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.

Do you believe that everyone has aright to have their voice heard and be part of their local community? Do you have a few hours to spare each month to support a developing third sector organisation? If the answer is Yes then we would like to hear from you! We are looking for someone with: - Financial/accounting experience - Strong communication skills - A commitment to social justice/human rights … to join our dynamic Board of Directors. The board currently meet bi-monthly, with office bearers meeting in between board meetings. Meetings currently take place in the evening, online.

Your role will include interacting with online members giving feedback on the creative arts posts they leave in a positive constructive way. Having a creative, positive and constructive approach will be required. Mentoring will be provided. Spread your wings and come fly with us.

We are non-profit-making-volunteer run Arts Collective & charity providing a platform both online and offline for those who struggle with mental health, addiction, gender dysphoria, sexuality, feel like they don't quite 'fit', or feel estranged to this world: to express themselves through art. We are looking for Online Volunteers who will respond to our members in either a live chat (booked in advance) or via email messaging style. Fledgling is currently run by Volunteers online , so this would be an online post.

If you can spare a couple of hours per fortnight minimum and are able to volunteer for a year or more helping adults who have become isolated through mental health problems we would like to hear from you. You will take your befriendee out to leisure and community activities and support them to do things they may be unable to do alone. Examples have included walks, squash, a knitting group, trips to a safari park, visiting museums, taking a class in IT skills, attending support groups, golfing, and just going for coffee and a chat. Initial and on-going training is given and other benefits include out of pocket expenses, regular support and supervision meetings, group events, Saltire or LINK Awards, reference after 6 months.

The Chatty Café is a nationwide initiative that aims to kick start conversations, get people chatting and reduce loneliness along the way. Central Library is at the heart of the community and is a welcoming safe space for everyone. Our Chatty Cafe will be open one day a month, offering free tea, coffee, and a friendly chat. We are looking for volunteers to host ‘chatter & natter’ tables, where the volunteer helps create a welcoming space where members of the public can get together and chat, should they wish to. This role would suit someone reliable who enjoys meeting and talking to new people. Main Duties - Host a Chatter & Natter session each month. - Meet and greet customers. - Help kick-start conversations, be a friendly face at the table and promote the scheme within your local community. Other Duties - Serve tea and coffee. - Clear empty plates and tables ready for new customers. - Ensure the cafe area remains clean and tidy during service. - Promote library and community groups and events to customers where appropriate.

We are seeking the support of a volunteer(s) to provide cover for our reception desk on a Saturday morning. This is a great opportunity to support our service and the clients who use it. We would ask you are computer literate and confident on the phone. The main tasks we would ask you to undertake are: • being responsible for ensuring the rooms are ready for sessions to take place; • handle queries by email and phone; • contact clients on the waiting list. There may be opportunities for other support activities, eg supporting event planning and newsletter preparation. If you are not able to commit to every Saturday, we can discuss how we can help you achieve your volunteering aims. Excellent support and relevant guidance/training is provided to all volunteers. A fantastic opportunity to help and make a real difference. All volunteer assistance is greatly appreciated. If you are interested in this role, please contact Nichola Duncan, Office Manager at email: office@cairnscounselling.org.uk or telephone: 01224 633131.

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