The voice of the Voluntary Sector with a strong and diverse membership. Dedicated and experienced staff providing support, development advice, facilitating networks as well as sharing news and information. We also provide office space to rent, room hire, grant finder services, administration services and much more.

Berwickshire Housing Association owns, manages and builds homes to rent to suit a range of lifestyles, personal needs and family sizes that people can afford. We do so in communities throughout Berwickshire. We are a not for profit charity so all our income goes towards providing services for the community, the upkeep of our customers’ homes and building new homes. Our vision BHA’s vision “To Realise the Power of Home” places our focus very much on the importance of home which goes beyond bricks and mortar. We believe everyone has the right to a high quality, safe and affordable home and a good quality of life. BHA has a role to play in enabling both of these outcomes for our customers. Our values Our values underpin everything that we do. They inform our decisions, how we show up and they way we treat each other. They shape our organisation and how our customers and communities experience us. Brilliant Basics Doing what we say we’ll do, communicating well, taking a person-centred approach in our dealings with both customers and colleagues, taking ownership and accountability. Embrace Change Actively supporting and embedding change, being flexible and adaptable, a commitment to continuous improvement and actively seeking best practice. Learn & Grow A willingness to participate and learn, support the learning and wellbeing of others, providing learning and development opportunities. Inspire Together Collaborate internally and externally, being approachable, helpful and kind, being non-judgemental, displaying emotional intelligence.

Our vision is that all young people will have the opportunity to gain personal experience of how business works, understand the role it plays in providing employment and creating prosperity, and be inspired to improve their own prospects, and the competitiveness of Scotland. YES provides almost 7,000 young people each year, regardless of location, circumstances, curriculum choice, career plans or academic strength, the opportunity to be enterprising and to understand how business works.

The charity shop promotes volunteering, serves the public and provides support and advice to voluntary organisations.

We are a Social Enterprise Company that allows disadvantaged people from Falkirk and the surrounding areas to interact with horses and people, improving their communication skills and confidence. This helps them to integrate further into society and also improve employment opportunities.

We are a local charity supporting young families across Clackmannanshire who are struggling due to mental health illness, domestic abuse, disability and loneliness. We provide a package of emotional, social, financial and practical support consisting of regular home-visiting support from a Family Support Volunteer as well as direct support from a Family Support Co-ordinator, as well as a cluster of family support groups running in Alloa, Tullibody and Tillicoultry to being families together, to encourage community engagement, positive parenting and opportunities to enjoy activities as a family unit.

Giraffe is an innovative community social enterprise at the heart of the Perthshire community. Established in 2009, our key aim is to tackle the pressing and entrenched social problem of the unemployment and social exclusion of people with enduring mental ill-health, disabilities and other significant workplace barriers. The unmet need we address comprises: - The lack of opportunities for effective support for disadvantaged adults who are making the fragile transition into the mainstream work environment - The lack of part-time paid employment opportunities and vocational training giving job-seekers meaningful experience and credibility when applying for paid work with local employers - The discrimination, stigma and profound lack of understanding among the public and local employers about the positive skills, attributes and enthusiasm that disadvantaged people can bring to the workplace. Giraffe runs four sustainable community businesses including South Street Shop & Café, the Stir It Up Training Kitchen, Mill St Café, and the Ladeside Garden Centre.

Grace provides peer support for people who have been through some kind of trauma in their life but feel ready to move on and are looking forward to a brighter future.

The hub is a community anchor organisation, with a regionwide community development remit. The hub develops and delivers services that address community needs. The hub is a resource base in Dumfries town centre which provides wraparound support for community groups, voluntary sector organisations and social innovators. The hub is home to anywhere between 10 and 15 organisations or projects at any given time and as such is able to offer a wide and constantly evolving variety of volunteer opportunities. 4.1 To advance education, social welfare and the furtherance of health and wellbeing. 4.2 The relief of those in need by reason of age, ill health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage. 4.3 To advance other non-profit distributing organizations in Dumfries and Galloway in furtherance of their own purposes of advancement of education, social welfare and relief of disadvantage. 4.4 The advancement of community development and citizenship to build social capital and resilience in disadvantaged communities. 4.5 To promote and organize co-operation in the achievement of the above purposes and bring together representatives of communities, statutory agencies and non-profit distributing organizations engaged in the furtherance of the above purposes

