Independent Monitoring Boards are made up of over a thousand unpaid volunteers operating in every prison in England and Wales, and every immigration detention facility across the UK. IMB members are the eyes and ears of the public, appointed by ministers to perform a vital task: independent monitoring of prisons and immigration detention. They report on whether the individuals held there are being treated fairly and humanely and whether prisoners are being given the support they need to turn their lives around. This can make a huge difference to the lives of those held within these facilities. We are currently looking for volunteers to join the Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre board.

Independent Monitoring Boards are made up of over a thousand unpaid volunteers operating in every prison in England and Wales, and every immigration detention facility across the UK. IMB members are the eyes and ears of the public, appointed by ministers to perform a vital task: independent monitoring of prisons and immigration detention. They report on whether the individuals held there are being treated fairly and humanely and whether prisoners are being given the support they need to turn their lives around. This can make a huge difference to the lives of those held within these facilities. We are looking for volunteers to join the Scotland and Northern Ireland Short-Term Holding Facility board to monitor Aberdeen Airport. For more information please contact Rebecca Sheehan, Regional Support Lead at email: rebecca.sheehan1@justice.gov.uk and details are also available at https://imb.org.uk/prison-volunteer/prison-volunteer-uk/be-a-prison-volunteer-in-scotland-northern-ireland/#scotland

No matter how good our services are, we can't properly support our community well if we don't have good Support people in the team. If this sounds like you?... we would love you to consider volunteering with us for a few hours per week. Dumbarton District Women’s Aid (DDWA) is a confidential organisation which provides information, support and, where appropriate, refuge for women and any accompanying children who are at risk. We are looking for someone who is skilled in the use of social media, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and would be responsible for the establishment or maintaining active social media accounts, researching and creating creative content for the different social media channels, identifying opportunities to establish relationships with other community groups, developing other potential social media channels and keeping up to date with what is going on locally. You will be expected to create posts for social media and once they have been approved for use by staff post them on DDWA social media platforms. The role is home based and it is expected that people can use their own equipment to post content.

Victim Support Scotland Volunteer How can you support victims and witnesses of crime? Victims of crime often feel a range of emotions in the aftermath of an offence. It is Victim Support Scotland’s role to provide victims and witnesses of crime emotional and practical support in person, online, and in court. Volunteers are supported by VSS staff who manage the service. How would you help? Our volunteers provide emotional support, practical help, information and guidance through the criminal justice system. We aim to empower people who have been impacted by crime, to move on with their lives. • Discuss service users’ needs by telephone, webchat, appointments and face-to-face contact, agreeing next steps at the end of each contact • Help service users feel more confident by arranging and conducting court familiarisation visits • Support service users in the court room and other appropriate locations on the day of the trial, liaising with court officials on behalf of the service users. • Feedback and agree follow-up actions with staff members • Provide administrative support in completing the service users journey What benefits would I get? Volunteering with Victim Support Scotland can be challenging and also extremely rewarding. As a volunteer you will: • Support people when they most need it • Learn new skills and knowledge of the criminal justice sector • Gain access to a range of specialist training courses that are relevant to your volunteering role • Positively contribute to your community as a member of a team actively working to reduce the impact of crime • A chance to give something back • Receive support in your volunteering role to deliver services effectively • All reasonable expenses (e.g. travel) will be reimbursed What is the time commitment? We know that our volunteers have busy lives, so we agree the time commitment with each individual volunteer. However, we ask for: • a minimum commitment of approximately one day per week, however this may vary depending upon the needs of the service. • a minimum commitment of at least 1 year so that they might get the most out of a volunteering role. How can I apply? The people we support come from all communities across Scotland, as do our volunteers. We welcome new volunteers from all backgrounds and languages. To ensure we provide the best possible service to people affected by crime, we ask all volunteers to follow our processes. This will involve: • Joining the Disclosure Scotland PVG scheme • Providing two satisfactory references • Completing our three day ‘Introduction to Victim Support Scotland’ training module • Signing and abiding by Victim Support Scotland’s Confidentiality agreement • Commitment to Data Protection • Volunteer Agreement

By choosing to volunteer with Western Isles Citizen Advice Service you'll be giving something truly valuable back to your community. As a charity, our volunteers are essential to allow us to deliver the important work we do. What's involved? There are a broad range of volunteering roles available within Western Isles CAS, so you can use your skills, knowledge and experience where it matters most from adviser roles to behind the scenes support we will let you choose were you think you'll make the greatest impact. What are the benefits? Volunteering is a fantastic way to stay active and involved in the local community. As a new member we will instantly make you feel at home. Let's not forget the feel good factor too! Giving people the information and advice they need to turn their lives around is very rewarding. As well as making a difference you can also learn valuable skills . 42% of our volunteers go on to further education or employment. As an adviser you will be part of the wider network and will have access to ongoing training and development. If you would like to volunteer with us or find out more we would love to hear from you!

