If you want to give back to your community this is a great way to do it. The Moray Firth Credit Union is seeking people who are interested in the exciting opportunity to serve on their Board. Some longstanding Board members shielded and subsequently retired during ‘lockdown’ in March 2020. The Credit Union has a long history of serving the local community. Formerly the Forres Area Credit Union until 2020) it was set up in 1995 as a response to high unemployment in the Forres area when a nearby Fabrication Yard closed. Today, the main office of the ‘Savings & Loans Co-operative’ is located at 53 High Street Forres, though plans are in the works to to expand and set up ‘satellite’ collection points in other places in Moray as this social enterprise develops. During COVID, the Credit union has remained open for business to support those people who use the credit union as thier bank and have hosted 'zooms' every fortnight with current Board members to keep abreast of new developments. If you have an interest in people, community or even if you want to learn more about the unique role a credit union plays in the lives of the people and communities they serve, (and have some spare time) the Moray Firth Credit Union would be delighted to hear from you. For a Board of Directors Pack please call 01309 676735 or email maggie@morayfirthcreditunion.co.uk for further information and an application. All volunteers are asked to join the Credit Union if they are not already a member.

Community House Ltd is a well-established charity in Alloa, Clackmannanshire with its roots in the local community for over 20 years. Supporting some the most vulnerable children and adults, it employs two part-time Practitioners, 2 part-time Practitioner Assistants, led by a full-time Operations Manager. Community House Alloa follows a Christian ethos, so while not everyone involved is a Christian, respect for certain values are requested. Currently the service delivery consists of a variety of groups to support adults during the day; coffee mornings; lunch clubs in collaboration with Meals @ The Gate; and the latest addition of a pop-up café and shops targeted for Mums which offers a selection of heavily discounted items supplied by Home-Start Clackmannanshire, this is due to go live shortly. Community House Alloa (CHA) have an adult Helping Hands group which supports adults with additional needs. To support and care for younger demographics there is a teen group every Monday evening. From Monday to Thursday there is an after-school club where primary age children can have a snack, planned activity and a chance to engage with peers from the local area. This includes tending to the community garden in Wimpy Park, located nearby. CHA are currently in talks with Clackmannanshire Council about expanding services to cover additional parenting groups, Columba 1400, Gender Based Violence delivery of “Own My Life” project among many new and exciting possibilities. CHA's budget is c£100,000 which includes a service level agreement from Clackmannanshire Council and the remainder from medium-term grants and charitable activities.

Fresh Community Wellness is a growing grassroots charity, registered Scottish Charity Number, SC051346. We operate out of Aberdeen city, working within a (S.I.M.D) high neighbourhood to create lasting change and build a legacy for the future. Predominantly in Seaton neighbourhoods and outdoors, we work with volunteers/residents, with a salutogenic approach to community wellness. To help with this we have great opportunities and need people to help out as volunteers for a range of roles including: *Food growing, gardeners, greenspace management, tidy ups volunteers. *Mentors, community engagement, events, entertainers (kids, adults, 55+). *Outdoors games & sports volunteers, building outdoor areas for residents (sheltered housing seating), health. *Artists/ Sculptors to begin on our Street Art & Design projects, and sculptures. *Admin, coordinators, team lead volunteers, advisors & support volunteers. *Drop-in café helpers, advisors, cooking assistants. All are fantastic opportunities to make a real difference for people and communities in Aberdeen. Excellent support and relevant training is provided to all volunteers. For more details about these volunteer roles or other ways you can help support the important work and volunteering at Fresh Community Wellness SCIO, please contact our website www.freshcom.org.uk or email us at chair@freshcom.org.uk or secretary@freshcom.org.uk

