Volunteering Opportunities

Highland and Islands Blood Bikes are seeking an individual with substantial work experience in areas such as marketing, communications and income generation to lead this area of work at board level.   This vibrant and active charity depends wholly on promoting, the vital work it does, to the public, decision-makers, partners and the public whilst seeking to generate income/donations from grants, partnerships, cash and legacies etc.   Hours are variable so opportunity may appeal equally to recently retired or those still in full-time or part-time work. The ability to attend occasional evening meetings in Inverness is essential   Please contact us for further information and/or to apply (with a CV), to secretary@haibloodbikes.co.uk

We believe that peer support can help people to feel less isolated, develop insight into their condition and learn new ways to cope and move forward. To do this, we need passionate facilitators to help ensure our support groups take place regularly and are welcoming, safe, inclusive and positive for everyone who attends. Alongside a co-facilitator, you will facilitate a support group once per month for 2 hours. You’ll be welcoming people, encouraging discussion and dealing sensitively with issues or conflict that may arise within the group meeting. You’ll play an important role in ensuring meetings run to time and that everyone has an opportunity to share if they choose to do so. You’ll be responsible for emailing meeting reminders to group participants and submitting brief statistics to Bipolar Scotland after each meeting. Reliability is essential, so we are looking for people with the ability to commit to facilitating a meeting once per month. We welcome applications from people living with bipolar, or experience supporting others with bipolar or another mental health condition.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported. Activities include: •Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers •Planning fundraising events and activities with your team •Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events •Keeping financial records from fundraising events •Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection •Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers We're looking for someone with the following: •Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others •Excellent organisational skills •The ability to prioritise and delegate •An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly •Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community •Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided •Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+ More info via Roslyn Mackay Tel: 07350 445170 or E-mail: neysfundraisinghub@cats.org.uk

Reach4Reality works with autistic young people and young adults involving them in a range of outdoor activities tailored to their individual needs. Activities might be short 1:1 sessions with our staff, half day/day activities during the holidays, building up to overnight stays, weekend camps and 5 day camps. The role of a holiday activities volunteer is to come and support young people and young adults with autism or another social communication difficulty on our half day activities during the Easter holidays or our full day activities during the summer holidays. These take place at various locations within the Highlands. Volunteers do the outdoor activities (e.g. canoeing, kayaking, biking, walking) alongside the young people and our staff, supporting them as required, but primarily just befriending them and helping to make sure that they have a fun and rewarding experience. No specific experience of outdoor activities required, just a reasonable level of fitness and a willing to give activities a try! Contact: Sylvia Longbottom, Project Coordinator on 07796905339 or sylvia longbottom@reach4reality.org.uk

Reach4Reality works with autistic young people and young adults involving them in a range of outdoor activities tailored to their individual needs. Activities might be short 1:1 sessions with our staff, half day/day activities during the holidays, building up to overnight stays, weekend camps and 5 day camps. The role of an activities volunteer is to come and support young people and young adults with autism or another social communication difficulty on some of our regular evening activities. These take place at various venues within Inverness or immediate area e.g. climbing at the Ledge, biking on local trails, badminton in Invernessm canoeing at Muirtown basin or Dochgarroch.Volunteers do the outdoor activities (e.g. canoeing, kayaking, biking, walking) alongside the young people and our staff, supporting them as required, but primarily just befriending them and helping to make sure that they have a fun and rewarding experience. Would be suitable for someone doing their DofE volunteering. No specific experience of outdoor activities required, just a reasonable level of fitness and a willing to give activities a try!

Reach4Reality works with autistic young people and young adults involving them in a range of outdoor activities tailored to their individual needs. Activities might be short 1:1 sessions with our staff, half day/day activities during the holidays, building up to overnight stays, weekend camps and 5 day camps. The role of a camp volunteer is to come and support young people and young adults with autism or another social communication difficulty on our regular weekend camps. These take place at various self-catering venues mainly in the Aviemore/Kincraig area or at local outdoor centres. Volunteers do the outdoor activities (e.g. canoeing, kayaking, biking, walking) alongside the young people and our staff, supporting them as required, but primarily just befriending them and helping to make sure that they have a fun and rewarding experience. Within the more general social times on camp, the role involves chatting to the young people, playing games with them or helping with clearing up after meals. If someone has a particular interest, skill, or qualification in food hygiene or catering we would also welcome anyone who could help with meal preparation too! No specific experience of outdoor activities required, just a reasonable level of fitness and a willing to give activities a try! Contact: Sylvia Longbottom, Project Coordinator 07796905339 or sylvialongbottom@reach4reality.org.uk

