Do you own a friendly, outgoing, though not too boisterous dog who loves to have a fuss made of them? Then perhaps, you might like to thank about registering them in our THERAPET visiting service. You heard of it? Let me tell you about it. For some years now it has been recognised, more nd more, that pets are good for us! Indeed it has been scientifically proved that the mere action of stroking a dog, cat, slows down the heartbeat, reduces blood pressure, and makes someone who has already suffered a heart attack much less likely to have another. Through no fault of their own, many people find themselves deprived of the companionship of a much loved dog. It may be they have had to go into sheltered housing, residential care, a long stay hospital etc. The same applies to children and adults who have an additional support need and those suffering from a terminal illness. THERAPETS come in all breeds, cross-breeds, or 57 variety mongrels! They can be small, medium or large. The only vital statistic is a steady and happy temperament. The dogs are approved for temperament and general stability being accepted and are not considered until at least one year old. Volunteer owners must become actual members of CANINE CONCERN SCOTLAND TRUST - mainly so that we can be sure of insurance cover - although happily so far we only know of one, very minor accident, a happy day's tail sweeping a vase from a low table. Volunteers must be willing to make a regular commitment to visit, it need not be very often, once a fortnight, once a month or whenever, but the visits must be regular because the residents and patients look forward to them so much and are disappointed if they suddenly cease. Sometimes small miracles occur - people who have never spoken, turned their faces to the wall in fact - magically come to life at the first appearance of a dog in a ward! This to the surprise and delight of the nursing staff, in many cases the dogs and owners provide some light relief for them too. Sadly, it has to be said that some of the residents or patients the THERAPETS are their only visitors. We like to encourage them to regard the doggy visitors as their very own. There is no charge for this service which is organised and carried out entirely by volunteers. We fund raise in various ways to keep it going. More than anything else, we need MORE VOLUNTEERS! The service has proved so popular that they demand has overtaken the supply. So, if you think this might be for you, or once importantly, for your dog, please do contact us for more detail and perhaps an application form to register your dog.

*Volunteer with Charlie House and give the gift of time* Thousands of volunteers across the North-east of Scotland make an amazing contribution to the third sector and provide vital hours of support to charities and the families which they support. Our volunteers are an integral and invaluable part of Team Charlie House. Every single hour they contribute makes a difference to the babies, children, young people and families we support. As we develop our range of services to support even more families across the region, we are looking to expand our team of Charlie House volunteers. Some of our volunteers gift an occasional hour or two, some a whole day, and some make a regular commitment every week or month. We have a wide range of volunteering opportunities available for each and every individual, based on their available time. To find out more about volunteering with Charlie House and the full range of current ways you can help and make a real difference through volunteering please visit: https://www.charliehouse.org.uk/support-us/volunteer-with-us/ or contact us at E Mail: volunteer@charliehouse.org.uk

Fresh Community Wellness is a growing grassroots charity, registered Scottish Charity Number, SC051346. We operate out of Aberdeen city, working within a (S.I.M.D) high neighbourhood to create lasting change and build a legacy for the future. Predominantly in Seaton neighbourhoods and outdoors, we work with volunteers/residents, with a salutogenic approach to community wellness. To help with this we have great opportunities and need people to help out as volunteers for a range of roles including: *Food growing, gardeners, greenspace management, tidy ups volunteers. *Mentors, community engagement, events, entertainers (kids, adults, 55+). *Outdoors games & sports volunteers, building outdoor areas for residents (sheltered housing seating), health. *Artists/ Sculptors to begin on our Street Art & Design projects, and sculptures. *Admin, coordinators, team lead volunteers, advisors & support volunteers. *Drop-in café helpers, advisors, cooking assistants. All are fantastic opportunities to make a real difference for people and communities in Aberdeen. Excellent support and relevant training is provided to all volunteers. For more details about these volunteer roles or other ways you can help support the important work and volunteering at Fresh Community Wellness SCIO, please contact our website www.freshcom.org.uk or email us at chair@freshcom.org.uk or secretary@freshcom.org.uk

Why we want you 1 in 5 people in the UK say they are lonely. Volunteers like you help people to gain confidence so that they can reconnect with their local community. What you will be doing Give companionship to people in their home or in the community. Help people to build confidence and self-esteem. Support people with everyday tasks such as shopping or doctor appointments. Help people to use local community services and social groups. Keep records of tasks. What's in it for you Meet new people and be part of a dynamic and inclusive team. A great opportunity to develop your existing skills and gain new ones. All training and induction for the role (there is no charge for training). Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses for the role including for attending training. An opportunity to be part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation and the knowledge that you are making a difference to people’s lives