Somebody Cares is a local charity who furnish homes, provide clothing, baby equipment, toys and food parcels to those in need within our city and shire. Through referral from many local support services, charities, social workers and the local councils, clients are able to access our services completely free of charge. By demonstrating empathy and support, our aim is to provide a helping hand to those who are facing challenging times, by offering hope and providing then with essential and practicable items which they otherwise couldn’t afford to purchase. Our greatest wish is that after receiving our support our clients can gain confidence, flourish and begin to escape the poverty trap. We work with men, woman and children from many different backgrounds, and our services are accessed by many support services including Aberdeen City Council, Cornhill Hospital, Grampians Women’s Aid, Barnardo’s, Children’s 1st, Turning Point Scotland, Langstane Housing, Shmu, Children and Family Services, Social Bite, Drugs and Alcohol Awareness and many medical professionals. We fund our charitable work by selling some of our donated items at our very busy retail megastore at Hazeldene Road, Aberdeen. (Old Dobbie’s building). The Megastore has many gems and bargains and has a strong local clientele who visit the store on a regular basis. We are looking for volunteers to help us sort through many of the donated items ready for sale. We are flexible with hours and days and are looking for enthusiastic people with a heart for making a difference to join our friendly team. A fantastic opportunity to help. All volunteers make a real difference and are greatly appreciated. For further details please contact Alison Topley, Chief Operating Officer at email: volunteer@somebodycaresscotland.org or telephone: 01224 460700.

At Community Food Initiatives North East we are currently looking for volunteers who can take on some key roles within our charity, focusing on developing our current structures to meet the changing needs of our disadvantaged and vulnerable beneficiaries. This includes the opportunity to join our great volunteer team as a Fundraising Committee Member. Fundraising is key to our work; we aim to continually innovate and expand our offering to ensure our disadvantaged communities are never left behind. We would like someone to assist on our fundraising committee to identify new ideas and opportunities to maximise local fundraising efforts, help to plan and coordinate group fundraising activities, promote fundraising events and initiatives in the local community and will commit to our vision of a UK without food insecurity and poverty. A fantastic opportunity to volunteer at an award winning charity and social enterprise. All help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated. For more information and to discuss further please contact Kevin Mathew, FareShare Sustainability Development on email KMathew@cfine.org

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.

Young Scot Hive (#YSHive) is looking for 20 young people from across Scotland aged 16-24 to volunteer on the Young Person’s Guarantee Youth Leadership Panel alongside existing panel members. This Panel will be a diverse group that will be involved in conversations, exploration and co-design of the Young Person’s Guarantee. The Panel will collaborate with the Scottish Government, Developing the Young Workforce, Skills Development Scotland, and other organisations to explore the governance (decision-making and deciding how things are delivered) for the Young Person’s Guarantee, ensuring that young people continue to be involved and meeting the needs of Scotland’s young people. Project information 🎂 16-24 years old 📅 This project will run between July 2022 – March 2023. 🗺️  We are looking for volunteers from all over Scotland Below is the initial timeline: Recruitment selection day and induction Meeting – July/August 2022 Panel meeting every 4-6 weeks - August 2022 – March 2023 Additional meetings with the Scottish Government, Ministers, Employers and Partners About the project The Young Person’s Guarantee says: “We will guarantee to every young person aged between 16 and 24 in Scotland the opportunity, based on their own personal circumstances and ambitions, of going to university or college, an apprenticeship programme, training, fair employment including work experience, or participating in a formal volunteering programme. Find out more about the progress of the Young Person’s Guarantee here. What you'll do as part of the Young Person's Guarantee This project will take place through hybrid work of in-person and online meetings. We understand getting online can be difficult, so please still apply if you have limited access as we can support you with alternative arrangements. We will work together to create a supportive and inclusive team, with opportunities to learn a range of skills, meet new people from across Scotland, take part in training, and develop confidence in yourself. Supported by Young Scot staff, volunteers will meet every 4 – 6 weeks (in-person and online) and work on activities to review progress, provide insight and ideas, and deliver recommendations to Scottish Government about the development and implementation of the Young People’s Guarantee. Volunteers on the Panel will also be available to respond to emerging topics and issues as the programme progresses. Panel members will also receive numeration equivalent to Living Wage for the time participating on Young Person’s Guarantee governance activity. As a #YSHive volunteer you will sometimes be invited to join extra workshops and activities with Young Scot on different topics, but these are optional. No special knowledge, experience or skills are necessary to take part. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable all young people to take part, and there will be an opportunity when you apply to tell us about any support or adjustments you need to contribute fully.   We are particularly interested to collaborate with young people who are facing barriers due to their personal circumstances including young people from an ethnic minority background, young people who identify as having a disability, young carers, care-experienced young people, young people who live in low-income households and young people who live rural communities.

