*Active Schools Aberdeen on the lookout for new volunteers to boost local children’s involvement in sport* Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools team is seeking new volunteers who are eager to play an important role in improving the health and wellbeing of Aberdeen’s young people. The invitation to volunteer extends to anyone over the age of 13 with an interest in sport and a desire to give back to the local community, who is inspired to help young people. Secondary school pupils who opt to volunteer will be accompanied by an adult when helping to deliver sessions. A sportscotland national initiative that aims to provide all children with high quality opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity, Active Schools is delivered in Aberdeen by award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen. The team engages with all local authority primary and secondary schools across the city, with a responsibility to encourage young people to participate in free physical activity sessions and join extracurricular sports clubs. Prior to Covid-19, a notable 89% of Active Schools activities were carried out by volunteers including parents, teachers, students, secondary school pupils and family members. The 2018 to 2019 school academic year saw 891 volunteer deliverers, with some 9588 pupils attending sessions. Eilidh Shanks, former Active Schools volunteer during secondary school, said: “I really enjoyed volunteering for Active Schools. I was involved in helping at netball clubs, holiday activity camps and fun runs. I loved that I got to work with kids of all ages, encouraging them to take part in sport. It was rewarding to see the kids enjoying themselves and improving each week.” Volunteering can also help to shape a career in sport. Rory Anton, former Active Schools volunteer, commented: “During my time volunteer coaching for Active Schools, it really helped me see the power of sport for young people and allowed me as a young coach to develop my leadership capabilities. There are definitely aspects of my job as a Club Development Officer at RGU SPORT supporting the development of our Student Leaders that I couldn’t do without the experience of leading so many sessions for Active Schools.” This is a key opportunity to join a supportive team and individuals will receive full training to ensure safe delivery of all sessions. Those who have the desire to make a difference, acquire new skills and positively impact the lives of local children through sport and physical activity are urged to get involved. To find out further information about becoming an Active Schools volunteer, please visit sportaberdeen.co.uk/active-schools/volunteer-with-active-schools/ or contact the team directly at activeschools@sportaberdeen.co.uk

You’ll be part of a team that support and manages local volunteer Children’s Panel Members. You will also make sure that the views of young people are heard and acted upon within your area. You’ll be enthusiastic and committed to securing the rights of children and young people; able to lead and be part of teams; a strong communicator. You’ll also be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to and understanding of the ethos, values and principles of the children's hearings system. As an AST member, you will be appointed for an initial three year period with the possibility of extending this. Panel Practice Advisors are responsible for selecting and recommending Panel Members for appointment. They also regularly observe Panel Members within children's hearings and feedback so improvements can be made. Their goal is to support Panel Members through feedback to ensure the strongest possible decisions are being made for children and young people.

You’ll be part of a team that support and manages local volunteer Children’s Panel Members. You will also make sure that the views of young people are heard and acted upon within your area. You’ll be enthusiastic and committed to securing the rights of children and young people; able to lead and be part of teams; a strong communicator. You’ll also be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to and understanding of the ethos, values and principles of the children's hearings system. As an AST member, you will be appointed for an initial three year period with the possibility of extending this. Depute Area Conveners support the local Area Convener, Deputes help manage a team of volunteers, working with local partners and engaging with Panel Members. We need strong communicators who are enthusiastic and committed to securing the rights of children and young people.

