We need people to report their squirrel sightings so that we can assess where the threat is prevalent. You can report sightings of both red and grey squirrels at scottishsquirrels.org.uk We also need people to get actively involved in red squirrel conservation. There is a role for everyone and full training is provided: • surveying and monitoring of local woods • raising public awareness and engaging the community (including running events and social media) • group administration duties • data management and IT • grey squirrel control

Home to Spirit of Fred. Olsen, a B class lifeboat, one of the fastest boats in the RNLI fleet. Kyle of Lochalsh lifeboat station is looking for volunteers to join the existing team in the role of Inshore Lifeboat Crew. The impact you will make This role will help us save lives at sea by ensuring that our lifeboats are in a state of permanent readiness and crewing the lifeboat on service and exercise, under the command of the Helm. What you will be doing Undertake training and maintain competence under the Competency Framework as necessary to fulfil the role of crew member Be on call for lifeboat ‘shouts’ Attend exercises Contribute to the overall upkeep of the station, lifeboats and equipment What you need for this role Team player Good communicator General fitness Ability to learn new skills Live or work within 15 minutes’ drive of the station and be between 17 and 55 years of age What’s in it for you Join an inclusive and diverse organisation Have fun, meet new people and join a motivated and enthusiastic team who are making a difference Learn skills and gain experience to enhance your CV Gain the satisfaction of giving back Training to fulfil your volunteer role will be provided and reasonable out of pocket expenses reimbursed Applicants will be subject to a selection process with successful applicants being subject to a one-year probation period in order to assess an individual’s ability attain and retain competence and display the necessary behaviors and commitment associated with working as part of a team. Please apply online or for further information contact the RNLI’s Volunteering Team on 01202 663346 or by email on kyle-of-lochalsh@rnli.org.uk.

FRESH Community Wellness is a registered charity (OSCR-Office of Scottish Charity Regulator charity number SCO51346). We are currently working to help engage the community and we are seeking more friendly volunteers to reach residents who may be looking for safe, free options. Anyone of any ability can volunteer with us in some way. We are working in several partnerships which include Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership, Keep Scotland Beautiful, Paths for All, Aberdeen City Council and many more. Are you interested in health, wellness, caring for others, community gardening, food growing, nature, the environment, children’s activities, event planning, fundraising or sports and up for helping to regenerate an entire community? In addition to our community based activities, we also have multiple home-based volunteering options for graphic design, admin, website and social media editing. If you have a couple of hours free to spare each week and are enthusiastic about the idea of uniting communities and making the local area safe, tidy, and beautiful – then please do help us out. We offer induction, training courses, as well as free PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) applications for our safeguarding process. We have the ability for immediate starts following application/references, to start the volunteer’s pathway. This is an excellent opportunity to give back. Also, if you wish it is a great way to boost your CV and employment prospects. Brilliant way to volunteer for a college, university or work placement and gain skills. Most of all you will be making a real positive difference for people and the community, which will be greatly appreciated by all. As a registered Scottish charity, we are happy to issue references for your volunteering with ourselves. For further details about helping volunteering with us please contact Elaine Campbell, Co-ordinator at email: admin@freshcommunitywellness.com or tel.: 07562689691.

This role is seasonal and interested applicants should apply in Spring 2022. The role is to co-ordinate booking via calls, texts or email. Open container, greet customers, sign out wheelchairs, explain wheelchair use, complete checklists and documentation. On their return, wipe down wheelchairs and inspect them. Report any damage or faults, also report any accidents. Return wheelchairs to container and lock container.

We are looking to recruit a volunteer to help at our Dementia Friendly Walk in Troon, Tuesday mornings 10.45 – 12.15pm. The walk is informal, friendly and chatty, a lovely way to support people living with dementia and their carers. The walks consists of a gently paced walk along the esplanade. An important feature of the walk is for the attendees to enjoy the therapeutic benefit of outdoor activity, weather dependent of course! Saying that the wind and rain hasn’t prevented the walk going ahead so far. The walk is led by Alzheimer Scotland Community Activity Organiser Pam Rudge.

The YMCA Glenrothes are seeking a volunteer to support with their newly launched Y Cycle bike project. The project runs from the homeless service based at Alexander Road, Glenrothes. They have a purpose-built facility with a fleet of 10 bicycles which are accessible to YMCA residents and staff. This a perfect opportunity for those who like to fix and know their way around a bike, as the volunteer will be carrying out minor repairs and making sure the bikes are in good general health. Initially they envisage a fortnightly visit to check and maintain the bikes. However, there is scope to develop the role and the project further. There is potential for upskilling through course and partnership working. If this sounds like you and have a few hours to spare every fortnight, please get in touch!

