Our MIDAS (Minibus Driving Awareness Scheme) trained drivers operate our special buses, they also have received training in customer care. All drivers will be trained to national MIDAS standard. The drivers gain experience not only in transport matters but also interpersonal skills and how to assist people with physical disabilities. This service helps people continue membership of groups and it helps the groups to have a varied schedule of events.

We need your help to support this event and help raise vital funds for Scotland's ex-Service men and women. We are looking for volunteers to help with bucket collections and running the Erskine stand during the four days of the show? Could you spare 2 hours between 10am and 5pm on Fri 24th, Sat 25th, Sun 26th or Mon 27th May on show days. The role will include bucket collecting, supporting us to staff our Erskine stand, welcoming guests and giving out stickers and balloons to donators. As a thank you for helping, you will receive free access to the show. Thank you.

Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK) is the only charity in the UK that provides vital support to the more than 60 types of muscle-wasting conditions. With 110,000 children and adults affected by this life-limiting condition, it is essential to raise awareness with fundraising groups being a key representative in the community. We are looking to build Fundraising Groups across the UK, these groups will consist of 3-8 people who will help us extend our reach by fundraising, attending talks and presentations, creating local networks, building awareness of the charity and understanding how we can help people living with a muscle wasting condition all within their community. The role of the Fundraising Group Coordinator is to work with the Regional Development team to help us get this project off the ground, you will often have catch ups with the team on a one-to-one basis and support with admin tasks to help us gather and collate information needed to ask people to join a group. Along with other staff and volunteers you'll be a core part of the local MDUK community, meeting new people and making a difference to those living with a muscle wasting condition. *As the Fundraising Group Coordinator, you would have the opportunity to: • Meet new people, make new friends and work as part of our skilled and friendly fundraising team. • Do something meaningful for people affected by a muscle wasting condition. • Learn and develop valuable leadership, teamwork, fundraising, organisational skills and communication and people skills. • Make a valuable contribution to the success of the project. • Enjoy a flexible volunteering opportunity that you can fit around your lifestyle. • To take part in relevant training by MDUK. *What you’ll be doing: • Researching communities identified by the Regional Development manager that look good to start a group. • Helping us to get a better understanding of the area by- o Looking at fundraising that already happened in the community. o What community groups are active such as Rotary, WI, church, young farmers etc. o What local opportunities are there such as car shows, fetes, festivals etc. • Collating your research and compiling this for each group that we set up. • Work with your Regional Development managers and the Senior Regional Development manager to discuss findings and next steps. • Make calls/emails to prospective group members to invite them to the initial meeting to find out more about the group opportunities. • Keeping up to date about the news and developments of MDUK. • Be an enthusiastic MDUK ambassador for the project. All help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated. For more information please contact Jodie Whitham, Regional Development Manager at email j.whitham@musculardystrophyuk.org or telephone 07771374839.

Volunteers Needed! Are you interested in gardening? Do you find joy in cooking? Are you someone who thrives on meeting new people and building connections? If any of these resonate with you, then you might be the ideal candidate we're searching for! Take a look at our range of volunteer positions to discover the perfect match for you! EVENT MANAGEMENT VOLUNTEERS Are you interested in helping to run seasonal events in our gardens like Seed Shares, Herbal Workshops and Harvest Gatherings? From putting up posters to being there to be a helping hand on the day, there is always plenty to do. LEAD VOLUNTEERS Are you ready to take on a more challenging and responsible volunteer role? It you're seeking greater responsibility and a chance to make a difference, then we have the perfect opportunity for you. We are currently looking for lead volunteers who can supervise gardening sessions outside our regular schedule, take charge of watering plants, and represent our organisation at various events throughout the year. This role offers you the chance to expand your skillset and gain valuable work experience. As a lead volunteer, you will have the opportunity to develop leadership and coordination skills while making a lasting impact on our community. In return for your dedication, we offer additional training opportunities to enhance your abilities and broaden your knowledge. This is your chance to grow both personally and professionally. GARDEN VOLUNTEERS If you enjoy spending time outdoors, meeting new people with similar interests, and have a passion for sustainable growing, then we have the perfect volunteering opportunity for you! Join us at one of our Community Food Gardens, where we cultivate food using sustainable practices inspired by permaculture and food forests. We have gardens in Kelso, Duns, Eyemouth, Hawick, Foulden, and Ayton! We are seeking dedicated individuals like you to help us establish and maintain this garden, transforming it into a vibrant community space. Not only will you contribute to a greener future, but you'll also have the chance to take home some treats as a token of our appreciation. COOKING VOLUNTEERS Are you a culinary enthusiast, whether you're a one-pot wonder or a gourmet chef? We have an exciting volunteer opportunity for individuals with a passion for cooking! At our organisation, we host two types of social food events that you can be a part of: ● Social Lunches and Community Food Events: As a volunteer, you would assist our staff in preparing delicious meals and ensuring everyone has a great time during our social lunches and other community food events. Your presence and culinary skills will help create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. ● Cooking Skills Classes: We also conduct cooking skills classes where participants can learn to cook using the food we grow in our community gardens. Your role would involve supporting and supervising participants as they explore new recipes and techniques. Rest assured, there will always be a trained staff member available to assist you. This volunteer opportunity not only allows you to share your love for cooking but also contributes to building a stronger and more connected community. Whether you have a knack for simple dishes or you're a master of gourmet cuisine, your skills and enthusiasm will be highly valued.

