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Scotland Versus Arthritis is looking for individuals willing to lead short health walks in your area, lead on other physical activities, or facilitate virtual support groups. Full training and on-going support for volunteers will be available. We are also looking for expressions of interest from anyone keen to become an instructor of Tai Chi or Qi Gong for arthritis. The current Covid restrictions have meant that for many the wait for treatment may be a year or more away. Painkilling prescriptions are seldom more than a temporary relief. Support and exercise can however offer a better way to self-manage the daily on-going pain and fatigue. In readiness for the eventual lifting of lockdown we are asking, can you spare an hour or two each month to help? Please contact your local Development Officer, Dr. P. Neville, p.neville@versusarthritis.org or phone 07501 501114 for details.

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.

>Our mission 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 focus is on young people, and topical issues such as Bullying, Racism, LGBT and much more. Our music is generally chart music, and we play any young artists/bands from across the world. The aim is to have a fresh and upbeat sound and something that young people feel; they can get involved in and we encourage our young people to influence the music we play. There are also opportunities for our listeners to interact with radio programmes. We will highlight any young musicians, artists or bands, after all, it’s the internet and you never know who may be discovered next! The Youth Radio Network is completely digital so anyone can present for us from any location! We also want to help young people ages 16 to 25 years old get into employment and we hope that we can help open many doors for young people looking for a career in the broadcasting industries. >Our vision 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. *Teach - Teach young people how the broadcasting industry works and what is involved. Help them understand what employers in different industries look for. This could include: helping them build/create their CV, doing mock interviews, helping them build contacts and get different experiences! *Empower - Give young people the opportunities, skills, and equipment they need to get experience in the broadcast industry. We do this through our cloud-based web system that allows our volunteers to broadcast from anywhere in the world with just a PC / Laptop, an internet connection and a USB microphone! We will also empower young people to: have a voice and speak their opinions; be heard and recognized for what they do as singer songwriters; and, gain as much experience in different industries as possible and help them to be more employable so they have the best start in life! *Entertain - The Youth Radio Network wants to entertain young people out there and have a radio station dedicated to them, making sure it is sounding fresh and upbeat and something that young people feel; they can get involved in. We will also highlight any young musicians or artists or bands through this! After all it is the internet and you never know who you will discover next! >Volunteering Opportunities We work with all our volunteers to understand their skill sets, needs and aspirations for the future (whatever that may be). All volunteers are required to complete an application form and to agree to certain terms and conditions and that helps our support workers to match potential volunteers to the most suitable roles that will help them with their goals. The roles we have on offer vary from time to time and they generally centre around: *Broadcasting: presenter/DJ, producer, technical support/engineering. *Marketing, fundraising and business development: PR, marketing, events, web/app development, content production. *Volunteer Management: youth support, training, human resources. *Operations: station admin, finance, IT, facilities. A fantastic opportunity to be part of the Youth Radio Network and our exciting developments. For more information please contact Keiran Harvey, Managing Director / CEO, The Youth Radio Network at email: Keiran.Harvey@theyouthradionetwork.com or tel.: 03301131520 / 07494800622.