Our Registrered Charity currently run three shops, all situated on Kingussie High Street. These are our Bookshop, Charity Shop, and "The Hub", which sells furniture, bric-a-brac, high end clothing and contains our community foodshare facility. We are looking for extra volunteers to help keep us going. The amount of time we are asking for is whatever you wish to spare. Our shops open from 10am - 4.30pm, Tuesday - Saturday. There is no set day or time you would be expected to attend; that is entirely up to you. Tasks involved entail dealing face to face with the public, making sales, operating the till, sorting donations, and setting up shop displays. There is usually always someone else to help, and we aim to make volunteering in our shops both fun and enjoyable. Many of our volunteers tell us that they gain a great deal of satisfaction from thier time spent volunteering with us. Want to know more about who we are and what we do? Check us out on our website, Facebook or Instagram.

Our shops help fund Hospice care in the Highlands. As a retail volunteer you will work as part of the team with the Shop Manager to keep the shop open and to generate income from the sale of donated and new goods. We have 15 shops located across the Highlands including our Falcon Square shop. You will be providing a high standard of customer care, sorting and pricing donations. You will operate the till and handle cash, help keep the shop tidy and clean. In this role you will learn about the work of Highland Hospice and how the shop supports this valuable work throughout the Highlands. Volunteers will gain retail experience, meet people, help the community and gain confidence.

Our shops help fund Hospice care in the Highlands. As a retail volunteer you will work as part of the team with the Shop Manager to keep the shop open and to generate income from the sale of donated and new goods. We have 15 shops located across the Highlands including our Aviemore shop. You will be providing a high standard of customer care, sorting and pricing donations. You will operate the till and handle cash, help keep the shop tidy and clean. In this role you will learn about the work of Highland Hospice and how the shop supports this valuable work throughout the Highlands. Volunteers will gain retail experience, meet people, help the community and gain confidence.

Our shops help fund Hospice care in the Highlands. As a retail volunteer you will work as part of the team with the Shop Manager to keep the shop open and to generate income from the sale of donated and new goods. We have 15 shops located across the Highlands including our Grantown shop. You will be providing a high standard of customer care, sorting and pricing donations. You will operate the till and handle cash, help keep the shop tidy and clean. In this role you will learn about the work of Highland Hospice and how the shop supports this valuable work throughout the Highlands. Volunteers will gain retail experience, meet people, help the community and gain confidence.

Our shops help fund Hospice care in the Highlands. As a retail volunteer you will work as part of the team with the Shop Manager to keep the shop open and to generate income from the sale of donated and new goods. We have 15 shops located across the Highlands including our Wick shop. You will be providing a high standard of customer care, sorting and pricing donations. You will operate the till and handle cash, help keep the shop tidy and clean. In this role you will learn about the work of Highland Hospice and how the shop supports this valuable work throughout the Highlands. Volunteers will gain retail experience, meet people, help the community and gain confidence.

Our shops help fund Hospice care in the Highlands. As a retail volunteer you will work as part of the team with the Shop Manager to keep the shop open and to generate income from the sale of donated and new goods. We have 15 shops located across the Highlands including our Thurso shop. You will be providing a high standard of customer care, sorting and pricing donations. You will operate the till and handle cash, help keep the shop tidy and clean. In this role you will learn about the work of Highland Hospice and how the shop supports this valuable work throughout the Highlands. Volunteers will gain retail experience, meet people, help the community and gain confidence.

Our shops help fund Hospice care in the Highlands. As a retail volunteer you will work as part of the team with the Shop Manager to keep the shop open and to generate income from the sale of donated and new goods. We have 15 shops located across the Highlands including our Dornoch shop. You will be providing a high standard of customer care, sorting and pricing donations. You will operate the till and handle cash, help keep the shop tidy and clean. In this role you will learn about the work of Highland Hospice and how the shop supports this valuable work throughout the Highlands. Volunteers will gain retail experience, meet people, help the community and gain confidence.

