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We are a young democratically run organisation that needs to grow. At the moment we are a small group working at projects that reduce waste and we intend that Aberdeen and Shire become zero waste areas. That is, that everything we use becomes part of a circular economy and is not discarded needlessly to be tipped or burned. Currently, our main projects are :- *Go Green Café *Trash to Treasure *Men's Sheds *Planting Fruit Trees for Community Benefit These worthy projects are undertaken alongside family and work commitments but we need to do more if we are to make inroads to the waste we generate each day. That presents exciting opportunities for volunteers. Our next step then, is for more 'Trustees' to join with us to take on an officer of the board role, or to become an ordinary member and help steer the way forward to a successful reduction of waste to zero. If you’re/for more information then please do get in touch with Brian Allan at email brianaltenscc2@gmail.com or tel.: 07751275757.

>Who we are: The African Council is an independent voluntary organisation with a mission to promote the social and economic welfare of African People. We celebrate the best in African culture(s), history and values. We promote the attainment of education and life skills especially among Africans. We also advance active citizenship among Africans through engagement in civic and political process, institutions and leadership. >Some of our projects: 1. Employment/Enterprise coaching events • The event seeks to provide coaching and empowerment for Africans through education, guidance and support, to increase Africans involvement in employment, enterprise and entrepreneurship opportunities. 2. Civic and Political structures coaching events • The event seeks to provide coaching that encourages and provides guidance to Africans, to increase involvement and participation of Africans in civic and political life in Scotland, 3. Engagement events • Our engagement events seek to understand the challenges and barriers that Africans face in participating in all areas of Scottish life and ways to mitigate these challenges. >Volunteering Opportunities: Volunteers are vital for delivering the African Council's projects and services. We are looking for volunteers to join our team and we currently have volunteering opportunities available in the following areas: 1. Website Support 2. Corporate Communications 3. Social Media Management 4. Legal 5. Digital marketing and advertising 6. Event planning, support and management 7. Research 8. Administration 9. Help desk >Benefits of volunteering with the African Council include: 1. Opportunities to learn new skills 2. Employability training 3. Meet new people 4. Networking opportunities 5. Flexible working times 6. Develop your skills and talent and turn it to something employers will be excited about 7. Boost your CV with relevant work experience\n8. Fun hangouts, as well as, 9. Satisfaction of being a part of team that will make a significant difference in Scotland Fantastic opportunities to help at a very exciting time in the development of the African Council. All help is greatly appreciated. For more information please contact Ca-ananay Maduka, Volunteer Coordinator at E Mail: info@africancouncil.org.uk or Tel.: 01224 579218.

The Partnership works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and to break down barriers, overcome challenges and improve quality of life. The group comprises approximately 15 members of the public, working with five local councillors, and its vision is to: a) To bring about improvements to the lives of people in Aberdeen City who experience exclusion because of disability by promoting a rights-based approach to disability equality. b) To create a society where disabled people are valued, respected and included in the life of the City. c) To encourage and promote inclusion and equality. d) To create fair opportunity by identifying and removing the disabling barriers which disabled people face daily including prejudice, discrimination and negative attitudes. e) To provide a means of partnership, consultation and joint action with Aberdeen City Council Meetings are held at Aberdeen Town House (entrance from Queen Street, Aberdeen). There is also the option to join the meeting remotely if you choose to do so. The Disability Equity Partnership (DEP) has 6 meetings over the year. Examples of projects we have been working on include the City Centre Masterplan, Union Terrace Gardens, webpage and information accessibility to reduce barriers and improve access to information, goods and services. A fantastic opportunity to make a real difference and all volunteers are greatly appreciated. For further details please contact Baldeep McGarry, Equalities Officer at email: BMcGarry@aberdeencity.gov.uk or tel.: 07767353006.

You will be providing a puppy with a vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. This is a full-time volunteering opportunity as a puppy will live with you in your home for around 12-16 months. It should be noted that although it is possible for another Puppy Raiser to look after a dog on your behalf for short periods of time that this may not always be possible. Consideration should be given to your future plans such as holidays abroad. “It’s so rewarding to know that the dog will go on to help people with sight loss gain independence and freedom.” – Chris, Puppy Raiser We rely on volunteers like you to help us improve the lives of people with sight loss. In this role your support will include: • Developing, caring and providing for the needs of one of our puppies using Positive Reinforcement Techniques and following Guide Dogs Puppy Raising for Excellent Partnerships (PREP) programme • Familiarising a puppy to a wide range of environments including shops and outdoor off lead exercise areas in all climates and seasons. • Teaching a puppy it’s ok to be left alone by gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of 4 hours • Attending regular puppy classes • Regularly meeting with Guide Dogs representatives to discuss your pup’s development • Completing regular on-line questionnaires to help us monitor puppy progress -Ideally you will: • Be able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg) • Have access to a car on a weekly basis for training and vet visits • Have your own home or written permission to have a dog in the home • Have access to a secure area where the puppy could go to the toilet during the day, especially first thing in the morning and last thing at night • Be able to access online content and training materials (you will need your own email address) If you don’t feel you tick every box but are sure this role is the one for you, please drop us a message and tell us why. We’re open to suggestions and happy to chat with you to find out what’s possible! -Volunteering is a two-way street, so in return for your time you will get; • A dedicated volunteer manager/key contact who will help you settle in and support you during your time with us. • The challenge and reward of seeing a puppy develop in your home. • The opportunity to learn and develop your understanding in dog body language, learning theory, the human animal bond and the life of a Guide Dog. Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any expenses related to your volunteering with us in line with our policy. -For more details and to apply to be a Guide Dogs - Puppy Raiser please visit: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering-for-guide-dogs/ or -If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further before applying please email Guide Dogs Volunteer Coordinator, Aaron Puckrin at aaron.puckrin@guidedogs.org.uk Thank you.

