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.

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is Scotland’s health charity supporting people and their families across Scotland with chest, heart and stroke conditions. We want to make sure life living with a chest or heart condition or after a stroke is a life lived to the full. To help in this we are currently seeking people to volunteer with us as Community Support Services Volunteers. As a Community Support Services Volunteer you will support people who have had a stroke to develop autonomy and confidence in self-management, enabling them to fully engage with their community and activities of their choice. The service is delivered to provide specified person centred support for those with a communication difficulty and/or to support a specific physical or everyday task. The role includes: • providing specified support for the service user, this will be dependent upon their individual goal(s). • supporting with specific physical and/or everyday activities. • supporting with specific use of communication strategies. This may involve either one-to-one or small group support or a combination of both. To undertake your role you will be required to undertake membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Adults) Scheme in Scotland (PVG) (there is no cost for this for volunteers). Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland will provide all necessary training, provide excellent ongoing support to all volunteers and all authorised out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed. For more details please contact us at volunteering@chss.org.uk or visit our website at https://www.chss.org.uk/volunteer-with-chss

Befriending aims to remove or lessen isolation that carers may experience as a result of their caring role. We welcome volunteer befrienders who ideally have an understanding of dementia and carer's needs, and are willing to spend time listening to, encouraging and supporting a carer. Befrienders support carers to become more engaged with the community, or simply have a break from caring for a little while. Some carers like to get out and about and attend activities of interest.

You will be providing a puppy with a vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. This is a full-time volunteering opportunity as a puppy will live with you in your home for around 12-16 months. It should be noted that although it is possible for another Puppy Raiser to look after a dog on your behalf for short periods of time that this may not always be possible. Consideration should be given to your future plans such as holidays abroad. “It’s so rewarding to know that the dog will go on to help people with sight loss gain independence and freedom.” – Chris, Puppy Raiser We rely on volunteers like you to help us improve the lives of people with sight loss. In this role your support will include: • Developing, caring and providing for the needs of one of our puppies using Positive Reinforcement Techniques and following Guide Dogs Puppy Raising for Excellent Partnerships (PREP) programme • Familiarising a puppy to a wide range of environments including shops and outdoor off lead exercise areas in all climates and seasons. • Teaching a puppy it’s ok to be left alone by gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of 4 hours • Attending regular puppy classes • Regularly meeting with Guide Dogs representatives to discuss your pup’s development • Completing regular on-line questionnaires to help us monitor puppy progress -Ideally you will: • Be able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg) • Have access to a car on a weekly basis for training and vet visits • Have your own home or written permission to have a dog in the home • Have access to a secure area where the puppy could go to the toilet during the day, especially first thing in the morning and last thing at night • Be able to access online content and training materials (you will need your own email address) If you don’t feel you tick every box but are sure this role is the one for you, please drop us a message and tell us why. We’re open to suggestions and happy to chat with you to find out what’s possible! -Volunteering is a two-way street, so in return for your time you will get; • A dedicated volunteer manager/key contact who will help you settle in and support you during your time with us. • The challenge and reward of seeing a puppy develop in your home. • The opportunity to learn and develop your understanding in dog body language, learning theory, the human animal bond and the life of a Guide Dog. Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any expenses related to your volunteering with us in line with our policy. -For more details and to apply to be a Guide Dogs - Puppy Raiser please visit: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering-for-guide-dogs/ or -If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further before applying please email Guide Dogs Volunteer Coordinator, Aaron Puckrin at aaron.puckrin@guidedogs.org.uk Thank you.