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. We recognise the potential of young people across Clackmannanshire. We know their aspirations and goals, but are aware that they may not have the tools or guidance needed to realise them. The effects of COVID-19 on many young people across Clackmannanshire means we are seeing increased social isolation, loneliness, poor mental and physical health. Our volunteers offer practical and emotional support to young people across Clackmannanshire, such as CV writing and interview skills, as well as building confidence, resilience, and independence. By meeting with their allocated volunteer regularly to work on a set of goals and ambitions, chosen by the young person, for the young person, they are able to develop new skills, knowledge and experience relevant to their chosen pathway. We recognise that every young persons journey and needs are different and so the length of each match depends on this, though usually lasts for around 12 months. Throughout this time, volunteers are supported at every step of the way by our friendly staff team, who offer on-board training, 1-1 support and supervision and regular catch-ups.

Volunteers to provide quality 1:1 time on a regular basis to help children and young people to access leisure and recreational opportunities in the local community and to help improve wellbeing. Activities can include going for a walk or going to a local park, doing some arts and crafts, local museums and going for a chat. This quality time would allow a space for children and young people to talk about how they are feeling as well as a time for them to have time in their local community. Some of the befriender roles offered can also be on a 2:1 basis alongside another volunteer or worker which is a great opportunity for volunteers to build up confidence before lone working. Some befriender roles may take place in a school setting depending on the need of the child and may take place during school hours. Mentoring roles are a way of helping children and young people achieve their goals. The volunteer mentor role involves providing both emotional and practical support to work towards specific goals identified by the family. The Family Mentor role is varied and may include: Helping to improve relationships, help to support boundaries, encouraging interaction and support via play (activity sessions – visit to parks, adventure parks, ice skating etc), being a role model and building on existing strengths and assets to support the family to achieve their goals. These can apply to both parent or child or sometimes as a family unit.

LINK works with 12-18 year olds who have become isolated due to mental health issues. They aim to assist the young people to increase their resilience, confidence, social skills and self esteem through the support of a consistent and reliable befriender. With the young person, you might decide to go out to various activities (there's a monthly budget for this) or find other ways of support and contact. Volunteers don't need to have experience of mental health - training and support for the volunteer is provided. If you can spare a couple of hours a fortnight, would like to help young people, have a positive attitude, good listening skills, and a sense of fun, LINK would love to hear from you.

We are looking for young people aged 18-24 with Type 1 Diabetes across Scotland to join our project and be trained in three different peer support skills – buddying, providing group support or moderating an online national chat. Peer support is proven to be a great way to manage the complications and stress that can come from having a long term health condition. Through this project you will deliver and design the peer support and be given full training to become a peer supporter.