Find opportunities

**All our volunteering activities are outdoors and managed carefully with covid in mind** Are you passionate about cycling and walking? Could you inspire young people in Aberdeen to cycle or walk more? Volunteer with I Bike! I Bike is a really fun and rewarding project to volunteer with that offers plenty of opportunities to get outdoors for cycling-related activities, boost the CV, gain experience of work with children and young people, meet new people and learn new skills. Good training and support is provided to all volunteers including an online Welcome Session, Child Protection Training, Cycling Skills and Bike Repairs. For most activities you don't have to own a bike to join in - bikes and helmets can be provided depending on availability. I Bike aims to help children and young people become more active through taking part in cycling and walking activities. You would be volunteering alongside a dedicated I Bike Officer in schools, supporting activities for children such as learn to cycle, playground cycle skills, led bike rides, led walks, bike maintenance and much more! What could be better than helping children to ride their bike without stabilisers for the first time? Hear from some of our fantastic volunteers via our website link at https://ibike.sustrans.org.uk/home/volunteers/ We advocate for volunteering for all - please talk to us if you have any accessibility requirements or other specific requirements. A fantastic opportunity to help. All volunteers make a real difference and are greatly appreciated. For further details please contact Anna Whealing, Project Officer, I Bike Volunteering, Sustrans Scotland at email: Anna.Whealing@sustrans.org.uk

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.

*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

*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.

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.

*Looking for a fun and exciting way to inspire the next generation? Help local children get active? Boost your confidence? Develop important life skills? Enhance your CV?* Active Schools are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help support existing activities or develop new ones to enhance the opportunities available to children throughout the City. Whether it’s football, netball, tennis, yoga, dance or multisport, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Opportunities are available before school, during lunchtime, after-school or in the evening. There is a Club out there for everyone! Most volunteers attend activities within their local area on a weekly basis and commitment is from as little as one hour a week. Getting involved in an Active Schools Club will help get more children active and give them the opportunity to develop important life skills. Be it making friends, getting active, improving health and mental well-being or gaining self-esteem, the benefits of participating in sport is endless. Aged 12-25? Boost your CV and prospects by joining the Saltire Awards. Gain certificates based on your volunteering and earn extra Young Scot award points for fantastic prizes. Full support and training is provided to all volunteers. 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

**All our volunteering activities are outdoors and managed carefully with covid in mind** Are you passionate about cycling? Do you have an interest in bike maintenance? Volunteer with I Bike! I Bike is a really fun and rewarding project to volunteer with that offers plenty of opportunities to get outdoors for cycling-related activities, boost the CV, gain experience of work with children and young people, meet new people and learn new skills. In Aberdeen, we're particularly looking for people who are interested in bike maintenance. Maybe you want to improve your existing skills, get some practice alongside others or put your expertise to good use! Training and support is provided for all levels. I Bike is a schools programme which aims to help children and young people become more active through taking part in cycling and walking activities. You would be volunteering alongside a dedicated I Bike Officer in schools. Our maintenance sessions are called Dr Bike where we set up a workshop in the school grounds to fix children's bikes. But there are plenty of other activities we run for children such as learn to cycle, playground cycle skills, led bike rides, led walks and much more! Hear from some of our fantastic volunteers via our website at https://ibike.sustrans.org.uk/home/volunteers/ We advocate for volunteering for all - please talk to us if you have any accessibility requirements or other specific requirements. A fantastic opportunity to help. All volunteers make a real difference and are greatly appreciated. For further details please contact Anna Whealing, Project Officer, I Bike Volunteering, Sustrans Scotland at email: Anna.Whealing@sustrans.org.uk

Volunteering with Action Tutoring is an easy and rewarding way to make a difference to the lives of young people. By volunteering and tutoring for just one hour a week, you will be able to directly support disadvantaged young people to build their confidence and help ensure they leave school with the grades needed to build a bright future, as well as developing your own skills. And now you can volunteer with us as an online tutor to support pupils to reach their potential. Online tutoring is a great option for anyone on a busy schedule or those continuing to keep their distance from groups of people. For our online programmes, tutors work remotely and support pupils in English or maths in a virtual classroom. For further details please contact us at email volunteer@actiontutoring.org.uk

Mentoring in Highland schools, including Dingwall, Alness and Invergordon Academies, MCR have a full time "Pathways Coordinator" who works with small groups of pupils in S1 and S2 to increase confidence and social interaction. From S3 onwards these individuals are offered a 1:1 Mentor, who is a volunteer from the local community, trained and supported by MCR Pathways. Having a reliable, trusted adult in their life is transformational for our young people. Someone who believes in them, is their friend, doesn't judge them, listens to them, helps them grow and develop their skills. Young people then become more engaged with school, with their peers, with other adults - and have hope for the future. We operate in term time only, within the school - you will be allocated a space each week with your mentee. Your PC will support you throughout your journey. Mentoring can be flexible to suit Mentors work patterns and family commitments. Mentors learn new skills and enjoy meeting other mentors in the area at our regular get togethers. Training Applicants receive comprehensive training and ongoing support via our Mentor Hub, Mentor Services area team, PC in the school and our Partnership Team. Training and Social gatherings are organised throughout the year, for all Mentors. For more information, visit our website or email highland@mcrpathways.org