When we are well connected we are well informed and well supported. We're building a stronger, more vibrant community of blind and partially sighted people and we're looking for enthusiastic individuals to make this a reality. Could you become a leading figure in a small team of volunteers in your area? You must be blind or partially sighted and a member of RNIB Connect. A fantastic opportunity to help and all assistance is greatly appreciated. For more details please contact RNIB Volunteer Recruitment Team at E Mail: volunteering@rnib.org.uk or tel: 01733 374 450.

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.

We have been investigating government (under) funding of mental health in a particular area in the UK and Scotland and would like to start a campaign to get the UK and Scottish governments to fund this adequately. Ideally using the Theory of Change or a similar tool we would like you to help plan and then implement a campaign to effect change. This could include a full range of options available: PR and the media; Public Affairs and lobbying; petitions; social media etc.

The Friends of Kinneil are a friendly, dedicated and award winning group who are passionate about the historic and natural heritage at Kinneil and the surrounding area. We need a wide range of volunteer skills to continue and support our work to develop and promote Kinneil House, museum, estate, foreshore and nature reserve in Bo'ness. If you are interested in the fascinating history of the local area, in meeting people and organising events or in natural history and conservation then this charity is for you!

Promoting the use of Fair Trade in Orkney.

The Friends of Kinneil are a friendly, dedicated and award winning group who are passionate about the historic and natural heritage at Kinneil and the surrounding area. We need a wide range of volunteer skills to continue and support our work to develop and promote Kinneil House, museum, estate, foreshore and nature reserve in Bo'ness. If you are interested in the fascinating history of the local area, in meeting people and organising events or in natural history and conservation then this charity is for you!

Shetland Women's Aid are looking for women to join us in promoting the safety and wellbeing of women and children in Shetland who are affected by domestic abuse and gender-based violence. SWA is a registered charity funded by local and national grant aid to provide safety planning, counselling, refuge, advice and guidance about housing, finance and legal issues to women. There is also a children and young person's service focused on offering therapy and support to children and young people. The aim for Shetland Women's Aid is 'An equitable society in which women, children and young people are valued participants, able to determine their own future and are free from all forms of abuse.' As a trustee you will be instrumental in helping us realise our vision and mission. Part of your role will be to ensure that our day to day operation fulfils our strategic vision. If you decide to join Shetland Women's Aid, you can make a real difference to the women and children who experience domestic and sexual abuse.

Working in partnership with local agencies Roar Connections for Life wishes to recruit volunteers who will assist in the delivery of information sessions around advising the general public about the best methods of supporting people with falls prevention information and how to get off the floor safely after a fall. Volunteers will be trained by Roar staff in how to deliver these information sessions including physical demonstrations. The volunteers then take the information and practical demonstration which lasts approx. 20 minutes to local community groups around Renfrewshire.

Circles Advocacy in Moray supports people who are experiencing issues related to health and social care who are aged 18 years or over, whose circumstances may include, but are not restricted to: • Mental health issues • Learning disabilities • Personality disorders • Physical disabilities • Acquired brain injury • Dementia • Autistic spectrum disorders • Drug and alcohol issues Circles are supporting the Scotland wide rollout of the Keep Safe/I Am Me campaign which is run in conjunction with Police Scotland. The Keep Safe campaign raises awareness of disability hate crime, which is one of the most under reported crimes in Scotland. To do this we require a volunteer to take responsibility for raising awareness of the scheme, support businesses through the application process and co-ordinate/deliver training, along with Police Scotland and other volunteers.

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 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.70-30.org.uk or contact Isobel Dawson, 70/30 Ambassador Aberdeen at E Mail: idawson@wavetrust.org