Young Scot are looking for young people from across Scotland aged 11-25 inclusive, to be part of their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Champions Panel. Project information 🎂 11-25 inclusive 📅 From June 2022 🗺️ Anywhere in Scotland About the Young Scot DEI strategy: Young Scot continue to be fully committed to achieving diversity, equity and inclusion throughout their organisation. They’re also working harder to become an explicitly anti-racist organisation. They this by taking a close look at their operations and identifying what it is that is contributing to structural discrimination. The DEI strategic goals are to: • Create an inclusive working culture, recognising the value of diversity and maintaining a culture where everyone feels valued and respected • Ensure all services for young people are accessible to all young people, recognising the intersectional diversity of their needs • Learn from and share best practices in the third sector, demonstrating work to eliminate discrimination, recognise and promote equality and diversity, address inequity and be inclusive in everything The Young Scot DEI Panel will be a diverse group of young people, co-chaired by two Young Scot Board members. As a panel, you will meet quarterly to ensure that the voices of seldom heard young people lead and support their journey to deliver on their vision. You will: • Review our DEI Strategy and set out our DEI priorities • Give expertise and guidance on how we can achieve diversity, equity and inclusion • Showcase and highlight the needs of seldom heard groups of young people • Track progress and hold us to account You will be supported to develop a deeper understanding of DEI and engage other young people from a variety of backgrounds. You don’t need any experience to apply, but it would be great if you had an interest in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion and making the voices of all young people heard. Young Scot are keen to receive applications from those who are passionate about representing a variety of groups, including but not limited to: • LGBTQI+ • Black, Asian or Ethnic Minority • Young Carer • Gypsy/Traveller • Care Experience • Disability • Refugee or Asylum Seeker • Living in a rural area Spaces available for those who are passionate about championing DEI.

Mentoring is a marvellous way to make a difference to the life of someone else. Apart from the personal satisfaction of helping someone, it is also an opportunity to enhance your own life experience and build new skills. A minimum commitment of 1 year is needed to ensure these goals can be met. Mentors offer support to adults with Cystic Fibrosis to empower them to achieve a better quality of life. 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. The aim of the service is to improve the young adult's quality of life - this includes ensuring they can live in a suitable home environment; benefit from the best home care; have access to other sources of help including financial assistance; receive equal opportunities in education and employment; and above all, reduce isolation and achieve independent living. This is facilitated by the mentor and aimed at: increasing the client's independence improving and enhancing social skills broadening their horizons and exploring concerns, to improve self-esteem, enhance their overall coping skills and the person's quality of life in general. A mentor will meet with the person regularly (typically for 3 hours every 2-3 weeks) to build a trusting one-to-one relationship enabling the person to explore their concerns and feelings, discuss their aspirations and grow life skills, to support them in achieving goals or just giving them someone to talk to helping to alleviate the stress in their lives. A session might simply be an opportunity to chat, eg over a snack or coffee, or may involve a specific activity such as sport or creative/arts. A mentor might also be required to help with official systems and forms, easing the process of applying for such things as housing, a college place or even employment During COVID, these sessions have been successfully conducted via Zoom but we aim to return to face-to-face at the start of August 2022.. Desirable qualities required include good listening skills, patience, reliability 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. Mentors must have held a full driving licence for at least 2 years and have the use of a smoke free car.

Befriending is a marvellous way to make a difference to the life of someone else. Apart from the personal satisfaction of helping someone, it is also an opportunity to enhance your own life experience and build new skills. A minimum commitment of 1 year is needed to ensure these goals can be met. 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 for around 3 hours every 1 to 2 weeks, away from the home environment, to build a trusting one to one relationship. A session might simply be an opportunity to chat, eg over a snack or coffee, or may involve a specific activity such as sport or creative/arts. 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. During COVID, befriending sessions have been successfully conducted via Zoom (with a good store of ideas within the Trust) but we aim to return to face-to-face at the start of August.. Desirable qualities required include good listening skills, patience, reliability 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.