Many of our clients who engage with the CARDS Service become curious about or wish to engage in recovery or with dedicated recovery services. In response to feedback from clients and volunteers we now have dedicated Peer Volunteers who themselves are in recovery and have lived experience of that journey and can provide our clients with hope and belief that they can make a positive change.

Human contact is vital. As we are all finding out, without it, life changes. Community Alcohol Related Damages Service is a befriending service run by Rowan Alba. Health care specialists, GP’s, hospitals and mental health services refer individuals to our service. These people, for various reasons have been living the way we experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of them for most of their lives. We need to recruit and train volunteers now so we can respond to those that have been referred to us during this time.

You will be involved in finding out what activities our residents would like to do then help to plan, organize and make it happen for them. You will be running one to one activities with residents but also put on group events. Our aim is to encourage and support our residents to pursue what they enjoy, reduce isolation and hopefully in turn reduce their drinking by engaging them in meaningful activities.

Volunteer with Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) and make a difference in your community! Children’s Hearings Scotland are recruiting for volunteers in Aberdeen and across Scotland to help support Scotland’s most vulnerable infants, children and young people. We are looking for a diverse range of enthusiastic people aged 18 and over who can show empathy, compassion, trust and who have great listening skills. Children’s Panel Members are volunteers from local communities who take part in children's hearings. Their role is to listen and make legal decisions with and for infants, children and young people. They are there to ensure that the young person is at the heart of every decision made – because every decision, no matter how big or small, has an impact on the life of the child or young person in the hearing. We offer a great training and development programme and have a very supportive and experienced team who will help you along your journey in becoming a panel member. All help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated. For more information and to apply please visit: https://chscotland.gov.uk/ / https://www.chscotland.gov.uk/volunteering-with-us/panel-members/ Local information for Aberdeen City is also available at: https://www.chscotland.gov.uk/volunteering-with-us/panel-members/aberdeen-city/ *(closing date for applications is 6th October 2022).

This opportunity is for vibrant people who enjoy all that entails working with young people of various backgrounds. The Ark is open to young people on Friday evenings from 7pm – 9.30pm. Volunteers are required to help from 6.30pm-9.30pm for set up and close down. Some of the responsibilities include, serving drinks and snacks at the bar, capturing social media images and videos, helping operate the sound booth and music. Volunteers roles are rotated throughout the night, to allow you to gain more skills and qualities. ​Why should I volunteer with the Ayr Ark? · Opportunity to gain a youth qualification. · Develop employability skills and work experience. · Training opportunities. · Meet new people. · Volunteer team building days and activities. One of our volunteers, started coming to the Ayr Ark at the age of 13 and went on to become a part of our volunteer group. Erin recently left us to start UNI but when asked ab out her experience of volunteering she said: “I’ve made friends for life here and gained skills and real life experience I never thought possible and it helped me grow as a person” – Erin Cran, Volunteer.

The opportunity is for vibrant people who enjoy all that entails working with young people of various backgrounds and for those who are looking for experience within events. Volunteers will assist with the running of events and activities, helping with the set-up, social media and marketing of the events, as well as running activities all day. Volunteers should be flexible as events and activities will take place during weekends and evenings. If your interested in volunteering with us, get in touch to find out how you can get involved. Student Placements Looking to get experience in a youth work setting? We are open to working with students who require to do a work placement as part of a Youth Work related degree. We have a partnership with UWS, speak to your programme leader or get in touch with us to find out more. Why should I volunteer with the Ayr Ark? Opportunity to gain a youth qualification Develop employability skills and work experience. Training opportunities Meet new people Volunteer team building days and activities ​

If you have a passion for helping others, this opportunity is perfect for you! You will have the chance to educate the children in your community on health and safety matters such as mental well-being, cyber security, water safety, railway safety, and more. You will help give the children the skills they need to navigate everyday risks, as well as help them build character and resilience. So, if saving lives as a part of a dedicated team is something you like the sound of, go ahead and give us an email or call – please contact Charley Pirie, School Co-ordinator at email: charley@absafe.org.uk or telephone 07376302532.

COG: Community Outreach Group provides support to homeless and vulnerable people in the City of Aberdeen. We provide meals and essentials for the homeless and vulnerable people of Aberdeen on a Wednesday and Sunday evening. We are looking for drivers to pick up and drop off various food donations. This is a vital role in what we do as an organisation, collecting all the donations and dropping them off so we have the food ready to serve. All help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated. For more details please contact Rebecca Fyfe at email: beccafyfe@hotmail.com or telephone: 07415723938.

Searchlight Scotland runs a restoration programme and supported accommodation for women whose lives have been affected by human trafficking, addiction, abuse and other life controlling issues We are recruiting volunteers to help us in our mission. In particular we would like to reach out to students who are currently studying psychology, social work or health care. However, anyone who is enthusiastic, caring and passionate about helping make a difference in people’s lives is what we are looking for the most. Our volunteers will mainly be based in our safe house assisting with aspects such as: • Assisting with the running of the safe house • Take women to appointments • Help women learn life skills in a practical way • Encourage independence • Encourage participation in activities • Help run informal activities • Document all events and handover Our amazing volunteers provide us with their time, passion and energy, helping us to continue supporting the vulnerable people we serve in our community. In return, our volunteers have been able to: · gain new skills and confidence · enhance their CV and employability · meet new people · get training and support · make a difference If you wish to volunteer or for any further details please contact Eva D’ Amico, Volunteer Coordinator at email: eva.d'amico@searchlightscotland.org or telephone.: 07927371717. More details are also available at our website: https://www.searchlightscotland.org/volunteer

Somebody Cares is a local charity who furnish homes, provide clothing, baby equipment, toys and food parcels to those in need within our city and shire. Through referral from many local support services, charities, social workers and the local councils, clients are able to access our services completely free of charge. By demonstrating empathy and support, our aim is to provide a helping hand to those who are facing challenging times, by offering hope and providing then with essential and practicable items which they otherwise couldn’t afford to purchase. Our greatest wish is that after receiving our support our clients can gain confidence, flourish and begin to escape the poverty trap. We work with men, woman and children from many different backgrounds, and our services are accessed by many support services including Aberdeen City Council, Cornhill Hospital, Grampians Women’s Aid, Barnardo’s, Children’s 1st, Turning Point Scotland, Langstane Housing, Shmu, Children and Family Services, Social Bite, Drugs and Alcohol Awareness and many medical professionals. We fund our charitable work by selling some of our donated items at our very busy retail megastore at Hazeldene Road, Aberdeen. (Old Dobbie’s building). The Megastore has many gems and bargains and has a strong local clientele who visit the store on a regular basis. We are looking for volunteers to help us sort through many of the donated items ready for sale. We are flexible with hours and days and are looking for enthusiastic people with a heart for making a difference to join our friendly team. A fantastic opportunity to help. All volunteers make a real difference and are greatly appreciated. For further details please contact Alison Topley, Chief Operating Officer at email: volunteer@somebodycaresscotland.org or telephone: 01224 460700.