(1) To provide and/or promote training for young people, particularly in such skills as will assist the participants in obtaining paid employment. (2) To relieve unemployment for the public benefit among young people in such ways as may be thought fit, including assistance to find employment. (3) To promote and protect the welfare and physical health of young people, and to assist in the relief of ill health and the provision of health education for young people. (4) To relieve poverty among young people. (5) To relieve the needs of young people who suffer from mental and/or physical disability, illness or impairment. (6) To work towards the elimination of discrimination (whether on the grounds of race, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation or otherwise) in relation to young people, and to promote and support equality of opportunity for all young people irrespective of race, religion, disability, gender or sexual orientation. (7) To help young people to develop their physical, mental and spiritual capacities, such that they may grow to full maturity as individuals and as members of society. (8) To promote public safety, in particular with regard to young people. (9) To assist in the provision of housing for young people who are in necessitous circumstances. (10) To advance education among young people. (11) To promote and/or support other charitable projects and programmes for the benefit of young people.

Promoting learning opportunities, particularly in the fields of healthy living, improving literacy, active citizenship, the recognition of achievement and employability, promoting a broad range of non-formal but structured group learning activities for public benefit. Supporting people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to become more involved in planning their own learning programmes and their continued development. Engaging with the most vulnerable people and groups and planning programmes with them which will help them to reach their full potential. Working with young people to plan and support their own learning and achievement programmes. Offering guidance and support to groups and individuals who would like to broaden their learning opportunities and gain accreditation monitoring and evaluating the association’s activities with a view to ensuring continuous improvement.

The projects main philosophy has been to create opportunities for children and young people from Dundee’s most deprived areas to participate in physical activity and sport, along with using sport as a tool to raise attainment levels, increase employability prospects and reduce anti-social behaviour levels. The team delivers 6 main programmes; Participation Programme, Diversionary Programme, Learn Thru Sport Programme, Springboard Programme, Volunteer Development Programme and Holiday Programme.

Fife Gingerbread seeks to support and empower lone parent, vulnerable and disadvantaged families in need to promote their wellbeing and opportunities. It offers holistic support through various projects, working at the right pace and timescale for the client to overcome barriers such as poverty, isolation, trauma and poor mental health.

Young Enterprise Scotland has been inspiring & equipping young people to learn, develop and reach their full potential through enterprise since 1992. Every year we support around 16,000 young people, from all backgrounds, to develop business knowledge, entrepreneurial skills & ultimately become more employable. We aim to: Enhance entrepreneurial attitudes of young people in Scotland; Improve the enterprise skills of young people in Scotland; Strengthen the work readiness of Scotland’s young people. Our dedicated team are supported by over 500 volunteers from the Scottish business community to help realise our vision for Scotland to be a place where all young people have the opportunity to experience a rewarding future in work/life - no matter where they start their journey. We believe passionately in ’Enterprise for All’ and deliver a wide range of programmes to ensure our work can reach ALL young people.

Central Borders Citizens Advice Bureau (CBCAB) is a member of the Scottish Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, the nationwide network of independent advice agencies. We offer free, independent, confidential, impartial information and advice from our office in Galashiels. Help is available to all members of the Central Borders community and we work with over 1,500 clients per year. The Bureau’s aims are: • to ensure that people do not suffer through lack of knowledge of their rights and responsibilities or of the services available to them, or through an inability to express their needs effectively. • to exercise a responsible influence on the development of social policy and services both locally and nationally.

Citizens Advice Bureau West Lothian provides advice for all which is free, confidential, independent and impartial.

Lucky Ewe offers workplace experience in land and animal husbandry to people with additional support needs

Employability Orkney provides a range of sustainable supported employment, training and volunteering opportunities which promote social inclusion for those furthest from the labour market. Our social enterprise Restart Orkney sells furniture, household items, white goods and clothing at affordable prices.

