March Adventures: VIO Visits and Community Connections

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 other. It’s heartening to witness the passion and commitment that drives our community and I look forward to forging even more meaningful connections through out the year.

Ullapool Community Connections Event - Friday, 6th March

The month kicked off with a trip to Ullapool for the Community Connections event. It was lovely to meet so many enthusiastic groups and potential volunteers keen to make a difference. The organisers deserve a huge thank you for their hard work in pulling everything together and for the delicious food that fuelled our conversations. If you are looking to volunteer and not sure what you want to do, I encourage you to get involved – the sense of community and willing collaboration in Wester Ross is great to see, please reach out if you would like to know which organisations are looking for volunteers, from Wester Ross Radio, Environmental projects to After School clubs, there is something for everyone.

Highland Hospital Radio - Saturday, 7th March

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of joining Highland Hospital Radio for a segment hosted by Tom and Shannon. Both are passionate supporters of third sector organisations and create a welcoming space for sharing stories and opportunities. Their commitment to helping local groups shines through every broadcast, and listeners are always encouraged to find out more or even volunteer themselves. If you are a third sector organisation and would like to have a slot on local radio then let us know at the Volunteer Academy and we can arrange this for you.

Lochview Rural Training Visit - Monday, 10th March

I was delighted to visit Lochview Rural Training in Sutherland, where I had a chance to speak with the friendly staff about the fantastic projects they run. Lochview offers hands-on opportunities for people to gain valuable outdoor skills, whether that’s working with farm animals or learning about sustainable land management. Participants can take part in everything from animal care to horticulture, outdoor activities, and rural crafts, all designed to help build confidence and practical abilities in a supportive setting. During my visit, I was lucky enough to meet a litter of beautiful piglets and spend time with two of their friendly cows, a real highlight for me. Lochview’s commitment to engaging individuals through meaningful, agriculture-based experiences is evident in both their approach and the enthusiasm of their team.

Skye Adventure - Thursday, 12th March

My next stop was Skye, where I visited Rag Tag and Textile. This super little organisation is dedicated to providing employment opportunities and creative support for people facing barriers, all while championing sustainability through textile recycling and reuse. They have a great team that welcomes everyone and their workshops are a good way to learn new skills and meet friends.

I also spent time with Portree and Braes Community Trust, a group focused on strengthening the Portree and Braes area through community-led projects, supporting everything from local land regeneration projects to social events. Their work is an example of what can be achieved when a community comes together and they are always looking for new volunteers to join their efforts.

Later that day, I had a meeting at UHI Broadford to explore different strategies for strengthening support for students. Collaborating with professionals from other sectors, particularly Education, is always beneficial. Our shared goal is to assist students engaged in Education who may seek to develop their practical skills and gain experience through volunteering.

Unpaid Carers Conference - Hidden in Plain Sight - Friday, 13th March

At the end of a busy week, I attended a Connecting Carers conference focused on unpaid carers. The event featured many powerful stories and some challenging facts, such as the £15.9 billion that unpaid carers contribute to Scotland’s economy each year, despite not always receiving the support they need. This lack of assistance can lead to serious health problems for those providing crucial care, often hidden from the public eye. It is vital to highlight these issues and find ways to support those who are frequently overlooked and affected by their caregiving roles. If you are interested in supporting unpaid carers you can visit their website here.

Looking Forward for Spring

Despite ongoing challenges such as rising fuel prices, a continued cost of living crisis, and global conflicts, it remains essential to support those who need us most. Communities thrive thanks to the efforts of our volunteers and there are many ways to participate. Whether you want to connect, learn something new, or lend a hand, now is a great time to get involved. Let's come together this season to create positive change and share our successes.

We enjoy connecting with volunteer organisations across Highland, sharing stories, and promoting opportunities on the Volunteer Academy website. To share a story or arrange a visit, contact us at volunteering@highlandtsi.org.uk. Visit the Volunteer Academy website for more information and news: https://www.highlandtsi.org.uk/volunteer-academy