The Clackmannanshire Befriending Project recruit and train volunteers to befriend isolated, vulnerable and disadvantaged young people (aged 8-18) in the local area. Volunteers are matched one to one with a young person, meet them on a regular basis and participate in activities in the community. This could be after school, in the evening or at weekends, depending on volunteer availability. Befrienders are to be reliable, trusting and a positive role model. Activities are “timeout” for young people who often live in difficult circumstances. These young people often benefit from an adult befriender who they can talk to and trust, as well as providing them with a reason to get out of the house. The project helps young people with their social skills, self-esteem, school attendance/ performance, resilience, personal safety/ health and relationships. Young people are referred from local schools, social work or other partners. Befrienders are aged 18 years or over, have spare time on a regular basis and are committed to befriending for a minimum period of 12 months. If you are interested, contact us today for an informal chat.

Victim Support Scotland needs volunteers to support victims of crime and witnesses attending court in West Dunbartonshire. Volunteers may be involved in a range of activities, including making contact with victims/witnesses by phone, supporting witnesses attending court and visiting victims in their own homes to offer practical and emotional support in the aftermath of crime.

Grampian Women’s Aid Board of Trustees is responsible for setting the strategic direction, ensuring that the charity complies with all its legal and regulatory requirements and that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard. The diversity of the Board is currently reflected with representation from all sectors including voluntary management, legal, HR and equality and diversity professionals. An exciting opportunity has arisen within Grampian Women’s Aid for a woman who has flair and passion for the movement and finance. We require a woman who has a background in finance to be Treasurer on our Board of Trustees. An interest in the Women’s Aid movement and a commitment to our ethos is essential. Women only need apply (as this post is covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010)). See website: www.grampianwomensaid.com Excellent training and support is provided -induction will include visits to refuge locations, meet with staff members, induction training with Scottish Womens Aid, Dynamics of Domestic abuse training, and meet with the auditors. Constant training and support will also be offered. A fantastic opportunity to join our Board of Trustees and help make a real difference in our vital work. For more information please contact Alison Hay, Manager, E Mail: alison.hay@grampianwomensaid.com or tel.: 01224 593381.

The role is diverse but demanding. You could be doing anything from policing a football match to assisting at a road accident. Special Constables also police major sporting and public events and provide an excellent bridge between the Police Service and the public, representing both the community within the police service and the police service within local communities. Specials come from all walks of life and the role can suit those who are able to commit the time to volunteer alongside their own paid employment. It can also be a way for people to experience the role who are considering it as a future career. You must meet our essential criteria to join and go through the application process. You’ll receive training that is closely aligned to the content of the initial training provided to Probationer Officers, ensuring you are ready to police your streets.

The Witness Service provides practical and emotional support and someone to talk to in confidence to all witnesses (including family and friends) attending court. The WS volunteers support victims and witnesses in court on the trial day, carry out court familiarization visits prior to the trial, explain court procedures and liaise with court officials on behalf of witnesses, passing on information or queries. The work of the WS volunteers can vary from spending one whole day with one witness or family, to five minutes with each witness giving information and being with someone before and after they have given evidence in Court. A lot of the volunteers’ time is spent being supportive to people while they wait to give evidence. We recruit and train our volunteers 3-4 times per year.

The Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) programme aims to strengthen the relationship with the Police and young people, breaking down barriers and promoting positive role models. Police Scotland Youth Volunteers promotes a practical way for young people to understand policing by supporting the Police in their local area through volunteering. As part of this, young people are given a chance for their voice to be heard and encouraged to promote good citizenship. The programme is open to all young people aged between 13 – 18, this allows those people to get an insight into policing in Scotland and inspire individuals to participate positively within their communities.

Promote practical understanding of policing amongst all young people Encourage spirit of adventure and good citizenship support local policing priorities through volunteering and give young people a chance to be heard Inspire young people to participate positively in their community

We are establishing a new fundraising group in Dundee focussing on setting up locations for counter top collecting boxes. If you like getting out and about, meeting people, developing relationships and have basic numeracy skills, this could be the role for you! Becoming part of this group offers you the opportunity to meet people, learn new skills, improve your CV or just have fun with your group and in your community. Some group members have been volunteering for many years, some just join for a shorter time offering a few hours a month, the time commitment is flexible. The RNLI has a network of local fundraising groups organising a wide range of activities and events which last year raised £14 million to help save lives at sea. This is a great opportunity to make a difference by raising vital funds for our volunteer crew, lifeguards and drowning prevention work.

What role could you play in empowering victims of crime? Victim Support Scotland is looking for volunteers throughout Scotland to provide practical and emotional support to victims through home visits and phone calls. You will be given in-depth training into the victim’s journey through the justice system, learn about the impact of crime and develop skills in listening and support. This is your opportunity to join a lively network of volunteers and grow personally and professionally. All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. As you will be working alongside staff and victims, good oral and written communication skills are essential to this role as is the ability to work in a non-judgemental manner. PVG background check and references required. ***For all enquiries, please tell state where you reside - thanks***

Here at the Dumfriesshire Foodbank we would like to welcome committed individuals who can offer their time and make a difference in their local community. Whether you have a little or a lot of time, please get in touch and make that valuable contribution to the smooth running of the charity. From sorting and weighing stock to making up food parcels our warehouse offers a wide range of hands-on roles for volunteers. At times there is a great deal of heavy lifting involved. The opportunity offers the chance to learn new skills, gain experience and meet new people.