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.

As a hearing aid support volunteer, you will: • Undertake basic maintenance on hearing aids, cleaning, changing tubing and replacing batteries • Support users to optimise hearing aid use • Work closely with other volunteers • All trained provided As an RNID volunteer, you will: • make a real difference to the people you support • help us run this important service • receive training and learn new skills • meet people in different situations • raise awareness of deafness in the community have all reasonable, out-of-pocket and pre-approved travel expenses repaid. Skills/Experience Required Here’s what we think could be beneficial: • knowledge of or willingness to learn about issues affecting people confronting deafness, tinnitus and hearing loss - particularly older people. • some experience of using hearing aids would be preferable but not essential. • friendly, reliable and an approachable manner. • ability to listen to questions and to answer appropriately • happy to work with a wide range of people. • ability to work with others whilst using your own initiative • excellent attention to detail • able to travel locally • friendly and approachable

As an “RNID trained” Community Support volunteer, you will: • reach out to the wider community, other charities / groups etc. to offer informative presentations or attend meetings to share insight into deafness, hearing loss and tinnitus. As a community volunteer, you will: • reach out to community groups, other charities, etc. to offer informative presentations or attend meetings to share insight into deafness, hearing loss and tinnitus • deliver talks, presentations online and face-to-face (depending on practicality) • set up RNID Information stands at various locations, including libraries, community centres and hospitals within your local area • ensure leaflets and equipment arrive at the venue in time, and pack up at the end of the event • promote the work of RNID and associated local services • respond to questions and enquiries from visitors and assist as appropriate • record any enquires that are out of your knowledge base and follow up accordingly • monitor the number of enquiries at each event and feedback in a timely manner • be proactive in sourcing venues for information stands. Skills/Experience Required Here’s what we think could be beneficial: • confident in delivering online presentations on MS teams/ Zoom • confident in speaking to groups and individuals in the community • willingness to learn about, or expand knowledge of, issues affecting deaf and hard of hearing people • friendly, reliable, and approachable manner • ability to listen to questions and to answer appropriately • willing to work with a wide range of people.

Helping run a peer support group in your local community: By giving your time, you will help us to reach the thousands of people living with sight loss in your area and provide life-changing support. Why we need you: The Macular Society is the UK’s leading charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world-class research, and the best advice and support Our groups provide information, support and new friendships to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. Whether you can spare a few hours or a couple of days a week, you’ll be doing something great to help people with macular disease. Rewarding and enjoyable roles Everyone has a reason for volunteering. Perhaps you know someone who has macular disease, are currently supporting a loved one, or want to give something back to support your community. If you want to gain experience or develop new skills, we are sure we have something for you too. Will it suit me? You will be working as part of a team to ensure the smooth running of the group. No one person is responsible, which helps to lighten the load. Select the task(s) that feel right for you. Tasks shared by volunteers may include: • Meet and greet – welcoming members and guests, sharing information, wrapping things up at the end. • Group programme – organising guest speakers and suggesting social activities. • Keeping in touch with group members. • Maintaining a list of members and sharing updates with head office. • Collecting meeting subs. • Organising and/or serving tea and coffee. • Setting out the chairs. Time commitment Most of our groups meet monthly. The Galashiels Macular Support Group will be meeting at a central venue in Galashiels. Two to three hours is all we need each month, with flexibility if things change for you. Offering your help If you see yourself in this role, get in touch to have a chat. If it isn’t for you, then we would still love to hear from you. We have other exciting volunteer opportunities that may be a better fit for your time and talents.

Volunteers help ensure the shop is tidy and attractive; you can use your creativity to make eye-catching window displays, sorting and replacing stock to keep the shop looking fresh and stylish. Incoming donations are organised and labelled, and clothes steamed and tagged. Our polite, approachable volunteers assist customers; welcoming them through the door, ringing purchases through the cash register and encouraging signing up to the Gift Aid scheme. A bonus of volunteering in this role is having access to great quality items at reasonable prices, as soon as they hit the shop floor! In the shop volunteer role you will develop your understanding of stock management, marketing and customer service. These skills are valuable for personal development as well as very relevant to careers in retail, advertising and business. You will have the opportunity to meet lots of people, play an active role in your community and make friends.

Supporting a local charity aimed at inclusiveness and working to promote, sustain and increase individual education and access to local, fresh grown produce. To help alleviate food poverty, to promote healthy living and access to outdoor spaces and to enhance community cohesiveness. To support and empower those who are impacted by health. Various roles are available depending on preference. We have a wide list of opportunities from helping in the gardens, becoming a lead volunteer, mentoring other volunteers, helping out at activities and open days in the community gardens, being involved in the online presence of the charity eg taking pictures and possibly helping with IT. We are also involved with several other initiatives and we are happy to discuss volunteer involvement in these areas too, where appropriate.