Our shops help fund Hospice care in the Highlands. As a retail volunteer you will work as part of the team with the Shop Manager to keep the shop open and to generate income from the sale of donated and new goods. We have 15 shops located across the Highlands including our Tain shop. You will be providing a high standard of customer care, sorting and pricing donations. You will operate the till and handle cash, help keep the shop tidy and clean. In this role you will learn about the work of Highland Hospice and how the shop supports this valuable work throughout the Highlands. Volunteers will gain retail experience, meet people, help the community and gain confidence.

Our shops help fund Hospice care in the Highlands. As a retail volunteer you will work as part of the team with the Shop Manager to keep the shop open and to generate income from the sale of donated and new goods. We have 15 shops located across the Highlands including our Alness shop. You will be providing a high standard of customer care, sorting and pricing donations. You will operate the till and handle cash, help keep the shop tidy and clean. In this role you will learn about the work of Highland Hospice and how the shop supports this valuable work throughout the Highlands. Volunteers will gain retail experience, meet people, help the community and gain confidence.

Our shops help fund Hospice care in the Highlands. As a retail volunteer you will work as part of the team with the Shop Manager to keep the shop open and to generate income from the sale of donated and new goods. We have 15 shops located across the Highlands including our Fort William shop. You will be providing a high standard of customer care, sorting and pricing donations. You will operate the till and handle cash, help keep the shop tidy and clean. In this role you will learn about the work of Highland Hospice and how the shop supports this valuable work throughout the Highlands. Volunteers will gain retail experience, meet people, help the community and gain confidence.

Our shops help fund Hospice care in the Highlands. As a retail volunteer you will work as part of the team with the Shop Manager to keep the shop open and to generate income from the sale of donated and new goods. We have 15 shops located across the Highlands including our Portree shop. You will be providing a high standard of customer care, sorting and pricing donations. You will operate the till and handle cash, help keep the shop tidy and clean. In this role you will learn about the work of Highland Hospice and how the shop supports this valuable work throughout the Highlands. Volunteers will gain retail experience, meet people, help the community and gain confidence.

Are you interested in promoting the work of Highland and Islands Blood Bikes by preparing and uploading content across social media whilst assisting us in developing other promotional materials? Excellent written skills alongside good computer/ internet/ social media knowledge should be paired with an interest in seeking out opportunities to promote the work of this small but vibrant charity. Skills in networking and liaising with other volunteers will underpin your ability to shape and share news, images and other content, both externally and internally. This is a volunteer position with variable hours which can be worked around other commitments so may appeal equally to recently retired or full-time/ part-time workers with an interest in gaining further PR experience. Please contact us for further information or apply directly by email with a CV, to secretary@haibloodbikes.co.uk

Volunteer at our tree nursery! We offer day volunteering for locals in our tree nursery at our Dundreggan estate in Glenmoriston - usually on a Wednesday, from mid March to mid November. Join our small friendly group and help with seasonal tasks which vary through the year, such as seed sowing, transplanting seedlings, weeding around seedlings, digging and packing trees for dispatch. Volunteers need to bring their own lunch and wear appropriate clothing, including boots and waterproofs. If you are interested in volunteering, then please contact us on: nursery@treesforlife.org.uk and we can give you further details and answer your questions if you have any.

Red squirrel volunteers needed! Are you based in Aviemore, Black Isle or Nairn? We're looking for volunteers to help with our Red Squirrel Reintroduction Project this spring (February - March). We need volunteers to help with baiting feeders and there may be opportunities to take part in translocations as well. Please email sarahw@treesforlife.org.uk to find out more. The Red Squirrel Reintroduction Project is creating new populations of red squirrels in the northwest Highlands by translocating reds from healthy populations in the central Highlands and Moray.

We are looking to recruit a volunteer with specific skills as the charity Treasurer due to the sudden illness of our current Treasurer. It would be preferable if the treasurer could be based in Highland area. The position is a home-based one with occasional meetings in the Listening & Training Centre in Nairn Community & Arts Centre. Find more information https://listenwellscotland.org.uk/volunteer-treasurer-opportunity/ Listen Well Scotland (LWS) is a small charity with 3 regional centres dedicated to developing Listening People and Listening Communities across Scotland. Our team of committed volunteers deliver our two services – Active Listening Training Programme for adults and young people and 1:1 free, confidential listening service – Listening Time4U making a positive difference to mental health and wellbeing. LWS’ North Team has been developing a Regional Listening and Training Centre based in Nairn Community & Arts Centre and serving Highland and Moray now the Registered Address of the Charity.

