The befriender will be matched up to the befriendee by having the same interests and hobbies. On average the pair will meet up once a week and undertake a range of activities depending on a preferred choice, (e.g. meeting for coffee, going for a walk). This opportunity will give the befriender a chance to do something worthwhile in the full knowledge that it is much appreciated.

Victim Support Scotland Volunteer How can you support victims and witnesses of crime? Victims of crime often feel a range of emotions in the aftermath of an offence. It is Victim Support Scotland’s role to provide victims and witnesses of crime emotional and practical support in person, online, and in court. Volunteers are supported by VSS staff who manage the service. How would you help? Our volunteers provide emotional support, practical help, information and guidance through the criminal justice system. We aim to empower people who have been impacted by crime, to move on with their lives. Discuss service users’ needs by telephone, webchat, appointments and face-to-face contact, agreeing next steps at the end of each contact Help service users feel more confident by arranging and conducting court familiarisation visits Support service users in the court room and other appropriate locations on the day of the trial, liaising with court officials on behalf of the service users. Feedback and agree follow-up actions with staff members Provide administrative support in completing the service users journey What benefits would I get? Volunteering with Victim Support Scotland can be challenging and also extremely rewarding. As a volunteer you will: Support people when they most need it Learn new skills and knowledge of the criminal justice sector Gain access to a range of specialist training courses that are relevant to your volunteering role Positively contribute to your community as a member of a team actively working to reduce the impact of crime A chance to give something back Receive support in your volunteering role to deliver services effectively All reasonable expenses (e.g. travel) will be reimbursed What skills and experience do I need? We are looking for committed, reliable and empathetic volunteers who can work with people of all ages, backgrounds and life situations. Although we provide full training and support, knowledge of the criminal justice system and experience of supporting people is beneficial. As a Victim Support Scotland Volunteer you will need: Effective communication skills The ability to actively listen to service users and anyone affected by crime An interest in learning about the criminal justice system and understand the service user’s journey An awareness of confidentiality obligations and the responsibilities that come with upholding these obligations Effective time management skills (and working under pressure) Access to a car or ability to use public transport What is the time commitment? We know that our volunteers have busy lives, so we agree the time commitment with each individual volunteer. However, we ask for: a minimum commitment of approximately one day per week, however this may vary depending upon the needs of the service. a minimum commitment of at least 1 year so that they might get the most out of a volunteering role. How can I apply? The people we support come from all communities across Scotland, as do our volunteers. We welcome new volunteers from all backgrounds and languages. To ensure we provide the best possible service to people affected by crime, we ask all volunteers to follow our processes. This will involve: • Joining the Disclosure Scotland PVG scheme • Providing two satisfactory references • Completing our three day ‘Introduction to Victim Support Scotland’ training module • Signing and abiding by Victim Support Scotland’s Confidentiality agreement • Commitment to Data Protection • Volunteer Agreement

Our 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline is a vital support for people with dementia, their carers & families and the wider community by ensuring that there is always someone there to listen and act when needed, be that day or night. The Helpline is delivered entirely by trained volunteers. This role can include telephone and online support. The role includes: Offering person-centred emotional support and information to people affected by dementia, primarily but not limited to, over the telephone. Developing and maintaining knowledge on health and social care issues that relate to people living with dementia, including statutory services and welfare benefits. Maintaining knowledge of other organisations and services that can help people living with dementia and sign post when appropriate. Recording information about enquiries on our database in line with our data protection policy. Attend ongoing training opportunities either online or in-person. Keep up to date with Alzheimer Scotland news and our work across Scotland. This volunteer role is available to people who can commit a minimum of 1 shift every 2 weeks. The Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so a variety of shifts are available.

Sight Action’s Western Isles Sensory Centre, based in Stornoway, is on the lookout for volunteers to help with several vital services. The charity currently offers both practical and emotional support to around 235 adults and children throughout the Western Isles. The centre, which plays a crucial role in providing lifeline services, has several volunteering opportunities on offer. Volunteers are required to work within the centre to give advice and practical support with hearing aids, as well as other aids and equipment. They are also needed to help offer befriending services, or aid service users with driving them to appointments, help with shopping etc. Full training will be given to volunteers.

