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Description
This is a unique opportunity for you to make a positive difference to the lives of victims and witnesses affected by crime. Crime can affect anyone in Scotland and every one of us can help. Victims of crime often feel a range of emotions in the aftermath of an offence. What sets us apart from other support organisations is that we are available to all victims of crime no matter what it is or when it happened.
We are looking for more people to join our incredible team of volunteers who provide information, guidance, emotional support and practical assistance to help anyone affected by crime, including victims, witnesses their families and friends. This may take place in person, online, and in court.
Organisation aims and objectives.
Victim Support Scotland is the leading charity dedicated to helping people affected by crime across Scotland. We support victims of crime, witnesses and their family members, regardless of who they are and their circumstances. Our service is independent, free, non-judgemental and confidential. We offer bespoke support, personalised to the needs of each individual.
Victim Support Scotland provides information, practical help, emotional support and guidance through the criminal justice system. We offer specialist services to support people who face specific crimes including murder, terrorism, rape and sexual assault, domestic violence and hate crime. We empower people to cope with the aftermath of a crime and find the strength to move forward with their lives.
We have dedicated volunteers, supported by paid staff, in our national and local offices across Scotland, as well as our teams in the Sheriff and High Courts, helping us to provide high quality support to those affected by crime. Victim Support Scotland represents the voice of people affected by crime. We influence key national policy decision-making to champion victim and witness rights and improve support services.
How would you help?
Our Support 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. This includes:-
• 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 are the benefits to me ?
Volunteering with Victim Support Scotland can be challenging and also extremely rewarding. Each time you volunteer you make a positive difference to someone’s life.
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 agreed expenses (e.g. travel) will be reimbursed.
Working as part of a collective advocacy team to raise awareness and speak about your own experiences of eating disorders. The role involves working with the collective advocacy development worker to deliver a lived experience workshop and facilitate a group discussion in various community settings throughout the Lothians including: universities, health etc. The role requires someone who is willing to share personal lived experience of an eating disorder of any kind, in order to educate and raise awareness around eating disorders; willingness to talk about and share experiences of eating disorders in various community settings including: universities, public events etc. Currently the group is also working on research and input into a new book around overcoming binge eating disorder.
Aberdeen in Recovery (AiR) was granted Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) charitable status in March this year. We are now looking to find talented, passionate and skilled people to fill some vacant seats on our Board of Trustees to help us grow and develop our innovative and solution focused new charity. This is a unique opportunity to help lay the foundations to ensure AiR has a long-term future as a charity with solid processes in place to ensure it meets its mission of:
“To be a bridge from ‘dependence’ to ‘independence’ for the individual seeking to recover from problematic substance use and addictive behaviours”.
This is such an exciting and invigorating prospect for individuals to get involved and be participant in the tsunami of change which is now gaining momentum and being driven by “Experts by Experience” and the vibrant Lived Experienced Communities which are blossoming, not only locally but are now established as a national phenomena.
Since its conception, AiR and its members have worked tirelessly to establish and build collaborative relationships with professional services and third sector support agencies. We have consistently driven the message that individuals who have personal lived/living experience of active substance use, including Family members who have been affected by the addictive behaviours of a loved one, and the Recovery Communities they represent have something valid, essential and extremely beneficial to bring to described Recovery Orientated Systems of Care (ROSC). We can provide existing services and clinical structural systems with resources, skills and capabilities that they, no matter how much effort, time and money they invest, will never be able to offer or provide.
So, it gives the greatest of pleasure to see this is now recognised on the highest levels that “Recoverists” can productively contribute to the design, development and delivery of truly person-centred ROSC. This being evidenced by the vision, philosophy and content of the Scottish Governments “Rights, Respect and Recovery” Drug and Alcohol Strategy.
We also believe it is reaffirmed by the recent success in being granted funding from the Government’s National Development Fund, with our principle partner Alcohol and Drugs Action (ADA), for our ‘Recovery Peer Pathway’ joint two-year project. This collaborative venture will build on three years of pilot work to further establish and build proactive and productive Developmental Pathways within ADA and their Volunteer network while in synergy with AiR membership for individuals who desire to initiate change in their behaviours and outlook as they progress on their recovery journeys within, and imperatively out-with, statutory and formal support services.
We believe that the blue sky thinking behind this project categorically and emphatically fits with the expectations, outcomes and concepts of the above Government policy.
So, if you have lived experience, or a stakeholder interest, and a passion for recovery and are willing to give of yourself that another may learn, you will not find a better opportunity to indulge your appetite than from within Aberdeen in Recovery.
For more information please contact Dermot Craig, Recovery Community Development Manager at E Mail: dermot@aberdeeninrecovery.org or tel.: 01224 638342 / Mobile: 07751 213108.