THE PRINCE’S FOUNDATION PROVIDES HOLISTIC SOLUTIONS TO CHALLENGES FACING THE WORLD TODAY. WE CHAMPION A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO HOW WE LIVE OUR LIVES AND BUILD OUR COMMUNITIES, WE RUN A DIVERSE PROGRAMME OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR ALL AGES AND BACKGROUNDS, AND WE REGENERATE AND CARE FOR PLACES WHERE COMMUNITIES THRIVE AND THAT VISITORS ENJOY. We work nationally and internationally but at the heart of our organisation is the heritage-led regeneration of the Dumfries House estate and its wider community, where our principles and philosophies are explored and put into practice. The work of The Prince’s Foundation is inspired by The Prince of Wales’s philosophy of harmony: that by understanding the balance, the order and the relationships between ourselves and the natural world we can create a more sustainable future. For more than 40 years His Royal Highness has been at the forefront of championing sustainability. During the last decade the impact of natural resource depletion, climate change and rapid urbanisation has become evident and widely understood. The work of The Prince’s Foundation is inspired by the belief that only by taking a holistic view can we create a sustainable future to meet the needs of our world. The Prince’s Foundation was created through the merger, in 2018, of The Prince’s Foundation for Building Community, The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, The Great Steward of Scotland’s Dumfries House Trust and The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts.

Across Scotland ProjectScotland (part of the Volunteering Matters Family) supports young people to reach their potential through tailored support, mentoring and the opportunity to experience the benefits of volunteering themselves and the support of a volunteer mentors.

Lead Scotland is a voluntary organisation set up to widen access to learning for disabled young people and adults, and carers in Scotland. In Fife, learners can chose what they want to learn and are supported by volunteers, one-to-one or in small groups. Lead Scotland also run a Fife-wide, time limited befriending project for anyone over 16 who is facing social isolation or loneliness. People are supported on a one-to-one basis by local volunteers.

* To provide support and therapeutic work placements to those recovering from a mental health illness. * To provide training opportunities and work placements to enable local unemployed or disadvantaged people to re-enter the labour market and regain self-worth in the process. * To bring together people who wouldn't usually meet to do things they wouldn't usually do. * To relieve poverty and distress.

To provide such services as may be connected with the improvement and/or protection of the environment for the benifit of the community. Provide jobs, training and volunteering to local people. Help Clacks residents purchase good-quality furniture at affordable prices. Committed to protecting the environment by reducing furniture disposal to landfill. To make donations (whether by way of gift aid or otherwise), and/or provide other forms of support, to Alloa Enterprises Ltd (and that irrespective of whether the provision of such support advances the interest of the company) ACE also have a new Remakery project and Reuse Café where we will be training volunteers to be climate challenge champions and invite in people with skills in recycling. ACE will also be working closely with FEL who will be based at the Whins Road centre

Every day, The Conservation Volunteers (or TCV as we’re known) works across the UK to create healthier and happier communities for everyone. We do this by connecting people and green spaces to deliver lasting outcomes for both. We recognise that each community and the people living there have different needs. Whether improving wellbeing, conserving a well-loved outdoor space or bringing people together to promote social cohesion, combat loneliness or enhance employment prospects, TCV works together with communities to deliver practical solutions to the real-life challenges they face. For over sixty years we have adapted our work with volunteers to reflect the changing needs of communities in the UK and, by giving people a sense of purpose and belonging, we have empowered them to take control of their lives and outdoor spaces for the benefit of all. Whilst our activities vary, our inclusive approach has remained consistent; bringing people and places together to create happy, healthy and connected communities for everyone.

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need. Our teams of trained volunteers and employees provide practical, emotional and financial assistance to the Armed Forces community enabling them to thrive.

The Trust owns, maintains and operates The Swan, LK243, a traditional fishing boat which they have restored and operate as a sail training and charter vessel. The Trusts aims are to: >Encourage and facilitate interested parties and particularly young people to sail on the Swan. >Teach and keep alive the techniques of sailing and working a traditional sail Fifie. >Maintain the Swan as a viable charitable enterprise and make her available for viewing by the general public and visitors to Shetland.

