Volunteering Matters Overview At Volunteering Matters we believe everyone in the UK should have the opportunity to thrive, so we bring people together to overcome some of society’s most complex issues through the power of volunteering. We partner with communities to overcome adversity, tackling social isolation and loneliness, improving health, developing skills and opportunities. And because we’re a national charity, we do this at scale, sharing our expertise and building partnerships to make an even bigger impact. We turn local knowledge and energy into action and progress, building stronger communities and a better future for all. Project Overview Our Volunteers Supporting Families in Edinburgh project offers practical and emotional support to families across the South East and South West localities of Edinburgh, empowering them to face a range of life challenges. We recruit, train and match dedicated, local volunteers to help families every step of the way, spending 1-1 time together on a personalised set of goals chosen by the family, for the family. We can help in many ways, such as improved living standards, budgeting, healthier eating, better school life and behaviour, access to health and wellbeing aid, as well as introducing parents to community resources, to name a few. So far, thousands of families across the UK have benefitted from our service and we are now delighted to extend the programmes reach to families in Edinburgh. Who can volunteer with us? Our volunteers are locally based people with an understanding of the challenges that families are facing. Aged 18+, each volunteer brings different life experiences and skills that they can use to help the family they are matched to, offering support on a weekly basis, usually for 6-9 months at a time that suits everyone. They build a strong relationship based on trust and mutual respect, acting as a friendly face who listens and cares about the family. All volunteers are interviewed, trained to the highest standards and undergo disclosure checks before being matched with a family. What can we offer volunteers? As well as the sense of achievement that comes through supporting a family, our volunteers will have the opportunity to learn and develop new skills, attend social events with other volunteers and enhance their employability. Certificates are provided upon completion of induction training and at the end of the commitment, with project staff happy to provide references for future studies or employment.

Food and Fun was introduced by the Council as a pilot to deliver free meals and activities to children in key areas of Aberdeen during school holiday periods and has been rolled out on a permanent basis. Over Christmas, as an extension of the project, special events were hosted for young people to enjoy the festivities – from ice skating and crafts to a disco and visit to Santa. For everyone involved in Food and Fun there’s a busy period ahead. The main aim is to ensure children continue to be fed, recognising the importance of school meals during term time for a large number of families, and also to provide the opportunity to take part in physical activity in a nurturing environment. The initiative has been recognised with awards – but the reward and motivation for the many people who have put their heart and soul into developing the programme is in the positive impact there is on children, families and communities. When we talk about our purpose – about caring for our city and our people – we think Food and Fun is a shining example that we can all be incredibly proud of. Many participants obtain great life skills which has assisted them in securing other opportunities as well as the personal development and satisfaction that this also brings. All help makes a difference and is greatly appreciated. To volunteer / for more information please contact Martin Smith, Locality Inclusion Manager at E Mail: martinsmith@aberdeencity.gov.uk or Tel.: 01224 788538.

One to One Counselling are looking for some local Aboyne/Banchory area volunteers to join a local sub-committee to support the One to One Manager

The Alford Community Foodstore currently based in Montgarrie near Alford are needing a volunteer to help organise the Lending Library on Tuesday mornings 10.45 -11.45

Looking for a Treasurer to join existing Board

We know that the benefit application process is complex. No two cases are the same. That is where we need you. You will support Turn2US Digital Buddies by helping them to answer complex questions they get from people who have asked for extra support in applying for benefits. You will feel great knowing you are making an impact, supporting people through challenging times with your expert knowledge and experience of the benefits system.. Your role is not to provide any form of advice. You will be giving practical support and information all from your smartphone. You will tell them when someone needs to be referred to an advisor, or signposting Digital Buddies to helpful services and information.

Applying for benefits is a stressful process for many people. There are many forms to fill in, alien language and a lack of confidence that the situation will improve. The Turn2US project aims to help more people apply for the welfare support they are entitled to, through a volunteer buddying system. As a Digital Buddy you will be matched with someone who has asked for some extra support in applying for benefits and you will provide online, one-to-one support. You will be a hand to hold for people looking for financial help. Your role is not to provide any form of advice. You can be a source of emotional and practical support to get someone through a hard time in their lives, all via your phone. You in turn will be supported by a Benefits Supporter with expert knowledge of the UK Welfare System who will help you to answer any complex queries that come your way.