Join the Scotland Reducing Gambling Harm to shape action to reduce gambling harms in Scotland. The ALLIANCE Scotland Reducing Gambling Harm programme are recruiting people with lived experience to help shape action to reduce gambling harms in Scotland by sharing their expertise and priorities. Gambling-related harms are the adverse impacts from gambling on the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, communities, and society. This includes financial, employment, and relationship issues, physical and mental health problems, criminal activity, and in the most severe cases suicide as a direct result of gambling harm. People can experience gambling harms to different degrees, and the Scotland Reducing Gambling Harm programme are interested in speaking to anyone who feels they have experienced harm as result of their own, or a loved one’s gambling. Working with people with lived experience, the programme helps to identify key areas of importance in reducing gambling harms in Scotland. These key areas help shape the focus for the Scottish Implementation Group of the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms and put the voice of people affected by gambling harms at the heart of action to reduce those harms. The programme also provides people with lived experience with new perspectives, advice and information on other matters related to gambling harm. For example, shaping awareness raising campaigns and helping inform the focus of future research on gambling harm. How can you get involved? You can: • Become a Forum Member We support a forum of people with lived experience of gambling harms to come together on a regular basis with policy and decisions makers in Scotland. Forum Members commit to attending regular, evening meetings roughly every six weeks for one and a half hours. • Contribute on an individual basis For people who are unable to commit to the regularity of the Forum, we are able to speak to people on a more ad hoc basis as topics or opportunities they are passionate about arise. We are keen to hear from people with experience of gambling harms or people who have a loved one(s) with experience of gambling harms. Sometimes, we call these people “affected others” and they might be a partner, parent or guardian, child, or sibling of a person with lived experience of gambling harms. Having views from a diverse range of people is important to us. We particularly welcome speaking to: • Older People • Younger People • Women • People from a range of cultural backgrounds • People from a range of religious backgrounds • People from a range of ethnic and racial communities • Anyone who views themselves as a member of a minoritised community What are the benefits of being involved? • Networking opportunities and building relationships with others affected by gambling harm as well as people who work within health and social care. • Developing new skills via training or attending events and conferences. • Contribute positively to society. • Contribute to influencing gambling policy. • Positive mental health benefits from volunteering, including increased confidence and feelings of self-worth. • For many of those with lived experience, contributing to systems change is an important part of their life and contributes to their recovery. • Work experience which can be included in CVs. If you are interested in getting involved, or would like to hear more about our work please get in touch via email at: gamblingharm@alliance-scotland.org.uk or on Twitter: @ScotRGH.

The Fraser Centre Community Trust opened our new community hub in November 2019. The opening of the hub was the result of a community led project which began in 2011. During the project a website was created www.friendsofthefrasercentre.com to focus on the project. With the project complete we no longer use the website but would like to record all the information for prosperity. We are looking for a volunteer, who must have their own computer and access to internet, who would be happy to work from home, flexible hours to record all the information from the website of our project.

Action for M.E.’s free, independent one-to-one advocacy service supports adults (age 18 and over) living with a confirmed diagnosis M.E. across the UK, including those most severely affected. We also offer independent advocacy for children and young people with M.E., and support for their families. Advocacy is "taking action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain services they need. Advocates and advocacy providers work in partnership with the people they support and take their side. Advocacy promotes social inclusion, equality and social justice," as defined by the Advocacy Code of Practice. We aim to: - Amplify your voice and empower you to stand up for your rights - Improve the support you receive from professionals, family, friends, services and other relevant individuals and organisations - Ensure you lead the work, with your needs, wishes and views at the centre of all actions we take - Share tailored information about your rights, entitlements and services you can access, supporting you to explore options and make informed decisions - Signpost or refer to other organisations. Become a volunteer advocate. Our service is recruiting in Scotland, where independent Volunteer Advocates will work from home, with full training and support provided by our experienced, friendly team. Are you a good listener with an empathetic, professional and methodical approach? Do you have two hours a week to support vulnerable adults with M.E.? You’ll work online/by phone to meet and represent clients, agree an action plan, undertake research, contact professionals and more.

We appreciate and value the support given to us at RGA by volunteers. Our volunteers help and support our residents, garden, social enterprise projects and charity to grow and develop. They become part of the community, which is at the heart of River Garden. If you have skills and an enthusiasm to support our work then please do contact us; we would love to hear from you. We have many different areas for you to consider; including working in the garden, in our café and supporting our admin team. If you think that you can be part of our admin team, please get in touch. In the role as Volunteer Administrator you will be required to adopt a person-centred, non-judgemental approach when dealing with members of the community, other professionals, and local charities and organisations. We are looking for volunteers who have good written and oral communication skills and enjoy supporting as part of a collaborative team. This role offers volunteers the opportunity to gain experience in administrative tasks and reception duties within an inclusive charity setting. Some duties might include: - Fundraising - Advertising/PR - Social media - Events management - Photography - General office support

We are looking for people who are passionate about ending child hunger and ensuring that every child receives a daily meal in a place of education. As a Community Volunteer you can contribute as an individual or become part of one of our local groups of passionate volunteers, helping to grow our movement by motivating and inspiring people in your local community to support our work. You can raise awareness of our work within your community in a number of ways, including: •Helping us to share our story - give Mary’s Meals talks to local community organisations, schools, churches and faith groups to raise vital awareness and funds •Host fundraising events in your local area such as coffee mornings, quizzes, and bucket collections •Promote Mary’s Meals fundraising campaigns •Distribute and display promotional materials and place collection tins in your local community •Host community engagement events such as film screenings to share our message •Help us to generate corporate support in your local area •Support with local media opportunities •Come together as a group with other local volunteers to support each other with this work All of our volunteer activities are tailored to suit your different skills and time constraints.

