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Nightstop North-East Scotland offers temporary, emergency accommodation for young people facing homelessness. A young person accessing this service could be facing homelessness for any number of reasons, with 75% of referrals being due to a breakdown of relationships at home. This accommodation is offered in the homes of trained and vetted volunteers, who are supported by professional staff. Hosts can be anyone, with the only requirements being that they must be able to provide a spare room, a hot evening meal and a listening ear. This offers an accommodation option which may be more suitable for young people than traditional homeless hostels. Nightstop are currently looking for volunteer hosts. Hosts are offered a £15 stipend per night when Hosting and 24/7 on-call support is available throughout the stay. If you can help/for further details please contact Megan Douglas, Nightstop Co-ordinator, Aberdeen Foyer at email: Megan.Douglas@aberdeenfoyer.com or telephone 07467 919813.

*Do you have room? Do you have a spare room in your home that you’d be willing to open for a young person who has nowhere to stay? Our Nightstop service relies on ordinary people – just like you - with a spare bedroom which they are willing to offer to a guest. We’re looking for Nightstop hosts to volunteer to provide a young person with a safe place to stay, a hot meal, the opportunity to wash and breakfast the next day. Ideally you’ll also provide a listening ear to make a young person feel safe and secure. *Here’s how it works - -Application – Hosts need to be able to offer a young person their own private bedroom, a hot meal, breakfast and a packed lunch if needed. Access to a hot shower or bath and the use of laundry facilities within the host’s home should also be accessible. Hosts who require their young person to be out of the house through the day will be supported by the Nightstop Co-ordinator. Hosts can receive a stipend to cover costs. -Safety Checks - As part of the process, Hosts are required to complete a PVG check; a home visit will also take place. This type of support isn’t right for everyone, Nightstop must be a safe and appropriate option for both young person and the volunteer hosts. -Training - Training covers an introduction to youth homelessness, boundaries, practical tips and safeguarding rules. And we’re always on hand for a supportive phone call. -Matching - Nightstop hosts will be matched with young people, based on things like location, home environment and of course the availability of host. When a match has been made the Nightstop Co-ordinator will support the introduction of young person to the host. -Support throughout stay - Hosts and young people are offered assistance throughout the stay from Aberdeen Foyer’s Nightstop Co-ordinator with the aim that over the course of the stay, Aberdeen Foyer can support the young person to find a more long-term solution to what has taken them to the brink of homelessness. This might involve mediation with family to move back to the family home or help to explore all housing options. Aberdeen Foyer in conjunction with Nightstop offers a holistic approach. We discuss the options for continuing education, training and/or employment options; as well supporting the health and wellbeing of the young person. -Follow-up after stay - When the young person’s stay has ended, the hope is that we will have helped them on to a positive destination. Aftercare in the form of a debrief will be offered to both the host and young person and at this point, Hosts might identify training needs and support required. Hosts can take time off in between hosting one young person to the next. *How to become involved - If you have a spare room that could provide a safe place for a young person we’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch with out Nightstop Co-ordinator by e-mailing nightstop@aberdeenfoyer.com or calling 07467 919813.

- Willing to participate in activities and learn about new cultures? - Ready to create social change and improve peoples lives? No matter where you are in Scotland, you have access to training and learning opportunities abroad that can help you gain skills, boost confidence, and earn qualifications. Our organisation offers multiple trips throughout the year, with mentors available to provide support. We partner with other organizations to offer placements in Ghana, Romania, and potentially Eastern European countries, each with a unique set of activities and tasks that focus on developing various skills. We offer shorter 3 to 4 day trips for young people, aged 16-30, as well as longer trips of 2 to 3 weeks for anyone over 16. An exciting and great opportunity to help and make a difference. For more information please contact Megan Beattie, Project Delivery Lead at email: start@standinternational.org or telephone: 0131 659 9943. Further information is also available at: https://www.standinternational.org/

“A digital world accessible to all” Award winning IT charity AbilityNet is looking for IT Support volunteers to help people get the most out of technology. We support older and disabled people to use technology, from setting up a new device, to showing how to use zoom or do an internet food shop. The role would take place in your local area, face to face with clients or help over Teamviewer. You don’t need to be a tech guru to help out. If you use a computer at home or work, and perhaps support family and friends with their tech issues, you are likely to have the skills we are looking for. Relevant guidance and excellent support is provided to all volunteers. A fantastic opportunity to help and make a real difference for people. All volunteer assistance is greatly appreciated. For more information please contact Donna Baker-Smith at email community@abilitynet.org.uk or telephone 01926 956850.

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.

Volunteers with practical Skills to help Wick Players back stage crew. Help with DIY, scenery, moving and handling, painting construction etc

Young Volunteers between the ages of 15-24 will join Paula, (Youth Coordinator) in delivering games and social activities in sheltered housing. The overall aim is to enhance the young people’s confidence and skills through volunteering and reduce social isolation for older people. The project will train, support and provide supervision for young volunteers to lead on delivering the sessions (with support and supervision from the Youth Coordinator) for older people, with those involved shaping the discussion and activity at each session. It is hoped that in addition to the positive impact the project will have on residents, the befriending will allow volunteers to build confidence and gain valuable social skills under the support and supervision of the Youth Coordinator.

Young Volunteers between the ages of 15-24 will join Paula, (Youth Coordinator) in delivering games and social activities in sheltered housing. The overall aim is to enhance the young people’s confidence and skills through volunteering and reduce social isolation for older people. The project will train, support and provide supervision for young volunteers to lead on delivering the sessions (with support and supervision from the Youth Coordinator) for older people, with those involved shaping the discussion and activity at each session. It is hoped that in addition to the positive impact the project will have on residents, the befriending will allow volunteers to build confidence and gain valuable social skills under the support and supervision of the Youth Coordinator.

Volunteers are peer mentors to the community residents and both live within our city and farm communities, and manage the day-to-day domestic tasks and decisions within the building, which is their home. Volunteer tasks may include: Accompanying a resident to appointments, Helping a resident to cook a meal for the whole community, Acting as a sounding board for a problem or difficult situation, Offering mature and calm guidance.

Aberlour Sycamore Highland is one of several children’s houses across Scotland offering a safe and loving place to live for children who have experienced abuse and trauma. Our vision is that our children’s houses will provide a loving home where everyone laughs, learns, grows into the future, and is treasured always. We put the children and young people who live with us at the heart of everything we do. Our approach is therapeutic, allowing young people to take responsibility for their own choices and be important voices in decisions that affect their lives. This approach means we support them to understand and overcome their trauma and go on to live happy lives. The children and young people we look after are active members of their communities, encouraged to participate in local clubs and groups. Volunteers are a very important part of the healing process required to support our children and young people back into the cycle of positive social development. What will I be doing? • Making a difference in a child or young person’s life by spending time with them • Sharing an activity/hobby • Supporting them whilst they take part in an activity/hobby • Supporting them when difficulties arise • Completing a diary after each visit • Attending regular support sessions • Contributing to service assessments through support.