We are looking to recruit Volunteer Drivers, who would use their own car to transport people in Fort William and the Surrounding areas which include; Glencoe, Kinlochleven, Ballachulish, Onich, Spean Bridge and Roy Bridge. We take clients to and from Medical appointments, Shopping, Hair appointments and Social Groups or just to visit a friend. We pay expenses which amount to 45p per mile. The Volunteers are also paid what we call "dead" miles. So they would be paid 45p each mile from their home to the clients home and back once they drop the client off.

Our shops help fund Hospice care in the Highlands. As a retail volunteer you will work as part of the team with the Shop Manager to keep the shop open and to generate income from the sale of donated and new goods. We have 15 shops located across the Highlands including our Harbour Road shop. You will be providing a high standard of customer care, sorting and pricing donations. You will operate the till and handle cash, help keep the shop tidy and clean. In this role you will learn about the work of Highland Hospice and how the shop supports this valuable work throughout the Highlands. Volunteers will gain retail experience, meet people, help the community and gain confidence.

Our shops help fund Hospice care in the Highlands. Retail volunteers work as part of team with the Shop Manager to keep the shop open and to generate income from the sale of donated and new goods. Our 15 shops are located across the Highlands. You will be providing a high standard of customer care, sorting and pricing donations. You will operate the till and handle cash and help keep the shop tidy and clean.

Trustee required to help progress the future of the Riding for the Disabled Charity based at Reelig, Kirkhill. IV5 7PP. A knowledge of horses is not a requirement as the role involves organisation and governance of the Group. We have planning for 2 buildings so a knowledge of Project management, land management or building would be very useful.

Organise Trustee meeting in agreement with Chair; issue agenda; to take minutes during meeting and write up after, distribute to Trustees after agreement with Chair. Take part in discussion of agenda items.

Become a volunteer mentor with MCR Pathways. Share one hour a week with a young person at a secondary school local to you. Provide support and encouragement, to help them realise their talents, potential and build their confidence towards a positive post-school destination. The young people on the mentoring programme are usually in S3 to S6, and are living with a disadvantage which may create a barrier to their education. This could be social work involvement, living with a breavement, dealing with addiction issues at home, or being a young carer. Each young person and situation is unique, and we carefully match mentors to young people based on experiences, interests and personality. Our mentors are from all walks of life, with a range of life experiences and all ages (over 21). We ask for our volunteers to be a reliable and consistent support to one young person for a minimum of one school year. Schools where we currently run the MCR Pathways programme in the Highlands and Islands are: Inverness High School, Inverness Royal Academy, Culloden Academy, Nairn Academy, Dingwall Academy, Allness Academy, Invergordon Academy, Wick High School, Golspie High School, Lochaber High School, Nicolson Instritute (Stornoway)

Assisting and supervising the nightly running of cadet activities with optional weekend events when they come up. Help the cadets develop their full potential.

Volunteer Roles At present we have two main elements to the café and volunteer role/s available as part of the repair cafe. These are: Repairing/Fixing & Hosting/Social/Admin What are the role/s all about? You really don’t need to be an expert repairer to join us but you probably have an idea of the sort of things you’re happiest working with. If you need advice, there will always be someone to ask. Repairers/Fixers All skill levels are welcome! We are looking for fixers who can fix the following: •Small appliances •Clothing repair/ sewing •Bicycle repair •Electronics •Joinery and woodwork •Other identified repair possibilities e.g. toys, garden tools, jewellery, watches, ceramics, pottery Repairers are not required to show proof of their professional qualifications and/or training and they should only attempt repairs for which they have the necessary skills, competence and expertise. Repairers are encouraged to work together and learn from each other. Repairers assess and repair where possible broken or faulty items brought to the event. So tasks may include: •Helping set up and pull down the event •Setting up own workstation safely •Welcoming people who’ve brought their items to be fixed and talking them through the fault and its repair •Involving them in the repair if safe •Giving advice on next steps if repair can’t be completed •Keeping a record of items’ repair progress, including any advice given •Supporting other repairers with advice if needed, including mentoring new repairers •Helping ensure Repair Cafe toolkit is ready for next Repair Cafe There’s a physical, social and admin side to events: •Physical – as a repair volunteer, your main focus will be practical attention to the item brought to you, but you might be asked to help with setting-up and taking-down of stalls/info, putting out and stacking chairs and tables, decorating the room with bunting etc •Social – you’ll be chatting to people, helping them to understand why their item isn’t working as it should, and engaging them in the repair process as much as possible, where safe. You’ll also be chatting to other repairers, asking experienced repairers for tips and picking up new skills. •Administration – we’ll ask you to keep a log of all the items you get to work on, whether they are fixed or not. This provides us with invaluable data. We will use it to discourage manufacturers from deliberately making things that are difficult to fix. Hosting/Social/Admin Volunteering •Greet guests and explain how the Repair Cafe works •Keeping register of those attending the Repair cafe •Review and have guests sign the photo and liability forms •Maintain a list of what each guest brought •On the day collating and collecting various associated administrative café paperwork and information from or on café users •Promote volunteering opportunities for upcoming repair cafes •Keep track of potential suggestions, inquiries and comments •Help with provision of refreshments •Be available to talk with and listen to guests What skills do I need? We need people who are: •Punctual •Flexible, willing to jump in and help with whatever they can •Friendly Is there any training or support available? •There will be a briefing for volunteers at the start of the Repair Cafe. •You’ll be made aware of the Risk Assessment for the Repair cafe •There will be a member of staff and experienced volunteers to help you. •The event, venue and volunteers are covered by ILM Highland linked insurance policies. •Ongoing training related to the role/s will be identified as required /requested by volunteers or staff and appropriate training put in place to then meet these identified needs or requirements.