ROLE: As a volunteer you’ll be involved in working with a terrific team of volunteers helping assist golfers with dementia to participate in golfing activities whilst giving families essential respite. Their golfing sessions typically run for 2 hours once or twice a week and are keen to hear from prospective volunteers who can commit to one (or maybe even two) sessions a week, but being available once a week would be ideal. A Community Golf Activator will lead the session and provide you with all the resources and guidance you’ll need to create fantastic opportunites to keep older golfer active, engaged and connected. Golf in Society will ensure that you’ve got PVG/Disclosure Scotland registration, and their online volunteer training course will furnish you with all the information and guidance you’ll need to get started. BACKGROUND: Golf in Stirling are seeking people who would be interested in supporting older adults to continue their enjoyment of golf. Golf in Society offer supported golf sessions in a safe and nurturing environment to people who have played golf over the years, or would like to provide the opportunity to introduce golf to those who are new to the sport and would like to give it a go. Golf in Society's mission is to improve the lives of the ageing population by introducing them to the health and wellbeing benefits of golf. They do this by creating opportunities for people to discover how their local golf club can become an integral part of a happier, healthier life. Everything they do is designed with the people we support at the heart of it. Golf in Society's services are created and delivered by a team of “proper people” with lived experience, who are determined to make a positive contribution to the lives of others. From Anthony Blackburn the founder of the Golf in Society Social Enterprise: "As a passionate golfer I have followed the decline of the sport I love with great concern. It became apparent that golf is finding it difficult to transform itself into a modern customer-led business. It has not kept pace with lifestyle and demographic changes within society. It is now trying to “catch-up” but has some significant barriers to overcome. There are some excellent initiatives to encourage participation and numerous golfing organisations trying to transform its fortunes. However, the message is not getting through to enough new customers." "At the same time I became increasingly concerned about the “social time bombs” facing our communities. I began to research the issues of mental health, obesity, loneliness and an ageing population. It was apparent that new ways of improving public health were desperately needed – otherwise the spiraling costs would bankrupt the public sector and lead to community breakdown." "I then started to think about how golf could play a part in creating healthier communities. I soon discovered that combining the features and benefits of golf with the issues facing Society created some compelling partnership opportunities." "This has led me to develop a range of unique products and services that can help transform the fortunes of golf whilst creating stronger, happier and healthier communities. This was my inspiration for Golf In Society." Want to know more about volunteering with Golf in Society? This short video from Founder Anthony Blackburn explains the positive impact that volunteers have for families who live with dementia. https://youtu.be/hryqt2DYiEE

Visually impaired golfers need a guide to take them to and from golf courses, to help them before, during and after the match. The guide indicates the direction the golfer has to aim and follows the ball. You do not need to be a golfer yourself. The visually impaired golfer takes part in Blind Golf Scotland events in various locations in Scotland, and beyond if possible. Competitions take place approximately once a month during the summer but you could guide as many, or as few as you wish.

Udny Community Trust manages a very popular weekly health walk which regularly attracts over 20 walkers. We have six regular walk leaders who lead and facilitate walks on a rota basis. Walkers will soon be able to enjoy a hot drink and a biscuit after the walks so the role would also involve a bit of helping out during this part of the event and around setting up before and clearing up after each session. Paths for All provides training for all walk leaders but the group is very supportive and new walk leaders will be supported and mentored by existing team members and by the walkers themselves.

Scotland Versus Arthritis is looking for individuals willing to lead short health walks in your area, lead on other physical activities, or facilitate virtual support groups. Full training and on-going support for volunteers will be available. We are also looking for expressions of interest from anyone keen to become an instructor of Tai Chi or Qi Gong for arthritis. The current Covid restrictions have meant that for many the wait for treatment may be a year or more away. Painkilling prescriptions are seldom more than a temporary relief. Support and exercise can however offer a better way to self-manage the daily on-going pain and fatigue. In readiness for the eventual lifting of lockdown we are asking, can you spare an hour or two each month to help? Please contact your local Development Officer, Dr. P. Neville, p.neville@versusarthritis.org or phone 07501 501114 for details.