Home-Start Aberdeen supports local families, who may be vulnerable or suffering from isolation, with emotional and practical support in their own homes. Our charity shop, which raises valuable funds towards our work, opened in 2012. It is located in the heart of the city at 101 George Street, opposite John Lewis. A key component of the shop’s success is our collections/uplift service within the city. This helps to ensure that we have a steady supply of quality stock for the shop floor. The shop is therefore always keen to recruit new volunteer drivers, who could assist us by collecting donations from homes and organisations within Aberdeen (we also uplift from Westhill). This is an ideal position for someone who enjoys driving and has some spare time to become part of our pool of volunteer drivers. A full clean driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential. No fixed commitment in terms of hours is required. Becoming a volunteer driver is a rewarding way to support Home-Start Aberdeen’s work with local families. We are now one of the largest Home-Start schemes in Scotland; this volunteer position is therefore also a good opportunity to contribute to the work of a wider team. For further details please contact Karen Milne, Charity Shop Manager, E Mail: shop@homestartaberdeen.org.uk / tel.: 01224 622390

As you may have heard, we have been working on a very exciting project, creating the first double decker sensory bus in Scotland – enabling us to take our services on the road throughout Grampian. But to make this work we need your help! We are looking for individuals with experience driving buses and/or HGV vehicles to help us transport the bus throughout Grampian taking our specialist autism services to those in need. For further details please contact Megan Linklater, Engagement, Events & Volunteer Officer at E Mail: megan.linklater@grampianautisticsociety.org.uk or tel.: 01224 277900.

We're looking for an adult volunteer who will provide a supportive friendship for a socially isolated young person aged between 8 and 18 who lives in South Ayrshire. Ideally this will involve meeting with their young person every couple of weeks for a few hours, spending time together accessing local activities. This includes: • Be matched on a 1:1 basis with a young person. • Go on regular outings and activities with the young person. • Have the opportunity to participate in group outings/activities and also volunteer support sessions. • Keeping in touch with the Project about the young person’s achievements / growth and activities, and to receive ongoing support from the Project. • Open minded as the Project works with young people from a wide variety of backgrounds. • Following training, to be able to have empathy and understanding of some of the issues encountered by young people referred to the Project. • Continuous focus on the needs of the young person who you are matched with. • Willing to participate in a broad range of activities mutually agreed with the young person. • To be a positive adult role model for the young person and, very importantly, to have FUN! • Have an awareness of and be able to adhere to the Project’s policies and procedures.

Community volunteers are needed to provide services that support people in their local area to lead the life they choose.Key tasks are many and varied and will depend on the needs of your local area. However tasks may include volunteering in a local cafe, hub or club, chatting and providing companionship to individuals, offering dementia friendly support, simple everyday practical tasks such as food preparation, assisted shopping, providing transport and/or social outings, helping with care of pets, delivering books and collecting prescriptions. This is ideal if you want a flexible volunteering opportunity to suit your availability, make new friends, develop your skills/experience and contribute to the work of the charity by helping your local community. You’ll need to have a friendly personality with an ability to observe and identify areas of concern. You’ll have good communication and listening skills with a non-judgemental attitude towards an individual’s circumstances and a willingness to ensure confidentiality. Supporting Clients at the daily lunch club in the Isleburgh Hall