It starts with ‘Hello’. From new mums to empty nesters, it's often surprising who is affected by loneliness. That's why we're teaming up with The Co-operative. Together we want to reach out and reconnect thousands of lonely people with their communities, and tackle a problem that is shortening lives and eroding wellbeing. The aim of the Community Connector is to support people affected by social isolation and loneliness and to help them gain confidence and to reconnect to their community in partnership with existing and new partner organisations. We will place the person at the centre of what we do and help them by offering positive encouragement, practical help and emotional support, for up to three months, depending on their needs. Full training and excellent support is provided to all volunteers. This is a great opportunity to make a real difference in the local community. All help is greatly appreciated. For more details please contact Ieva Nevulyte, Community Connector Co-ordinator at email inevulyte@redcross.org.uk / tel:: 07872 839864.

DENNY AND DUNIPACE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU ARE SEEKING TO RECRUIT 10 VOLUNTEERS. To help provide effective and efficient advice to members of the public, carry out admin duties and develop the bureau. Main Duties include: •Interviewing clients – listen to the client and let the client explain the problem. Help the client to clarify the issues by exploring the problem and asking questions •Giving information - Use Advisernet and other reference materials to find the relevant information, communicate that information to clients •Giving advice – explain the information to the client and the choices that the client has, so they can decide what to do •Give practical help – Fill in forms on paper or online, do benefit checks using appropriate calculation tools, speak to or contact other agencies on behalf of the client, with the client’s consent. •Complete clear case records •Recognise the root cause of problems and participate in taking action •Carry out admin duties. •Carry out reception duties. Denny and Dunipace CAB run a comprehensive training programme for Trainee Advisers which provides support and mentoring with an experienced Adviser. In return, your travel expenses will be reimbursed by the Bureau and there is access to external training once all initial training is completed. Many Advisers have gained useful experience and qualifications whilst volunteering for Denny and Dunipace CAB which have helped them gain employment.

Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA–The Armed Forces Charity in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English. If you already have some fundraising experience that would be great too but it’s not essential. As Fundraising Coordinator, you would work with your local SSAFA branch to develop a Fundraising Plan. You would be central to delivering this local plan to raise funds through a range of local sources including grants, trusts, appeals, collections and events. *What would you be doing? • Developing an ethical fundraising plan based on the needs of the branch and choosing a mix of sources. • Working with the branch secretary and Regional Fundraising Manager, recruit a team of fundraising volunteers to support events, appeals and collections. • Working with the Regional Fundraising Manager, support national fundraising campaigns. • Working with the Branch Publicity Officer, develop opportunities to combine awareness and fundraising. • Planning and running local appeals, collections and events. • Identifying and submitting applications to appropriate trusts and grant funding organisations. • Working with Marketing staff at central office check that all fundraising materials meet SSAFA branding style and current key messages. • Liaise with Regional Fundraising Manager when pursuing opportunities beyond local sources e.g. corporates, • Evaluate fundraising activities and provide reports and information for the branch. • Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA including all sections of the community in awareness raising. • Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.) *What can you gain from this volunteering role? • Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others • Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients • Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community • Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews • Better physical and mental health –studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression! A great opportunity to help. All help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated. If you wish to volunteer/for further details please contact Shirley Lumby, Administration Coordinator at email: shirley.lumby@grampian.ssafa.org.uk or telephone: 07938 099 547.

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.