Shetland Bereavement Support Service (SBSS) are looking to recruit volunteer Support Workers. A Support Worker will provide one to one counselling to anyone struggling to cope following a bereavement. SBSS have lottery funding to deliver the COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate (120 hour course) in Shetland free of charge.

Volunteers assist wth with a range of tasks, including marketing, front line sales, retail, repairing, maintaining and rebuilding old PC's to go back into the community (no computer skills required), van driving, driving assistants/collectors, administration and office work, and hygienist / cleaning work.

Each volunteer supports a re:discover client to recover a sense of who they are by encouraging them to step outside their illness and discover / rediscover activities and interests they enjoy. Volunteers work with clients as a whole person focusing on their talents, skills and assets rather than problems or needs. Volunteers encourage clients to set goals which they will work towards during their time with re:discover. They also act as a 'community bridge builder' supporting clients to step outside their comfort zones whilst providing support and encouragement. Volunteers work with clients for a minimum of 6 months which is the minimum commitment that we are looking for from volunteers. Volunteers and clients agree together when and where they will meet (not in their own homes) - usually once a week for a few hours. Activities are usually based on shared interests and have included: meeting for coffee; cinema; theatre; art galleries museums; zumba, martial arts; gym; walks; garden centres; hill walking; pilates . . . We cover volunteer out of pocket expenses. We have regular training courses for volunteers, so get in touch to find out more. We welcome volunteers who are available to volunteer during the day, the weekend or in the evenings.

AbilityNet is a UK wide registered charity that helps disabled and older people to use computers and the internet at home, at work and in education. We provide a number of free IT services for disabled and older people at home to help them get the most from their computers, laptops, tablets, ipads and smart phones. One such service is our ITCanHelp service. ITCanHelp is a network of volunteers with IT knowledge and experience who are able to visit people in their own homes to help with their computer needs. Volunteers may be asked to help set up a new computer system for someone, install software or hardware, troubleshoot problems or even help to change to a printer cartridge or give some basic training on how to use systems.

We need volunteers to befriend adults in the Levenmouth area. How many of you have been there for a friend who has been ill? It may have been running them to an appointment, taking them out for a coffee and lending a listening ear when they're fed up, or going off for a round of golf once they were on the mend. What if their illness wasn't a physical illness but a mental illness? Would you do the same? What's different? 1 in 4 people experience mental health issues at some point in their life, don't they deserve support too? OK, so tell me more - you might find yourself doing any of the things mentioned above, going to play or watch sport, watching a movie or a play or just going for a walk and a chat. Our volunteers come from all walks of life. All you need to give is a minimum of 2 hours fortnightly, you will need to be a good listener, have the ability to empathise and have a willingness to learn. In return you will receive generous expenses to cover travel and activities, ongoing training, regular support and hopefully a great deal of enjoyment.

Do you have joinery skills and have time to spare to support people with severe and enduring mental health conditions to participate in therapeutic woodwork activities? At The Brock woodwork workshop our clients are supported to create garden furniture, garden novelty items and small craft items. Participating in these activities helps our clients build self-confidence and gain skills which may support their recovery and possibly lead to employment. We would welcome a woodwork assistant to join our team and help our clients. Volunteers develop good working relationships with clients, providing support and guidance in the use of tools and equipment under the direction of our joinery supervisor. Some do-it-yourself, woodwork or joinery skills are desirable.

We are looking for support from someone who has experience in accessing and applying for funding and grants, who can help our charity group. We are a mental health charity and are growing at a fast pace. We have a great committee team on board but most members are tied up with face to face work with community members We require someone with experience of accessing and applying for funding on our behalf, who can continue to access opportunities. This will include attending meetings where required, and networking with local services/organisations who may be a good funding provider for our charity. There will be an expectation that you link with the chair/vice chair regarding applications and attend any committee meetings relevant. We currently run on a Monday and Thursday evening, however this role will be flexible depending on individual availability.

Home from Hospital volunteers transform the lives of older people by supporting and empowering them to live the life they want and stay connected to their communities after a stay in hospital. From on the ward to back at home, even everyday tasks can seem a challenge when recovering. You’ll make a real difference to the older people you support by providing a helping hand while they get back on their feet; whether it’s visiting on ward, providing a welcome home, company to the shops or collecting a prescription. Your role will involve elements of lone working and building a relationship with those you visit, which is hugely rewarding for both you and the older people. Your role will include working with an older person to identify what would improve their life and then enabling them to take positive steps to connect to their community and reduce their isolation. Flexible times available during Monday to Friday morning or afternoon. All help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated. For more information please contact us via email: aberdeensupport@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or tel 01224 937110.

An opportunity for those with a high level of motivation and commitment to work with adults who may be experiencing emotional distress, and who have the ability to work in a confidential, skilled and person centred way. An extensive introductory training programme provides learning in areas such as telephone counselling skills, expert listening and observational skills, and self awareness. Training continues as an ongoing process throughout your involvement with Borderline. We work as part of a skilled team in an atmosphere of openness and mutual support.

Our re:discover befriending services help people to take the first steps towards meeting new people, rediscovering old hobbies and developing new interests and connections. re:discover befriending offers 6-month matches and it is currently available to anyone feeling isolated due to experiencing mental ill health and living in the Scottish Borders. A volunteer will: Build the person’s confidence and self-esteem. Provide more opportunities for social contact. Support them in building relationships with others. Encourage them to take part in local activities or groups. Help them to pick up old hobbies and interests and discover new ones.