>Who we are:
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.
>Some of our projects:
1. Employment/Enterprise coaching events
• The event seeks to provide coaching and empowerment for Africans through education, guidance and support, to increase Africans involvement in employment, enterprise and entrepreneurship opportunities.
2. Civic and Political structures coaching events
• The event seeks to provide coaching that encourages and provides guidance to Africans, to increase involvement and participation of Africans in civic and political life in Scotland,
3. Engagement events
• Our engagement events seek to understand the challenges and barriers that Africans face in participating in all areas of Scottish life and ways to mitigate these challenges.
>Volunteering Opportunities:
Volunteers are vital for delivering the African Council's projects and services. We are looking for volunteers to join our team and we currently have volunteering opportunities available in the following areas:
1. Website Support
2. Corporate Communications
3. Social Media Management
4. Legal
5. Digital marketing and advertising
6. Event planning, support and management
7. Research
8. Administration
9. Help desk
>Benefits of volunteering with the African Council include:
1. Opportunities to learn new skills
2. Employability training
3. Meet new people
4. Networking opportunities
5. Flexible working times
6. Develop your skills and talent and turn it to something employers will be excited about
7. Boost your CV with relevant work experience\n8. Fun hangouts, as well as,
9. Satisfaction of being a part of team that will make a significant difference in Scotland
Fantastic opportunities to help at a very exciting time in the development of the African Council. All help is greatly appreciated.
For more information please contact Ca-ananay Maduka, Volunteer Coordinator at E Mail: info@africancouncil.org.uk or Tel.: 01224 579218.
The 70/30 Campaign is aiming to reduce child abuse and neglect by 70% by 2030. As a 70/30 Ambassador you will be empowering your local community to protect our children by spreading awareness and gaining support to prevent child abuse and neglect from happening in the first place. You will gain new skills, and be part of a large network of volunteers and professionals, while making a real difference in your local community and across the UK.
The role is very flexible and depends on your skills and on the needs in your local area, but you can take part in a range of activities, such as: spreading awareness with people you know and on social media; fundraising; organising events; engaging with MPs, MSPs, AMs and councillors; engaging with local press; expanding your local 70/30 group.
Ambassadors will take part in a training session with a member of the team and are invited to join the bi-monthly national conference call with other ambassadors across the country. Ambassadors usually give 2 or more hours of their time a week, but get in touch if you are interested and don't have much time available as there is always some way you can help!
Please visit our website and complete the form to become an ambassador today at www.wavetrust.org/7030 or contact Alex Williamson at email: awilliamson@wavetrust.org.
WaterAid Speakers are trained volunteers that deliver inspiring talks and workshops, to raise awareness about the importance of clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene, to transform peoples’ lives for good.
Our Speaker volunteers engage audiences about the important work of WaterAid, inspiring them to take action, as they speak with schools, universities, businesses, youth groups, religious places of worship, service organisations, and many more.
WaterAid Speakers:
•Deliver a minimum of four talks or workshops per year, either online and/or face to face.
•Deliver talks or workshops on key days such as: World Water Day on 22 March, World Toilet Day on 19 November, Menstrual Hygiene Day on 28 May and Global Handwashing Day on 15 October.
•Contact new audiences to organise and deliver talk and workshop opportunities.
•Complete online Speaker Network training and adhere to volunteer guidance and best practise.
•Make use of our public speaking resources (such as PowerPoint presentations) included in our Speaker e-newsletter, emails, and online resource library.
•Keep up to date with our key messages, appeals, campaigns, fundraising and volunteering.
•Regularly liaise with the Speaker Network team about talks and workshops.
•Provide feedback on talks or workshops by completing the online evaluations.
•Provide support to new Speakers around their public speaking development.
•Demonstrate the WaterAid values including being considerate when representing WaterAid and always leaving others with a positive view of our organisation and the work that we do.
A fantastic opportunity to help and make a real difference. All volunteers are greatly appreciated.
To become a WaterAid Volunteer or for more information please email speakers@wateraid.org
The Miscarriage Inormation support Service (MISS) is offering a rewarding and exciting opportunity for a Personal Assistant to the Board which will play a key role within the MISS charity and make a meaningful difference to people who have had a miscarriage, helping to achieve their goal of supporting women and men after an early pregnancy loss and onto their next pregnancy.
As a Personal Assistant to the Board, your role is to provide assistance and support to the Chairperson and Board of Trustees within the charity. This includes the Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.
Key tasks:
· To liaise with the Chair and Board of Trustees to plan, arrange and produce agendas, supporting papers and minute for management meetings and AGMs
· To work alongside the charity Secretary and ensure that charity law, and regulatory requirements of reporting and public accountability are complied with
· To ensure that all meetings comply with the requirements of the governing document
· Support the Board and Committee for any administration tasks
· Assist with communications within the team
· Organising trustee induction and any ongoing training
What we can Offer you?
