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The Foundation for Advancement of Child Education and Youth Empowerment (FACEYOUTH) is a charitable organization, committed to improving the lives of youths and children in Aberdeen and overseas, using the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, as a framework for action. The organization had its first charity outreach in 2016 and has over the years, impacted people from underserved communities positively, regardless of age, gender, religion and background. For over 5 years, FACEYOUTH has been supporting individuals, families and communities through our various projects - from awarding full scholarships to indigent students to hosting sessions on Mental Health Awareness, with the aim to relieve disadvantage of any sorts and give people the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives. There are a great number of ways you can help support the work of FACEYOUTH as a volunteer. Current volunteer opportunities with us include Support Co-Ordinator, Fundraising and Event Volunteers, Marketing Co-Ordinator and PA to our Board. All help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated. For further details please contact Ify Anyaegbu, Founder/Chief Executive at email: faceyouthcharity@gmail.com or tel.:07717346832.

The Butterfly Trust are a Scottish registered charity that offer direct one to one support to people living with Cystic Fibrosis. We are helping to empower people with Cystic Fibrosis in Scotland. Cystic Fibrosis is a progressive, life-limiting, genetically inherited condition with no cure. We are the leading provider of social support to the Cystic Fibrosis community of Scotland, providing face-to-face services for individuals and families, and access to the support needed to ensure they benefit from optimum homecare and enjoy the best quality of life. Volunteering is a fantastic way to make a difference to the life of someone else, and an opportunity to enhance your own life and build new skills. The support worker undertakes tasks that make a real difference to the quality of life for the young people we support. He/she is our first point of contact with clients responding to requests that are often for practical help but also just someone to talk to. Support workers receive training to develop skills in understanding and completing official forms, and can be trained to provide advocacy if they wish to be more challenged. A great opportunity to make a real difference for people. Excellent support and relevant training is provided to all volunteers. For more details please contact Dr Miles Tew, Volunteer Manager at E Mail: miles@butterflytrust.org.uk or tel: 07712 606891.

*Active Schools Aberdeen on the lookout for new volunteers to boost local children’s involvement in sport* Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools team is seeking new volunteers who are eager to play an important role in improving the health and wellbeing of Aberdeen’s young people. The invitation to volunteer extends to anyone over the age of 13 with an interest in sport and a desire to give back to the local community, who is inspired to help young people. Secondary school pupils who opt to volunteer will be accompanied by an adult when helping to deliver sessions. A sportscotland national initiative that aims to provide all children with high quality opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity, Active Schools is delivered in Aberdeen by award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen. The team engages with all local authority primary and secondary schools across the city, with a responsibility to encourage young people to participate in free physical activity sessions and join extracurricular sports clubs. Prior to Covid-19, a notable 89% of Active Schools activities were carried out by volunteers including parents, teachers, students, secondary school pupils and family members. The 2018 to 2019 school academic year saw 891 volunteer deliverers, with some 9588 pupils attending sessions. Eilidh Shanks, former Active Schools volunteer during secondary school, said: “I really enjoyed volunteering for Active Schools. I was involved in helping at netball clubs, holiday activity camps and fun runs. I loved that I got to work with kids of all ages, encouraging them to take part in sport. It was rewarding to see the kids enjoying themselves and improving each week.” Volunteering can also help to shape a career in sport. Rory Anton, former Active Schools volunteer, commented: “During my time volunteer coaching for Active Schools, it really helped me see the power of sport for young people and allowed me as a young coach to develop my leadership capabilities. There are definitely aspects of my job as a Club Development Officer at RGU SPORT supporting the development of our Student Leaders that I couldn’t do without the experience of leading so many sessions for Active Schools.” This is a key opportunity to join a supportive team and individuals will receive full training to ensure safe delivery of all sessions. Those who have the desire to make a difference, acquire new skills and positively impact the lives of local children through sport and physical activity are urged to get involved. To find out further information about becoming an Active Schools volunteer, please visit sportaberdeen.co.uk/active-schools/volunteer-with-active-schools/ or contact the team directly at activeschools@sportaberdeen.co.uk

