Do you have stories to tell or ideas to explore about what's going on im your local area or across Scotland more widely? We are looking for people interested in contributing to our citizen journalism network. If you share our progressive values and our desire to diversify the media, challenging established narratives, then you could be the perfect fit.
In return, we provide editorial support to help you improve your writing and craft strong stories, plus the protections offered by liability insurance and IMPRESS regulation. You will have access to webinars and other online training on various aspects of journalism, as well as a range of resources in our knowledge bank. You will have the opportunity to network and to build up a portfolio. We love to see our writers go on to find paid employment in journalism.
We are committed to bringing in new voices currently missing from the media, so we particularly welcome applicants from underrepresented groups. We take a flexible approach to organisation so if you need extra help to write, for instance to work around a disability, just let us know and we will do our best to help.
We are looking for volunteer Lead Readers to help facilitate our shared reading groups, which take place in a variety of locations across Scotland, whilst some of our groups meet online. Group sessions involve reading part of a book and a poem aloud, before having an informal and friendly discussion about what we've read. The Lead Reader's role is to select the reading material for each session and help to guide the discussion so that everyone feels included.
We can offer flexible opportunities to suit different schedules. We currently have specific vacancies in Edinburgh on Monday mornings, and on Thursday afternoons and evenings with our online groups, but if you have other availability, we'd still love to hear from you.
St Mary's Preservation Trust preserves and cares for a unique and significant old church in Burwick in South Ronaldsay. The church was a community meeting point for hundreds of years and there are lots of good memory’s associated with it. The Trust want this to continue by holding public events (the bonfire, storytelling) and maintaining the building so it survives for future generations. The group is light hearted and easy going. We meet around 4 times a year and have 3 to 4 events for the public each year. You will get to be involved in a historic place with lots of interesting things happening and be part of a friendly group of people.
The post of secretary is pretty light touch. The main thing we require is someone to help with the collection of minutes, writing them up and sending them out to the group. Later on, this role can expand to a full secretary position if so desired. This would be organising meetings and chasing up on tasks. So if you’ve never been on a board before this would be a great first role.
Fancy making a difference?
We are run entirely by volunteers who give up their own time to help us. There are two main types of volunteers: the uniformed Leaders and the Executive Committee. We help volunteers get the most out of their experiences by providing opportunities for adventure, training, fun and friendship.
The Scout Association award-winning training scheme for volunteers means that adults get as much from Scouts as young people. The approach focuses on what you want to get out of volunteering with Scouts, while respecting how much time you can offer. Over 90% of Scout volunteers say that their skills and experiences have been useful in their work or personal life.
In Scouting, our adults have a responsibility to make sure that the Programme is fun and exciting. We must also make sure that it is safe. The Scout Association’s policies, rules, code of behaviour, advice on Child Protection and safety policy are there to ensure our young people stay safe while they enjoy themselves and learn.
Volunteering for Scouting is one of the most fun, rewarding and positive things you can ever do. You can give as much or a little time you like and we will match opportunities that fit your skills and time available. If you would like to have fun and make friends, earn professional qualifications and make a real difference to the lives of young people please volunteer with us.
If you enjoy chatting and spending time with poeple then you might be the volunteer we are looking for!
We are looking for people to help with various activities from visiting, hairdressing, hand care, arts & crafts, music or just generally helping out. The time commitment is flexible, usually 2-3 hours per week with a minimum period of 6 months commitment and this is a great opportunity to make a difference in your community.
Main tasks include:
* To support allocated service users with one to one or as a group through engagement in a range of activities.
* To encourage and support the service user/s to engage in activities, walks and socialisation.
* To listen and talk with service user/s.
* To read books/ newsletters/ newspapers/ letters.
* Assist with teas/coffees and to support service users with menu choices.
* To provide companionship to service user/s who have few or no visitors.
* Provide support and assistance to help service users achieve goals.
* Develop and promote a positive relationship.
* Establish and maintain appropriate boundaries.
* Help service user/s to build confidence and self-esteem.
All of the above may include group work or individual one to one sessions held in communal lounge, activity areas, or in service users own room as directed by the staff on shift.
|f you would like to find out more, get in touch.
Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTIS)
Human trafficking is happening in all 32 local authorities in Scotland, on each of our doorsteps. Hidden and misunderstood, SOHTIS is committed to bringing freedom to victims and survivors of human trafficking across the country. This is an opportunity for you to join us in bringing awareness initiatives to your area. There will be a range of activities which you can choose from including; networking, arts and crafts, promoting or delivering workshops, training and much more.
Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTIS)
SOHTIS is committed to bringing freedom to victims and survivors of human trafficking in Scotland. This is a unique opportunity to assist with our Weaving 1000 Scarves Project. You can choose from a range of activities including preparing scarf donations for our weaving kits, collaborating on our weaving wall hangings, assisting in the creation of other small items made from scarves and preparing vintage scarves for sale.
Our volunteer cinema helpers support us in setting up the venue (the Carrick Centre, Maybole), meeting and greeting visitors, collecting tickets, etc.
If required, they may be asked to introduce the film and help out with the distribution and sale of refreshments.
This opportunity is for vibrant people who enjoy all that entails working with young people of various backgrounds. The Ark is open to young people on Friday evenings from 7pm – 9.30pm. Volunteers are required to help from 6.30pm-9.30pm for set up and close down.
Some of the responsibilities include, serving drinks and snacks at the bar, capturing social media images and videos, helping operate the sound booth and music.
Volunteers roles are rotated throughout the night, to allow you to gain more skills and qualities.
Why should I volunteer with the Ayr Ark?
· Opportunity to gain a youth qualification.
· Develop employability skills and work experience.
· Training opportunities.
· Meet new people.
· Volunteer team building days and activities.
One of our volunteers, started coming to the Ayr Ark at the age of 13 and went on to become a part of our volunteer group. Erin recently left us to start UNI but when asked ab out her experience of volunteering she said:
“I’ve made friends for life here and gained skills and real life experience I never thought possible and it helped me grow as a person” – Erin Cran, Volunteer.
The opportunity is for vibrant people who enjoy all that entails working with young people of various backgrounds and for those who are looking for experience within events.
Volunteers will assist with the running of events and activities, helping with the set-up, social media and marketing of the events, as well as running activities all day. Volunteers should be flexible as events and activities will take place during weekends and evenings.
If your interested in volunteering with us, get in touch to find out how you can get involved.
Student Placements
Looking to get experience in a youth work setting? We are open to working with students who require to do a work placement as part of a Youth Work related degree. We have a partnership with UWS, speak to your programme leader or get in touch with us to find out more.
Why should I volunteer with the Ayr Ark?
Opportunity to gain a youth qualification
Develop employability skills and work experience.
Training opportunities
Meet new people
Volunteer team building days and activities