Events, Forums, and Training

Join us for a collaborative forum exploring how we can build meaningful connections between generations across Caithness.

Whether your organisation is already delivering intergenerational activities or you are simply interested in learning more, this session is an opportunity to share ideas, hear about local practice and connect with others working across communities.

Together we'll explore what successful intergenerational practice looks like and consider how we can support stringer relationships between people of all ages.

This is a relaxed, cafe-style session with no preparation required offering a welcoming space for conversation and collaboration.

Join us for an informal and open discussion exploring how we can make volunteering more accessible by identifying and removing barriers that may prevent people from getting involved.

Using insights from Volunteer Scotland's Bridging the Participation Gap report as a starting point, we'll share experiences and explore practical ways to create more flexible and inclusive volunteering opportunities.

The discussion will provide an opportunity to:
- consider who may be unintentionally excluded from volunteering
- explore barriers that organisations can realistically influence or remove
- share ideas and examples of flexible volunteering from across the Highlands
- hear a short local perspective to help get the conversation started

There is no expectation to prepare anything in advance. The session will be informal in style, practical in focus and designed to provide ideas and actions that organisations can take away to help make volunteering more accessible. Light refreshments will be provided.

Join us for an informal Connection Cafe focused on youth volunteering and youth awards in Sutherland.

This session will bring together local organisations to share ideas, connect with others and explore how we can better support young people into volunteering.

Guest speakers will provide a short introduction to help start the conversation, followed by an open discussion and shared learning.

This is a relaxed, cafe-style session with no preparation required offering a welcoming space for conversation and collaboration.

Join us for an informal and open discussion exploring how intergenerational practice can strengthen volunteering and create meaningful connections between people of different generations.

We'll be joined by Jenny from Ewen's Room who will share her experiences of developing and delivering an intergenerational project in Mallaig, along with the learning and practical insights gained along the way.

The discussion will provide an opportunity to:
- explore what intergenerational volunteering can look like in practice
- discuss the benefits for volunteers, organisations and local communities
- consider how existing activities could become more intergenerational
- share ideas, experiences and practical approaches from across the Highlands

There is no expectation to prepare anything in advance. The session will be informal in style, practical in focus, and designed to provide ideas and actions that organisations can take away to support intergenerational volunteering. Light refreshments will be provided.

Join us for an informal and open discussion exploring how we can encourage, support and sustain youth volunteering across Badenoch & Strathspey.

Using local experiences as a starting point, we'll explore what motivates young people to volunteer, the barriers they may face, and practical ways organisations can create positive and meaningful volunteering opportunities.

The discussion will provide an opportunity to:
- explore what attracts young people to volunteering and what can prevent them from taking part
- share ideas for recruiting, supporting and retaining young volunteers
- discuss how volunteering can help young people build confidence, skills and connections
- discuss the various awards available to youth volunteers

There is no expectation to prepare anything in advance. The session will be informal in style, practical in focus and designed to provide ideas and actions that organisations can take away to strengthen youth volunteering. Light refreshments will be provided.

HTSI's Volunteer Managers Forum is for anyone in the Third Sector in Highland who is involved in, or has an interest in, volunteering. We hear from relevant volunteer services, network, have discussions, provide support and guidance, as well as giving attendees the chance to share experiences and update the group.

United Infrastructure is proud to be partnering with HTSI to deliver a virtual workshop focused on Canva and LinkedIn.

Join us to learn:
• How to create professional content using Canva
• Tips for improving your LinkedIn profile
• Ways to build your online presence and network effectively
• Best practices for creating engaging posts and content

Whether you're looking to boost your confidence online, enhance your employability, or grow your professional network, this session will provide you with the practical tools to get started straight away.

Risk Management and Volunteering training is to enhance your organisation's safety and ethics framework. Learn essential risk management principles, safeguarding measures and effective volunteer management strategies.

Are you looking for a way to improve your skills as a volunteer manager? Do you want to learn how to recruit, support, and celebrate your volunteers effectively? If so, then you might be interested in the Volunteer Managers Training course offered by the Highland Third Sector Interface (HTSI).

The Volunteer Managers Training will cover various topics related to managing volunteers, such as:

What to include in your Volunteer Policy
Creating role description
Advertising your roles
Volunteer Recruitment
Managing volunteers
Volunteer Retention
Volunteer Support
Youth volunteering
Celebrating your volunteers
The 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.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your volunteer management skills and network with other volunteer managers in the Highland area.

HTSI's Volunteer Managers Forum is for anyone in the Third Sector in Highland who is involved in, or has an interest in, volunteering. We hear from relevant volunteer services, network, have discussions, provide support and guidance, as well as giving attendees the chance to share experiences and update the group.