Positive Changes (Scotland) CIC-Community Interest Company / Grace Chocolates is a social enterprise supporting women with convictions as they journey towards new beginnings. Our RISE Mentoring Programme inspires, supports and empowers women through a meaningful mentoring relationship whilst working towards their goals and actions set at the beginning of the programme. Mentors receive CPD accredited training, which means that while you are making a meaningful difference to a woman’s life, you will also be furthering your own skills that can be used across different aspects of your life and job. There are also preparation sessions for mentees to ensure that they get the most out of the experience from the outset. Regular support meetings with the mentor coordinator will ensure that everyone is getting the most out of the programme. We are sure that there are amazing potential mentors in our communities across Scotland, and We particularly welcome women with lived experience of the criminal justice system who have made positive changes in their lives and are keen to share the benefits of their experience with others. People living with addictions are welcome to apply but we ask that you have not used for a minimum of 2 years and actively managing any addictions. We would love to hear from anyone who: - Can dedicate the time to support and empower women by committing to mentoring for a minimum of 1 year - Wants to further their own skills and have access to training whilst helping make a difference - Is available for training online on various dates throughout March and April, and can commit to an online training course in your own time - Has the qualities to support women in a range of circumstances. You don't need experience, but you will need to be a good listener, be positive, encouraging and be able to help people set goals and action plans. Here are some quotes from those who have taken part in the programme previously: - Mentee, 2022 - "Every single goal I made, I smashed it and my mentor helped me achieve these!" - Current Mentor - "Ultimately, you have no idea how inspiring and amazing your mentee will be for you, as you work together on their goals. I value the experience of mentoring because these women deserve the time and positive relationship that mentoring brings." The programme is funded by Impact Funding Partners and the Scottish Government. A fantastic opportunity to help. All volunteers make a real positive difference and are greatly appreciated. For further details please contact: Elizabeth McGowan, Mentoring Programme Support Co-Ordinator at email: elizabeth@gracechocolates.co.uk or telephone: 07309719209.

Have you ever wanted to volunteer all to do within the concept of Football? Well look no further! Street Soccer Scotland is currently looking for volunteers to join their team. No two days the same, working alongside our players developing them personally and mentally. The role includes working with coaches and players pitch side, monitoring games, inputting data, building relationships with partner organisations. We work with all ages from 10 years old all the way to past retirement . We currently run in Aberdeen: Walking Football, Kids 10-13 Year olds, Street 45 (Women's Programme) and Adult Sessions. Opportunities are available Monday to Friday - Please get in touch with Peter Wood, Programme Co-ordinator at email: peter@streetsoccerscotland.org or telephone: 07487603708, if you would like to know more.

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.

Aberdeen in Recovery (AiR) was granted Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) charitable status in March this year. We are now looking to find talented, passionate and skilled people to fill some vacant seats on our Board of Trustees to help us grow and develop our innovative and solution focused new charity. This is a unique opportunity to help lay the foundations to ensure AiR has a long-term future as a charity with solid processes in place to ensure it meets its mission of: “To be a bridge from ‘dependence’ to ‘independence’ for the individual seeking to recover from problematic substance use and addictive behaviours”. This is such an exciting and invigorating prospect for individuals to get involved and be participant in the tsunami of change which is now gaining momentum and being driven by “Experts by Experience” and the vibrant Lived Experienced Communities which are blossoming, not only locally but are now established as a national phenomena. Since its conception, AiR and its members have worked tirelessly to establish and build collaborative relationships with professional services and third sector support agencies. We have consistently driven the message that individuals who have personal lived/living experience of active substance use, including Family members who have been affected by the addictive behaviours of a loved one, and the Recovery Communities they represent have something valid, essential and extremely beneficial to bring to described Recovery Orientated Systems of Care (ROSC). We can provide existing services and clinical structural systems with resources, skills and capabilities that they, no matter how much effort, time and money they invest, will never be able to offer or provide. So, it gives the greatest of pleasure to see this is now recognised on the highest levels that “Recoverists” can productively contribute to the design, development and delivery of truly person-centred ROSC. This being evidenced by the vision, philosophy and content of the Scottish Governments “Rights, Respect and Recovery” Drug and Alcohol Strategy. We also believe it is reaffirmed by the recent success in being granted funding from the Government’s National Development Fund, with our principle partner Alcohol and Drugs Action (ADA), for our ‘Recovery Peer Pathway’ joint two-year project. This collaborative venture will build on three years of pilot work to further establish and build proactive and productive Developmental Pathways within ADA and their Volunteer network while in synergy with AiR membership for individuals who desire to initiate change in their behaviours and outlook as they progress on their recovery journeys within, and imperatively out-with, statutory and formal support services. We believe that the blue sky thinking behind this project categorically and emphatically fits with the expectations, outcomes and concepts of the above Government policy. So, if you have lived experience, or a stakeholder interest, and a passion for recovery and are willing to give of yourself that another may learn, you will not find a better opportunity to indulge your appetite than from within Aberdeen in Recovery. For more information please contact Dermot Craig, Recovery Community Development Manager at E Mail: dermot@aberdeeninrecovery.org or tel.: 01224 638342 / Mobile: 07751 213108.

