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Following the success of our 'Memories at home' Gazette, which is read by over 200 older people every fortnight, we are on the lookout to build a small editorial team of regular volunteer contributors! The Big Hearts' Gazette is a dementia friendly printed newsletter offering a variety of medium size articles on Scotland's social history, football games, memorable events of the 20th century, cultural icons etc.

Become a volunteer Children’s Panel Member. The qualities you use every day are exactly what Scotland’s infants, children and young people look for in a Panel Member. Children’s Hearings Scotland is looking for people who care about making a difference in the lives of children attending hearings in Scotland. A Panel Member’s role is to listen and make legal decisions with and for infants, children and young people, and to ensure that the young person is at the heart of every decision taken. There’s no one type of person or background that makes the ideal Children’s Panel Member. What you do need are certain qualities, such as being a good listener, caring, compassionate, and reliable. You will receive extensive training so that you are fully capable, and comfortable, making decisions at a hearing in the best interest of a child or young person. Children’s Hearings Scotland is dedicated to recruiting a Children’s Panel that represents Scotland’s communities, and so to ensure a balanced panel they are looking for more applicants 18 – 30 years old, as well as more male Panel Members. If you are passionate about driving positive change in your local community, then this is a volunteering role for you! Find out more: chscotland.gov.uk This year’s campaign will run from January 14th with a closing date for applications of 15th February 2021. For access to full details of the role and to apply online please visit Volunteering with us (chscotland.gov.uk). To make local enquiries please email Kerry.elliott@fife.gov.uk

Our matching service is centered on both the individual and volunteer interests. This is a telephone befriending service due to COVID-19. Previous experience is not required as full training and continual support is provided.

Volunteers will be working on the reception desk at SMFA, a community facility with a public café. As a volunteer you will greet visitors/customers as they come into the premises; take bookings; check emails, voice mails and answer the telephone; check the facility for cleanliness and deal with any other issues as they arise (including Health and Safety). SMFA is a vibrant/lively place to work, with a variety of groups using the premises. There is a chance to meet and chat to lots of interesting people and no two days are the same

This role requires; Supporting the Community Development Worker (CDW) in teaching ESOL and facilitating discussion in both a larger group and smaller breakout groups. It may also include leading discussions on information regarding life in the UK. Working with the CDW to create relevant, informative and engaging plans, and preparing any resources required. At times, attendees may require one on one teaching, practice and support.

Young Volunteers between the ages of 14 - 20 are trained as befrienders before joining them online with Harry (Youth Coordinator) with a view of returning face to face post COVID. The Volunteers will engage in a range of activities with the residents such as reminiscing, arts & crafts, games and are encouraged to come up with new forms of engagement. 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 project worker.

The project coordinator will facilitate the digital skills clubs, providing equipment, learning materials and refreshments. Volunteers will come along and help learners, either one-to-one or in small groups, on a range of topics, depending on what learners would like to cover using resources provided by the coordinator.

Volunteers will visit housebound learners within their own homes for one hour per week to provide tuition on the computer. Tuition will last for 8 weeks and will generally cover basic digital skills such as using internet and email, online shopping & social media, but can be flexible dependent on what the learner would like to cover.

The Volunteer Club Leader will run the group by helping learners, either one-to-one or in small groups, on a range of topics, depending on what learners would like to cover using resources provided by the coordinator and with the help of other volunteers.

Looking to volunteer in a therapeutic garden? For this rewarding role we need friendly and patient people to assist with the delivery of gardening sessions at Dalkeith Country Park Community Garden. We need individuals who are interested in working with young people who have a diverse range of needs. Volunteers will help deliver activities, provide instruction and guidance to other volunteers who may have mental health issues and or learning disabilities. This role is varied and will involve supporting others to feel comfortable and get involved in gardening. All tasks will be explained in advance and with reference to health and safety. Activities may include food growing, wildlife gardening, wood working, assisting with workshops and garden planning. Key to the project is the enjoyment of volunteers who attend our group. This therapeutic session is a safe zone where the volunteers you support can learn new gardening skills, develop their ability to mix socially/work in a team and enhance their employability prospects.