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We know that the benefit application process is complex. No two cases are the same. That is where we need you. You will support Turn2US Digital Buddies by helping them to answer complex questions they get from people who have asked for extra support in applying for benefits. You will feel great knowing you are making an impact, supporting people through challenging times with your expert knowledge and experience of the benefits system.. Your role is not to provide any form of advice. You will be giving practical support and information all from your smartphone. You will tell them when someone needs to be referred to an advisor, or signposting Digital Buddies to helpful services and information.

Applying for benefits is a stressful process for many people. There are many forms to fill in, alien language and a lack of confidence that the situation will improve. The Turn2US project aims to help more people apply for the welfare support they are entitled to, through a volunteer buddying system. As a Digital Buddy you will be matched with someone who has asked for some extra support in applying for benefits and you will provide online, one-to-one support. You will be a hand to hold for people looking for financial help. Your role is not to provide any form of advice. You can be a source of emotional and practical support to get someone through a hard time in their lives, all via your phone. You in turn will be supported by a Benefits Supporter with expert knowledge of the UK Welfare System who will help you to answer any complex queries that come your way.

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.

Food and Fun was introduced by the Council as a pilot to deliver free meals and activities to children in key areas of Aberdeen during school holiday periods and has been rolled out on a permanent basis. Over Christmas, as an extension of the project, special events were hosted for young people to enjoy the festivities – from ice skating and crafts to a disco and visit to Santa. For everyone involved in Food and Fun there’s a busy period ahead. The main aim is to ensure children continue to be fed, recognising the importance of school meals during term time for a large number of families, and also to provide the opportunity to take part in physical activity in a nurturing environment. The initiative has been recognised with awards – but the reward and motivation for the many people who have put their heart and soul into developing the programme is in the positive impact there is on children, families and communities. When we talk about our purpose – about caring for our city and our people – we think Food and Fun is a shining example that we can all be incredibly proud of. Many participants obtain great life skills which has assisted them in securing other opportunities as well as the personal development and satisfaction that this also brings. All help makes a difference and is greatly appreciated. To volunteer / for more information please contact Martin Smith, Locality Inclusion Manager at E Mail: martinsmith@aberdeencity.gov.uk or Tel.: 01224 788538.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas, each delivering support to serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Every branch has a team of volunteers who make this possible. The Administrator Coordinator is a key member of the team, ensuring the smooth running of the branch and supporting day to day operations. This role is at the heart of the branch, overseeing the group inbox, organising meetings, and liaising with volunteers and external stakeholders. Do you enjoy multi-tasking and coordinating events? Is attention to detail one of your strengths? If so, we’d love to hear from you. You don’t need an Armed Forces background, just good organisation and IT skills.

Come and join our cause any time of the year. You don't have to wait up till Christmas to help make a real difference to the lives of families in Ayrshire. Volunteering with Night Before Christmas is a meaningful way to help some of Ayrshire’s most vulnerable children and families. It’s also an opportunity to develop and enjoy new experiences. You’ll connect with your community, meet new people, learn new skills and share what you know. All our voluntary roles are supported: people come first. We’ll give you an induction and relevant training, and you’ll always have space to raise issues. You don’t need specific skills for many of our roles. All we ask for is enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved. Tasks may include: - Sorting and tidying - Packing bags - Talking and greeting other volunteers - Driving and delivering bags - Keeping records - Fundraising - Participating in events - Creating social media posts - Photography

Are you a positive role model who could give support to a child or young person in Renfrewshire or Inverclyde? Do you have an enthusiastic approach and an ability to connect with children and young people on a 1-1 basis? We are looking for volunteer mentors to support vulnerable children and young people aged 8-14 years old, who are Looked After at Home. What will i be doing? Direct one-to-one mentoring with a child or young person within Renfrewshire or Inverclyde. Providing support for children/young people to access social opportunities and take part in fun activities within their local area Working alongside a child or young person to set personal goals and motivate and encourage them to take part and make choices in their lives Listening to a child/young person by valuing and respecting their feelings, views and opinions Where required taking an active part in reviews and evaluations.

Moray CAB provides information and advice to the community of Moray on a wide variety of issues such as benefits, housing, employment and consumer issues. Advice is provided face-to-face or by telephone so we are looking for people who can listen and be non-judgmental. Volunteer advisers interview clients, search our information system for relevant information and explain this to clients. As an adviser you may also provide practical advice such as completing forms, writing letters and contacting other agencies. Volunteer advisers also make a record of the advice given and actions taken.

If you want to give back to your community, this is a great way to do it. The Moray Firth Credit Union is seeking people who are interested in the exciting opportunity to serve on their Board. The Credit Union has a long history of serving the local community. Formerly the Forres Area Credit Union until 2020, it was set up in 1995 as a response to high unemployment in the area when a nearby Fabrication Yard closed. Today, the main office of the ‘Savings & Loans Co-operative’ is located at 53 High Street Forres, and there are now ‘satellite’ collection points in other places in Moray as this social enterprise develops. If you have an interest in people, community or even if you want to learn more about the unique role a credit union plays in the lives of the people and communities they serve, (and have some spare time) the Moray Firth Credit Union would be delighted to hear from you. For a Board of Directors Pack please call 01309 676735 or email info@morayfirthcreditunion.co.uk for further information and an application. Volunteers are invited to join the Credit Union if they are not already a member.

Home-Start are looking for volunteers with parenting experience or experience of working/volunteering with children/families to help families (with at least one child aged 8 or under) who could use some additional support. Volunteers use their experiences of parenting or work/volunteering with children/families to help by offering emotional and practical support to families, with the aim of enabling them to lead less stressful and more enjoyable lives. The needs of individual families will vary but as a Home-visiting Volunteer you could be involved in anything from engaging in fun activities with the children and helping parents with managing behaviour to practical or emotional support for the families. We take all our volunteers through a FREE training course to ensure that they are fully prepared and confident in the role. This is a great opportunity to grow and gain experience in a support-focused role. You'll also have the chance to meet new people, learn new skills and use your knowledge to improve the lives of local families and children. Usually volunteers support families for around 2-3 hours a week and the time is flexible to suit your availability.