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Celebrating local volunteering, radio and spring optimism March has arrived, bringing with it a welcome burst of activity and renewed optimism for strengthening our volunteer community in Highland. In my role as Volunteer Academy Lead, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to get out and about (particularly after the winter months sat behind a laptop) engaging with people and organisations, listening to their hopes and challenges, and exploring how we can work together to support each

Welcome to the spring edition of our Volunteer Academy Volunteer Bulletin . As the days grow longer and spring arrives the Volunteer Academy is preparing for a busy and productive season. In this bulletin we share the latest updates, news and volunteering opportunities. We will cover: Volunteer Opportunities  Skills Bank Lecture Series Employer Supported Volunteering Highland Fun Guys Community Mushroom Farm Care to Connect Lochaber  Training and Forums What’s On Volunteer

This research conducted by Volunteer Scotland investigates the state of volunteering in Scotland through research already published and research commissioned by Volunteer Scotland. The research finds 5 main headlines about the state of Scottish volunteering today: Volunteering is in crisis The cost of living crisis is closing doors to volunteer participation People are missing out on the wellbeing benefits of volunteering when they need it most The deprivation gap is closing

This research aims to understand volunteers' experience of volunteering to inform practice and policy, address gaps in knowledge surrounding volunteering and gain new evidence and data. The research had 5 main objectives: Gain a rounder view of participation and capture the different ways people volunteer and recent trends Understand how volunteering fits into people's lives Understand people's experiences across the volunteer journey and explore what a quality experience and

This is My Place: Conversations, Community and Children’s Mental Health   Children’s mental health is often thought about in term of school-aged children or teenagers when, in moments of acute crisis, services like Mikeysline provide immediate emotional support to people experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts. Alongside this, The Brent Centre Highland supports children, young people, and families through therapeutic services, helping them make sense of complex emotions an

Over the winter months, I've been spending time visiting community groups and volunteers across the Highlands. It's made me reflect on just how important volunteering is at this time of year. As winter settles in across the Highlands, many people feel the season brings both challenges and opportunities. The colder months can make it harder for some to get out and about, and shorter days can leave communities feeling more isolated. this is when the difference made by volunteer

Welcome to the winter edition of the Volunteer Academy Bulletin. As the days grow shorter and the festive spirit returns, we’re delighted to share with you the latest news, volunteer stories, and upcoming activities across the Highland region. This issue includes: Festive Greetings Priory Volunteer Recognition Day Creating Community at Tykes News: Safeguarding the Integrity of Volunteering Fellowship Programme Skills Bank What’s On Festive Greetings As we approach the festive

What's your name? Iona MacPhee What's your role at HTSI Volunteer Academy? I am a Development Officer for the Volunteer Academy covering the South of the Highlands. Have you volunteered in the past? Yes, I currently volunteer every Friday with Victim Support Scotland as a Support Volunteer. This involves helping victims navigate the criminal justice system and providing practical and emotional support during really challenging times. I find it incredibly rewarding to make eve

This week I had the pleasure of visiting Green Hive in Nairn. I started off at Seaman's Hall, their welcoming community hub, and finished at their workshop, where all kinds of creative projects come to life. The visit is part of my work at HTSI's Volunteer Academy, connecting with local volunteer involving organisations and celebrating the creativity, sustainability and kindness behind volunteering in our communities. Seaman's Hall has been at the heart of Nairn's community s

What's your name? Eilidh MacInnes What's your role at HTSI Volunteer Academy? I am a Volunteer Academy Development Officer for Sutherland and Caithness. Have you volunteered in the past? Yes, I have volunteered at local community events running craft workshops and have been part of various school parent councils over the years. My working life has always been community-centric, and alongside my Volunteer Academy role, I also work for a charity called the Dornoch Firth Group a

What’s your name? Luthien Lark ( It's from Tolkien’s - Lord of the Rings )   What’s your role at HTSI? I am the Volunteer Academy Lead &...

In 2025 Volunteering Matters Action Earth will offer grants to help urban communities to respond to our nature and climate crises. Funded...

Tuesday 30th September 2025, 9:15am - 3:45pm, Glen Mhor Hotel, Ness Bank, Inverness, IV2 4SG #GWTScot25 Generations Working Together...

Archie Webster Archie Webster, a dedicated pupil from Inverness Royal Academy, became the first recipient of the Diamond Hoodie,...

Reflections on an Inspiring Day at the Discovery College, Eastgate Inverness – 28 August 2025 I had the privilege of visiting the Discovery College at Eastgate Inverness, home to the Scottish Highlands’ first drop-in recovery college dedicated entirely to supporting people with mental health concerns, wellbeing, substance abuse, and addiction. The experience was inspiring, leaving me optimistic for the future of community-led mental health support in the region. First Impress

Join us on Thursday 24th of September for the opening lecture of the Volunteer Academy's Autumn Lecture Series with Dr David Bomark. Dr...

Welcome to our Autumn Bulletin. This summer, we attended events like Belladrum and the windy Moy show with the Volunteer Academy. We're...

Volunteer Scotland launched the National Recruitment Campaign as part of the Volunteering Action Plan in September 2024. This has stemmed...

The Make Your Mark in Volunteering campaign is inviting submissions for their next annual conference. Make Your Mark supports everyone in...

HTSI & The Volunteer Academy are excited to announce we are heading to Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival Come visit us in the walled...