**ADVERTISED OPPORTUNITIES ARE ONLY AVAILABLE AFTER COVID-19 LOCKDOWN LIFTED** Volunteers form a team that assists and enhances the benefits of riding and equine assisted sessions to children and adults with a wide range of disabilities. No experience is necessary as full training will be given and the volunteer will decide which role in the team that they feel most comfortable, as an assistant or leader. Volunteers can offer their time on days or evenings which are most convenient to them. there are normally 2-3 sessions that ordinarily run per morning or evening. Morning sessions occur on Monday – Saturday, and evening sessions are available Mondays and Thursdays. There is also the opportunity to help care for the horses and ponies and participate in pony welfare activities. There are also placements available with the Duke of Edinburgh and Princes Trust. **ADVERTISED OPPORTUNITIES ARE ONLY AVAILABLE AFTER COVID-19 LOCKDOWN LIFTED**

**ADVERTISED OPPORTUNITIES ARE ONLY AVAILABLE AFTER COVID-19 LOCKDOWN LIFTED** Volunteers will help in the general maintenance of fields, fencing painting, grass cutting and gardening with work takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday mornings. Knowledge and experience of DIY is an advantage but not essential as volunteers can expect training will be given for specific tasks to be carried out. Minimum age is 16, (and no max upper limit) so long as they are fit for the outdoor tasks and weather. Note that no out of pocket expenses will be paid. Own transport is essential. Public transport limited. No travel expenses paid. Applications to join our group via our website. Contact the Volunteerenquiries@shiresmill.org or by telephoning 01383 882700 or 0845 241 4369. Taster sessions are available when centre reopens. Phone to arrange a time and date to have a tour of the centre to discuss opportunities available. **ADVERTISED OPPORTUNITIES ARE ONLY AVAILABLE AFTER COVID-19 LOCKDOWN LIFTED**

The British Red Cross is a worldwide humanitarian charity that supports vulnerable people to prepare, withstand and recover from a community and personal crisis. Special services in UK include First Aid training, First Aid at public events and Health & Safety care focused on: Wheelchair loan, transport & escort, skin camouflage, and therapeutic care. About the Mobility Aids service: The Mobility Aids service operate a “Hub & Spoke” model, which sees a central warehouse (hub) which manages and delivers equipment to surrounding outlets (spokes) to achieve delivery of the service locally to our customers. Losing one's mobility through illness or injury can be very difficult and distressing. The Red Cross makes a huge difference to people’s lives by providing short-term use of wheelchairs (75,000 each year in the UK) or toilet aids. This helps people to maintain their independence and quality of life when they are discharged from hospital or after an injury. It means that someone can take a relative on holiday or just out for the day. Equipment can be collected from our network of ‘spokes’, based in Red Cross premises, hospitals or medical centres, or they can arrange for delivery/collection. The British Red Cross have also developed mobile ‘pop-up’ teams so that their can respond to changing needs. About this role This is a very rewarding role providing much-needed support for people who are accessing the service. Based at one of the mobility aids spoke locations, the main element of the role is serving the public who require a wheelchair or other mobility aids equipment. This is the ideal role for someone who enjoys meeting people, can show compassion and empathy and who likes administrative duties with a customer service perspective. Typical tasks include: > Liaising with the hub to arrange stock/deliveries/collections. > Issuing and receiving wheelchairs (or other mobility aids equipment) using a computer based stock control system. > Demonstrating how to use and look after the wheelchairs (and other equipment) > Dealing with enquiries from people wanting to borrow a wheelchair (or other equipment) by telephone and face to face > Receiving payments / donations and issuing receipts > Contacting service users about overdue and upcoming return of equipment > Signposting to other Red Cross services/providers > Actively promoting the Retail Mobility Aids offer/website These are just some examples. You will work within a great team and be fully supported by the Volunteer Coordinator. The Red Cross are looking for someone who: > ideally has a customer service background > Enjoys meeting people and has good interpersonal skills > Is fit and able to lift/move wheelchairs. > Is IT-literate (or willing to learn) > Is willing to attend induction and foundation training > Will uphold the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Red Cross policies including Equal Opportunities > Will act in accordance with the Red Cross's values and behaviours framework > Will treat people with respect and uphold their dignity What the Red Cross can offer: > Meet new people and be part of a dynamic and inclusive team > A great opportunity to develop your existing skills and gain new ones > All training and induction for the role (there is no charge for training) > Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses for the role including for attending training > An opportunity to be part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation and the knowledge that you are making a difference to people’s lives Young People and this role: The Red Cross values the energy and enthusiasm that young people bring to this role. The minimum age you can volunteer for the Red Cross is 15 years old. The Red Cross can accept volunteers under the age of 18 at some of the locations for this role subject to parental consent and a risk assessment. Learning pathway: The Red Cross provides a well-structured pathway to ensure you have all the skills, knowledge and confidence to undertake this role as soon as possible. Following a short telephone interview, it will be arranged for you to meet the Mobility Aids Volunteer Coordinator who will be your line manager. You can start ‘shadowing’ straightaway i.e. spend time with the team to see first-hand how the service runs. Additional information: > Please read this role description in conjunction with the Mutual Expectations document (provided prior to interview) > This role requires volunteers in Scotland to have a PVG check (criminal record check) Further development opportunities: As well as the Mobility Aids Service roles (Mobility Aids Support Volunteer, Mobility Aids Volunteer, Volunteer Driver, Mobile Volunteer, Warehouse Volunteer and Lead Volunteer) there are a range of other service roles on our website. Talk to your line manager or a Recruitment and Selection Coordinator for more information.