We require volunteers to help with our befriending groups Some examples of what we require are Pick up/drop off bus chaperon, general set up and break down of equipment, befriending - chatting with attendees and serving refreshments.

LCTS provides wheelchair accessible minibus transport to voluntary and community groups throughout Midlothian. The groups range from toddlers to the elderly/infirm. There is also a wide variety in the driving; from local door to door day care to day trips to the Borders, Fife etc. All minibus users provide an escort and there is generally a very easy going atmosphere on the bus. For many of the users, the minubus provides the only opportunity for them to get out and about, so they tend to be all the more grateful for the volunteer driver. Email Dalkeith@LCTS.org.uk or phone 0131 663 0176

The Cats Whiskers is a small local charity set up in 2018 and has since gone from strength to strength, leading to the opening of the new rehoming shelter in late 2022. Their charity relies on the support of their many volunteers who freely give their time and talents. The group operate based solely on fundraising, donations and volunteers to continue to look after the cats in their care and always need dedicated, reliable volunteers that can help out and of course, new volunteers are always welcome. They are a passionate team who want the best for their feline friends and nothing gives them more pleasure than to see them happy in their ‘forever’ homes. They need volunteers to support the shop's operations. They will be serving the public, maintaining stock on shop floor, sorting donations handed into us at shop, keeping shop clean and neat at all times, The team do an induction at the shop with every volunteer, find suitable buddy for them, show how to sort donations ie separate, store and trash. They, if needed, will also be taught to operate the till. The shop is open from 11-3pm Tuesday to Saturday. Able to work with other people, Pleasant, friendly and confident attitude would be advantageous for serving the public and being first point of contact for the charity. Due to handling money and serving public we would ask for the volunteers to be over 18. Due to size of premises at the moment we can’t take someone in a wheelchair.

Resonate Together is a local charity which has been running for over 13 years. Resonate run various groups dependant on the skills individuals bring, from various art groups to chess club & gardening. They also provide meeting rooms for outside organisations. They have grown not only in size, resulting in a larger premises, but also their model of working. Many who come to Resonate Together start by saying they do not have any skills. This can be for so many reasons, and one of the core challenges being personal confidence. Over the last decade, they have listened, learned and experienced the incredible development of so many people - they know that ‘skills’ can be learned and we know that every individual that comes to Resonate Together has inner qualities that will benefit our community. Resonate Together's Customer Service Volunteer role includes meeting members, new and old. Based at the Coffee & Tea area you would not only be welcoming members but inviting them to have a cuppa, and quite often in Resonate, a piece of cake! This gives you a chance to get to know the members in a relaxed informal setting. 1-1 support & training is provided. Minimum of 3 hours per week. Wednesday and/or Thursday Morning & Afternoon. They are expanding into Friday, & Saturday sessions too. As the Customer Service Volunteer, you may be the first person new members meet as they come through the door. They would therefore like you to be welcoming, friendly, and positive. As Resonate welcomes people from all walks of life discrimination is not tolerated. Good listening skills are a must, as well as of course, knowing your way round a kettle! As with any member of Resonate we welcome adults from all walks of life, as long as you have the skills and/or the experience (through work, volunteering or life) to take on the role. References will be taken. During your time with Resonate you may be interested in taking on a role requiring a PVG. Please do not hesitate to ask for further information on police checks.

We need local volunteer drivers for our vehicles, to help the elderly and disabled get out and about. It might be a shopping trip, visit to family and friends, outings, transport to clubs/meetings, hospital visits and any other long or short journeys as required. We give all our drivers MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) training which is recognised throughout the UK as the standard course for volunteer drivers involved in community transport. Training includes loading and strapping in of wheelchairs. Travel expenses are paid at 40p per mile.

How would you like to be part of the Guide Dogs family and help people with sight loss live the life they choose? We would love to have you onboard to help with our ambition of a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence and support they need to live their lives to the full. Did you know that we don’t just provide life-changing guide dogs, we also provide advice, skills, emotional and practical support for children, adults and their families living with sight loss to help them live actively, independently and well? To do all this we need the support of amazing volunteers like you! If you would like more information, are unsure or need flexibility around the role then chat to us first by emailing VolunteerScotNI@Guidedogs.org.uk and someone will be in touch. What does the role involve? Assisting your local fundraising group in organising, promoting and taking part in a variety of activities to raise money for Guide Dogs. It costs £58,000 to support one single guide dog throughout it's life, so without our amazing Fundraisers raising money for us, we wouldn't be able to provide our life changing services! Main responsibilities: * Organise and facilitate fundraising events such as street collections, stalls at local fairs, tea parties, garden sales, sponsored events and anything else you can think of! * Attend group meetings * Take collection boxes to local businesses * Keeping track of what we sell on our stalls at events (including the cuddly toys!) * Count donations Please contact VolunteerScotNI@guidedogs.org.uk for more information.