Helping run a peer support group in your local community: By giving your time, you will help us to reach the thousands of people living with sight loss in your area and provide life-changing support. Why we need you: The Macular Society is the UK’s leading charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world-class research, and the best advice and support Our groups provide information, support and new friendships to those with macular disease, along with their family and friends. Whether you can spare a few hours or a couple of days a week, you’ll be doing something great to help people with macular disease. Rewarding and enjoyable roles Everyone has a reason for volunteering. Perhaps you know someone who has macular disease, are currently supporting a loved one, or want to give something back to support your community. If you want to gain experience or develop new skills, we are sure we have something for you too. Will it suit me? You will be working as part of a team to ensure the smooth running of the group. No one person is responsible, which helps to lighten the load. Select the task(s) that feel right for you. Tasks shared by volunteers may include: • Meet and greet – welcoming members and guests, sharing information, wrapping things up at the end. • Group programme – organising guest speakers and suggesting social activities. • Keeping in touch with group members. • Maintaining a list of members and sharing updates with head office. • Collecting meeting subs. • Organising and/or serving tea and coffee. • Setting out the chairs. Time commitment Most of our groups meet monthly. The Kelso Macular Support Group will be meeting at a central venue in Kelso. Two to three hours is all we need each month, with flexibility if things change for you. Offering your help If you see yourself in this role, get in touch to have a chat. If it isn’t for you, then we would still love to hear from you. We have other exciting volunteer opportunities that may be a better fit for your time and talents.

Support the wellbeing of a resident at QME Care, Kelso, with volunteer companionship. Spend time together participating in a mutually enjoyed hobby, or just having a cuppa and a chat. Our aim is to provide a service that helps improve health and well-being, providing companionship to increase confidence and reduce loneliness and isolation. Companionship/ Befriending visits are tailored to meet the needs of our residents with volunteer companions/ befrienders carefully matched to residents based on shared interests. They can accompany their ‘companion’ to groups of interest to help build their confidence or return to a hobby they previously enjoyed. During a weekly or fortnightly visit to their assigned resident, volunteers will provide friendship and companionship. This might include participating in shared interests, playing a game, going for a stroll, or simply having a cuppa and a chat.

Early Intervention is a neurodivergent safe space for neuro divergent children and their families. A non-judgmental environment where you can be your true authentic self. Managed by volunteers we offer specialist support - Speech and Language therapy, Music Therapy, Pet therapy, and opportunities for children up to 9 years old to socialise with their neurokin whilst empowering them to embrace their identity, we also offer opportunities for semi structured play, arts and crafts and sensory messy play. Looking for friendly volunteers to help us support families at sessions, no experience necessary but would especially love to hear from those with lived experience - neurodivergent adults and or people with a close connection to neurodiversity or ASN for example an autistic family member. Although no experience is necessary, we would love to hear from any practicing/retired or student Speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, play therapists, teachers, or those with experience in social care and early years childcare. Early Intervention is a volunteer-led organisation which has been providing services to neurodivergent children and their families since February 2022. This is an exciting time to get involved with us as we are seeking to develop the services we offer and to look at making the transition to becoming a Scottish Charity. A fantastic opportunity to help and make a real difference. All volunteer assistance is greatly appreciated. For more details please contact Linda Lumsden, Early Intervention Founder/Volunteer at email: info@earlyintervention.org.uk or telephone: 07867 524150.

Early Intervention is a neurodivergent safe space for neuro divergent children and their families. A non-judgmental environment where you can be your true authentic self. Managed by volunteers we offer specialist support - Speech and Language therapy, Music Therapy, Pet therapy, and opportunities for children up to 9 years old to socialise with their neurokin whilst empowering them to embrace their identity, we also offer opportunities for semi structured play, arts and crafts and sensory messy play. Early Intervention is a volunteer-led organisation which has been providing services to neurodivergent children and their families since February 2022. This is an exciting time to get involved with us as we are seeking to develop the services we offer and to look at making the transition to becoming a Scottish Charity. Looking for people to help us take Early Intervention to the next stage. People who can help us to sharpen the governance of the organisation to make us into the kind of organisation we aspire to be. This opportunity would be attractive to someone with experience of committee work, or people, who want to gain experience in managing and developing an organisation. Over the next year we intend to make an application to become a Scottish Charity and this will be a good opportunity to become familiar with this process. Early Intervention offers the opportunity to get involved with an organisation with plans to do great things to support neurodivergent children and their families. There is a great reward in being involved in this. Although experience of committee work is desirable, full training will be offered to interested suitable candidates. We look forward to you getting in touch for an initial chat. For more details please contact Linda Lumsden, Early Intervention Founder/Volunteer at email: info@earlyintervention.org.uk or telephone: 07867 524150.