We have a number of different volunteer opportunities all forming part of our Youth Peer Support offers for young people aged 13-24 across Scotland. These include Community Young Leader - https://volunteer.diabetes.org.uk/opportunities/24396-community-young-leader-aberdeen-2022-01-14 who will be setting up, running and facilitating an online (and in person when safe to do so) peer support group for young people with type 1 diabetes; Dia-Buddy - https://volunteer.diabetes.org.uk/opportunities/24400-youth-dia-buddy-2022-01-14 who will be matched with a young person with type 1 to provide a kind of mentor/buddy type support on a 1-2-1 basis; Digi-know moderator - https://volunteer.diabetes.org.uk/opportunities/24387-digi-know-connector-scotland-wide-2022-01-14 who will be moderating and running an online discussion group; and, a Wellbeing session facilitator - https://volunteer.diabetes.org.uk/opportunities/24399-youth-wellbeing-facilitator-scotland-2022-01-14 who will be trained in facilitating a series of workshops for young people with type 1 diabetes to explore their wellbeing and emotional health. These opportunities are varied, fun and exciting and perfect for anyone who wishes to give back to their community, meet new people and learn new skills that will be valuable in future work/study and general life. As a Diabetes Scotland volunteer, you will be part of a large team of passionate people who give their time and experiences to support people living with diabetes across Scotland and the whole of the UK. You will get excellent opportunities to try new things, to meet new people and to gain key skills! To apply, follow the links above, and to find out more get in touch with us at email: scotland@diabetes.org.uk

*About Bud: Bud is Poppyscotland’s brand new vehicle for exploration and learning, a truck that transforms into a mobile community space, comprising a mini poppy factory, micro-museum and with interactive learning opportunities. Bud is an interactive experience that encourages visitors to create their personal remembrance journey through exploring the exhibits. It is helping us keep remembrance relevant all year round. *About the opportunity: As a Bud Heritage Volunteer, you will support the delivery of the Bud project when Bud is in your area. This could see you supporting in one of the key tasks below: -Welcome members of the public and groups (schools, girl guides, brownies, cubs, cadets etc.) visiting Bud on their arrival -To deliver activities both indoor and outdoor as planned by the Bud team -To assist with evaluation of Bud by encouraging feedback and collecting data -To be flexible in the performance of the post and undertake duties requested by the Bud team -Support the staff team in set up and take down at visits and events. Support staff in the delivery of activities with schools, groups and public visitors *Benefits for you: -Having access to appropriate training for the role -You will have the opportunity to meet a wide range of new people -Building on your existing skills and developing new ones -Being part of a friendly, committed team -Attending local events A fantastic opportunity to help PoppyScotland and be part of the exciting Bud Project. All help makes a difference and is greatly appreciated. *What’s next? For further information or to express your interest in this opportunity, please get in touch either *Online – www.poppybud.org.uk/volunteer , * Email – volunteer@poppybud.org.uk or *Phone – Sandra Comrie – 0141 773 6221.

MCR Pathways has been partnering with schools since 2007 so we know just how amazing the young people of Scotland are. However, sometimes due to situations out of their control, young people face challenges that make it more difficult for them to succeed. That’s why providing the simple support of a mentor is so important and has been proven to make a life-changing difference. This is where you can help… MCR recruits and trains volunteer mentors who are matched with a young person that shares similar interests, hobbies or career aspirations. Mentors meet with their young person at their school for just one hour per week and the difference this makes is transformational. The mentoring relationship is unique as young people establish a friendship with someone who’s there, just for them and is not a teacher, parent, guardian or counsellor. The impact on their life is huge. Recent ScotCen research shows 81.6% of mentored care-experienced pupils left school for college, university or a job, compared with 56.3% of those young people not being mentored. We are hoping to help even more young people in the area reach their potential and are seeking volunteer mentors at Lochside Academy, Aberdeen. The only qualification you need to be a mentor is the desire to help. All young people are different and have different needs, so it’s important that our mentors come from all walks of life. Volunteer mentors are asked to commit just one hour a week for a minimum of one year and will be fully trained and PVG checked before being matched with a young person. The building of the relationship with a young person is facilitated by our fantastic MCR Pathways Coordinators who are based in each school and work with our young people on a daily basis. We’re asking you to #BeTheBridge between a young person’s talent and life possibilities. For only one hour per week, you can change a life. Why not do something to make a difference that lasts a lifetime. All help is greatly appreciated. Please register online at https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/ or contact our Mentor Services Team in Aberdeen at email aberdeen@mcrpathways.org / tel.: 07709249661.

