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The Young People’s Befriending Project is expanding its horizons and hoping to support even more children and young people in Orkney this year. The service has lowered its referral age to 5 years old and is simultaneously developing a more intentional, mentoring approach to the older young people it supports. The Volunteering Team is looking to expand once again so that the Project can offer this support to more of Orkney’s young people. All you need are a few free hours every fortnight, an enthusiasm to work alongside a child or young person, a hobby or interest to share, and a friendly and kind personality – and we’ll take care of the rest.

Looking for volunteers to join our committee to assist with fundraising and awareness. Also require office bearers, chair, vice chair, treasurer and secretary.

Main Tasks Have fun! Our adult volunteers get just as much out of Scouting as our young people do. As well as helping young people to the adventure of Scouting, you’ll also have fun, make friends, develop new skills and have unforgettable experiences. Also.... Delivery of a Balanced Programme: • Delivery of a safe, exciting and stimulating Balanced Programme for the Section taking into account the needs, interests and abilities of the young people. • Ensure the safe delivery of the programme in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. • Ensure that every young person in the Section has the opportunity to attend at least one nights away experience each year. • Actively support and promote the achievement of badges and awards in particular the Chief Scouts’ Award. • Actively work with other adults in the Group to support and promote Group or multi-section activities and events. • Ensure regular opportunities are provided for young people to express their views on the programme and running on the Section, and that those views are taken into account (for example using Log Chews, Pack, Troop, Sixer or Patrol Leader forums, or any other method). • Actively co-operate with other section leaders to promote the Moving On from Section to Section. Operation of the Section: • Work with the Group Scout Leader, the Group Executive Committee and others to support recruiting and inducting appropriate Assistant Leaders and Section Assistants. • Agree responsibilities with Assistant Section Leaders, Section Assistants and parent helpers taking into account the development of the individual’s leadership potential. • Ensure accurate records are kept of the young people in the Section in accordance with the Data Protection Act and pass these records to the Section Leader when the young person reaches the age to move up to the next Section. • Regularly review the operation of the Section. • Make and maintain good relationships with parents/carers of the young people. This may include running a parent rota and/or inviting parents to support camps or other residential experiences.

Mentoring Young Talent (MYT) is seeking new volunteer mentors… MYT works with young people between the age of 12-26yrs, supporting them 1-1 to gain confidence, explore their strengths, help make future plans to either increase their educational attainment or secure a destination like work, training or further education. Our younger project (12-16yrs) provides mentors to care experienced school attendees while our project for 16-26 year olds aims to support young people locally who may be unemployed, struggling to identify their next steps, need to strengthen their skills and gain from the interaction with a positive role model. Everyone is welcome to apply to be a mentor, it’s a great way to give back, support local young people and share your knowledge and experience. We provide training, support and fund some great activities to take part in alongside your matched young person. This volunteer opportunity is also a great career development opportunity, increasing your own employability skills as a result. During Covid 19 we have seen many young people’s future plans dashed, unemployment rise and increased insecurity for this age group. Mentoring provides a positive way to help this generation, If you can manage between 1-2 hours a week please get in touch. We are seeking volunteers of all ages and life experience and have young people waiting.

Buckstone Scout Group Secretary ... are you an organised person? Do you want to help? No previous secretarial experience is required, we just need someone who is good at admin support. Simples...and it only takes a couple of hours a month. No previous Scouts experience, no problem! This is a non-uniformed volunteering role. This is ideal for someone who does not wish to work directly with young people but support Scouts. Come and be part of our fun team.

Help make a difference. Do you have good leadership skills and enjoy motivating a team? Then you could be our next Buckstone Scout Group Chair of our Group Executive Committee. As Chair you will manage things and work with our Leadership Team to ensure our Scout Group provides the best Scouting possible for our young people. Although the ‘executive’ bit in our committee’s title makes it sound very formal, it is actually not like that at all! No prior Scouting experience is required.

Help us ensure that as many young people as possible are able to join our local scout group through the management of the waiting list. No previous experience of Scouting is a problem, everyone is welcome. This role is incredibly flexible and can be done from home, around your current commitments. Dealing with enquiries either over the phone or via email, there are no set hours. It is a great opportunity to hone your communication skills. Help enable more young people locally to enjoy Scouts.

Being a Beaver Leader (or assistant) is awesome fun. You get to to see local 6-8 year olds try a whole range of activities, growing in confidence and ability. Do you enjoy interacting with young people? Are you a team player with a positive, can-do attitude? Do you enjoy fun activities – from athletics to astronomy from photography to pioneering? Do you want to do more? Then this is right up your street. No Scouts experience, no problem. Flexible volunteering exists to fit around you.

As a Youth Work Volunteer, you will be collaborating with and supporting a Youth & Family Coordinator to facilitate groups across Edinburgh and East Lothian. You will be supporting and facilitating children and young people in group settings to build their confidence, allow their voices to be heard and make informed choices. You may also take part in regular meetings with the coordinator to plan creative activities and develop new ideas.

Can you spare a couple of hours a week to support our amazingly bright and talented autistic young people in gaining valuable independent living skills, employability skills and social skills? Our group enjoys helping our community through a wide range of projects (creativity, environment, youth work) as well as studying for various courses and qualifications. We guarantee you will have a great time and receive a warm welcome and a heap of appreciation!