Volunteer Academy Summer Bulletin
- luthien3
- 2 days ago
- 10 min read
 Hello and welcome to the summer edition of our Volunteer Academy Bulletin. It has been an enjoyable and inspiring start to the season, with Volunteers’ Week giving us a special opportunity to celebrate the people, organisations and communities that make volunteering in Highland so vibrant. We also couldn't resist in sharing one of our Happy Highland Coo pictures from the Davochfin Farm volunteer week celebrations below. |
One of the highlights of Volunteers week was the Pre-Loved Four Seasons Charity Fashion Show held at WASPs Creative Academy, Inverness which brought together local designers, eight charity shops and volunteer models to showcase the creativity, commitment and community spirit behind sustainable and affordable fashion. The Volunteer Academy Team was also delighted to host a Volunteer Celebration at Davochfin Farm, Dornoch, as part of Volunteers’ Week. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at both events and to all volunteers across Highland. Your time, energy and commitment make a real difference, and we are grateful for everything you do. |
Employer Supported Volunteering UpdateWe were also pleased to contribute to Volunteer Scotland’s Employer Supported Volunteering framework and toolbox, launched at the end of March. Employer Supported Volunteering is when employers actively enable and encourage staff to share their time and skills through volunteering. Also known as employee, corporate or workplace volunteering, it can strengthen relationships between employers, employees and communities. The National ESV Framework, developed with the Scottish Government and third sector partners, offers practical guidance to support meaningful, inclusive and valuable ESV across Scotland. If this is an area of interest to you, we would recommend taking a look here. If you are a volunteer involving organisation who would like to share your potential ESV opportunities in Highland, this could range from offering a team building day tidying up garden grounds to pro bono work requesting professional support in areas such as communications, finance or IT then we are here to help, for further information contact: luthien@highlandtsi.org.uk or visit our ESV page for further information. |
Volunteer Round UpThe team like to keep abreast of emerging themes in volunteering and wanted to share two recent Volunteer Scotland reports: The State of Scottish Volunteering and Bridging the Participation Gap. Together, they show that formal volunteering in Scotland is beginning to recover, rising to 25% of adults in 2024, but that challenges remain. Participation is not growing equally, with widening gaps for disabled people and people living in more deprived communities. The research also highlights the importance of clear, flexible and well-supported pathways into volunteering, the pressures facing volunteer managers, and the need to create positive volunteer experiences that help people feel valued, included and supported. |
Volunteer Award Nomination TimeAs we move into summer, we look forward to connecting with you, sharing resources, learning together and, of course, celebrating our volunteers. What better way to recognise their incredible contribution than by nominating them for an HTSI Volunteer Award? For further information see below: |
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HTSI Youth Volunteer of 2026
This is an award to celebrate an outstanding young volunteer. The judging panel especially want to hear how they have benefited and grown as an individual through volunteering, while also contributing significantly to the work of the organisation(s) they volunteer with. We look forward to seeing your nominations.
Criteria:
• For an individual aged 26 years and under.
• Length of time volunteering is not a factor for this award and won’t be considered by the judges as a justification for the award on its own.
• Impact is important. It may be personal growth and development or a broader impact on their community, but it is critical that evidence of impact is fully provided within the nomination.
To nominate a young person click the link below to be taken to the nomination form:
HTSI Volunteer of the Year 2026
For an individual of any age who has volunteered in any way. Their story should be inspirational and extraordinary.
Criteria:
• For an individual of any age.
• This isn’t a long service award, though length of time in a voluntary post may be used as evidence of an extraordinary commitment, however, nominations made based only on length of service will not be considered by the judges.
• Impact is important. It may be personal growth and development or a broader impact on their community but it is essential that you explain why you feel the nominee stands out from many of the other volunteers in Highland.
To nominate an exemplary volunteer, click the link below to be taken to the nomination form.
Saltire Summit Awards Nominations
There is also still time to recognise the amazing young volunteers making a difference across Highland through the Saltire Awards. These awards celebrate the commitment, energy and contribution of young people who give their time to support their communities, organisations and causes they care about.
We are pleased to confirm that the nomination deadline has been extended until Monday 13th July, giving organisations, volunteer managers and community groups a little extra time to put forward their nominations.
