Find opportunities

Give the gift of your time and become a volunteer mentor for young people. It could be life changing for you both! Would you like to support a young person on their journey to gaining new skills and experience, becoming more self-confident and achieving their goals? If the answer is yes, we would love to hear from you. Why mentoring? Mentoring is at the heart of what we do here at ProjectScotland and we offer every young person we support, the opportunity to be matched with a volunteer mentor. We are searching for people in and around Aberdeen who are able to offer one hour of their time once a week or fortnight for up to 12 months to help transform the life of someone else. The young people we work with all face different challenges in their lives such as; mental ill health, long term unemployment, low confidence and self esteem, care experienced, limited English communication skills due to being new to this country or disabilities. As a volunteer mentor, you could support your mentee with whatever is important to them. This could be: goal setting; identifying interests and strengths; confidence building; helping to establish a routine; support to explore job, training and further education opportunities; social connections; or just someone consistent to talk to and check in with to see how they are. The support you can offer is invaluable and can be life changing. How does it work? • Following recruitment, we provide training, support to join the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme, ongoing support, access to lots of resources and a wonderful community of mentors across the country to connect with, learn from and build friendships with. • you are matched to one young person and meet with them once a week or fortnight for around one hour • meetings can be face to face or virtual using email/telephone/video chat/WhatsApp. There is also an opportunity to do a mixture of the two which offers a flexible and accessible approach to this volunteering role in addition to the match itself. •matches can last from 3-12 months depending upon the relationship and the needs of the mentee What’s in it for you? • Help transform your mentee’s life • Develop communication and interpersonal skills e.g. coaching, motivating others, adaptability • Gain transferable skills and experience volunteering with disadvantaged people • Participate in regular support and training • Meet new people, connect and have fun! • Learn about yourself and gain a sense of achievement supporting others • Learn more about your community and the challenges that people can face If you are interested in this opportunity please email: asia.wieloch@volunteeringmatters.org.uk We would love to hear from you! More info about ProjectScotland: ProjectScotland (now part of the Volunteering Matters Family of Brands) works with people (predominantly young people) across the country who are struggling to overcome challenges such as social isolation, mental health issues, low confidence and general uncertainty about their futures. By providing wrap around support and the chance to complete a voluntary placement with a local charity; not only can this enhance confidence and self-belief, but it gives that individual the opportunity to build on their skills and experience and potentially move on to a job, further education or training. Everyone we work with is also offered a volunteer mentor.

The Partnership works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and to break down barriers, overcome challenges and improve quality of life. The group comprises approximately 15 members of the public, working with five local councillors, and its vision is to: a) To bring about improvements to the lives of people in Aberdeen City who experience exclusion because of disability by promoting a rights-based approach to disability equality. b) To create a society where disabled people are valued, respected and included in the life of the City. c) To encourage and promote inclusion and equality. d) To create fair opportunity by identifying and removing the disabling barriers which disabled people face daily including prejudice, discrimination and negative attitudes. e) To provide a means of partnership, consultation and joint action with Aberdeen City Council Meetings are held at Aberdeen Town House (entrance from Queen Street, Aberdeen). There is also the option to join the meeting remotely if you choose to do so. The Disability Equity Partnership (DEP) has 6 meetings over the year. Examples of projects we have been working on include the City Centre Masterplan, Union Terrace Gardens, webpage and information accessibility to reduce barriers and improve access to information, goods and services. A fantastic opportunity to make a real difference and all volunteers are greatly appreciated. For further details please contact Baldeep McGarry, Equalities Officer at email: BMcGarry@aberdeencity.gov.uk or tel.: 07767353006.

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing the charity’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. While all Trustees always retain their responsibility for the Charity as a whole, some will be chosen for their specific expertise in particular areas and will support and advise the Board on that area of expertise. -Main Responsibilities: • Work together to provide leadership and strategic direction to the charity • Ensure that M4U meets its charitable objectives as laid out in the constitution • Ensure that M4U is effectively run and meets all of its legal and regulatory requirements • Ensure that assets are safeguarded and used efficiently for those for whom the charity exists • Ensure that the charity is accountable financially and in other ways • Take on specific roles as required for the smooth operation of the Board of Trustees and charity • To maintain absolute confidentiality about all sensitive/confidential information received in the course of trustee’s responsibilities to the charity. • Act in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries and future beneficiaries at all times • Promote and develop the charity in order for it to grow and maintain its relevance to society -Commitment: Trustees are expected to contribute around 10 hours per month to the charity and to attend 6 Board Meetings per annum. A minimum commitment of 12 months is requested. Trustees are expected to attend a minimum of 2 Workshops, 2 Performances and 2 Fundraising Events per annum. -Remuneration: This is a voluntary position, although reasonable travelling expenses can be refunded. -Accountable to: As the board are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the charity, they are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders, including: service users, funders and OSCR. M4U depends on Trustees having a wide range of skills, and each Board member should have strengths in at least one of the following areas. We do not expect Trustees to be skilled in all of these areas. • Musical theatre • Organisational development/strategy • Financial management • Charity legal compliance responsibilities • Management and development of paid staff/volunteers • Fundraising • Lobbying & campaigning • Ability and time to represent M4U in meetings with stakeholders • Best in employment • Evaluation • IT Management • Project development/management experience A fantastic opportunity to assist in the continued successful development of Music 4 U. All help makes a difference and is greatly appreciated. For further details please email info@m4u.org.uk