Being a Scout Leader is so rewarding. Pick up practical and leadership skills but the real joy likes in helping young people to grow and develop and make new friends (and memories). Impact of COVID - a shortage of leaders has left children stuck on a waiting list. We have opportunities for Scout Leaders across the region. Main Tasks Have fun! Our adult volunteers get just as much out of Scouting as our young people do. As well as helping young people to the adventure of Scouting, you’ll also have fun, make friends, develop new skills and have unforgettable experiences. Also.... Delivery of a Balanced Programme: • Delivery of a safe, exciting and stimulating Balanced Programme for the Section taking into account the needs, interests and abilities of the young people. • Ensure the safe delivery of the programme in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. • Ensure that every young person in the Section has the opportunity to attend at least one nights away experience each year. • Actively support and promote the achievement of badges and awards in particular the Chief Scouts’ Award. • Actively work with other adults in the Group to support and promote Group or multi-section activities and events. • Ensure regular opportunities are provided for young people to express their views on the programme and running on the Section, and that those views are taken into account (for example using Log Chews, Pack, Troop, Sixer or Patrol Leader forums, or any other method). • Actively co-operate with other section leaders to promote the Moving On from Section to Section. Operation of the Section: • Work with the Group Scout Leader, the Group Executive Committee and others to support recruiting and inducting appropriate Assistant Leaders and Section Assistants. • Agree responsibilities with Assistant Section Leaders, Section Assistants and parent helpers taking into account the development of the individual’s leadership potential. • Ensure accurate records are kept of the young people in the Section in accordance with the Data Protection Act and pass these records to the Section Leader when the young person reaches the age to move up to the next Section. • Regularly review the operation of the Section. • Make and maintain good relationships with parents/carers of the young people. This may include running a parent rota and/or inviting parents to support camps or other residential experiences.

*Looking for a fun and exciting way to inspire the next generation? Help local children get active? Boost your confidence? Develop important life skills? Enhance your CV?* Active Schools are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help support existing activities or develop new ones to enhance the opportunities available to children throughout the City. Whether it’s football, netball, tennis, yoga, dance or multisport, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Opportunities are available before school, during lunchtime, after-school or in the evening. There is a Club out there for everyone! Most volunteers attend activities within their local area on a weekly basis and commitment is from as little as one hour a week. Getting involved in an Active Schools Club will help get more children active and give them the opportunity to develop important life skills. Be it making friends, getting active, improving health and mental well-being or gaining self-esteem, the benefits of participating in sport is endless. Aged 12-25? Boost your CV and prospects by joining the Saltire Awards. Gain certificates based on your volunteering and earn extra Young Scot award points for fantastic prizes. Full support and training is provided to all volunteers. To find out further information about becoming an Active Schools volunteer, please visit sportaberdeen.co.uk/active-schools/volunteer-with-active-schools/ or contact the team directly at activeschools@sportaberdeen.co.uk

The Foundation for Advancement of Child Education and Youth Empowerment (FACEYOUTH) is a charitable organization, committed to improving the lives of youths and children in Aberdeen and overseas, using the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, as a framework for action. The organization had its first charity outreach in 2016 and has over the years, impacted people from underserved communities positively, regardless of age, gender, religion and background. For over 5 years, FACEYOUTH has been supporting individuals, families and communities through our various projects - from awarding full scholarships to indigent students to hosting sessions on Mental Health Awareness, with the aim to relieve disadvantage of any sorts and give people the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives. There are a great number of ways you can help support the work of FACEYOUTH as a volunteer. Current volunteer opportunities with us include Support Co-Ordinator, Fundraising and Event Volunteers, Marketing Co-Ordinator and PA to our Board. All help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated. For further details please contact Ify Anyaegbu, Founder/Chief Executive at email: faceyouth@hotmail.com or tel.:07717346832.

MCR Pathways has been partnering with schools since 2007 so we know just how amazing the young people of Scotland are. However, sometimes due to situations out of their control, young people face challenges that make it more difficult for them to succeed. That’s why providing the simple support of a mentor is so important and has been proven to make a life-changing difference. This is where you can help… MCR recruits and trains volunteer mentors who are matched with a young person that shares similar interests, hobbies or career aspirations. Mentors meet with their young person at their school for just one hour per week and the difference this makes is transformational. The mentoring relationship is unique as young people establish a friendship with someone who’s there, just for them and is not a teacher, parent, guardian or counsellor. The impact on their life is huge. Recent ScotCen research shows 81.6% of mentored care-experienced pupils left school for college, university or a job, compared with 56.3% of those young people not being mentored. We are hoping to help even more young people in the area reach their potential and are seeking volunteer mentors at Lochside Academy, Aberdeen. The only qualification you need to be a mentor is the desire to help. All young people are different and have different needs, so it’s important that our mentors come from all walks of life. Volunteer mentors are asked to commit just one hour a week for a minimum of one year and will be fully trained and PVG checked before being matched with a young person. The building of the relationship with a young person is facilitated by our fantastic MCR Pathways Coordinators who are based in each school and work with our young people on a daily basis. We’re asking you to #BeTheBridge between a young person’s talent and life possibilities. For only one hour per week, you can change a life. Why not do something to make a difference that lasts a lifetime. All help is greatly appreciated. Please register online at https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/ or contact our Mentor Services Team in Aberdeen at email aberdeen@mcrpathways.org / tel.: 07709249661.