If you know a young volunteer aged 11 to 25 who is registered with the Saltire Awards and has achieved 500 hours or more, we encourage you to submit a nomination so their dedication can be celebrated. Young people who have not yet signed up can still register and add their volunteering hours retrospectively for up to one year. In exceptional circumstances, nominations may also be considered for young volunteers who have achieved 300 hours or more.
Fellowships
The next round of our Fellowship Programme will be open on Monday 31st August
Fellowships aim to gather insights and learning from outside the Highland region to enhance local volunteer practices. The programme encourages innovation to address declining volunteer participation and challenges within the sector. This means that applicants must demonstrate how their proposed learning activities will advance volunteer practices and promote meaningful change within Highland by applying learning gained from outside Highland region.
We will have two Fellowships on offer:
Focused Fellowship about intergenerational work with a grant up to £2,000
Open Fellowship with a grant up to £1,000
More information can be found here.
Skills Bank in Action
Sutherland based charity, The Dornoch Firth Group recently used the Volunteer Academy Skills Bank to find exactly what they were looking for: A volunteer who could play the bagpipes at their Tuesday Tots parent, baby and toddler group to help them celebrate Burns Night. And thanks to the Skills Bank that's exactly what they got!
Because the Skills Bank lists the skills the volunteers are happy to share, organisations can browse what's available and choose what suits their needs. Organisations are also now able to share requests on the page, so of you are not sure what skills you have, why not take a look and see what is needed. In this case, that meant the chance to experience live music at their toddler group.
The Skills Bank keeps things simple:
Skills are clearly listed
Organisations choose what fits
Organisations can upload requests
Communities benefit from people sharing what they can do
If you're an organisation looking for support or feel like you have skills to offer and would like to volunteer, the Skills Bank is there to make it possible. Find more information here.
Highland Hospital Radio
Are you a charity or community group based in the Highlands who would like the opportunity to speak on Highland Hospital Radio?
We are excited to be working alongside Tom and Shannon on their Saturday Drop In Show showcasing charities and community groups from around the Highlands on the first Saturday of every month. Highland Hospital Radio's commitment to helping local groups shines through every broadcast and listeners are always encouraged to find out more or even volunteer themselves. Come and get involved.
Send us an email to find out how at: volunteering@highlandtsi.org.uk
Spotlight on Golspie Youth Action Project
Claire Hamilton, who is a Development Officer for Golspie Youth Action Project, recently attended the official opening of the Scottish Parliament as a ‘Local Hero’. Claire and the team at GYAP do fantastic work in Golspie and East Sutherland and it is thoroughly deserved that her outstanding contribution to her community has been recognised.
Claire told us that, “This award is not just for me. It really reflects the hard work and dedication of the whole GYAP team. There truly is no ‘I’ in team, and it takes a full group of committed people putting in the effort to make a real difference in the community.”
A massive congratulations to Claire and the team.
Out & About
Grantown Remakery Visit
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Grantown Remakery after Sam kindly invited me along to see what they do and meet some of the team.
It was fantastic to look around the workshop, chat to their volunteers and hear about the difference the Remakery is making in Grantown and beyond. The project gives furniture and household items a second life through repair and restoration, helping to reduce waste while creating opportunities for people to learn new skills, build confidence and spend time with others in a welcoming environment. Alongside its environmental work, the Remakery also supports people to develop practical and employability skills.
Grantown Remakery are currently advertising volunteer opportunities in upholstery and clock repair for anyone with existing skills they'd like to put to good use. There are also plenty of other ways to get involved and become part of their friendly volunteer team.
A huge thank you to Sam and all the volunteers for making me feel so welcome and taking the time to show me around. It was brilliant to see the passion, skill and sense of community that makes the Remakery such a special place.
Volunteers Week Celebrations 2026
Volunteers Week - Pre-Loved Four Seasons Charity Fashion Show
June’s Pre-Loved Charity Fashion Show was full of colour, creativity and community spirit. Volunteer models took to the runway wearing outfits styled from local charity shops, with local designers helping to bring each look to life. The event was a brilliant way to celebrate recycling, reuse and creativity from the hidden gems found in our charity shops, whilst also recognising the volunteers and teams who help make these spaces so valuable to their communities.
The shops help prevent social isolation, provide affordable clothing and support volunteers of all ages to gain skills around design, retail and customer service.