About the Mobility Aids service: The Mobility Aids service operate a “Hub & Spoke” model, which sees a central warehouse (hub) which manages and delivers equipment to surrounding outlets (spokes) to achieve delivery of the service locally to our customers. Losing your mobility through illness or injury can be very difficult and distressing. The Red Cross make a huge difference to people’s lives by providing short-term use of wheelchairs (75,000 each year in the UK) or toilet aids. This helps people to maintain their independence and quality of life when they are discharged from hospital or after an injury. It means that someone can take a relative on holiday or just out for the day. Equipment can be collected from Red Cross network of ‘spokes’, based in Red Cross premises, hospitals or medical centres, or we can arrange for delivery/collection. Red Cross have also developed mobile ‘pop-up’ teams so that Red Cross can respond to changing needs. About this role: This is a very rewarding role providing much-needed support for people who are accessing our service. The main element of the role is to deliver or collect wheelchairs to/from people’s homes supporting them to maintain their independence, or you could choose to support members of the public from varying locations around the hub area (e.g. often using partner supermarket car parks) to enable them to obtain a wheelchair or other mobility aids equipment. You could also be driving between hub and spoke locations to transfer stock. This is the ideal role for someone who enjoys meeting people, can show compassion and empathy and who likes driving. It will involve driving a Red Cross or hire vehicle. Typical tasks include: > Delivering and collecting wheelchairs (or other mobility aids equipment) – including overdue equipment (you will be driving a transit Van style vehicle up to and including a long Wheel Based version). You might also be driving to pre-arranged locations to operate a ‘pop up’ spoke. > Loading and Unloading wheelchairs ready for daily runs. > Issuing and receiving wheelchairs (or other mobility aids equipment) > Setting up and operating the mobile ‘pop up’ spoke. > Demonstrating how to use and look after Red Cross wheelchairs > Dealing with enquiries from people wanting to borrow a wheelchair (or other equipment) > Using a computer-based stock control system > Receiving payments / donations and issuing receipts > Signposting to other Red Cross services/provider (including the Mobility Aids Retail website) These are just some examples. You will work within a great team and be fully supported by the Volunteer Coordinator. The Red Cross are looking for someone who: > Enjoys meeting people and has good interpersonal skills > Has a full driving licence (ideally for 2 years and above the age of 21) > Is fit and able to lift/move wheelchairs. > Is IT-literate > Is willing to attend induction and foundation training > Will uphold the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Red Cross policies including Equal Opportunities > Will act in accordance with Red Cross values and behaviours framework > Will treat people with respect and uphold their dignity What the Red Cross offer: > Meet new people and be part of a dynamic and inclusive team > A great opportunity to develop your existing skills and gain new ones > All training and induction for the role (there is no charge for training) > Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses for the role including for attending training > An opportunity to be part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation and the knowledge that you are making a difference to people’s lives Young People and this role The Red Cross value the energy and enthusiasm that young people bring to this role. The minimum age you can volunteer for the Red Cross is fifteen years old, however for this role and due to lone working and driving requirement you must be at least twenty-one years old. Other roles are available (see Mobility Aids Volunteer role descriptions). Learning pathway The Red Cross provides a well-structured pathway to ensure you have all the skills, knowledge and confidence to undertake this role as soon as possible. Following a short telephone interview, the Red Cross will arrange for you to meet the Mobility Aids Volunteer Coordinator who will be your line manager. You can start ‘shadowing’ straightaway i.e. spend time with the team to see first-hand how the service runs. Additional information > Please read this role description in conjunction with the Mutual Expectations document (provided prior to interview) > This role requires volunteers in Scotland to have a PVG check (criminal record check)

