Volunteering Matters is a national volunteering and social change charity. We believe that everyone in the UK should have the opportunity to thrive. We bring people together, through the power of volunteering, to resolve some of society's most complex issues. Our national project, Getting Together Matters, operates across Scotland, England and Wales. Getting Together Matters deliver virtual activities; online zoom groups and telephone only groups, to help people aged 50+ feel connected & reduce social isolation and loneliness. We have a timetable of events and activities each week and we are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help run the activities. If you can spare an hour a week, have a computer & internet, and would be prepared to be consistent, enthusiastic & above all kind and considerate - we would love to hear from you! Running the groups means logging on to the specific platform (Zoom or Telephone), at regular times, facilitating conversations and enjoying communication amongst our 50 + groups. We would give training, arrange the set ups & show you how - cover the groups with you for a while, then you would facilitate one of our weekly groups. Ideally Mondays or Fridays are good days, but we are open to what people have to offer & we can work from there. Lots of explanations available, so do reach out if you are at all interested but would like more info.

Become a Volunteer Befriender Want to make a difference to the lives of disabled people in your community? Discover new interests? Meet new people? Look no further than our fantastic volunteer befriending opportunity! Equal Futures creates connections for people with a learning disability or Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and their family carers through Circles of Support, befriending and social events. By joining our caring and knowledgeable team you will support someone to build their confidence and access opportunities they might previously have been isolated from. You will benefit from training and on-going skills development. You will also receive friendly and professional support from our Project Coordinators. Our Befrienders play a crucial role within society. They can improve the self-esteem of someone with a learning disability who is lonely and isolated within their community. Befrienders also take the burden off other community services by simply providing someone with a friend to connect with. What will you do as a Volunteer Befriender? As part of the Circle of Support, Befrienders help a person we support build their confidence and participate in social activities within their community. This may include going for walks, participating in clubs or classes together, or attending Equal Future’s social events. Befrienders meet one-on-one with the person we support weekly or fortnightly. As a volunteer you may sometimes also offer kind and friendly support to not only the individual, but their family as well, depending on the circumstance. An Equal Futures Project Co-ordinator will be there for you throughout your entire volunteering experience. You’ll enjoy lots of benefits being a Volunteer Befriender, such as: • Learning from an experienced and knowledgeable team • Meeting new people and sharing insights • Volunteering on a flexible basis that fits in with your life • Access to free training and regular support • Social opportunities with other volunteers • Improved self-esteem and confidence • Improved communication skills • Advantageous for relevant careers • Reduced loneliness and better mental health • Feeling valued in our friendly team • Seeing the difference that you’re making We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. We will work flexibly with you to ensure your volunteering journey is a positive and satisfying experience. To apply, please contact: Donna.McCallum@equalfutures.org.uk | 0792 139 7615

Inchgarth Community Centre provide a fantastic programme of activities for the community with the tremendous help of volunteers. Inchgarth has over 170 sessions of activity per week-serving every age group and section of the community. As a big and vibrant community centre, we offer a large range of activities for all ages and welcome a range of charities at the community centre. We have a great opportunity for people to help as Boccia Group Leader Volunteers at the community centre. Boccia is a seated bowl game for people with additional support needs and/or impaired movement. We are looking for motivated people to help lead the group by organising the games, making sure everyone is playing and sometimes organise wee competitions. All volunteers are greatly appreciated and provided with excellent support. Please contact us to find out more, join our amazing team of volunteers and make a real difference in the community: please email: volunteerinchgarth@gmail.com / Tel: 01224 325191 / Website: https://www.inchgarth.co.uk/volunteer.html

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