This role gives the opportunity to enable the Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland to provide weekly clubs with the aim of improving well-being and reducing isolation through the power of sport. Club members may feel lonely, have health issues or memory problems. They focus on sporting reminiscence and gentle physical activity and games such as Boccia (indoor bowls). The main function of the club facilitator is to plan a weekly programme lasting around 1.5 hours which ensures that club participants feel included and that their contributions are respected. Volunteers enjoy talking about their sporting interests and have fun talking to club members about their memories of sporting events. Full training and ongoing support is provided. A volunteer said, "it was rewarding watching group members develop confidence in contributing to the group," and another commented about feeling appreciated and seeing their work making a difference.

Lingo Flamingo are searching for volunteer language tutors! You must be compassionate and willing to share your language skills (either French, Spanish, Italian or German) with older adults in care homes and day centres in Edinburgh. You will be given teaching training before starting a project, and then you must be free for 10 consecutive weeks. Classes usually take place on a weekday in the morning or early afternoon. Own transport desirable but not essential, and travel expenses reimbursed.

*Why not join our exciting Hearing Forces project, which is providing support to veterans aged 65+, who have hearing loss or tinnitus and their families and carers. If you’ve got a few hours to spare every month, you could help reduce loneliness and social isolation and provide life changing support to older veterans.* There’s the opportunity to assist with hearing screening, information and hearing aid maintenance. You’ll also inform veterans about helpful equipment and signpost veterans to other services within the Unforgotten Forces consortium that can help them. No previous experience is essential, as you will get lots of training and support. For further details please contact Heather Hart, Hearing Forces – Project Assistant at E Mail: hearing.forces@hearingloss.org.uk or tel.: 0141 341 5344.

Befriender volunteers are required to meet with a beneficiary to help alleviate loneliness and isolation, listen to and engage with the beneficiary, promoting positive outlooks and raising self esteem. Regularly meet with a beneficiary, either in their home or at a mutually agreed location. Listen to and engage with the beneficiary, promoting positive outlooks and raised self-esteem. Research into local community groups and activities to find relevant interests for the beneficiary. Identify any additional areas of support and make referrals to the Area Welfare Manager if required. Keep a note of visits undertaken, with recommendations and actions.

The RAF Association is a member-led welfare charity that exists to ensure all members of the RAF family are supported in terms of welfare, when they require it. The Befriender role is at the heart of this charity objective and volunteers undertaking this role will be helping us to deliver this support to the RAF family. Essentially the aim of the Befriender role is to help alleviate isolation and loneliness, giving time to listen and encourage communication on a shared interest or topic, leading to improving and developing enjoyable social networks. A Befriender volunteer carries out visits to and keeps in touch with members of the RAF family on behalf of the Association. Befriender volunteers exist to provide companionship and to deliver outcome focussed support to a beneficiary and to ensure that they remain part of the community and feel socially connected to the wider family. The role of a Befriender is varied and could involve helping out with practical tasks such as driving someone to a doctor’s appointment, or helping them with their shopping.

This is truly time well spent. Musical memories is an opportunity for people to come together in a social setting and enjoy an afternoon of music and conversation. Volunteers are needed to help set up tables and help with coffees and teas.

Day Centre Assistants foster a friendly and supportive atmosphere within the group by: Welcoming and accompanying/escorting older people on the premises. Arranging and or facilitating appropriate activities during groups sessions. Offering support and assistance to enable all members to participate as full as they wish in the activities. Serving pre-prepared meals and teas and coffees. Washing and tidying up. Occasional escorting on community transport.

Care and Share Companionship supports older people living in isolation and loneliness within the Kirkcaldy area. Support is offered by our volunteers on a 1-1 basis. Their aim is to provide a service that helps improve health, well being to make people feel valued and part of their community. Volunteer Companions might take people out shopping, to appointments, hairdressers, places of interest such as library, local exhibitions, for a refreshment or simply have a cup of tea and chat at home. They can accompany their 'friend' to groups of interest to help build their confidence or return to a hobby they previously enjoyed. Occasionally there will be group events for 'friends' which volunteers can be part of e.g. lunch or theatre. Care and Share Companionship listens to what the person would like and tailor our support to their needs. They offer fixed term volunteer roles and welcome volunteers from 16 years upwards. They believe everyone has life experience and skills to bring to this role and welcome volunteers' suggestions and ideas.

To support at a monthly activity club. Duties might include assisting service users to complete register/consent forms, help with serving refreshments at the end of the activity and once quarterly assisting service users to complete a feedback survey.

Volunteers would help organise on the day, welcoming members but also helping to find entertainment and speakers, in addition to a bit of fundraising. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is postive, welcoming and organised.