General responsibilities: Inside the van: Cleaning all surfaces including inside. cupboards, boxes and shelves. Brushing and mopping floor. Refilling spray bottles. Tidying cupboards. Removing rubbish. Brushing drivers cab and removing any rubbish. Inside the kitchen: Removing discarded food from shelves and fridge. Cleaning shelving units, sink area and inside of fridge. Removing rubbish from inside of kitchen and the area outside. Brushing and mopping floor.

Being given the keys for a new tenancy after being homeless can seem like a dream come true. But sometimes the dream can fade at the first sight of a flat with stained walls, flaking paint and bare floorboards. This is where Fresh Start’s Hit Squads can help. The Hit Squads are teams of volunteers who will work alongside new tenants in their home to decorate up to two rooms. If you think you can help, then please get in touch with either Chloe (07387 141060) or Dave (07387 105198) at Fresh Start.

Moray Handyperson Services are looking for new DIY-ers to join their team, especially in the Elgin area. Volunteers complete small/minor maintenance jobs that some older or vulnerable people cannot do by themselves in their own homes. Each year, this local charity helps hundreds of people stay safe and independent in their own home. Small jobs can range from changing a light bulb, to fitting curtain rails, from assembling flat-packs, to even doing a bit of decluttering. These jobs usually take less than an hour and you can choose to do a job at a time that is convenient for you. Volunteers are usually matched to a job in their local area, and if you can't help out, that isn't a problem either, as you can say no or yes to a job. Now that's flexible volunteering! Contact them if you think you could part of their volunteer team. How It Works: The MHPS staff receive requests from clients and collect relevant details, usually over the phone. They then find a volunteer who has the skills, is nearby and is available. If the volunteer accepts the job, MHPS send the volunteer all the details they need to do the job. Most jobs require the volunteer to visit the client in the client’s own home. The volunteer first makes a brief assessment to ensure the job is as described and it is safe for them to proceed. Once the job has been carried out, there is usually opportunity to chat with the client to determine if they are well, need support in any other areas. Completion paperwork (easy and quick to do) is returned to the MHPS office.

The Rapid Re-accommodation Welcome Centre is a free service offering food, sleeping facilities and a high level of support to people who do not have any accommodation and otherwise would be sleeping rough. Volunteering as a cleaner for just one hour a week can help support this vital service.General responsibilities; Change bedding; Clean the bathroom including the floor; Clean the surfaces in the room; Vacuum; Bag up any belongings that have been left behind.