Somebody Cares is a local charity who furnish homes, provide clothing, baby equipment, toys and food parcels to those in need within our city and shire. Through referral from many local support services, charities, social workers and the local councils, clients are able to access our services completely free of charge. By demonstrating empathy and support, our aim is to provide a helping hand to those who are facing challenging times, by offering hope and providing then with essential and practicable items which they otherwise couldn’t afford to purchase. Our greatest wish is that after receiving our support our clients can gain confidence, flourish and begin to escape the poverty trap. We work with men, woman and children from many different backgrounds, and our services are accessed by many support services including Aberdeen City Council, Cornhill Hospital, Grampians Women’s Aid, Barnardo’s, Children’s 1st, Turning Point Scotland, Langstane Housing, Shmu, Children and Family Services, Social Bite, Drugs and Alcohol Awareness and many medical professionals. We fund our charitable work by selling some of our donated items at our very busy retail megastore at Hazeldene Road, Aberdeen. (Old Dobbie’s building). The Megastore has many gems and bargains and has a strong local clientele who visit the store on a regular basis. We are looking for volunteers to help us sort through many of the donated items ready for sale. We are flexible with hours and days and are looking for enthusiastic people with a heart for making a difference to join our friendly team. A fantastic opportunity to help. All volunteers make a real difference and are greatly appreciated. For further details please contact Alison Topley, Chief Operating Officer at email: volunteer@somebodycaresscotland.org or telephone: 01224 460700.

Fare4Free was formed in 2016 to: • Provide transport solutions for the Armed Forces Community where public transport is unavailable or not suitable across Scotland. • Reduce missed appointments and ensure the continuation of treatment plans. • To increase wellbeing, reduce anxiety and encourage integration back into the community. Our bespoke service provides a person-centred journey and is split into three categories: • Medical - focusing on the beneficiaries’ requirements while attending hospital, mental health, or therapeutic based appointments. • Wellbeing - as we introduce our beneficiaries back into their local community and support them in the transition to start attending local activities, events, and volunteering opportunities. • Intelligent signposting and onward referrals - to over 50 collaborative partners supporting with any additional needs from financial guidance, home adaptations and available statutory services. The Volunteer Outreach Support Driver (VOSD) is at the heart of Fares4Free by making sure that our clients are where they need to be at the right time. They will be responsible for checking their vehicle before and after work and keeping it clean inside and out. VOSDs are our designated area specialists who understand the communities they operate within fully and the wide range of services available to them. They are passionate about getting it right, are able communicators and focused on using their experience to connect people with the help that they need.

Come and join our cause any time of the year. You don't have to wait up till Christmas to help make a real difference to the lives of families in Ayrshire. Volunteering with Night Before Christmas is a meaningful way to help some of Ayrshire’s most vulnerable children and families. It’s also an opportunity to develop and enjoy new experiences. You’ll connect with your community, meet new people, learn new skills and share what you know. All our voluntary roles are supported: people come first. We’ll give you an induction and relevant training, and you’ll always have space to raise issues. You don’t need specific skills for many of our roles. All we ask for is enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved. Tasks may include: - Sorting and tidying - Packing bags - Talking and greeting other volunteers - Driving and delivering bags - Keeping records - Fundraising - Participating in events - Creating social media posts - Photography

If you are looking for a new challenge, have life or work skills you wish to put to good use & you’re interested in helping others in your community consider becoming a Volunteer General Adviser or Volunteer Receptionist. If you're interested and/or would like more information just get in touch with us for a chat or to ask for our volunteer application pack. We provide full training and support. Volunteer receptionists are currently wanted for Wednesday/Thursday/Friday afternoons. Full training given, expenses paid. Call Polly for more details 01463 219743.