MCR Pathways has been partnering with schools since 2007 so we know just how amazing the young people of Scotland are. However, sometimes due to situations out of their control, young people face challenges that make it more difficult for them to succeed. That’s why providing the simple support of a mentor is so important and has been proven to make a life-changing difference. This is where you can help... MCR recruits and trains volunteer mentors who are matched with a young person that shares similar interests, hobbies or career aspirations. Mentors meet with their young person at their school for just one hour per week and the difference this makes is transformational. The mentoring relationship is unique as young people establish a friendship with someone who’s there, just for them and is not a teacher, parent, guardian or counsellor. The impact on their life is huge. Recent ScotCen research shows 81.6% of mentored care-experienced pupils left school for college, university or a job, compared with 56.3% of those young people not being mentored. We are hoping to help even more young people in the area reach their potential and are looking for over 150 mentors from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Aberdeenshire schools participating in the programme are Banff, Fraserburgh, Inverurie, Peterhead and The Gordons Schools Huntly A further six schools will soon be joining the programme, including Banchory Academy, Mearns Academy, Mintlaw Academy, Portlethen Academy and Turriff Academy. The only qualification you need to be a mentor is the desire to help. All young people are different and have different needs, so it’s important that our mentors come from all walks of life. Volunteer mentors are asked to commit just one hour a week for a minimum of one year and will be fully trained and PVG checked before being matched with a young person from an Aberdeenshire school. The building of the relationship with a young person is facilitated by our fantastic MCR Pathways Coordinators who are based in each school and work with our young people on a daily basis. We’re asking you to #BeTheBridge between a young person’s talent and life possibilities. For only one hour per week, you can change a life. This year, why not do something to make a difference that lasts a lifetime. Register online at https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/ For any further details please contact us at email: aberdeen@mcrpathways.org (for volunteering in schools in Aberdeen City) or email: aberdeenshire@mcrpathways.org (for volunteering in schools in Aberdeenshire). Or telephone us on 07709249661.

We’re scouting for talent. You don’t have to be Bear Grylls to volunteer. Use your skills and talents for good and make a difference. Practical, flexible Scouting. Team working in a variety of tasks. Mainly to start new sections for Beavers (6-8) and Cubs (8-10½). To find out more please Email: volunteering21stscouts@gmail.com

Across Scotland ProjectScotland (part of the Volunteering Matters Family) supports young people to reach their potential through tailored support, mentoring and the opportunity to experience the benefits of volunteering themselves and the support of volunteer mentors. This is a national programme which we have recently secured funding to deliver in the Aberdeen area. As a guide -6-month commitment – 1 hour weekly although this will be flexible and may fluctuate to meet mentor and mentee availability, this meeting would ideally be face to face however given the COVID situation many matches are virtual using email/telephone/video chat/WhatsApp. In the role you may be assisting a young person to identify personal goals and aims and support them to work towards these in a planned and thought through way. e.g., building self-esteem, feeling more confident in social situations, expressing themselves effectively, recognising personal strengths. In other matches you might be working on softer outcomes helping them to develop life skills, routine, planning for the day, managing their time effectively and in many cases just checking in to make sure all is well and they are doing alright. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone wanting to help young people in their community who need a helping hand. For further information please contact Sue van Horen, Mentor Manager at email: sue.vanhoren@volunteeringmatters.org.uk or tel.: 07833250410.