The 70/30 Campaign is aiming to reduce child abuse and neglect by 70% by 2030. As a 70/30 Ambassador you will be empowering your local community to protect our children by spreading awareness and gaining support to prevent child abuse and neglect from happening in the first place. You will gain new skills, and be part of a large network of volunteers and professionals, while making a real difference in your local community and across the UK. The role is very flexible and depends on your skills and on the needs in your local area, but you can take part in a range of activities, such as: spreading awareness with people you know and on social media; fundraising; organising events; engaging with MPs, MSPs, AMs and councillors; engaging with local press; expanding your local 70/30 group. Ambassadors will take part in a training session with a member of the team and are invited to join the bi-monthly national conference call with other ambassadors across the country. Ambassadors usually give 2 or more hours of their time a week, but get in touch if you are interested and don't have much time available as there is always some way you can help! Please visit our website and complete the form to become an ambassador today at www.wavetrust.org/7030 or contact Alex Williamson at email: awilliamson@wavetrust.org.

Putting yourself forward to assist any organisation / group or association is to the benefit and promotion of their objectives and what they stand for within the communities they operate. Police Scotland Special Constables contribute a competent and professional support backup to the organisation as a whole. As a Special Constable you will have received training, be assessed and achieved a competent level of Police Legislation knowledge to work alongside your fellow Regular colleagues. A small range and example of the duties you could be involved in are from Missing person enquiries, Working on wildlife crime investigations, Anti-disorder patrols to deal with hotspots, Driving Police vehicles / Crewing patrol vehicles to Major incident door to door enquiries. Each Police Scotland Division have a Special Constable Coordinator to look after the deployment and development of their Special Constables. After initial training a Special Constable will deploy within their chosen area and develop their skill base with the assistance of their Coordinator and their respective Local Policing team. Example of comments from current Special Constables: -“I felt I could contribute to the community I live in and would have opportunities to meet and work with other people while doing a job I had always considered.” -“Serving the community is an integral part of a Special Constables duties, working as part of the local team and often with other agencies to provide essential services to those who require assistance in their time of need” -“Volunteering my time to my community has become something that I find extremely rewarding.” -“I have received a tremendous amount of encouragement, nurturing and support from all my colleagues, from the front office staff to my fellow Special Constables, Constables, Sergeants, Inspector and Chief Inspector. This makes volunteering for duties an easy decision, who would not want to be part of such an amazing team! “ *Interested in Police Scotland Special Constables please contact your Local Special Constable Coordinator or Police Scotland Recruitment at email Policerecruitmentaberdeen@scotland.pnn.police.uk (for Aberdeen) or email: aberdeenshiremorayspecialconstablescoordinator@scotland.pnn.police.uk (for Aberdeenshire and Moray). *Further information is also available at https://www.scotland.police.uk/recruitment/special-constables/

Required to assist in: • coming up with new ways to acquire funding – through events, online advertising, celebrity promotions • researching grant-making organisations and applying for funding. • approaching businesses and individuals • organising and helping with fundraising activities such as sponsored or promotional events • Planning donation campaigns and events, along with the communications needed to ensure they are a success • ensuring that donors and funders are kept informed about how their money is being used. • reporting on funding and donation income to trustees, members of the public and charity supporters.

