-Would You Like To Help Make Your Community A Better Place? Have you ever asked yourself the question “Why doesn’t someone do something about that?” Well, you can start to bring about a change by joining your local Community Council. The elections for Community Councils in Aberdeen take place in October 2021 and this will a good opportunity to get involved. -What are Community Councils? Community councils are set up by the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, established by Local Authorities as set out in the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils. They have no executive powers although, being close to and part of the local community, they play a vital role in representing the views of the community to local authorities and other public bodies. The number of Community Councillors in each area depends on the population figures for the area; a larger population has more Councillors. -Role and Responsibilities The general purpose of Community Councils is to act as a voice for their local area. This will involve them articulating the views and concerns of local people in their area on a wide range of issues of public concern and make representations to the Local Authority, other public sector bodies and private agencies on matters within their sphere of interest. Community Councils are a statutory consultee on all planning applications and licensing applications relating to liquor. Members of the Community Council can also participate in City wide groups e.g. Community Council Forum and Civic Forum to share ideas and discuss common issues. -How do they work? • They usually meet once a month to discuss the issues of current concern in their area, particularly major planning applications and steps to improve our local environment. • They contact and are contacted by relevant agencies to put forward the views of the community which involves collating views from members of the community, including individuals, families and groups. • They discuss and negotiate solutions to local issues and concerns. • They attend meetings with relevant groups, liaise with City Councillors and officials. • When necessary they campaign on big issues of local concern. -Community Council Achievements • Production and distribution of newsletters to keep the community informed • Organising community gardens and floral displays • Supporting local galas and festivals • Setting up and managing websites and other social media • Clean up activities for their area • Securing funding for local projects • Influencing planning and licensing decisions • Campaigning on local issues e.g. road safety, roads maintenance -Who can be a Community Councillor? Community Council candidates must be named on the current electoral register for the Community Council area in which they reside as a local government elector. The minimum age to stand for election as a Community Councillor is 16 years of age and we encourage young and older to get involved. You don’t need any special skills or experience. People who become Community Councillors should have an interest in their community and often begin with an interest in a specific issue such as youth activity provision, protecting the environment or the quality of local services. -Information Sessions Why not sign up to attend one of our information sessions? They are all being held via Microsoft Teams so you will need the link to join ( available by contacting email: communitycouncils@aberdeencity.gov.uk ) • 7pm – Thursday 12 August • 7pm Wednesday 18 August • 2pm Tuesday 24 August • 10am Monday 30 August -Election Timetable • Publication of Notice of Election - Wednesday 11 August • Close of Nominations - 4pm Thursday 9 September 2021 • Closing date for withdrawal of Nominations - 4pm Wednesday 15 September 2021 • Notice of Poll (or Uncontested Election) - Monday 20 September 2021 • Polling Day (if required) 8.00am - 8.00pm - Thursday 7 October 2021 -Find Out more Would you like to stand as a Community Councillor? Do you know someone else who would be a good Community Councillor? Please contact the Community Council Liaison Officer (CCLO), Karen Finch on 01224 522723 or email communitycouncils@aberdeencity.gov.uk for more information.

Do you always have a welcoming smile on your face and love getting into conversations? Why not get to know the people from your community through this versatile volunteering role? Gain valuable experience in customer service and add value to your C.V. You'll be at the heart of BHF's fight against heart disease. You will be serving customers, promoting stock and BHF's awareness campaigns and encouraging every donor to become part of BHF's Gift Aid scheme. If you want to get to know the community around you, this is a perfect way to integrate yourself into your local area and maybe spread the volunteering 'bug' to new recruits.

We are looking for a plant enthusiast to take on responsibility of caring for plants in offices in the Royal Edinburgh Building. The role involves watering and nurturing plants weekly. The plants were purchased with a grant from Edinburgh & Lothians Health Foundation as an initiative to re-green office space and improve staff wellbeing. The offices are a busy, open plan space used by a variety of clinical staff, so an understanding of confidentiality and privacy is essential.

Looking for a handy person/painter to provide 1-2 days per calendar month (availability to be discussed) to help with minor repairs in residential properties, such as general maintenance, basic plumbing and electrical work. Own transport necessary.

CVS Inverclyde are recruiting volunteers to support their Digital Information, Assistance & Learning Service. The service will be offered to individuals who need additional support using IT to access digital resources and to develop their confidence with digital skills and cyber safety awareness. Volunteers do not need to be qualified or have a high degree of technical skill to provide support. They just need to be confident in their day-to-day digital skills and feel able to guide people who are less familiar with digital skills.

The purpose of this role is to maximise the amount of excess donations Fresh Start receives which cannot go into Starter Packs and can be sold in Fresh Start Shop. The main aim is to reduce waste, recycle, reuse and divert items away from landfill. This role is based in Fresh Start warehouse.

The aim of Fresh Start Shop in the first instance is to provide a much needed and valuable service to the local community and offer volunteering opportunities to local people, our service users and the wider community. This role includes sorting and pricing donations and requires some creativity in displaying items to appeal to customers. Experience of working in retail or in other charity shops is an advantage.

New Trustees should be able to attend meetings, and to read papers in advance of meetings. Participate in other tasks as arising from time to time, such as interviewing new staff or helping with fundraising. Trustees must keep informed about the activities of WFC and wider issues which affect its work. Each new Trustee must also have a commitment to WFC and its objectives; an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a Trustee. Key shared duties include setting and maintaining Wigtown Festival Company’s vision, mission and values; ensuring that WFC complies with the law and any other relevant legislation or regulations. Ensuring that WFC pursues its objectives as defined in its Articles of Association and Bye Laws and ensuring the financial stability of WFC, and ensuring that financial resources are well managed, used effectively and applied exclusively in pursuance of its objectives. Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of WFC, including the proper investment of WFC funds. Appointing WFC staff and monitoring their performance. Individual trustees should work collaboratively with other Trustees and staff to actively develop strategy, setting policy, goals and targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets. Trustees will safeguard the good name and values of WFC, acting as its ambassador and advocating for its work; representing WFC at meetings and functions as appropriate. Trustees must abide by the Equal Opportunities Policy and declaring any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a WFC.

Do you enjoy gardening? Crosslet House Care Home in Dumbarton are looking for volunteers to support their garden and polly tunnel area. They can offer a section of their extensive polly tunnel to any volunteers who can support them with their experience and guidance to grow our own produce. General gardening, supporting large poly tunnel for planting and growing plants, fruit and vegetables. Volunteers can have a section in Polly Tunnel to grow their own fruit/vegetables too.

You will help plan and deliver activities for children aged 8 to 11 years. No two sessions will be the same as we explore the world around us in a fun and exciting way. All volunteers will work in a team with the Community Activities Leader to plan and deliver the sessions. Materials etc will be provided however you may be asked to purchase some of the materials yourself – you will be reimbursed for this upon presenting a valid receipt. You will be given the opportunity to lead on sessions if you are confident in this. Working with children you will be an approachable, lively and helpful volunteer who is ready to support the children and provide a fun atmosphere where children can take part in activities safely.