The Boys’ Brigade is the oldest uniformed youth organisation in the country. We promote habits which leads young people to be good all round citizens, through an extensive programme. It is rewarding and an honour to watch 5 year old shy children grown into confident young adults, ready to play their part in society. With Covid-19 rules many Companies are looking for additional volunteers to help run the different Sections separately. Helping out in a BB group with children and young people can make all the difference to young lives – meaning happier young people, happier communities and a society that values the contribution that we can all make; young, old or in-between. We call our volunteers “leaders” because they guide a course for children and young people. *What do volunteers do? There are lots of different ways that you can help. We work with boys and girls from all backgrounds and of all faiths, and with those with no faith. Most of our volunteers come along for a couple of hours a week in the evening and get involved with one or more of our four age sections: Anchors, Juniors, Company, Seniors. We need volunteers to help children with activities, games, sport, arts and crafts, hobbies, music etc. Whatever you can help with is greatly valued. We also want volunteers who will be able to relate to young people and over time, become adults they can trust and talk to. *I can't help every week, do you still want me? Yes! The beauty of volunteering with the BB is that you can be flexible, and if you can only help out once a month, or even once a year at the annual camp then we are happy to welcome you. *What is the age limit? You can volunteer from 14+ as a Young Leader, with a wider range of roles for those aged 18+. There’s no upper age limit. We really do welcome applications from all ages. *Do I have to be Christian? Some churches where BB groups are based like leaders to be members of that church, but are happy that certain roles are performed by people who are in sympathy with the Christian basis of the BB. Other than that, we welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and cultures. There are BB groups in and around Aberdeen, looking for volunteers, from Cove to Balmedie, Powis, Northfield, Woodside and the Bridge of Don, and everywhere in between. There will be a group near you who will welcome and greatly appreciate your help. A fantastic opportunity to help and make a real difference for people and communities. For further information please contact Andy Cowie at email: acowie999@btinternet.com or tel.: 01224 7903248 / 07715279478.

We’re scouting for talent. You don’t have to be Bear Grylls to volunteer. Use your skills and talents for good and make a difference. Practical, flexible Scouting. Team working in a variety of tasks. Mainly to start new sections for Beavers (6-8) and Cubs (8-10½). To find out more please Email: volunteering21stscouts@gmail.com

Become a Mentor and #BeTheBridge for a Young Person Do you have just one hour per week to meet with a like-minded young person in school and chat about hobbies, interests and career aspirations you have in common? Mentoring charity MCR Pathways are looking for volunteer mentors to sign up and support a young person in one of six Aberdeen schools: Dyce Academy, Harlaw Academy, Hazlehead Academy, Lochside Academy, Northfield Academy and St Machar Academy. Meeting weekly, for a minimum of one year, volunteers can help a young person they are matched with to build confidence, aspirations and work towards a strong post-school destination. Not only does the pupil benefit, but the mentor gains a number of life skills and, most importantly, a friend for life. There are no qualifications required and full training is provided. All MCR asks is that mentors are over 21 and are there consistently for their young person. The signup process can be completed online and the MCR team will be on hand to guide you through each step of the way. You can #BeTheBridge between potential and possibility. There are so many young people who need a mentor that’s there just for them. For further details / to register your interest please visit https://mcrpathways.org/aberdeen/ or contact our Mentor Services Team in Aberdeen at email aberdeen@mcrpathways.org / tel.: 07709249661.

ProjectScotland supports young people to reach their potential through tailored support, the opportunity to experience the benefits of a volunteering placement themselves and the support of volunteer mentors. This is a national programme which we have recently secured funding to deliver in the Aberdeen area. As a guide -6-month commitment – 1 hour weekly although this will be flexible and may fluctuate to meet mentor and mentee availability, this meeting would ideally be face to face however given the COVID situation many matches are virtual using email/telephone/video chat/WhatsApp. In the role you may be assisting a young person to identify personal goals and aims and support them to work towards these in a planned and thought through way. e.g building self-esteem, feeling more confident in social situations, expressing themselves effectively, recognising personal strengths. In other matches you might be working on softer outcomes such as helping them to develop life skills, routine, planning for the day, managing their time effectively and in many cases just checking in to make sure all is well and they are doing alright. For further information please contact Emma Hanlon, Mentor Manager at email: emma.hanlon@volunteeringmatters.org.uk or tel.: 07746938237.