This is a very rewarding role providing much-needed support for people who are accessing our service. The main element of the role is to deliver or collect wheelchairs to/from people’s homes supporting them to maintain their independence, or you could choose to support members of the public from varying locations around the hub area (e.g., often using partner supermarket car parks) to enable them to obtain a wheelchair or other mobility aids equipment. You could also be driving between hub and spoke locations to transfer stock. This is the ideal role for someone who enjoys meeting people, can show compassion and empathy and who likes driving. It will involve driving a Red Cross or hire vehicle. A fantastic opportunity to help and make a real difference. All volunteers are greatly appreciated. For further details please contact us at email wheelchairvolunteer@redcross.org.uk or tel.: 03000 040309.

Blackwood Homes and Care was founded in 1972 by Dr Margaret Blackwood MBE, a campaigner for the rights and independence of disabled people. We deliver our vision of helping people live their life to the full in the pioneering spirit of Dr Blackwood by providing high quality housing, care and support for disabled people of all ages, with over 1500 homes across all 29 mainland local authorities in Scotland. -What will I be doing as a Digital Buddy?: Can you help our customers feel less isolated by supporting them to use technology to connect with the wider world? We are looking for people who are confident with basic IT skills and have the patience to share your skills with people who are new and uncertain when using technology. You also need to enjoy making casual conversation and building familiar relationships. Customers are perhaps unsure how to connect to the internet, charge their device, video call a friend or do shopping online. Helping someone make a video call for the first time to family they’ve not seen due to the pandemic really makes a difference to their quality of life along with their mood and mental wellbeing. At Blackwood we believe that using technology can significantly improve the lives of our customers. We provide care (in care homes), care at home services and tenancies to people with different support needs. Our customers have been offered a tablet which is set up with our innovative system CleverCogs. The role out of this is delivered by our Digital Skills Coaches but people continue to need support with basic IT issues to gain skills and confidence. Some customers don’t like to ask for more help, so knowing there is a wider network of buddies that can provide digital support will be very beneficial. This is where your time will be invaluable! Due to COVID-19 this role will start remotely, providing help over the phone or a video call. As restrictions ease, you will be able to visit customers in their home. Hopefully getting to meet some of the people you’ve helped remotely. -What will you get from volunteering?: • Supporting your local community to join the digital age and providing them with the autonomy to run their own lives online • The opportunity to be involved in key unforgettable digital-learning moments, such as their first video call with a much-missed family member • By providing a friendly face and conversation, you are helping to eradicate social isolation for many • Satisfaction that you’ve made a difference to the lives of Blackwood Customers. • Be involved in our innovative initiatives • Build on trouble-shooting and problem-solving skills • Awareness and knowledge of differing accessibility and communication needs, and how to meet those needs • Evidence of IT, communication and disability accessibility knowledge and skills for your CV • Induction to Blackwood • Training on the likely issues that you’ll help with to ensure you’re confident undertaking your role. • Support throughout your volunteering. Staff will be available should you need assistance and we’ll have a regular catch up. -What do I do next?: Please get in touch with the Volunteering Development Co-ordinator, Zoe MacGregor to find out more. Contact Zoe at email: volunteering@blackwoodgroup.org.uk or tel.: 07976 573745. Or look at the website https://www.blackwoodgroup.org.uk/volunteer for more opportunities and complete the on-line expression of interest form. You will be contacted to arrange an informal discussion to find out more and talk about what you would like to do. You can also follow Blackwood Homes and Care on social media to hear about what’s going on.