As a Community Connector, you will be making links with your local community to raise awareness of stroke and the Stroke Association. By speaking to people in your community, you can help people understand the effects of stroke on lives and help to improve the experience of those affected by stroke.

To provide social support through a befriending friendship. Create a meaningful connection with those in the community who wish to improve their self-confidence, emotional health, and well-being, to reduce social isolation and loneliness. If you enjoy meeting new people in your local community and have a warm friendly attitude we would love to hear from you . Our contact details are Elspeth@cvg.org.uk or message us on our Facebook page Befriending Caithness

We are looking for people interested in the circular community and /or DIY to help with the running of our tool library. Inverness Tool Library (formerly known as Clachworks) has been active for over 18 months and is currently based at the old Stirling Furniture shop, Telford Retail Park, Inverness. We have over 500 tools available for our members to hire, and our current membership is around 100 and rising.   No experience or tool knowledge is required, on the job training is given by our team. We are asking you to commit as little as 3 hours (ie. one shift) a month to help out in the library, of course we would love it if you could offer more. A friendly and approachable manner is all you need.   For an informal chat about the library, email John on jonimuse001@gmail.com

Our General Maintenance Volunteers support us to carry out general gardening duties and tidying of service sites. The role could include, gardening, painting and decorating, general tidying up indoor and outdoor areas and fixing broken equipment. We are looking for enthusiastic people to join our team, who are able to complete basic DIY activities and are keen to support the provision of our services in welcoming and attractive service sites.

Barnardo’s Befrienders work with young people a 1:1 basis, offering practical assistance and emotional support, to build their self-confidence, coping mechanisms and positive relationships. The work could be focused on a particular need, such as confidence building, or it could be more focused around supporting the young person to access local community groups. We are looking for volunteers, with a passion for making a difference in young people’s lives, with a friendly and approachable attitude and an ability to engage young people, empowering them to take steps towards improving their situation and achieving their goals.

We are looking for volunteers to help us in our charity shop in Golspie. Tasks will include greeting and serving customers, dealing with the cash register and card machine, sorting through donations, keeping the shop floor tidy and organised and pricing items. We raise funds for TYKES Young Carers which provides support and respite for young carers aged 5-25 in Sutherland. Funds go towards providing fun activities for the kids, providing food and staffing.

The RNLI are recruiting for a team of volunteers who will collect in the local supermarkets. We already have agreements in place with the supermarkets but unfortunately we have no volunteers available to fill this role. Supermarket collection volunteers will be inside where it is warm and will have access to tables and chairs if needed. It is a great opportunity to become a volunteer with a friend or family member as there would be at least 2 volunteers in the supermarket collecting at any one time. It is also a great way in making new friends with similar interests. If you are interested in this opportunity and would like further information or have any questions please contact Frances Beveridge, RNLI Community Manager, on 07773 120592 or email Frances_Beveridge@rnli.org.uk. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Frances

As a Community Connector Volunteer you will receive energy advice training to deliver light touch energy advice to members of rural communities, helping them to understand how to reduce their energy use and minimise their carbon emissions. No prior skills or experience are needed. However, the volunteer will need to have: - An enthusiastic and positive approach - An ability to communicate confidently face-to-face with members of the public - Ability to proactively approach the public - Ability to follow Changeworks’ process for managing customer data in a secure way - Flexible outlook and ability to adapt approach - Ideally live in rural area If you are interested in volunteering please register your interest via the Changeworks website or by emailing volunteering@changeworks.org.uk . Changeworks Volunteer Coordinator will follow up on your application to arrange an introductory chat about the role.

