North East Sensory Services' social groups are looking to return to full capacity in Moray, but need some friendly, welcoming volunteers to help them. NESS delivers a 'Community Inclusion Project' that aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness in people over the age of 65 who have a significant sight or hearing impairment. They do this by supporting social groups in Forres, Elgin, Keith and Buckie, which provide their service users with the opportunity for friendship, activity and support. Transport to attend community groups is often an issue for members so they provide drivers too! ( and would welcome new volunteer drivers as well!) As a group volunteer volunteer, you might be needed to guide someone on an outing, to describe the cake selection, or assist someone to take part in a game of floor curling: every session is different. Induction training will be provided, so no previous experience of groups or of sight/hearing loss is required. A PVG check will be required for this role and a 6 month commitment would be ideal. Some main tasks can include: • support the group to achieve what they wish to do • assist group members with refreshments • assist group to plan and organise activities/speakers • assist group members to find seats and negotiate the room • interact with group members and develop positive relationships • encourage the group to interact with one another Volunteers are well supported and find their experience rewarding, uplifting and fun, often forming fulfilling long-term friendships with our service users. Roles solely based on driving or escorting on bus transport may also be available. Full induction and Sensory Awareness training is provided, as well as the opportunity to get more involved with the charity in other ways if desired. Out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed monthly.

Moray Duo is a local group for supporting the health and wellbeing of disabled people in Moray. The group would like to welcome a few new volunteers to help take minutes at meetings and to help organise information and data on their computer.

The Board of Trustees’ current roles are Co-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Safeguarding Officer and others, depending on your interests and skills. Some of these are likely to be vacant from November 2022. Benefits to volunteer: The sense of playing a vital part, becoming part of something worthwhile and well-attested in its benefits to members’ wellbeing and integration in the community; building strong networks in the community - particularly among those working with vulnerable adults in the area; meeting new people committed to sharing their time and skills with one another. Time commitment is negotiable, but monthly or bi-monthly meetings are expected in early stages of training new Trustees. Hybrid meetings are now possible, with Zoom connection where necessary.

Working within the new office in Market Street, Stranraer volunteers will be involved in the following activities: • Directing visitors to local businesses, attractions and local amenities including public toilets, cash machines, parks, museums etc. • Giving directions to visitors to other local towns or to areas out with the region eg Glasgow, Edinburgh. • Provide visitors with information regarding local public transport. • Answering questions from visitors about the village/town. • Assisting customers on the shop floor. • Helping with the cash desk

Come along and join the Calderglen Conservation Volunteers for a practical Woodland Workout! Are you passionate about working in nature? Could you help the Calderglen Conservation Volunteers help protect our ancient woodlands, wildlife, and heritage? By joining the volunteer conservation sessions, you will be helping protect our special places for the benefit of people and wildlife. Anyone can be a Calderglen Conservation Volunteer; all you need is a bit of spare time on the second Sunday of the month and a love of the outdoors. You will get to meet like-minded volunteers, hopefully, have a laugh, and a chance to get fit for 2023 without going to the gym! We will provide full training and tools to undertake the conservation tasks working with SLC Countryside Ranger Service and experienced volunteers. This is a volunteering opportunity principally aimed at adults because of the physical nature of the work and tool use. Family groups are welcome but children will have to be supervised by parents

We have many volunteering opportunities at St Margaret’s Braemar. We put on a number of concerts, talks and exhibitions during the year and are looking for volunteers to help with setting up/breaking down and also during the events i.e stewarding, taking tickets and serving at the bar. There are plenty of other opportunities including maintenance, admin and promotion. We would also appreciate a couple of people that would be willing to distribute posters/flyers in different village in Deeside. We would love to hear from anyone who has got a passion for the arts, historic buildings or community projects.

If you enjoy being in an office and like meeting people, this is the role for you. You’ll be providing people with wheelchairs and other equipment to help them get moving again after illness or injury. What you will be doing Giving a warm welcome to customers visiting or phoning us. Helping people wanting to hire a wheelchair or other equipment. Using a computer-based stock control system. Showing people how to use equipment. Taking payments / donations Apply online https://volunteer.redcross.org.uk/opportunities/30264-customer-service-volunteer-wheelchair-volunteer-dalkeith-2022-04-06

Forfar Community Football Trust are currently on the look out for a ball attendant supervisor for Forfar Athletic home matches. Great opportunity to get involved with the trust and support your local community team by providing local kids the opportunity to be a ball attendant. Main duties for this role are: - meet and brief group - allocation of clothing/equipment - point of contact during game - coordinate half time refreshments Volunteer must be 18 and willing to complete a PVG.

Fun, Food and Friendship at Community Spirit is a new group opening in November 2022. Operating from the Community Spirit premises at Fisheracre, Arbroath, it plans to be open from 4-8pm Monday to Friday. Each day a two-course hot meal will be provided and there will be a variety of activities dependent on the requests of those attending. This is open to anyone regardless of age, gender or circumstances and is free of charge. We hope to provide a welcoming and warm space in which people can relax, build confidence and friendships and support one another to build community. We are looking for volunteers to provide catering assistance to the group. Volunteers will be part of a team of 6. Tasks include: • Managing, recording and storing donations • One of a small team preparing and cooking a hot meal • Ensuring stock of essential items for the following week (either in stock or notify need to purchase) • Prepare flasks of hot drinks to take away • Small cleaning tasks in turn with staff • Providing regular feedback to the team of user’s suggestions and needs You will need to have: • A willingness to be part of a team • An ability to be flexible within the role • Commitment to the role

Fun, Food and Friendship in Friockheim is a new group opening in Friockheim in November 2022 from 11am-3pm every Saturday. A selection of activities will be provided for all ages, including family films, games and crafts with a soup and sandwich lunch. The group is open to anyone regardless of age, gender or circumstances and is free of charge. We hope to provide a welcoming and warm space in which people can relax, build confidence and friendships and support one another to build community. We are looking for volunteers to be the welcoming face of the group, meeting and greeting people as they arrive and being available to help where required. Volunteers will be part of a team of 6 Tasks include: • Extending a warm and friendly welcome to the people we support • Making a cuppa and providing a listening ear • Assisting in the serving and clearing away of a meal • Prepare flasks of hot drinks to take away • Ensure portable blankets and other chargeable items are ready to take away • Supporting and encouraging participation in activities • Small cleaning tasks in turn with staff • Providing regular feedback to the team of user’s suggestions and needs With additional training and support: • Signposting and supporting access to services • Supporting service users to make phone calls and use the internet You will need to have: • A willingness to be part of a team • An ability to be flexible within the role • Commitment to the role