Are you caring, non-judgmental, empathic and passionate about supporting others? Can you commit to our training course, give a little of your time and help families in Scotland in need? If so, please get in touch - we’d love to hear from you. What will I be doing? Children 1st Parentline volunteers provide support to adults by phone, webchat and text offering a kind and skilled listening ear and time to talk about anything to do with children. They build supportive relationships and work alongside individuals to help them think through what will work best for their families, keeping children at the centre but being mindful of the challenges to families today. Our team of staff and volunteers are trauma sensitive and knowledgeable in child development and work alongside callers to prevent stress increasing in families. Volunteering for Children 1st Parentline is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and families across Scotland. The helpline is open Monday-Friday 9am-9pm and 9am-12 noon Saturday and Sunday throughout the year. We ask our volunteers to give a weekly commitment of time and there are a range of options for days/times based at the Children 1st Edinburgh office. A caring, kind and non-judgemental response can make a real difference to someone who wants to talk. No previous experience or formal qualifications are necessary, but good communication skills are essential to enable you to listen to and support those who contact Children 1st Parentline. You will become part of a friendly, supportive team where trained staff are always on had to provide support and guidance. We provide a comprehensive, introductory training course as well as ongoing support and opportunities to develop in the role. Our volunteers tell us that they gain experience and learn skills and that are valuable in many other areas of their lives. We also offer to cover travel expenses. Training Course will take place in February 2023 • Sat 11th Feb - 10.00am-4.30pm • Sat 18th Feb - 10.00am-4.30pm • Sat 25th Feb - 10.00am-4.30pm • Thurs 2nd Mar – 5.30pm-8.30pm • Thurs 9th Mar - 5.30pm-8.30pm Training sessions will take place at our office: 83 Whitehouse Loan, Edinburgh, EH9 1AT.

Would you like to help to support a child, young person and their family? In East Ayrshire, we support families by building trusting relationships in their home, school and green spaces. We aim to get families connected back into their local community to improve physical, mental and emotional health through increasing confidence and resilience. We empower families to have increased networks of support and able to seek and accept support from others. Our aim is to help children and families recover and move on from trauma and/or adversity that they have faced. Volunteering with East Ayrshire will complement the support to help reduce isolation and promote a sense of belonging by encouraging families with their wider community. We are looking for volunteers to support 2-4 hours per week: • Groups and events for families • Undertake weekly activities with a child or young person • Offer support and encouragement to help a parent or carer • Supporting a family in their local community to access resources

Are you interested in offering practical help as a volunteer in our Food Pantry by assisting local people to learn about the Pantry and do their shopping? The Pantry, based in Girvan Primary School, is a membership scheme aimed at helping people make their money go further by reducing their food shopping bills and providing advice and support. It offers dignity, choice, community and food quality. We will give you full training on how it works, equipment used and systems to follow. A staff team member will always be present while you are volunteering. Further Information Volunteers are required for 3.5 hours on Wednesdays or Fridays each week. To apply and for futher information and a chat please visit the website

Events Thank you for thinking of fundraising for Children 1st. Now more than ever, Scotland’s children and families need your support, as they face the additional stresses and challenges of recovering from the coronavirus pandemic. We will continue to be there providing practical and emotional support. It doesn't matter how fast you are or what place you finish in, if you take part in an event for Children 1st, Scotland's children will come first. It's time to let the kids win! If you are interested in helping with any of our events please follow the link to our website below.