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer with Police Scotland? With a long and impressive history. The Special Constabulary is a part-time, volunteer body consisting of members of the public, who give up their spare time to support us, support their communities. As a special constable. You will be given identical powers to that of police officers, where you will work alongside us, during times that best suits you. If you are interested in learning new skills, forging strong partnerships in the community, preventing crime, and interacting with all kinds of people to make a real difference, then this is the role for you. This can be done by volunteering a couple of hours a week and up to 96 hours per year or more. Our Special Constables come from all walks of life including professionals, parents, teachers, students, and from sectors such as retail, transport, finance, engineering, plus many, many more. If you want to know more about the special constable role and how to apply, please either get in touch with our point of contact, or follow this link; https://policescotland-spacareers.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-PoliceScotlandExternal/brand-3/user-9/xf-88debf64938a/wid-14/candidate/jobboard/vacancy/3/adv/?

Victim Support Scotland is the leading charity dedicated to helping people affected by crime across Scotland. Our Support Services provide free and confidential emotional and practical support to anyone affected by crime in Scotland.  We offer bespoke support, personalised to the needs of each individual. We are looking for dedicated individuals to join our incredible team of volunteers! Our volunteers provide information, guidance, emotional support and practical assistance for anyone affected by crime, including victims, witnesses, their families and friends. Support may take place in person, online, or in court. We’re recruiting for volunteers across Highland and Islands now! We’re particularly looking for new volunteers in the following areas: •Inverness •Wick •Portree •Fort William

We are looking for volunteers to help our online sales team and prepare clothes that have been generously donated so they are ready to be sold on Vinted. Duties will include assessing if items are appropriate for sale, sorting and processing donated goods by clothing type and size, keeping the donation area organised, clean and tidy and most importantly having fun with our warehouse team and online sales managers.

As a CHSS Community Connector you can support CHSS any time or anywhere, giving as much or as little time to the tasks as you wish. As long as you have access to a smartphone, tablet or computer you can get involved to ensure No Life is Half Lived! This is a fully flexible opportunity that can fit around your busy life! As a CHSS Community Connector you can make a real difference to people with our conditions by spreading our message on social media. Volunteering is an excellent way to improve your own mental health and wellbeing, as well as a way to use, learn and develop new skills.

Maintenance of the Highland Group RDA grounds; assist with field clearance (poop picking), grass cutting, weed control, harrowing arena. Repair fencing when required. Hours to suit applicant There is a quad bike to help with tasks so familiarity with driving a quad bike would be useful. contact Gay McKeown 07419812781 for further information

Fort William Town Team is an organisation made up of Volunteers from the community who are passionate about our town, and dedicated to maintaining and regenerating the High Street and its surrounding areas, from small projects to grand dreams. We hope to transform Fort William into a town that residents are proud to live in and visitors are “wowed” by! If you would like to get involved, share ideas and get your hands dirty we would love to welcome you! Activites include: Spring CleanPlantingPaintingWeedingCleaningRemoving stickers Fixing The second Sunday each month: Sunday 8 September 2024 Sunday 13 October 2024 Sunday 10 November 2024

If you would like to support Samaritans as an organisation but without being a Listening Volunteer taking calls, you can still support people who use the service by being a Support Volunteer. Most of all we need help to fundraise as the Inverness Branch is totally self-funded, from taking the calls to covering events in the Community. Whether you have many hours you could give to us or just a few now and then, you would be welcome whatever. Help could be anything from joining our fundraising team to support direct operations, doing a sponsored event to shaking a collecting tin. To have a chat about this please contact Alison, Director of Samaritans Inverness: inverness.director@samaritans.org 07443456638 A link to our website which also has links to Samaritans own pages is attached below.