Talkable offers a talkline to anyone affected by panic or anxiety. We currently have a range of ways that you can help as a volunteer as we continue to grow and provide ever more vital support to people. Opportunities to join our team of volunteers include: *Phoneline Volunteers – you will be required to provide anxiety relief over the phone to our service users. *Phoneline Team Leader – you will be required to manage the phoneline volunteers as well as be available on the phone. *Message Line Volunteers – you will be required to provide anxiety relief to our service users over our Facebook page, full training will be given. *Promotion Volunteers – you will be required to create social media posts and reach out to companies to make our services known more. *Funding Volunteers – you will be required to help come up with funding ideas to support our vital services. *Policy Assistance Volunteers - we are also looking for a volunteer(s) who can help us with policy work. Excellent support and any relevant training is provided to all volunteers. All help makes a difference and is greatly appreciated. For more information about any of these volunteer roles or any other ways you wish to help us as a volunteer please contact Chelsea Birkett at E Mail: recruitment@talkable.online or tel: 07999 453655.

Altens and Cove Community Association Centre is a local independent charity, run by volunteer Trustees and a small staff team from Altens Community Centre. Serving Altens and Cove, the centre offers a wide range of community activities, along with private hires of our meeting rooms, sports hall and community rooms, and a café. Our highly recommended Fishies Playgroup operates within Altens Community Centre on weekday mornings during term time. As we emerge from pandemic restrictions, we are looking for new trustees to join our friendly group of staff and trustees. In particular, we are seeking a treasurer to manage the association’s accounts in conjunction with the centre manager and other members of the board of trustees. The Centre provides a vibrant atmosphere and essential support for the community of Cove and Altens, and we would be pleased to welcome additional volunteers to our team. For further information please contact Rob Sim, Chair of Board of Trustees at E Mail: altensccchair@gmail.com or tel.: 07801683011. Details about activities and volunteering at the Centre is also available at our Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/altencc/

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.

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

Four Pillars is a Grampian only based LGBT+ Charity that looks after the community in relation to their mental, emotional, physical and sexual health. As a volunteer you will be at the heart of this unique service that looks to work with individuals on reducing risky sexual behaviour and STI/HIV transmissions whilst protecting the whole person. There are many different roles within Four Pillars and what kind of role you play is entirely up to you and your skills. For more information please contact Deejay Bullock at E Mail: deejay@fourpillarsuk.org or tel.: 01224 211963.

Somebody Cares is a local charity who furnish homes, provide clothing, baby equipment, toys and food parcels to those in need within our city and shire. Through referral from many local support services, charities, social workers and the local councils, clients are able to access our services completely free of charge. By demonstrating empathy and support, our aim is to provide a helping hand to those who are facing challenging times, by offering hope and providing then with essential and practicable items which they otherwise couldn’t afford to purchase. Our greatest wish is that after receiving our support our clients can gain confidence, flourish and begin to escape the poverty trap. We work with men, woman and children from many different backgrounds, and our services are accessed by many support services including Aberdeen City Council, Cornhill Hospital, Grampians Women’s Aid, Barnardo’s, Children’s 1st, Turning Point Scotland, Langstane Housing, Shmu, Children and Family Services, Social Bite, Drugs and Alcohol Awareness and many medical professionals. We fund our charitable work by selling some of our donated items at our very busy retail megastore at Hazeldene Road, Aberdeen. (Old Dobbie’s building). The Megastore has many gems and bargains and has a strong local clientele who visit the store on a regular basis. We are looking for volunteers to help us sort through many of the donated items ready for sale. We are flexible with hours and days and are looking for enthusiastic people with a heart for making a difference to join our friendly team. A fantastic opportunity to help. All volunteers make a real difference and are greatly appreciated. For further details please contact Alison Topley, Chief Operating Officer at email: volunteer@somebodycaresscotland.org or telephone: 01224 460700.

The 70/30 Campaign is aiming to reduce child abuse and neglect by 70% by 2030. As a 70/30 Ambassador you will be empowering your local community to protect our children by spreading awareness and gaining support to prevent child abuse and neglect from happening in the first place. You will gain new skills, and be part of a large network of volunteers and professionals, while making a real difference in your local community and across the UK. The role is very flexible and depends on your skills and on the needs in your local area, but you can take part in a range of activities, such as: spreading awareness with people you know and on social media; fundraising; organising events; engaging with MPs, MSPs, AMs and councillors; engaging with local press; expanding your local 70/30 group. Ambassadors will take part in a training session with a member of the team and are invited to join the bi-monthly national conference call with other ambassadors across the country. Ambassadors usually give 2 or more hours of their time a week, but get in touch if you are interested and don't have much time available as there is always some way you can help! Please visit our website and complete the form to become an ambassador today at www.wavetrust.org/7030 or contact Alex Williamson at email: awilliamson@wavetrust.org.