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity that allows you to make a tangible difference in your community? Consider becoming an Independent Prison Monitor (IPM) in Scotland. This unique and impactful role offers you the chance to play a crucial part in ensuring that the human rights of prisoners are upheld within Scotland’s prison system. What Does an Independent Prison Monitor Do? As an IPM, your primary responsibility will be to visit prisons across Scotland to observe conditions, speak with prisoners, and assess whether they are being treated fairly and with dignity. You’ll be part of a team dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability within the prison system. Your findings will contribute to reports that influence policy and practices, ensuring that standards are maintained and prisoners’ rights are protected. Who Can Apply? One of the most powerful aspects of the IPM role is that it is open to everyone. Whether you are a student, a retiree, or someone looking to give back to the community, we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. No specific qualifications are required—just a commitment to fairness, integrity, and respect for others. Training and Support Don’t worry if you’re new to this type of work. As an IPM, you’ll receive comprehensive training that covers everything you need to know, from the legal framework governing prisons to effective communication skills. You’ll be supported by experienced monitors and the team at His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS), ensuring you are fully equipped to carry out your duties. The Benefits of Volunteering as an IPM Volunteering as an IPM offers numerous personal and professional benefits. It’s an opportunity to develop valuable skills, including critical thinking, communication, and report writing. You’ll gain deep insights into the criminal justice system and human rights, which can be particularly beneficial if you’re considering a career in law, social work, or public policy. Why Your Contribution Matters? Prisons are often out of sight and out of mind for many, but they are an integral part of our society. How we treat those who are incarcerated says a great deal about our commitment to human rights and justice. By becoming an IPM, you ensure that the voices of prisoners are heard and that their conditions are regularly scrutinized. This helps to prevent mistreatment and promotes a culture of respect and fairness within the prison system. How to Get Involved? If you’re ready to make a difference, we encourage you to apply to become an Independent Prison Monitor. The process is straightforward: visit the HMIPS website to learn more about the role and complete the application form. You’ll be joining a diverse group of volunteers who share a commitment to justice and human rights.

The Stirling Interfaith Community Justice Group (SICJG) is a charitable organisation (charity no. SC042540), that works alongside the Scottish Prison Service to deliver support and assistance to families visiting those in custody. They are located in the Family Help Hub at HMP and YOI Cornton Vale and the Visitor Centre at HMP Glenochil. The aim of the Family Help Hub is to provide a supportive, friendly and welcoming environment for families visiting relatives or loved ones in prison. Support is provided by staff and trained volunteers to ensure experiences of prison visiting are less stressful and more positive, thereby encouraging more frequent visits and maintaining family ties in order to reduce re-offending, increase the stability of children's lives and achieve positive long-term outcomes for all of the family. What is the role of a volunteer? · The group have many volunteers from various backgrounds and different levels of experience with the criminal justice system. However, training is given to all volunteers so no experience is necessary. · You will be based at one of the centres and will be responsible for welcoming visitors before they head to their visits. You will usually provide teas and coffees. · If someone is visiting for the first time, you will sit down with them and talk them through the processes and signpost them to any help from other services. · Volunteers will be expected to help in building relationships with visitors and looking out for any signs that they may need additional help or support during the visit. Children’s visits: One of the main activities that SICJG coordinate is children’s visits. These are more relaxed and allow the children to interact with their parents freely. The group are even involved with organising parties throughout the year, such as Easter, Halloween and Christmas. Who to contact If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or have any questions, please contact either: Lauren - Laurensicjg@outlook.com, or Lyndsay - Lyndsaysicjg@outlook.com

Are you looking for a rewarding way of sharing your experiences and life skills in order to make a positive impact in your community and help tackle poverty? This is the opportunity for you! Volunteering Matters are now recruiting volunteer mentors for the MSV (Mentoring & Supported Volunteering) project in Dundee. Mentors will provide 1:1 support to an individual in their community to overcome barriers they face in reaching positive destinations e.g. employment, further education, volunteering etc. MSV is a person-centred project, putting mentees at the heart of the match making process. The volunteer mentor role is fully supported by the MSV team, and the time commitment is very flexible, we ask for a minimum of 4 months commitment, but many mentoring relationships have gone on longer than this. This role will involve getting to know your mentee and the challenges they may face, discussing their future goals, building their confidence, sharing your own experiences or skills, and ultimately championing them to progress in life and work. MSV mentoring can take place face to face in/around the Dundee area, or remotely/online where necessary. Our volunteers do not need to have any specific career experience or qualification – just a positive and empathetic mindset and a passion for helping others to succeed. Some mentees are looking for a career-based match (working with someone who has experience of the area they want to pursue), whilst others are looking for more general support in identifying their goals, building their self-confidence or working through challenges they face with a new, objective perspective. Your personal outlook, life experiences or professional expertise could be exactly what a mentee is looking for in mentoring support – so please get in touch!