You will be providing a puppy with a vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. This is a full-time volunteering opportunity as a puppy will live with you in your home for around 12-16 months. It should be noted that although it is possible for another Puppy Raiser to look after a dog on your behalf for short periods of time that this may not always be possible. Consideration should be given to your future plans such as holidays abroad. “It’s so rewarding to know that the dog will go on to help people with sight loss gain independence and freedom.” – Chris, Puppy Raiser We rely on volunteers like you to help us improve the lives of people with sight loss. In this role your support will include: • Developing, caring and providing for the needs of one of our puppies using Positive Reinforcement Techniques and following Guide Dogs Puppy Raising for Excellent Partnerships (PREP) programme • Familiarising a puppy to a wide range of environments including shops and outdoor off lead exercise areas in all climates and seasons. • Teaching a puppy it’s ok to be left alone by gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of 4 hours • Attending regular puppy classes • Regularly meeting with Guide Dogs representatives to discuss your pup’s development • Completing regular on-line questionnaires to help us monitor puppy progress -Ideally you will: • Be able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg) • Have access to a car on a weekly basis for training and vet visits • Have your own home or written permission to have a dog in the home • Have access to a secure area where the puppy could go to the toilet during the day, especially first thing in the morning and last thing at night • Be able to access online content and training materials (you will need your own email address) If you don’t feel you tick every box but are sure this role is the one for you, please drop us a message and tell us why. We’re open to suggestions and happy to chat with you to find out what’s possible! -Volunteering is a two-way street, so in return for your time you will get; • A dedicated volunteer manager/key contact who will help you settle in and support you during your time with us. • The challenge and reward of seeing a puppy develop in your home. • The opportunity to learn and develop your understanding in dog body language, learning theory, the human animal bond and the life of a Guide Dog. Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any expenses related to your volunteering with us in line with our policy. -For more details and to apply to be a Guide Dogs - Puppy Raiser please visit: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering-for-guide-dogs/ or -If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further before applying please email Guide Dogs Volunteer Coordinator, Aaron Puckrin at aaron.puckrin@guidedogs.org.uk Thank you.

Wild Things, a local environmental charity based in Moray, has been tackling non-native invasive species on the lower Findhorn River to great effect. Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam are all plants which out-compete native flora, radically altering the biodiversity of fragile and unique Scottish habitats. We are committed to eradicating the presence of non-native invasive species and working closely with our partners, Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Fisheries Trust as well as dedicated volunteers from across Moray, we are beating back invasive species. We are looking for adult volunteers for this volunteering role. We provide full PEE and training. The effort can be physically a bit tough and chemicals are used to treat species (glyphosate) and the chemical produced by the plant itself are dangerous (hence the PPE and training). The work can also be quite fun and enjoyable as there is a huge feel-good factor for the positive environmental impacts and a team-spirit working with other volunteers. Individuals can sign up through the website www.wild-things.org.uk What does a day out on our Habitat Restoration Project involve? Conservation volunteering could be: Digging up giant hogweed Pulling up Himalayan balsam Spraying giant hogweed with herbicides Spraying Japanese knotweed with herbicides Clearing paths Surveying for invasive non native plants Fresh air and exercise Good company An opportunity to explore local habitats and the plants and animals that live there These invasive non-native species (INNS) overwhelm the native flora and fauna, limiting biodiversity and threatening the unique but vulnerable habitats around the river which are host to a wide variety of enigmatic species such as Atlantic salmon, otter and osprey. In addition, giant hogweed is a highly toxic plant and is a human health concern, limiting the public’s access to and enjoyment of the river. Your work and energy will help Wild Things! support the return of native species along the banks of the River Findhorn.

We are seeking Trustees to join our Board, and in particular someone to take up the role of Secretary. We also have opportunities for a Trustee to lead our Fundraising Team (assisted by our parent group) A Trustee of Tweedbank Early Learners will work with other trustees, the nursery management team, staff members and volunteers to ensure the charity is carrying out its intended purpose which is to provide the highest quality Early Learning and Childcare for children and families in our local and wider community. The role of the Board is to safeguard and promote the Vision, Values and Aims of Tweedbank Early Learners (SCIO) to determine the strategy and structure of the charity, and to ensure that it operates in an effective, responsible and accountable manner We are looking for caring, dynamic and committed individuals, who will help to drive our charity forwards. Both challenging and rewarding in equal measure, our trustee roles will provide you with an opportunity to support a local charity and really make a difference.

