Registered Therapets and their volunteer owners visit hospices, hospitals, residential and nursing homes throughout Scotland. Visiting on a regular basis the Therapet Service provides contact wiht pets for many people who would therefore be deprived of the companionship of a pet.

Give the gift of Christmas! Hundreds of adult international students studying in the UK will be facing a lonely Christmas on a deserted University campus. You can invite one or two students into your home for four days of Christmas, learn about their culture, show them your local area and traditions, and invite them to experience your own home life. Volunteer hosts invite students to visit for a few days at Christmas so the student can experience 'real' Britain, away from university and heavy tourism, and so the host can meet new people and learn about diverse cultures from around the world. Choose how many people you invite (individuals, pairs or families) and if you would like to meet someone from a specific country. Students and hosts will be matched up on interests and availability by a Regional Organiser (RO) who will help you sign up. There are no specific expectations from a host visit, other than the student should be made to feel part of your family for the short time. Hosts can show their local area, visit friends, attend local events, or just spend time chatting. This is not a tourism opportunity for the student and hosts are not expected to act as 'tour-guides'. So, if you'd like to enjoy an unusual and rewarding activity, meet new people and travel the world on your sofa, get in touch with HOST. Hosting is also available during weekends throughout the year.

VAO Adult Befriending Service are looking for someone to help them with a new weekly games group for older adults to be run on Thursday afternoons. The volunteer wull help out with teas, coffees and games. The games will include indoor bowls, boccia, quiots and skitlles. There will also be board and card games.

Befriending families under stress and visiting them in their own homes to offer support and practical help.

We are looking for people who are patient, caring, understanding and can relate well to people who may have memory or communication difficulties. As a befriender you can make a real difference to the lives of people living with dementia by providing more opportunities for social contact and companionship; boosting people’s confidence and self esteem; supporting people to build relationships with others; motivating people to take up old hobbies and interests again or develop new ones; encouraging people to take part in local groups and activities. You will engage with your befriendee in their own home through reminiscence activities and life story work. No previous experience required as full training and ongoing support will be given.

We are looking for volunteer drivers to transport some of the vulnerable young people we work with to various locations throughout South Lanarkshire to participate in activities. Most of this work takes place during weeknights, especially during school term time.

Volunteers will visit and befriend patients in acute hospital wards, and maintain contact with them during their inpatient stay (or in the case of mental health services the volunteer support could continue into the community). Volunteers will respect the patients personal belief’s and provide a basic level of emotional support.

Care and Share Companionship supports older people living in isolation and loneliness within the Kirkcaldy area. Support is offered by our volunteers on a 1-1 basis. Their aim is to provide a service that helps improve health, well being to make people feel valued and part of their community. Volunteer Companions might take people out shopping, to appointments, hairdressers, places of interest such as library, local exhibitions, for a refreshment or simply have a cup of tea and chat at home. They can accompany their 'friend' to groups of interest to help build their confidence or return to a hobby they previously enjoyed. Occasionally there will be group events for 'friends' which volunteers can be part of e.g. lunch or theatre. Care and Share Companionship listens to what the person would like and tailor our support to their needs. They offer fixed term volunteer roles and welcome volunteers from 16 years upwards. They believe everyone has life experience and skills to bring to this role and welcome volunteers' suggestions and ideas.

Each volunteer supports a re:discover client to recover a sense of who they are by encouraging them to step outside their illness and discover / rediscover activities and interests they enjoy. Volunteers work with clients as a whole person focusing on their talents, skills and assets rather than problems or needs. Volunteers encourage clients to set goals which they will work towards during their time with re:discover. They also act as a 'community bridge builder' supporting clients to step outside their comfort zones whilst providing support and encouragement. Volunteers work with clients for a minimum of 6 months which is the minimum commitment that we are looking for from volunteers. Volunteers and clients agree together when and where they will meet (not in their own homes) - usually once a week for a few hours. Activities are usually based on shared interests and have included: meeting for coffee; cinema; theatre; art galleries museums; zumba, martial arts; gym; walks; garden centres; hill walking; pilates . . . We cover volunteer out of pocket expenses. We have regular training courses for volunteers, so get in touch to find out more. We welcome volunteers who are available to volunteer during the day, the weekend or in the evenings.

We’re looking for enthusiastic and open-minded adults from all walks of life to volunteer to work with vulnerable children and young people aged 8 - 14 who are looked after at home. Your role will be to work one to one with the young person using your own life experiences and skills to encourage them to achieve their goals. No particular experience or skills are necessary - but a strong belief in the potential of young people is essential. Full training will be given, and once you're matched with a young person we'll expect you to be committed to them for at least a year. Interested? For an application pack, or to find out more information about the role, please get in touch!