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.

Aberdeen Climate Action is an organisation run by volunteers passionate about raising awareness of climate change, its causes and encouraging positive action to reduce carbon emissions and create a sustainable lifestyle. We are looking for others to join our organisation and help us with our valuable work in the North East. We organise Climate Week, North East, which is a week of events put on by a collaboration of organisations throughout the city and shire. We need help organising this and our regular climate conversation café’s, and one off events, talks etc. We need people with all sorts of different talents – the most important aspect is the fact that you are willing to muck in and ‘do’. Good support is provided to all new volunteers e.g.: volunteers will have a mentor, who will be on hand to give support, advice and assistance, as needed. If you’re interested just come along to our meetings and you can meet us all and see for yourself. A fantastic opportunity to help and make a real difference. For more details please contact: Alison Stuart (Director and Chair) email: alison@aberdeenclimateaction.org / Tel: 07779279583

The Spey Fishery Board, working in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage, is working on a 4-year project to remove Invasive Non-Native Species from our waterways. By volunteering you could help us remove plants like Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed from our waterways or perhaps you could monitor a mink raft in order to help with the management of this marauding mammal. If you have other skills that could help then we want to hear from you too! Volunteers can expect to work alongside project staff and other likeminded people and motivated volunteers may receive training in First Aid, Pesticide Application and Brush cutter use. There will also be the opportunity to pick up bushcraft skills and drink plenty of tea!

Research enquiries sent in by members of the public using the archive material available, provide an appropriate, well thought out answer to the enquiry, file answered queries.

“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.

*“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 For further details about volunteering with Silver Line please contact the Silver Line Volunteering Team at Email: volunteering@thesilverline.org.uk / tel.: 020 7224 2020 / Silver Line Volunteering Page: http://www.thesilverline.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/ Also, 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.

Regular walking has been shown to have a massive effect on people’s health and wellbeing. In and around the city of Aberdeen we have many groups who walk regularly and for a wide variety of distances/ time. To help promote the range of Walking Groups in Aberdeen, make it easier for people to locate a Walking Group and to expand the many benefits walking brings Sport Aberdeen has redesigned the walking section of their website to provide an opportunity to link all groups under a few headings/ pages such as: -Health Walks (30 – 60 min) -Other Short Walks (based on the Health Walk Model) -Medium Walks (2 – 5 miles) -Longer Walks (full day) To assist in this we have an exciting volunteer opportunity for a volunteer(s) to research/gather together information on walking groups across the city and collect standardised information to allow potential walkers to connect with a suitable (distance, duration, terrain) group. At the end of this project we will have a list of all the walking groups in the Aberdeen area, complete with contact details, allowing individuals to connect with a suitable walk. This is a fantastic volunteering role where you will make a real difference and all help is greatly appreciated. For Further Information For further details please contact: Brian Harrison (Health Walks Coordinator): E. bharrison@sportaberdeen.co.uk / Tel. 01224 047928 / Mobile 07719501361

The Human Nutrition Unit (HNU) based at The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen undertake a variety of human nutrition studies for which volunteers are needed. The HNU was established in 1986 to provide a metabolic research facility to study the relationship between diet and health in humans. To find out more about studies currently being conducted in the Unit and how to become a volunteer for any studies please visit https://www.abdn.ac.uk/rowett/volunteer and https://www.abdn.ac.uk/rowett/volunteer/current-studies.php or email: hnu@abdn.ac.uk / tel.: 01224 438700

Castlehill Heritage centre Castletown often gets requests for family history and information about local places etc. The volunteers try and assist but you might have a specific interest and the patience and time to help research items.