Volunteering Matters are a national volunteering charity. Our project, Getting Together Matters, helps to reduce social isolation amongst older people across the UK. We are looking for Volunteers to take part in Creative Writing Activities, supporting the engagement of older adults across the UK. Many of these people are already recognised as the most vulnerable in society; this could be due to a range of factors, including age or a pre-existing medical condition. Your role will enable people to maintain contact with the outside world, helping them to feel less lonely and improving their general well-being. This activity forms part of our weekly calendar of activities and events to involve older people in meaningful engagement and reduce isolation. Creative Writing is one of a few activities by phone only for those not digitally engaged. Creative writing modules are already in place with poems, themes & ideas ready to spark the imagination. These are sent via post to individuals and the group phone calls are a chance for people to read their work to each other & chat about the theme in general. 6 weeks' worth of modules are available, but an opportunity if people want to continue if the volunteer wishes to carry on with their own themes. Time frame: 6 Weeks minimum commitment of min 1 hour weekly, daytime support Mon- Friday via phone at a regular time slot. Ideally started beginning Feb 2023. Volunteer training (and activity specific training) will take place online. This role includes: 1. Logging on your laptop/ computer to access the link for the phone activity. (the facilitator uses the computer, the recipient uses their phone) 2. Preparing classes in line with the agreed activity and liaising with staff to support smooth delivery (printing/ informing beneficiaries etc.) 3. Communicating with beneficiaries and GTM staff regarding starts/ breaks and class cover. 4. Support the Getting Together Matters Team to reduce loneliness and isolation 5. Keep in touch with the Project Manager. 6. Following Safeguarding / Boundaries as outlined in volunteer training. Key attributes: 1. Good interest & experience in creative writing & helping other people to develop. No qualifications necessary but enthusiasm & interest is key. 2. Access to a computer 3. Basic IT skills essential 4. Good listening and communication skills. 5. Very patient 6. Interest in supporting older people. 7. Empathy and compassion 8. Understanding of confidentiality 9. Socially responsible The role description is intended to include the broad range of responsibilities and requirements of the volunteering post. As our services are changing all the time, there will be regular opportunities for you to change the nature of your volunteering or to support other services in our area to help you have a good experience while you are volunteering with us. Volunteers are the cornerstone of our work with vulnerable people in our local communities, and we are grateful that you are offering your time to help us to make a difference.

Join the Oxfam community As an Online Shop Volunteer you’ll be behind the scenes in our busy shop and learn all about selling donated gems through Oxfam’s unique Online Shop. You can get involved in everything from researching, describing, photographing, to posting. Best of all you’ll be raising vital funds to support people facing poverty around the world. About this role We will give you all the training and support you need so you will develop your skills as part of our Online Shop team. You don’t need to have any experience – we’ve got you covered. You can also get some lunch and travel costs too. Whatever you need, we’re here to help. As an Online Shop Volunteer, you’ll develop transferable skills that boost your confidence: Improve your communication skills as part of a team Put your expertise to good use by focussing on what interests you the most You’ll develop IT experience with ongoing support Selling some of our most unusual and valuable items, you’ll know you’re making a real difference Along with learning all about this role, you can branch out and try other things. Whether it’s about the shop floor or behind the scenes, we will help you to learn as many skills as you want. Volunteering that works for you Volunteering can be very flexible to suit you. So even if your availability or skills don’t match this role, get in touch and we will find something right for you. By volunteering for a few hours a week, you will meet new people and have some fun for a good cause. If you can’t apply online please visit the shop for a paper form or contact us on givetime@oxfam.org.uk Everyone has something to offer At Oxfam we know that everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role which works for you. You can find out more about volunteering with Oxfam here. What happens next? After you apply the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!