They are also essential for providing much needed funds for charities and local social enterprises, we often overlook the multi factorial benefits that they provide, so this was a great opportunity to shine a light on all the great work that they do. It also allowed us to enjoy a fun evening of fashion chic, canopies and drinks.
Have a look on our Volunteer Academy Facebook page for more photos of seasonal fashion ideas from the night.
Celebrating Volunteers at Davochfin Farm
As part of Volunteers’ Week the Volunteer Academy was delighted to host a Volunteer Celebration Day at the beautiful Davochfin farm in Dornoch. The day brought together volunteers from local charities to celebrate the contribution they make to our communities throughout the year. Set against the peaceful backdrop of the farm, guests enjoyed a guided tour and the chance to meet the farm’s friendly animals. Following the tour everyone gathered over tea, coffee and homemade treats. It was an opportunity to relax, connect with
fellow volunteers and reflect on the ways volunteering strengthens individuals, friendships and community.
Events like these remind us that volunteering is about more than giving up your time. It’s about building relationships, creating a sense of belonging and recognising the positive difference volunteers make every day.
Intergenerational Forum
Our latest Volunteer Managers Forum focused on intergenerational volunteering, bringing together organisations from across Highland to explore how people of different generations can come together in purposeful, mutually beneficial activities that build understanding, respect and stronger communities.
Corinna from Generations Working Together shared practical examples, resources and ideas to help organisations develop intergenerational practice. The session sparked plenty of discussion, with attendees sharing examples of good practice and exploring opportunities for future collaboration.
Looking ahead to our Intergenerational Activity Day
We are looking forward to hosting an Intergenerational Activity Day this August at Davochfin Farm. The event will bring together local community groups, volunteers and people of different generations for a day of shared activities, conversation and connection in the beautiful surroundings of the farm. Through spending time together outdoors we hope to create opportunities to build relationships, learn from one another and celebrate the value of bringing generations together.
We are currently inviting local organisations and community groups to take part. Book your place here.
Volunteer Forums, Workshops and Training Dates
Challenges, Pressures and Possibilities in the Third Sector
Thursday 23rd July - Online, 1pm – 3pm
Dr Leanne Greening is a Lecturer in People and Organisation at Swansea University. Drawing on current research and participants’ own experiences, the session will provide space for discussion, shared learning and reflection on how organisations are navigating these pressures in practice. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange experiences, identify common concerns and discuss approaches being developed across the sector.
Book your place here
Understanding Employer-Supported Volunteering: Supporting Evidence-Informed Practice
Wednesday 5th August - Online, 11am – 12.30pm
Paula Glover is a PhD student in the psychology department at the University of Winchester, studying ESV. In this workshop, Paula will share findings from her research to date, with the aim of raising awareness of what is already known about ESV, where there are gaps in knowledge that need addressing, and what this might mean for practitioners working in companies and VROs offering, or considering offering, ESV.
Book your place here
Volunteer Managers Training
Wednesday 19th August - Online, 1pm – 4pm - £33 for members
This course is designed for anyone who is involved in managing or coordinating volunteers in the Highland area. It will help you to develop your knowledge and confidence in working with volunteers, as well as providing you with practical tools and resources that you can use in your organisation.
Book your place here
Summer Events for the Volunteer Academy
We are always pleased to get out and about over the summer. It is a great opportunity to meet people, build connections and hear what you have been up to. We will have a tent at Belladrum this year, so please come along, say Hello, colour in a volunteer with the wee ones, share your stories and help us on our Volunteer Quest.
We will also be attending other events in person and may ask for your help in completing a short questionnaire about the support we can offer. Find us at:
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival – 30th July to 1st August - Visit our tent and get involved
The Black Isle Show – 6th August – Out and about meeting Third Sector Organisations
Moy Country Fair – 7th – 8th August – Visiting and talking to attendees about volunteering
If you would like to share news or flyers, or browse what is on offer then visit the Volunteer Academy Noticeboard.
Don’t forget, you can also add your volunteering opportunities to our Volunteer Opportunities page for free using our simple online form.
If you have any volunteering questions, or would simply like to chat to any of the team about volunteering, please contact us via email at: volunteering@highlandtsi.org.uk
Wishing you all a fun filled, sunny summer from the Volunteer Academy team.