Scotland Versus Arthritis is looking for individuals willing to lead short health walks in your area, lead on other physical activities, or facilitate virtual support groups. Full training and on-going support for volunteers will be available. We are also looking for expressions of interest from anyone keen to become an instructor of Tai Chi or Qi Gong for arthritis. The current Covid restrictions have meant that for many the wait for treatment may be a year or more away. Painkilling prescriptions are seldom more than a temporary relief. Support and exercise can however offer a better way to self-manage the daily on-going pain and fatigue. In readiness for the eventual lifting of lockdown we are asking, can you spare an hour or two each month to help? Please contact your local Development Officer, Dr. P. Neville, p.neville@versusarthritis.org or phone 07501 501114 for details.

As a Voluntary Co-worker you will become part of a team within one of our 10 residential Care homes, set in beautiful surroundings 5 miles outside of Aberdeen City centre and close to the Deeside Railway line. The opportunity does not require you to have previous experience, we just ask that you are caring, patient and willing to help our pupils, have an interest in people and different ways of communications. Our pupils age from 12-25 years old and as part of your position, you will be with them when they attend the school, farm and gardens, workshops or even riding stables as part of their personalised daily routines and assist them with their tasks throughout the day. Training provided in induction and support given throughout the volunteering time within Camphill School Aberdeen. A fantastic opportunity to help with all assistance making a real difference and greatly appreciated. For more details please contact Naomi Paton, Recruitment Administrator at E Mail: n.paton@crss.org.uk or tel.: 01224 866162.

As a Voluntary Workshop Assistant you will become part of a team within our farm and gardens, set in beautiful surroundings 5miles outside of Aberdeen city centre and close to the Deeside Railway line. The opportunity does not require you to have previous experience, we just ask that you are caring, patient and willing to help our pupils, have an interest in people and different ways of communications. Our pupils age from 12-25 years old and as part of your position, you will be with them when they attend the various workshops (woodwork, metal, weavery, felt, candle, pottery, bike and Fruver- our food workshop)as part of their personalised daily routines and assist them with their tasks. Training provided in induction and support given throughout the volunteering time within Camphill School Aberdeen. A fantastic opportunity to help with all assistance making a real difference and greatly appreciated. For more details please contact Naomi Paton, Recruitment Administrator at E Mail: n.paton@crss.org.uk or tel.: 01224 866162.

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is Scotland’s health charity supporting people and their families across Scotland with chest, heart and stroke conditions. We want to make sure life living with a chest or heart condition or after a stroke is a life lived to the full. To help in this we are currently seeking people to volunteer with us as Community Support Services Volunteers. As a Community Support Services Volunteer you will support people who have had a stroke to develop autonomy and confidence in self-management, enabling them to fully engage with their community and activities of their choice. The service is delivered to provide specified person centred support for those with a communication difficulty and/or to support a specific physical or everyday task. The role includes: • providing specified support for the service user, this will be dependent upon their individual goal(s). • supporting with specific physical and/or everyday activities. • supporting with specific use of communication strategies. This may involve either one-to-one or small group support or a combination of both. To undertake your role you will be required to undertake membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Adults) Scheme in Scotland (PVG) (there is no cost for this for volunteers). Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland will provide all necessary training, provide excellent ongoing support to all volunteers and all authorised out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed. For more details please contact us at volunteering@chss.org.uk or visit our website at https://www.chss.org.uk/volunteer-with-chss