Retail volunteer - providing customer support, sales service and sort through donations whilst working in a friendly atmosphere, providing an extremely useful and appreciated service to our non-profit community interest company Roots for Low Impact Living C.I.C. which reinvests it's profits back into the community and supporting access to eco-friendly/sustainable products & lifestyles.

Cycling Without Age Scotland is a transformational project which brings the elderly population closer to the outdoor environment through the power of Cycling. It offers the elderly or less able bodied, the chance to hitch a ride on a trishaw and enjoy the outdoors in a relaxing and invigorating way. Based on the national model, the Lewis and Harris Chapter has formed a core local committee and are keen to recruit volunteers to help establish and run the project. Our first aim is to raise enough money to purchase two trishaws, one for Stornoway and one for Tarbert. We then plan to link up (initially) with local care homes and organise to take elderly residents out on trishaws. Volunteers The project would offer considerable opportunities for volunteers and taking part would increase confidence and social skills in all age groups. For those who volunteer with the project, it is a chance to be part of something that makes a real difference to the lives of those in their community. They will form friendships and, from the stories they hear on the rides, learn more about their local community. They will develop important social skills and their own health will benefit from the exercise and fresh air.

Cycling Without Age Scotland is a transformational project which brings the elderly population closer to the outdoor environment through the power of Cycling. It offers the elderly or less able bodied, the chance to hitch a ride on a trishaw and enjoy the outdoors in a relaxing and invigorating way. Based on the national model, the Lewis and Harris Chapter has formed a core local committee and are keen to recruit volunteers to help establish and run the project. Our first aim is to raise enough money to purchase two trishaws, one for Stornoway and one for Tarbert. We then plan to link up (initially) with local care homes and organise to take elderly residents out on trishaws. Volunteers The project would offer considerable opportunities for volunteers and taking part would increase confidence and social skills in all age groups. For those who volunteer with the project, it is a chance to be part of something that makes a real difference to the lives of those in their community. They will form friendships and, from the stories they hear on the rides, learn more about their local community. They will develop important social skills and their own health will benefit from the exercise and fresh air.

Cycling Without Age Scotland is a transformational project which brings the elderly population closer to the outdoor environment through the power of Cycling. It offers the elderly or less able bodied, the chance to hitch a ride on a trishaw and enjoy the outdoors in a relaxing and invigorating way. Based on the national model, the Lewis and Harris Chapter has formed a core local committee and are keen to recruit volunteers to help establish and run the project. Our first aim is to raise enough money to purchase two trishaws, one for Stornoway and one for Tarbert. We then plan to link up (initially) with local care homes and organise to take elderly residents out on trishaws. Volunteers The project would offer considerable opportunities for volunteers and taking part would increase confidence and social skills in all age groups. For those who volunteer with the project, it is a chance to be part of something that makes a real difference to the lives of those in their community. They will form friendships and, from the stories they hear on the rides, learn more about their local community. They will develop important social skills and their own health will benefit from the exercise and fresh air.

Cycling Without Age Scotland is a transformational project which brings the elderly population closer to the outdoor environment through the power of Cycling. It offers the elderly or less able bodied, the chance to hitch a ride on a trishaw and enjoy the outdoors in a relaxing and invigorating way. Based on the national model, the Lewis and Harris Chapter has formed a core local committee and are keen to recruit volunteers to help establish and run the project. Our first aim is to raise enough money to purchase two trishaws, one for Stornoway and one for Tarbert. We then plan to link up (initially) with local care homes and organise to take elderly residents out on trishaws. Volunteers The project would offer considerable opportunities for volunteers and taking part would increase confidence and social skills in all age groups. For those who volunteer with the project, it is a chance to be part of something that makes a real difference to the lives of those in their community. They will form friendships and, from the stories they hear on the rides, learn more about their local community. They will develop important social skills and their own health will benefit from the exercise and fresh air.

Social media/ photographer volunteer - Can you use Facebook and Instagram? Do you enjoy taking digital photos? We want to develop our social media page and would like volunteers to develop this area of work. If you have a couple of hours spare a week, could you photograph our stock and put onto social media for us? Get in touch!