Purpose of the role: To source research and figures as in alignment with the work and needs of BE United; To ensure up to date and informed records are made and kept; Compile full records of contacts, suppliers and artists that BE United work with and will collaborate with; Ensure all records are kept up to date and stored correctly; Research key figures in accordance with BE United’s work within the Afrocentric community in Scotland.

SCVO (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations) is currently working with Edinburgh Napier University and SVE to capture information about the assets, skills, knowledge, networks and resources, held by third sector organisations in Stirlingshire, such as community groups, voluntary organisations, charities, social enterprises, co-operatives and individual volunteers. The aim of the project is to map the assets within the third sector and to collect data about how these assets are currently being used to support health and wellbeing in communities. We will also be working with CTSi in Clackmannanshire to enable us to build as full a picture as possible about the contribution made by the third sector across the whole of the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership area. SVE have opportunities for volunteers who would like to be involved in the Asset Mapping exercise. This would be a great opportunity for people who would like to add to their CV and demonstrate experience in a work environment. Volunteers would have opportunities to develop their telephone research and administrative skills and will be provided with all the necessary training. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 2 days of volunteering before September. If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity please contact: Polly Rodger polly@sventerprise.org.uk Joanne Rae at SVE joanne@sventerprise.org.uk Telephone - 01786 430000

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.

Scotlands social security system is being shaped by people with direct experience of the current benefits system, using Experience Panels. Experience Panels involve people with experience of the benefits that are being devolved to the Scottish Government, including: • most ill health and disability benefits including DLA, PIP, Attendance Allowance and Severe Disablement Allowance • Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit • Carers Allowance • Funeral Expenses Payment, Sure Start Maternity Grant, Cold Weather Payments and Winter Fuel Payments • Discretionary Housing Payments • Scottish Welfare Fund People who are acting as a parent/guardian, appointee or power of attorney for someone with experience of any of the above benefits are welcome to register to join the Panels. If you would like to register to become a panel member, you can complete the online registration form. Read more and apply online here https://www.gov.scot/publications/social-security-experience-panels-faqs/ Or call the freephone helpline to register over the phone 0800 029 4974. If you are participating in the Experience Panels it will not affect your benefits. Also, none of the information that you provide in any Experience Panels research will affect your benefits.

As a volunteer you: - play a vital role in our research, since many of our studies rely on collecting data from human participants - can take part in research studies online and in-person at our research facilities - choose which studies you want to get involved in - can withdraw from the research at any time. We email our volunteers with information about our current studies and they decide if they wish to take part.

Research Ethics Committees consist of up to 18 members from both clinical and non-clinical backgrounds. Our committees review health and social research, check that people are provided with the information they need to help them decide whether they wish to take part, and provide an opinion as to whether the research is ethical. We currently have vacancies for members of the public who are not currently healthcare professionals, and who are interested in thinking about issues from the perspective of a potential research participant and would like to develop knowledge of research ethics. Members receive training in ethical review and have opportunities to debate challenging issues. Positions are voluntary but expenses are paid for. The Committee meets on average for half a day per month and carry out additional work by email correspondence. Contact us for an application form or an informal chat on tel: 01224 558458, email nosres@nhs.net Interest can be registered at any time.

“Loneliness is not having anyone to tell that you are lonely” Janet, Silver Liner By volunteering as a Community Engagement Volunteer you will help us raise vital awareness of The Silver Line in your local community by giving talks, presentations and attending events on our behalf. Did you know? In the UK, more than 1 million people aged over 65 say they often or always feels lonely. Through this role you will be helping us support the 1,000s of older people who use our service each week and ensuring we continue to reach out to those most in need. “Just speaking to someone helps me cope a little better…” David, Silver Liner This is a volunteer role that you undertake in your local community. All you need is access to a telephone and the internet. We ask for a commitment of up to a year where possible and the ability to allocate 60 minutes each week to this role. Community Engagement Volunteers need to be proactive in looking for opportunities to promote The Silver Line, be open to attending events we have been invited to go to, and share our enthusiasm and passion for raising awareness of a service which provides such a vital lifeline to so many older people across the country. “I was so surprised to find out how few people knew about The Silver Line. I already talked about The Silver Line to friends and family but now I make sure everyone else in my area knows about it as well! I enjoy the role because I’m passionate about the service and the good that it does but also because the role is so flexible. I’m able to fit into my life – working full time can make volunteering difficult but this has been easy.” Sarah, Community Engagement Volunteer See how The Silver Line makes a big difference search 'The Silver Line' on YouTube.

>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.

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.

Cumbernauld and Kilsyth Unemployed Workers Centre (CKUWC) is seeking a volunteer to help us research and complete funding applications. This is an ideal opportunity for someone to gain further experience within fundraising or for someone already experienced who has some time to spare. Volunteers will have the opportunity to research & prepare funding applications to trusts and grant holders to secure funding for CKUWC. Good IT and written skills are required for this position. You will have the opportunity to learn more about our work and the charity sector. We will offer you ongoing training & support to enable you to carry out this role. We are a small friendly charity supporting people in our local community.