Community Pantries are designed to give dignified and affordable access to a selection of chilled and ambient foods and fresh fruit and vegetables. Pantries aim to offer dignity and choice in exchange for a small subscription fee. Pantries provide support to people on a low income, or recovering from crisis. Members and volunteers will lead on each Pantry, and as such will be at the heart of Pantry development, empowering themselves and the local communities • Lead in the setting up of the Pantry • Taking delivery of products • Setting up products in a safe and appropriate manner • Ensuring that food is handled safely • Taking payment from members • Assisting members where necessary

Community Pantries are designed to give dignified and affordable access to a selection of chilled and ambient foods and fresh fruit and vegetables. Pantries aim to offer dignity and choice in exchange for a small subscription fee. Pantries provide support to people on a low income, or recovering from crisis. Members and volunteers will lead on each Pantry, and as such will be at the heart of Pantry development, empowering themselves and the local communities. • Lead in the setting up of the Pantry • Taking delivery of products • Setting up products in a safe and appropriate manner • Ensuring that food is handled safely • Taking payment from members • Assisting members where necessary

The volunteer role with Greener Peebles is to assist with gardening tasks and outdoor activities during volunteer sessions. This includes but is not limited to gardening tasks, and is inclusive of attending skill share sessions, and community meals. Staff will set up activities for the session and facilitate group work. Volunteers will always have a choice of what tasks they participate in at the garden. Liaise with staff on seasonal activities. Garden tasks include seed sowing, plant care, ground preparation, garden maintenance and harvesting. Staff will provide advice and instruction on growing activities. We welcome complete beginners and people with experience and knowledge, so please do ask us questions and share your thoughts – we are happy to help! To work proactively with others in the garden and be a welcoming face.

Narture was founded in June 2020 by artist father and daughter team Robert and Saskia Singer. The project evolved initially from occupying empty town centre spaces and re-purposing them for cultural and creative uses. Nurturing a thriving and successful social enterprise, where 'everyone is an artist' and are encouraged to use their creative energies towards positive change. Narture’s ultimate goal is to become a truly inclusive creative hive, making participatory cultural activities available to all members of society. Narture’s award winning Sourdough Bakery and acclaimed Artisan Café, are currently the core income generators of the social enterprise. The bakery specialises in handmade sourdough produce, baked daily; championing sustainable, healthy ingredients and supporting local businesses and was recently awarded Bread Bakery of the Year by Prestige Scotland for the second year running. Our purpose is to bake real bread to earn the dough to support arts projects. Your Impact Matters: By volunteering with us, you're not just contributing skills; you're part of a movement driving creative regeneration. Some roles may even pave the way to paid employment opportunities. Narture CIC is currently looking for volunteer Tech Wizards to help us with website upkeep, ensuring our online presence aligns with our vibrant community. We are looking for self motivated, organised individuals preferably with relevant experience and/or skills

We're looking for secondary school pupils in South Ayrshire to become Saltire Ambassadors - could this be you? As a Saltire Ambassador, you will work in a team of young people to help local charities and causes get more young volunteers. You will also help pupils at your school learn about the Saltire Awards and the benefits of volunteering. This is a fun and exciting role which will involve: - A commitment of 1 evening Teams meet-up per month in addition to organising in-school events and activities - Support and training on topics such as Youth Voice, Social Media Marketing, Mental Health, and Intersectionality - Using your own skills and creativity to encourage your peers to volunteer (pupils in previous groups have organised Christmas donations projects, planned intergenerational days, spoke in their school assemblies about volunteering, made social media content, and even hosted large events like the annual Saltire Awards Ceremony in Ayr Town Hall!) This role is open to all secondary pupils aged 12+ in South Ayrshire who have an interest in volunteering and who would like to help us show more young people how they can make a difference in their community. Please get in touch if you would like to know more!

This is an opportunity for someone with passion, commitment and drive to make a big difference to the way Scotland/your locality responds to climate change. The Scottish Communities Climate Action Network (SCCAN) is partnering with Climate for Change (C4C) to launch a brand new climate engagement program for Scotland – Climate Conversations. You will be one of our first facilitators and help SCCAN kickstart our program in Scotland. Facilitators are our agents of change. As a facilitator you will be part of a team that together will inspire hundreds of people throughout Scotland to stand up on climate change and move society and our leaders to action. Position Summary This is an exciting role for you to use your love of working with people to empower the community, and to drive a groundswell of community action on climate change. You will work with volunteer hosts who will invite 8 – 12 friends and family to attend a Climate Conversation online or in their home. At these events, you will present to them about climate change (using our prepared scripts), the urgency for action and facilitate discussion that leads to a commitment to take more effective action. Our mission is to create the social climate for effective climate action in Scotland. Key Responsibilities  Imparting the urgency and scale of climate change to the people invited by the friends and family of each host  Inspiring attendees to commit to taking effective action on climate change  Attending monthly Ongoing Facilitator Training (1 hour?)  Recruiting more people to join as hosts and facilitators  Administration and record keeping of your Conversations  Maintaining our a host database and your own activity spreadsheet  Evaluating Conversations and providing feedback for improvement

The Lunnasting Public Hall is on the look out for anyone wishing to volunteer at various events. These include - Sunday Teas, Take Away Nights, Helping to maintain the building. Bar work and various other events.