Required as food pallets arrive - possibly fortnightly. Types of Help needed 1. Making up Flat Pack boxes and taping each one securely 2. Adding the advice leaflets to each box 3. Moving all the Food from the Lorry drop off to the Golf Club Bar Area (using trollies when needed) 4. Sorting out the different food types 5. Placing the different food on the right tables ready for adding to the boxes 6. Moving along the “line” taking food off the tables and adding the correct amount to each box 7. Storing the filled boxes ready for collection 8. Help to move and record the filled boxes to the Community Transport

Do you have a passion for the power of technology? Our vision is to create... "A world in which digital services are equally accessible to all". As an AbilityNet Tech volunteer you can help unleash the power of technology to ensure that older people and disabled people are not excluded from the digital world. Overview All across the UK our 300 volunteers support older and/or disabled people at home to offer one-to-one support with their technology, whether that’s a computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet. Our volunteers: - Trouble shoot technical issues. - Offer impartial advice on technology. - Set up new tech and install hardware and software. - Show people how to use their tech at home e.g. shop online, send and receive emails and Skype with family and friends. - Make adaptations to support a disabled person’s specific technology needs. What will I be doing? - Contacting clients to arrange a date/time to support (home visits or supporting them remotely). - Carrying out tech support for the clients you have accepted. - Feeding back on progress via our online ticketing system. - Supporting your local Coordinator with promoting the volunteer service in the local area. - Getting together with other tech volunteers at team meetings and wider company events. - Undergoing training on technology, particularly adaptive technology. - Supporting other volunteers through our online chat facility Change the lives of disabled and older people. Benefit from technology and disability training. Network with a nationwide team of other Tech volunteers. Be flexible with your volunteering and plan it around your other work and home commitments. We pay travel expenses at 45p per mile. As you will be help vulnerable adults you’ll need an enhanced DBS check (England and Wales) PVG (Scotland), or Access NI check (Northern Ireland), which will be renewed/checked every 2 years (at no cost to the volunteer). Do you have a passion for the power of technology? Our vision is to create... "A world in which digital services are equally accessible to all". As an AbilityNet Tech volunteer you can help unleash the power of technology to ensure that older people and disabled people are not excluded from the digital world. “One of your advisors, Trevor, has been helping me with some very basic computer skills on a tablet that I have hardly touched since it was bought for me as a present from my wife. I suffer from Parkinson’s and it is very difficult for me to concentrate. Trevor has been extremely kind and patient and has opened up a world I hardly knew existed.” AbilityNet client Overview All across the UK our 300 volunteers support older and/or disabled people at home to offer one-to-one support with their technology, whether that’s a computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet. Our volunteers: - Trouble shoot technical issues. - Offer impartial advice on technology. - Set up new tech and install hardware and software. - Show people how to use their tech at home e.g. shop online, send and receive emails and Skype with family and friends. - Make adaptations to support a disabled person’s specific technology needs. What will I be doing? - Contacting clients to arrange a date/time to support (home visits or supporting them remotely). - Carrying out tech support for the clients you have accepted. - Feeding back on progress via our online ticketing system. - Supporting your local Coordinator with promoting the volunteer service in the local area. - Getting together with other tech volunteers at team meetings and wider company events. - Undergoing training on technology, particularly adaptive technology. - Supporting other volunteers through our online chat facility What are the benefits to me? As an AbilityNet Tech volunteer you can: - Change the lives of disabled and older people. - Benefit from technology and disability training. - Network with a nationwide team of other Tech volunteers. - Be flexible with your volunteering and plan it around your other work and home commitments. If you think you have what it takes to be an AbilityNet Tech volunteer apply online, https://abilitynet.org.uk/abilitynet-itcanhelp-volunteer-application. You will be contacted by a local Volunteer Coordinator to arrange an informal interview. If you would like more information, or to chat further about the volunteer role contact the AbilityNet Free Services team on 0800 048 7642, or email volunteers@abilitynet.org.uk.

Our befrienders offer one to one support to a young person aged 8 to 18, who has Cystic Fibrosis. Young people living with this condition have a demanding daily treatment regime at home and sometimes experience limitations that can affect their confidence and ability to cope with the challenges of everyday living. They may also be socially isolated because of their condition. A befriender will meet with the young person every 1 to 2 weeks, to build a trusting one to one relationship. This will allow the young person space and a suitable environment to explore their feelings, discuss their fears, develop life skills and grow in the areas where they may be struggling. Desirable qualities required include good listening skills, patience and an adaptable attitude. Training and support is provided; and expenses reimbursed. The Butterfly Trust provides unconditional, non-judgemental, confidential services that are designed to improve the quality of life for young people living with Cystic Fibrosis. These outreach services are delivered by trained volunteers who provide face to face support across the country. This befriending opportunity allows the befriender to make a positive difference for a young person, while also growing their own experience and enhancing their life skills. Befrienders must have held a full driving licence for at least 2 years and have the use of a smoke free car.