Being a volunteer at Scotland’s Memory Walk We will be at our Memory Walk venues from 10am to 4pm. The main tasks will include: Set-up •Setting up stands with tables, chairs and a small Alzheimer Scotland gazebo •Laying out free refreshments for walk participants (likely to be bottles of water, fruit etc) •Laying out of materials including Memory Walk merchandise, Alzheimer Scotland information leaflets etc. •Putting up signage at the venue – Memory Walk banners, signs for registration/toilets, direction arrows etc. During the walk •Guiding participants through the venue to the track, directing to toilets etc (even with signage, some people will need a little more help) •Talking to participants about why they are taking part in the Memory Walk and encouraging them to share their stories (this may include taking photos of participants on their phones if they request it) •If a walk participant needs more information/assistance, telling a member of the Alzheimer Scotland team who will be pleased to assist them. •Helping to hold up large (but not heavy) mesh banners indicating first lap, last lap etc •Staffing the refreshments stand •Guiding participants back through the venue (to the car park/ bus stop/ registration desk) as required •Thanking participants for taking part •Assisting with collection buckets. After the walk •Taking down stands with tables, chairs and a small Alzheimer Scotland gazebo •Packing away any unused refreshments •Packing away other materials – Memory Walk merchandise, Alzheimer Scotland information leaflets etc •Taking down and packing away signage at the venue – Memory Walk banners, signs for registration/toilets, direction arrows etc •Tidying up any rubbish from the event and disposing of/recycling it as advised. Other helpful roles: If you are experienced in photography or videography, please let us know! Similarly, any kind of entertainment skill would be most welcome on the day.

This role is to welcome passengers and crew from off the various cruise ships coming to Fort William. It involves handing out leaflets to each person as they come up the walkway, directing passengers to the coaches for tours, giving information about the town and answering any queries from the marine visitors. We aim to ensure that folk have the best experience possible of their short time in our wee town to hopefully encourage them to return and spend more time in the Heart of the Highlands! Do call Sarah Kennedy on 01397 719165 if you need any more info or wish to come along and help out!

Victim Support Scotland is the leading charity dedicated to helping people affected by crime across Scotland. Our Support Services provide free and confidential emotional and practical support to anyone affected by crime in Scotland.  We offer bespoke support, personalised to the needs of each individual. We are looking for more people to join our incredible team of volunteers who provide information, guidance, emotional support and practical assistance to help anyone affected by crime, including victims, witnesses their families and friends. This may take place in person, online, and in court.

Generalist Adviser The role The role of a CAB general adviser is very varied. Some of the thing’s advisers do in Nairn CAB: •Interview clients at the bureau, by phone or in person: listen to the client and let them explain the problem, help them to clarify the issues by exploring the problem and asking questions. •Provide information from our AdviserNet information system and other sources. •Explain the choices the client faces, and what these choices mean. •Offer practical help to clients by writing letters, making phone calls and helping fill in forms. •Perform calculations (for example, to assess entitlement to certain kinds of benefits). •Refer clients to other agencies if they are better placed to help. •Record cases: make a record of the client’s details so that further help can be given if a client returns to the bureau. •Prevent future problems by identifying issues that affect a lot of clients – this is called social policy work. Does this sound like you? •Able to listen and communicate with clients. •Able to use a computer. •Willing to undertake the basic training and in-service training to keep them up to date. •Able to work within the CAB principles-keep confidentiality and give impartial advice. •Able to work within CAB equal opportunities and anti-racism policies. •Willing to work as a team member.

Apply to join our local team of incredible volunteer supporters with our Children and Young People Bereavement Service. We urgently need to train more supporters in the Moray area to meet the increasing demand on this vital service. Will you help us to offer support - and give hope - to families who are struggling with the death of someone close? Did you know that you don't need to be a counsellor to apply for this training? The course is open to those who have experience of working with children and young people, and/or interest in furthering skills in working with bereaved children and young people.

Cruse Scotland is looking for experienced counsellors to support bereaved people in the Inverness area. Our local volunteer team provide a range of specialist support to bereaved people and have a wide range of skills and expertise helping people to overcome obstacles to wellbeing and find ways forward through the challenges that life can bring when dealing with a bereavement. This is a unique opportunity to provide specialist intervention to support people to gain an insight and understanding into their grief. We work within a time limited model of support and ask that all volunteers work with a minimum of two clients at any given time We are currently delivering our services by telephone, online and face to face. You must be a registered member of COSCA or BACP and hold a recognised Diploma in Counselling.