When you join the MISS charity, you are gaining a unique opportunity to make a difference in your community and raise awareness. You will be working with a team of passionate people who really care about the mental health and wellbeing of our members, and who want to make a positive and lasting difference for local families.
Being part of such a small (but growing!) team offers the opportunity for real variety in your day-to-day work and the development of your role.
For more information please contact Abi Clarke , Chairperson/Founder of MISS at email: info@miss-support.org.uk
Further information and details are also available at our website at: https://miss-support.org.uk/
The Partnership works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and to break down barriers, overcome challenges and improve quality of life.
The group comprises approximately 15 members of the public, working with five local councillors, and its vision is to:
a) To bring about improvements to the lives of people in Aberdeen City who experience exclusion because of disability by promoting a rights-based approach to disability equality.
b) To create a society where disabled people are valued, respected and included in the life of the City.
c) To encourage and promote inclusion and equality.
d) To create fair opportunity by identifying and removing the disabling barriers which disabled people face daily including prejudice, discrimination and negative attitudes.
e) To provide a means of partnership, consultation and joint action with Aberdeen City Council
Meetings are held at Aberdeen Town House (entrance from Queen Street, Aberdeen). There is also the option to join the meeting remotely if you choose to do so. The Disability Equity Partnership (DEP) has 6 meetings over the year. Examples of projects we have been working on include the City Centre Masterplan, Union Terrace Gardens, webpage and information accessibility to reduce barriers and improve access to information, goods and services.
A fantastic opportunity to make a real difference and all volunteers are greatly appreciated.
For further details please contact Baldeep McGarry, Equalities Officer at email: BMcGarry@aberdeencity.gov.uk or tel.: 07767353006.
ASA is a local charity and was founded in 1996. We provide an independent advocacy service for people living in Aberdeen City.
We help people to have a voice, to gain information to help them make choices and to help them feel better prepared and able to engage with social care, health care and housing and educational professionals. Our values are at the core of the work we do together with those we support. Advocacy Service Aberdeen believes in: Independence; A Non-Judgemental approach; Inclusion; Respect; Person Centred; Confidentiality; Team work; Empowerment.
If you have some spare time to offer and feel you have the skills and qualities to support the work we do, we would like to hear from you.
The work we do is carried out Monday to Friday between 9:00am-5:00pm.
There are many ways you can support our organisation, this includes : –
*Gathering feedback and Service Evaluations - Contacting people who use the service to ask them about their experience of using the service. This could be carried out in person, by phone or via a video call.
*Supporting our Collective Advocacy Groups - this would include meeting patients at Royal Cornhill Hospital; People who live in supported or shared accommodation; Expert by experience group who share their personal views and experiences of using Aberdeen City Health & Social Care provision.
*Administrative/Clerical - Helping us with admin and clerical tasks. Supporting case work / referrals in the following areas: Carers, Domestic Abuse, Mental Health, Autism, Learning Disabilities, Older Adults (65+), Older Adults Mental Health, Self-Directed Support or Problematic Substance Use.
If your values are aligned with ours and you have the time to give to support a local charity in your community, we would love to hear from you.
Currently we are particularly interested in people who would be looking to volunteer in the following roles:
- Domestic Abuse Service Volunteer
- Administrator Volunteer
To find out more about our volunteering opportunities please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Joanne Grant at email: asa@advocacy.org.uk or telephone 01224 332366.
Further details are also available at https://www.advocacy.org.uk/volunteer/
Advocacy Service Aberdeen is a registered charity providing independent advocacy support to a wide range of people living in Aberdeen City. Independent advocacy is about helping people and groups have a stronger voice, addressing imbalances of power and ensuring people’s rights are recognised, respected and secured. We have advocacy services for:
• People with a mental disorder, including a learning disability
• Victims of domestic abuse
• Carers
• Older adults
• Self-directed support
• Children and Young people
• Substance use
We are looking for people to join our Board of trustees who are passionate about the rights and inclusion of people in decisions which matter to them. The Board is responsible for setting the strategy and policies of the charity and overseeing the running of the organisation. We are open to applicants from a diverse range of experiences and background and would also be interested in hearing from people who have the following experiences:
• Finance/accounting
• Fundraising
• Experience of supporting/caring for people in the above service areas
• Law
• Human Resources
Board meetings are held on Mondays every 6 weeks 5pm to 7pm, either remotely via Microsoft Teams or in-person.
To find out more please contact us at tel: 01224 332314 / email: asa@advocacy.org.uk or visit https://www.advocacy.org.uk/ and https://www.advocacy.org.uk/our-board/