Aberdeen Women's Alliance are a small, local, charity that was set up in 2004. Our aim is to enable Aberdeen womens' voices to be better heard by decision-makers. Since 2013 we have also run a successful local women's history project. Most recently during the pandemic, we have worked with our partners to make sure some disadvantaged women are having their basic needs met. We are keen to recruit some women to become new members of the Lead Group. Our Lead Group oversees our governance much like a Board or Management Committee. If you're interested in finding out more, please in the first instance email awainfo@btinternet.com

VTO provides free one to one tuition to children and young people (aged 8-18) to help tackle the attainment gap in Scotland. We work with young people from diverse backgrounds including those from low income families, care experience, EAL, or those faced with perceived barriers to learning. Our volunteers are responsible for developing a person-centred tutoring experience online. A key part of this role is relationship building, mentoring, instilling confidence, and empowering young people through education. Volunteers from a range of diverse backgrounds and experiences are welcome. Our next induction training will be held on the (Date) What will I be doing? Working one to one with a young person who requires tutoring support online. Relationship building and mentoring Instilling a growth mind set towards learning Monitoring and recording progress of learning and keeping in contact with your assigned Learning Communities Coordinator. Take part in relevant training. Tutoring in English, Maths and potentially other subjects, dependant on experience. Sourcing and creating engaging ways to support pupils’ skills and learning. Usually, 1 hour per week time commitment for tutoring with some additional time for learning material preparation. What skills do I need? You don't need any formal teaching or mentoring qualifications to become a tutor. The main requisite is good literacy and numeracy skills and you must be fluent in English. All our tutors must be able to provide 2 references and be members of the PVG scheme managed by Disclosure Scotland. VTO will assist with the processing of this and there is no cost to you. Capability, creativity, and enthusiasm to communicate and work with children and young people. Good relationship building skills Ability to support young people with a lack of confidence/ motivation. Ability to be non-judgemental, empathetic, and supportive. What skills and experience will I develop through this role? We want to support our volunteers through their time with us. Satisfaction of giving something back and reducing the attainment gap. Gain teaching, tutoring and youth work experience useful in careers working with young people. Developing new enhanced communication skills. Enhanced personal statement/ CV. Fulfil volunteering requirement of Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme/ Saltire award scheme if eligible. Reference after 6 months.

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the country’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We support people to be heard in decisions about their health, care and wellbeing. We currently have great opportunities in Orkney to volunteer with us as an Advocacy Support Team Leader, supporting people with a variety of challenges. Volunteer support helps us to reduce waitlists and support more individuals. The Service Team Volunteer role supports a local Team in the delivery of our services. This can include: • Administrative support • Helping clients understand the service and how to access it • Dropping off promotional materials • Attending events • Assisting staff with workshops, presentations and awareness raising • Accompanying staff on home visits • Promoting the organisation and our services • Submitting regular reports on activities completed

Access Panels are groups of volunteers who work to improve access and inclusion for disabled people in their local community. Achieved by raising awareness and helping to change attitudes among the general public about the need for inclusive access. Joining your local Access Panel is easy and a great way to improve accessibility in your community. You can learn new skills, help with promotional campaigns or give support at events, help with research and publicity. Give the time and commitment with which you feel comfortable and help to make a difference in your community. Volunteers can be disabled people, those who represent disability organisations, or others with an interest in accessibility, or have experience they can bring to the group, which increases its capacity to work effectively. Have fun, meet new people, learn new skills and raise awareness of the issues facing people of all disabilities in their everyday lives.

To support/coach/deliver sports sessions to young people.

The Inspire Project is a mentoring and supported volunteering programme in Edinburgh, aiming to help "New Scots". New Scots aged 16-35 have the opportunity to take part in volunteering placements in their community, as well as the chance to have a Mentor who will support them as they try to move forward in life, in a new country. As a mentor you will meet regularly with your mentee to provide practical and emotional support. You might help the young adult to increase their confidence, improve English skills, help to get into employment or further education, or achieve other personal or professional goals. Normally meeting with your mentee for around an hour a week, this is a great opportunity to be a positive and reliable source of support to a person facing life challenges and barriers.