The charity exists to tackle the inequalities in health and social care provision, ensure families are better connected to support and services and increase the capacity of other agencies through training and education.

LinkLiving offer support through our Steps to Resilience programme, for young people between the ages of 14 and 25. Steps To Resilience is a 10-week trauma-informed personal development programme which equips young people with practical skills to manage their mental health and increase their resilience to cope with challenges. It is based on the belief that young people can be supported to turn the survival tools they have gained through adverse circumstances into positive skills ultimately leading to getting them into work or other positive destinations. We run courses for 14-16 year old non-school attenders, and for young people aged 16-25 years.

We support, develop and represent community groups, voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering. We have around 35 staff members covering these activities across Fife, operating from our offices in Glenrothes, Cupar, Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy. We provide a wide range of support to third sector organisations and have expertise in a wide range of skills and topics including governance, funding, legislation, policy, volunteering, managing people, planning and problem solving.

We receive core funding from the Scottish Government and Fife Council to provide four key functions:
- support, develop and represent the third sector.
- support, develop and represent social enterprises.
- support, develop and represent volunteering.
- support and promote third sector engagement with the Community Planning Partnership.

We support the community of North East Fife by running two hubs LGBTQ hub offering a safe space for the LGBTQ community working together with Trangender Fife to offer safe space for meetings, quiizzes and guest speakers such as the Community Police Working with our two local Highschool clusters to offer support for senior students facing LGBTQ Issues Community Cafe We offer a safe space for single parents and their children, elderly socially isolated, Migrants/refugees and Ukranians, people suffering mental health from local hospital and clients from nearby homeless centre are all welcome Working along with our partners cosy kingdom to support our client with increasing energy poverty as well as seescape to support our visually impaired clients.

Braw Tea CIC is a social enterprise with the ambition to support *disadvantaged women in Dundee. It will do this through the creation of a community café in Broughty Ferry that will provide training and employment opportunities. The social enterprise will support the women to build confidence, self -esteem, reduce social isolation and stigma and will support the women to secure future employment and economic freedom through gaining relevant transferable workplace skills. Our name indicates that we will do ‘good’, offer good food and will be based in Broughty Ferry . *The beneficiary group will include: - Women who face challenges through poverty, social isolation, poor educational attainment, mental health issues, domestic abuse, low risk women offenders, and refugee/asylum seekers. Referrals to the project will be made through working closely with identified third sector partners, the volunteer agencies and Dundee City Council Employability Team. This list is not exclusive, and we will work with any woman who may benefit from the support and training provided.

We work to improve the later lives of everyone on the ageing journey. We celebrate ageing and challenge ageist prejudice throughout society. Our mission is to make Scotland a better place for older people. From a dedicated helpline for older people, to support and funds for older people's groups, to campaigns on the issues that older people tell us matter to them, we're working on many fronts to make Scotland a better place for older people.

Improve the local marine environment for the benefit of everyone. Ensure coastal communities have a say in the decisions that affect their seas. Work to sustain the livelihood of those dependent on fishing and tourism. Increase the popularity of Arran and the Clyde as a diving, watersports and tourist destination. Educate future generations on the need for marine conservation and how to make a difference.

Reeltime as a whole offers affordable rehearsal and recording facilities for the youth and local people. Part of this is offering free music workshops over a total of 36 week periods (12 weeks in 3 local SIP areas Viewpark, Orbiston & North Motherwell

The African Council is an independent voluntary organisation with a mission to promote the social and economic welfare of African People. We celebrate the best in African culture(s), history and values. We promote the attainment of education and life skills especially among Africans. We also advance active citizenship among Africans through engagement in civic and political process, institutions and leadership.

Orkney CAB is independent, and provides free, confidential and impartial advice to anyone living and/or working in the local community. We deliver information, advice and representation covering a wide range of subjects, including; benefits, debt and money advice, consumer issues, housing issues, neighbour problems, family and personal problems, legal matters including eviction, mortgage repossession and small claims, employment advice, immigration and NHS health care. Our services are delivered by a team of trained volunteers supported by specialist staff.