We appreciate and value the support given to us at RGA by volunteers. Our volunteers help and support our residents, garden, social enterprise projects and charity to grow and develop. They become part of the community, which is at the heart of River Garden. If you have skills and an enthusiasm to support our work then please do contact us; we would love to hear from you. We have many different areas for you to consider, such as the technical and artisan supported workshops we offer to our residents, such as woodwork, metalwork, painting and decorating or any other trade that you might be experienced in. One of our volunteer, had these thoughts to share- "Volunteering can be a very satisfying and worthwhile endeavour, particularly if you feel you can make a difference from your efforts. Never more so than at River Garden, where with woodworking and woodturning skills as part of my skillset, I found the opportunity to become part of the major project to refurbish the existing woodworking workshop and to help it grow and develop into a thriving social enterprise. With a passion for all things wooden, I have become immersed within the current refurbishment programme as well as in the interim, teaching residents woodturning at my own workshop in Ayr. Never before have I been so rewarded and fulfilled with the results that ensued. Similarly the progression of residents’ woodturning skills over the preceding months has been amazing to watch. I have been exceptionally fortunate to have had the opportunity to volunteer in a charity that makes a difference to people’s lives and ultimately enhance and enrich their journey of rehabilitation and recovery."

Volunteers required to assist in the running and upkeep of the wildlife centre, including the cleaning out of animals, preparing of food, putting away of stock and cleaning the site

Food Train Connects provides a one to one grocery shopping services for older people who are no longer able to manage independently, through age, ill health, frailty or disability. Becoming a Food Train Connects Shopping Friend is rewarding and it makes a huge difference to people’s lives. It’s amazing the impact that regular support with grocery shopping can have on someone who is isolated or lonely. If you want to make sure that an older person is able to live well in their own home this is a great opportunity to do so.

Food Train Connects provides a one to one meal share service (Meal Makers) service for older people who would benefit from a regular home cooked meal and some company. The Food Train Connects Meal Share service is a fantastic way to make an impact on the lives of older people in your community. The aim is to support older people to eat well, age well and live well. The role is rewarding and it makes a huge difference to people’s lives. It’s amazing the impact that a regular meal and company can have on someone who is isolated or lonely. If you want to make sure that an older person is able to live well in their own home this is a great opportunity to do so. The Role: • Contact the older person you are matched with on a regular basis, usually weekly, deliver a home cooked meal to their home and stay for a chat. • Submit brief records and report any matters of concern to staff • Keep within the boundaries of the role • To inform Food Train Connects Staff of any accidents, incidents or complaints • To maintain confidentiality • To represent Food Train in a professional manner to our members and the wider community Meal Makers will be matched with an older person near them, ideally within 10 miles. Although a volunteer can indicate if they are willing to travel further.

Bring woodwork skills and support our work in local hospital community gardens. Your experience will be invaluable in constructing potting area, raised beds completing our outdoor kitchen and more! All around the garden there are woodwork and construction tasks to undertake. Opportunities involve: • Maintaining existing woodwork around the site • Helping to construct a potting area, helping to finish our outdoor kitchen, building new resources like planters and raised beds. • Source materials for these projects • Work with others to build these things

We require volunteer assistants to help out at our Shelter Scotland shop by providing practical support - the role involves being the face of Shelter Scotland when collecting donations, dismantling beds, tables, etc. for easier transport and storage; lifting heavy furniture through sometimes awkward spaces and angles, removing and replacing furniture on the shop floor and helping to prepare route plans for the day ahead in the most cost effective way.

One of Scotland's Great Trails, The Dava Way, is maintained entirely by volunteers...Could you join the team for the occasional Saturday? The Dava Way links the 24 miles between Forres and Grantown mostly following the route of the dismantled Highland Railway Line and is used by thousands of walkers, cyclists and horse riders each year. It is maintained by members of the Forres-based Dava Way Association and funded by donations and occasional grants from local and national charities. The Association organises monthly maintenance days to clear drainage and cut back undergrowth and fallen trees so that the path remains usable. As well as maintenance tasks, the volunteers are progressively improving the track as and when funding permits. Key to the ongoing success of the Dava Way is the team of volunteers who give their time to maintain the trail. Please consider joining the team on a regular or even occasional basis.

Be a dear and volunteer! If you have a couple of hours a week to spare, or you are currently thinking of branching out to the care sector and would like to know whether it is something for you, why not volunteer at the South Lodge? Bring your gardening skills and knowledge to our grounds at South Lodge. This is a year round opportunity, with flexible hours and without any stresses or pressure Grow a vegetable patch, plant flowers, tidy up the grounds, walk with our residents on our grounds. Develop positive relationships with staff, visitors, and residents and participate with activities and events. - No prior training is needed, except for an enthusiasm to be with our residents. - Induction training is provided. - PVG checks needed and will be paid for by social care.

Be a dear and volunteer! If you have a couple of hours a week to spare, or maybe you are thinking of organising your corporate social responsibility hours, why not volunteer at the South Lodge? Events such as the summer concert, variety shows, film nights, pantos, Christmas parties, and other such events bring joy to the residents but also help us to raise funds for the Residents' Comfort Fund, which we use to support our own residents during extra activities. - Develop positive relationships with staff, visitors, and residents and participate with activities and events. - No prior training is needed, except for an enthusiasm to be with our residents. - Induction training is provided. - PVG checks needed and will be paid for by social care.

Supporting our laundry gives valuable time back to our housekeeping staff who are vital in the hospice. It allows them to have more time to spend on the ward. You would be working with washing machines, dryers, and a roller iron. Don’t worry if you have never done anything like this before as all necessary training will be provided as well as PPE