Hand of Solace is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organization working with isolated/lonely elders and young people by offering direct services and support , all designed to help people make the most of life. We have a range of exciting volunteer opportunities to assist in this and would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in joining our great volunteer team. This includes assisting with our Older People Volunteer Befriending Service. Our Older People Volunteer Befrienders are matched on a 1:1 basis with an older person aged 50 and above within the North areas of Aberdeen(including-Stoneywood, Bucksburn, Dyce, Seaton, Northfield and Bridge of Don).Volunteer befrienders visit their befriendees once a week to spend quality time(2-3 hours) with them (which may include support with accessing /attending local activities ) to reduce loneliness and isolation. We’ll give you all the training and support you need to do your role. All help will make a difference and be greatly appreciated. Application forms may be accessed by filling out our volunteers interest form which may be found in our website at https://www.handofsolace.co.uk/apply-to-volunteer-with-us or by requesting through our email- info@handofsolace.co.uk , or by phoning the contact number- 07378432436.

Ever thought of helping people, but not sure what you could do? Do you enjoy spending time with older people? Do you have a few hours a week to spare to help others? Becoming a Safer Ageing volunteer may be just for you! Hourglass Scotland is part of the well-established UK-wide charity, Hourglass (formerly Action on Elder Abuse), the only UK-wide charity dedicated to calling time on the harm, abuse and exploitation of older people. We're dedicated to promoting safer ageing and a fairer society for all older people. We're setting up an exciting new Community Hub, to provide comprehensive advice and support around the abuse of older people and safer ageing. The Hub will be available to older people, their loved ones, and anyone else concerned about an older person; providing immediate advice and support, as well as services to proactively help keep older people safe from harm, abuse and exploitation. We're now recruiting a team of volunteers to help us deliver frontline support to older people and others. We are developing a range of services and activities to promote safer ageing and stop abuse, incorporating prevention, recovery and resilience, including interest-based groups, social events, one-to-one support, and more. Volunteering roles include: - Hosting or assisting with coffee mornings or social events - Facilitating or assisting interest groups (e.g. crafts, photography, story-telling, local history, etc) - raising awareness of the work of Hourglass & issues relating to safer ageing and the abuse of older people - providing one-to-one support to an older person in their own home, a community setting or over the phone - hosting information stands or pop-up clinics at community venues and events We are looking for people who are passionate about stopping abuse and empowering older people to live well and age safely; who understand the experience of and issues affecting older people; who can demonstrate empathy, patience, sensitivity and resilience; and who can listen and support non-judgementally. If you match this description, and are over 18 years of age, and can commit to an hour or more per week, we'd love to hear from you. Some roles may be home-based, and we will be working primarily in Fife initially. Are you interested?

Safer Ageing Volunteers may carry out the following roles: • Promoting the work of Hourglass Scotland and raising awareness of issues around safer ageing and abuse of older people • Hosting (or assisting with) interest/activity groups for older people • Hosting (or assisting with) coffee mornings/social events • Hosting information stands at events/venues • Making regular Safer Ageing phone calls or visits to older people • Acting as an advocate on behalf of an older person • Providing information and advice via our Helpline, including casework support for those who require more in-depth support • Other tasks may be undertaken in line with volunteer’s skills and interests, and the needs of the charity and those we serve Further information: Please contact Colin Scott, Community Response Co-ordinator, Hourglass Scotland: Tel: 07496 323 801 E-mail: colinscott@wearehourglass.org Applying for this position: If you’d like to apply for this position, please complete and return the enclosed application form to: Carralanne Bradley Hourglass Scotland PO Box 29244 Dunfermline, KY12 2EG Or email completed applications to: Carralannebradley@wearehourglass.org

Everyone can feel lonely and isolated at times, especially if experiencing hardship. This year, in response to the crippling effects of loneliness and isolation on peoples physical, emotional and mental health, that the pandemic has only exacerbated, TLC are setting up a befriending service to combat loneliness and isolation in Aberdeen. Our aim is that our expertly trained and compassionate volunteers will not only provide a lifeline to people, in the form of friendship, but also a helping hand to reconnect to the community, bringing joy and passion back into people’s lives. Due to Covid-19 government restrictions, the project will run differently than usual with the use of video conferencing or by phone, however, once restrictions are eased and it is safe to meet in person, befriending sessions will operate face-to-face in people’s homes or in the community. If you would like to be a beacon of hope for someone in need, please apply to become a TLC Befriender. For further information please contact Jonny Astill, Development Manager at EMail: jonny@tlc.org.uk