaired by two Young Scot Board members. As a panel, you will meet quarterly to ensure that the voices of seldom heard young people lead and support their journey to deliver on their vision. You will: • Review our DEI Strategy and set out our DEI priorities • Give expertise and guidance on how we can achieve diversity, equity and inclusion • Showcase and highlight the needs of seldom heard groups of young people • Track progress and hold us to account You will be supported to develop a deeper understanding of DEI and engage other young people from a variety of backgrounds. You don’t need any experience to apply, but it would be great if you had an interest in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion and making the voices of all young people heard. Young Scot are keen to receive applications from those who are passionate about representing a variety of groups, including but not limited to: • LGBTQI+ • Black, Asian or Ethnic Minority • Young Carer • Gypsy/Traveller • Care Experience • Disability • Refugee or Asylum Seeker • Living in a rural area Spaces available for those who are passionate about championing DEI.

Volunteering Matters Overview At Volunteering Matters we believe everyone in the UK should have the opportunity to thrive, so we bring people together to overcome some of society’s most complex issues through the power of volunteering. We partner with communities to overcome adversity, tackling social isolation and loneliness, improving health, developing skills and opportunities. And because we’re a national charity, we do this at scale, sharing our expertise and building partnerships to make an even bigger impact. We turn local knowledge and energy into action and progress, building stronger communities and a better future for all. Project Overview Our Family Supporters in Edinburgh project offers practical and emotional support to families across the city of Edinburgh, empowering them to face a range of life challenges. We recruit, train and match dedicated, local volunteers to help families every step of the way, spending 1-1 time together on a personalised set of goals chosen by the family, for the family. We can help in many ways, such as improved living standards, budgeting, healthier eating, better school life and behaviour, access to health and wellbeing aid, as well as introducing parents to community resources, to name a few. So far, thousands of families across the UK have benefitted from our service and we are now delighted to extend the programmes reach to families in Edinburgh. Who can volunteer with us? Our volunteers are locally based people with an understanding of the challenges that families are facing. Aged 18+, each volunteer brings different life experiences and skills that they can use to help the family they are matched to, offering support on a weekly basis for an hour or so each week, usually for 6-9 months at a time that suits everyone. They build a strong relationship based on trust and mutual respect, acting as a friendly face who listens and cares about the family. All volunteers are interviewed, trained to the highest standards and undergo disclosure checks before being matched with a family. We also encourage and welcome volunteers who have the ability to speak multiple languages join our team! What can we offer volunteers? As well as the sense of achievement that comes through supporting a family, our volunteers will have the opportunity to learn and develop new skills, attend social events with other volunteers and enhance their employability. Certificates are provided upon completion of induction training and at the end of the commitment, with project staff happy to provide references for future studies or employment.