1 in 6 people in Scotland have a hearing impairment . You will know someone who has it, or may have hearing loss yourself. In Midlothian we have recently introduced the hearing aid battery pick up points in all our local libraries. This has been a huge success. It draws people into Libraries, to interact with staff and other members of the community and makes them aware of the wide range of activities which are on offer there. This saves time and money for people, reduces social isolation and eases pressure on the over-stretched staff in Audiology in Edinburgh. It means fewer hearing aids lie unused in drawers, for want of a battery. It really is a win, win. We now want to expand on this by offering repair and maintenance clinics locally too. The replacement of tubing in the hearing aid for example, is required every so often. It is not difficult to do, but it is a bit fiddly, especially for older or disabled people who are a large proportion of hearing aid users. Full training is provided prior to involvement. We have established a clinic which runs on the first Wednesday of every month in Dalkeith Library, 10.30-11.30 am. We also have now established a clinic in Penicuik Town Hall on the last Wednesday of every month 10:30 - 11:30am. If we can recruit more volunteers, we would like to start a clinic in Gorebridge, which would involve a similar monthly commitment. At present due to Covid-19 clinics are suspended but do get in touch if you are interested in this opportunity. Contact will then be made with volunteers once the clinics are re-opened.

It’s good to talk! If you love a relaxed, friendly chat on the phone and if the idea of doing this whilst also making a genuine impact as a volunteer sounds too good to be true … read on. Our members tell us that their regular check-ins and chats with someone at Sight Scotland Veterans are something they look forward to. Sometimes they can even be a lifeline. Just a simple phone call once a week can make the difference that helps one of our members overcome the effects of isolation and loneliness. We need a friendly and naturally chatty home-based volunteer who can check in regularly with our members by phone, take some time to make sure they are doing OK, and fill them in with all the latest gossip at Sight Scotland Veterans. You will never be cold calling, there’s no pressure and nothing to sell. We will only ask you to call signed-up Sight Scotland Veterans members who we know will be only too happy to hear from you. As a volunteer, you will get to know inspiring people, gain valuable experiences, and help us to change the lives of those who have served their country. For more information please contact James Whyte, Volunteer Development Manager at email james.whyte@sightscotland.org.uk or tel.: 0131 446 3154.

We are delighted to welcome back Volunteers and have opportunities across our services in Aberdeen. So, no matter where you live in the city, there could be an opportunity near you! In the first instance we are seeking Befrienders. Many of our Service Users have been shielding for over a year. We are looking for Volunteers to become befrienders, being a befriender means you could be supporting someone with an outside walk, build up confidence with support to a supermarket, help with laundry, just enjoy sitting having a chat over a cuppa, or maybe help with some light domestic duties or cooking. All Volunteers will go through pre recruitment checks that include, Interview, PVG and References. Volunteering is such a worthwhile act, not only can your support be lifechanging for an older person, but you can also gain, increased confidence, experience improve your own self-esteem, feel part of a team, and make new friends. For more details please contact Julie Suttar, Engagement & Liaison Lead at E-Mail: jsuttar@bonaccordcare.org or tel.: 07901944728.

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.

The Secretary shall convene all meetings of the Society on behalf of the Captain, and maintain accurate minutes of all procedures and decisions, deal with all correspondence, maintain accurate records of membership, sight classifications, contact details, and to distribute news and information, including match results and minutes of meetings, to all members as required.

This is a flexible opportunity to volunteer from home. You will be trained to support someone with mental ill health or memory difficulties by completing 4 modules with the help of the local coordinator. After training you need to commit to regular contact which could be as little as 20/30 minutes per week. As a distance volunteer you can chose to email, write or telephone someone facing isolation. All correspondence is conducted through a secure system to protect both parties in the befriending relationship. This is a confidential, non judgemental supported friendship [ no home visiting] Please note that unfortunately you need to be resident in the Highland Area as this charity is funded to provide a service within this catchment area. For more information get in touch

We require some support from volunteers to help person our phone in the office, support initial and general enquiries and be a friendly, supportive voice and face to those who call and attend at our office. Whatever amount of time you can provide is massively welcomed. For further details please contact Megan Linklater, Engagement Officer at E Mail: engagement@grampianautisticsociety.org.uk or tel.: 01224 277900.

We are delighted to welcome back Volunteers and have opportunities across our services in Aberdeen. So, no matter where you live in the city, there could be an opportunity near you! In the first instance we are seeking Befrienders. Many of our Service Users have been shielding for over a year. We are looking for Volunteers to become befrienders, being a befriender means you could be supporting someone with an outside walk, build up confidence with support to a supermarket, help with laundry, just enjoy sitting having a chat over a cuppa, or maybe help with some light domestic duties or cooking. All Volunteers will go through pre recruitment checks that include, Interview, PVG and References. Volunteering is such a worthwhile act, not only can your support be lifechanging for an older person, but you can also gain, increased confidence, experience improve your own self-esteem, feel part of a team, and make new friends. For more details please contact Julie Suttar, Engagement & Liaison Lead at E-Mail: jsuttar@bonaccordcare.org or tel.: 07901944728.

We are on the look-out for budding gardeners to help transform our Sensory Garden and outdoor space at the Aberdeen Science Centre. An ideal opportunity for those who are interested in gardening; those who enjoy the outdoors; or want to be a bit more active, helping in the local community and supporting a local charity create an inspiring outdoor space and sensory garden for visitors. We are flexible with times and working days, as long as you are keen to get stuck-in, we want to hear from you! Please contact us at email: volunteer@asc.scot for more details. Further information is also available on our website at https://aberdeensciencecentre.org/garden-volunteer/

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.