Role Summary Volunteers can perform a variety of roles dependent on the issues their advocacy ‘partner’ is experiencing. Sometimes this means working with a person to explore options and make decisions, sometimes it means speaking on a person’s behalf. Whatever the role all volunteers with Equal Say will be fully prepared and supported throughout their volunteer experience.There are some common features to every advocacy partnership we support; volunteers will mostly work with one person at a time, this 1:1 relationship is designed to promote loyalty to only one person and ensure the volunteer advocate has no other conflicts of interest. All the people we advocate for have an issue to resolve in their lives, this may be that their support package has been cut, they are at threat of homelessness or are being bullied by their neighbours, it may be something completely different but these examples will give you a flavour of our work. All the adults we work with have some degree of learning disability and are at a disadvantage because their rights are being denied or they are being ignored by others who should help. All volunteers must complete a 15 hr training course which is designed to prepare them for their role. Because of the nature of this role, we require 2 references and volunteers are required to become members of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups scheme in respect of work with protected adults, which Equal Say will process at no cost to the volunteer.

Citizen's Advice understand that everyone can, at some point in their life, face problems that seem complicated or intimidating. At Denny CAB we believe no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice. That’s why we’re here: to give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem. As such we require people willing to volunteer their time to help us provide this advice. The role of a CAB adviser is wide and varied, so we understand that this in return requires a wide and varied range of skills to tackle and in most cases the opportunity can be tailored to suit your strengths and time constraints. Some of the things advisers do include: - Interviewing clients – usually in person, but sometimes by phone or e-mail. - Using AdviserNet, the CAB Service’s electronic information system, to give information to clients. - Explaining the choices faced by clients, and what they mean. - Offering practical help to clients by writing letters, making phone calls and helping fill in forms. - Making calculations (for example, to check if clients are entitled to certain kinds of benefits). - Referring clients to other agencies if they are better placed to help. - Keeping confidential records of clients’ cases. - Preventing future problems by identifying issues that affect a lot of clients. This information can then be used to try and change laws, regulations and business practices - this is called “social policy” work. - In some cases, advisers specialise and go on to represent clients at tribunals and other legal settings.

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.

Befrienders offer support to young people (8-17 years) affected by the genetic condition Cystic Fibrosis to empower them to achieve a better quality of life. This is aimed at increasing the client's self-esteem and enhancing their coping skills, by broadening their horizons and exploring their concerns and difficulties, to produce an improvement in their quality of life in general. A befriender will meet with a young person regularly to build a trusting one-to-one relationship. They will introduce appropriate social activities to, and explore interests and aspirations of, the young person. They will give the young person someone to talk to and, in time, facilitate discussion of the difficulties being experienced to help alleviate the stress in their lives. The befriender might also have to help the young person and their family to cope with official systems and forms. This is a fantastic way to make a real difference to the life of someone else. Apart from the satisfaction of seeing the progress the young person makes, it is also an opportunity to enhance your own life and build new skills. A minimum commitment of one year is needed to ensure these goals can be met. After expressing an interest in this opportunity, the applicant will be contacted by the Trust for a discussion of the role in more detail. A short application form has to be completed, followed by an informal interview. Befrienders will then attend an induction event (expenses paid), and the Trust will acquire PVG clearance on their behalf, before a befriender is paired up with an appropriate client within a reasonable travelling distance from the befriender's home. Must have a drivers license and access to a car.

The Youth Radio Network’s vision is to empower, teach and entertain young people, aged 13 to 25 years, through the power of music and digital technology, opening doors to the broadcast industries, and to become more employable helping them to get the best start in life. The Youth Radio Network is a digital place where young people can easily access and develop their skills and interests. It acts as a sounding board for youth news and issues and promotes all youth organizations. The Youth Radio Network's vision is to teach, empower and entertain young people aged 13 - 25 years old through the power of music and digital technology. We are looking to appoint a volunteer Head of Marketing, Fundraising and Development to help build our organisation to the next level including understanding the vision and mission of The Youth Radio Network, the Head of Marketing, Fundraising & Development (volunteer role) will be responsible for the development and delivery of our marketing and fundraising strategies for The Youth Radio Network.

The Youth Radio Network is an online digital platform for young people aged 13 - 25 years old. Our vision is to Teach, Empower and Entertain Young People through the power of music and digital technology. This is an exciting opportunity to join us as we build our digital radio station which is directed and run by young people. We have an ambitious programme that aims to make a difference to communities across the UK by helping young people to develop their skills, interests and employability. We are looking to appoint a volunteer Head of Resources to help build our organisation to the next level including the development and delivery of our volunteer recruitment and operations strategies for The Youth Radio Network.

The Youth Radio Network is an online digital platform for young people ages 13 - 25 years old. Our vision is to teach, empower and entertain young people through the power of music and digital technology. This is an exciting opportunity to join us as we build our digital radio station which is directed and run by young people. We have an ambitious programme that aims to make a difference to communities across the UK by helping young people to develop their skills, interests and employability. We are looking to appoint a volunteer Head of Broadcasting to help build our organisation to the next level including the development and delivery of our broadcasting strategies for The Youth Radio Network.

The Youth Radio Network is an online digital platform for young people ages 13 - 25 years old. Our vision is to teach, empower and entertain young people through the power of music and digital technology. This is an exciting opportunity to join us as we build our digital radio station which is directed and run by young people. We have an ambitious programme that aims to make a difference to communities across the UK by helping young people to develop their skills, interests and employability. We are looking to appoint a volunteer Events Co-Ordinator to help build our organisation to the next level including the getting us in at local and national Gala-days and Festivals helping us to get our brand out there.

The Youth Radio Network is an online digital platform for young people ages 13 - 25 years old. Our vision is to teach, empower and entertain young people through the power of music and digital technology. This is an exciting opportunity to join us as we build our digital radio station which is directed and run by young people. We have an ambitious programme that aims to make a difference to communities across the UK by helping young people to develop their skills, interests and employability. We are looking to appoint a volunteer Information and GDPR Officer to help build our organisation to the next level including the development and delivery of our broadcasting strategies for The Youth Radio Network.

The Youth Radio Network is an online digital platform for young people ages 13 - 25 years old. Our vision is to teach, empower and entertain young people through the power of music and digital technology. This is an exciting opportunity to join us as we build our digital radio station which is directed and run by young people. We have an ambitious programme that aims to make a difference to communities across the UK by helping young people to develop their skills, interests and employability. We are looking to appoint a volunteer Graphic Designer to help build our organisation brand to the next level including the development and delivery of our Marketing strategies for The Youth Radio Network.