Would you like the opportunity to support Mary's Meals work to feed hungry children in some of the worlds poorest countries and help give them a brighter future? We are looking for volunteers to become church representatives, acting as a link between us and their church community to encourage support for our work. As a church representative you can share resources and updates from Mary's Meals with your church community at key points in the year, helping to keep the community connected to our mission and encouraging their support. This could include sharing updates in the newsletter, parish noticeboard or as part of the service. This is a simple role which does not require much time from you, but can have a big impact helping inspire people to support our work and enabling us to keep our promise to the 2.4 million children around the world who rely on us for a daily meal.

Victim Support Scotland Volunteer How can you support victims and witnesses of crime? Victims of crime often feel a range of emotions in the aftermath of an offence. It is Victim Support Scotland’s role to provide victims and witnesses of crime emotional and practical support in person, online, and in court. Volunteers are supported by VSS staff who manage the service. How would you help? Our volunteers provide emotional support, practical help, information and guidance through the criminal justice system. We aim to empower people who have been impacted by crime, to move on with their lives. Discuss service users’ needs by telephone, webchat, appointments and face-to-face contact, agreeing next steps at the end of each contact Help service users feel more confident by arranging and conducting court familiarisation visits Support service users in the court room and other appropriate locations on the day of the trial, liaising with court officials on behalf of the service users. Feedback and agree follow-up actions with staff members Provide administrative support in completing the service users journey What benefits would I get? Volunteering with Victim Support Scotland can be challenging and also extremely rewarding. As a volunteer you will: Support people when they most need it Learn new skills and knowledge of the criminal justice sector Gain access to a range of specialist training courses that are relevant to your volunteering role Positively contribute to your community as a member of a team actively working to reduce the impact of crime A chance to give something back Receive support in your volunteering role to deliver services effectively All reasonable expenses (e.g. travel) will be reimbursed What skills and experience do I need? We are looking for committed, reliable and empathetic volunteers who can work with people of all ages, backgrounds and life situations. Although we provide full training and support, knowledge of the criminal justice system and experience of supporting people is beneficial. As a Victim Support Scotland Volunteer you will need: Effective communication skills The ability to actively listen to service users and anyone affected by crime An interest in learning about the criminal justice system and understand the service user’s journey An awareness of confidentiality obligations and the responsibilities that come with upholding these obligations Effective time management skills (and working under pressure) Access to a car or ability to use public transport What is the time commitment? We know that our volunteers have busy lives, so we agree the time commitment with each individual volunteer. However, we ask for: a minimum commitment of approximately one day per week, however this may vary depending upon the needs of the service. a minimum commitment of at least 1 year so that they might get the most out of a volunteering role. How can I apply? The people we support come from all communities across Scotland, as do our volunteers. We welcome new volunteers from all backgrounds and languages. To ensure we provide the best possible service to people affected by crime, we ask all volunteers to follow our processes. This will involve: • Joining the Disclosure Scotland PVG scheme • Providing two satisfactory references • Completing our three day ‘Introduction to Victim Support Scotland’ training module • Signing and abiding by Victim Support Scotland’s Confidentiality agreement • Commitment to Data Protection • Volunteer Agreement

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don't need a military background just patience, and an ability to get on with people from different backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you. SSAFA Visitors provide support to isolated people living at home or in residential care. Whilst a friendly chat about the old days over a cup of tea, playing cards, looking at old photo albums or military momentum is an important aspect of the role you will also be able to recognise any other support needs and explore how to link your client into their local community and arrange for a SSAFA caseworker to assess the client for other support needed. The essential part of the role is visiting the client. Whilst you will visit a client on a regular basis for a period you will not be developing a kind of relationship where you will provide personal care, handle money or support someone in an emergency. SSAFA can help clients to arrange other types of support if needed.

As a volunteer advisor you will undertake full training and be supported gradually to become an adviser. This will involve interviewing clients and using the CAB information system give clients up to date and accurate information. You will explore options with clients and talk about the different ways their problems might be tackled, or offer practical help such as filling in a form, writing a letter, doing a benefit calculation, or making a phone call. The CAB has people from all walks of life and provides a vital service to the islands, this is a great opportunity to be part of something special. We have a small but committed and friendly staff team and are always looking for people who would like to get involved. If you have an interest but also some questions, the best thing you can do is have them answered. Come in and see the training officer or manager on Westview Terrace and discuss if this is the right opportunity for you. It really is a great opportunity.

For people leaving hospital, adjusting to life at home can be a difficult time. Helping someone get their essential shopping, pick up their prescription or get the heating turned on can make all the difference for them to feel safe at home. We are looking for volunteers who live in Ayrshire and are able to volunteer at least 4 hours per week from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Are able to drive and have use of a vehicle, this is preferred if providing outreach support but not essential. If you will be driving for this role you need to have held a full driving licence for at least 2 years which allows you to drive in the UK. Have good communication skills. Are warm, friendly and able to empathise with others. Are reliable and passionate about making a difference to the lives of vulnerable people. Due to the nature of this role, applicants must undergo an Enhanced PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check. Please apply directly via the British Red Cross link