Volunteering Opportunities

Clachworks is opening a tool library which will allow members of the public to access a variety of tools at an affordable cost. This will also extend the life of the tools, meaning less tools are sent to landfill. Through the tool library we can reduce the overall consumption and waste of goods and facilitate a transition to a circular economy. We have a lot of tool donations coming in and we need qualified PAT testers to ensure the safety of the tools before we loan them to the public. There is the potential for this to become a paid role. We are also recruiting tool repair and maintenance technicians.

The aim of our fundraising volunteering activity is to promote awareness of our services and to raise vital funds within the local community to support our work. We know that not everybody can give a regular commitment of an hour a week to be a befriender, but that they still understand and want to support the work that we do. Volunteer Fundraisers help to raise awareness and funds by supporting the organisation and/or running of Befrienders Highland fundraising events. This is a really important role as it helps us to reach new people, inspire new fundraising activity, and thank our supporters for the work they are doing. As a fundraising volunteer, you would support the Fundraising Coordinator in the development, organisation, and delivery of fundraising events and activities for Befrienders Highland.

The New Start Highland lorries collect a huge range of household items that are generously donated by the local community. We have a busy warehouse with lots of roles from unloading vans to cleaning, sorting, repairing and restoring everything that comes in. This means that you can expect to do anything from assembling a bed, to washing china, or folding linen. No two days are the same! The work that you do helps us to create our starter packs of kitchen items, bedding, or cleaning materials to give people a great start in their new homes.

Your main role is to be an advocate for people who want assistance to speak up on specific issues. The tasks will vary but usually involve: • Arranging to meet with the person to discuss their issues and/or concerns. • Identifying the specific points or issues the person wants to raise and with whom. • Agreeing a course of action with the person, noting their views and opinions. • Attending a meeting, review, or tribunal and empowering the person to speak up, or assisting them by representing their views and wishes at the meeting, or submitting a report as agreed with the person, detailing their views and wishes.

Driving a few hours per week in one of our three branded cars to take elderly adults to doctor, dentist or day-care appointments in Inverness.

A Caseworker is someone who carries out work for the Royal Air Force Association on a voluntary basis by gathering information, asking questions and completing necessary forms and by doing so, you will make a real difference. You will also work closely with the Area Welfare Officer to complete each case successfully. Key skills description Patience and Empathy Capability of working with a wide variety of people Good listener Ability to maintain boundaries Reliability Good IT skills Confidentiality

Are you friendly and outgoing? Do you enjoy driving? Would you like the opportunity to work alongside the Community Services and Inpatient Unit staff to transport patients (and relatives/ carers on occasion)? Then this could be the role for you. Main responsibilities: •Driver will collect patient at pre-arrange time from their homes •Driver will ensure safe transfer into car/Patient Transport Vehicle (PTV) following Moving and Handling procedures •On arrival at hospice ensure safe transfer from vehicle using appropriate aids if necessary (e.g. wheelchair) Skills / attributes and/or qualification(s) required: •Good driving skills is essential •Use of your own car is essential unless you wish to drive the Hospice (PTV) vehicle only •Volunteers wishing to drive the Hospice vehicle will be expected to undertake additional driver training for insurance purposes •Drivers of the Hospice vehicle must be 21+ for insurance purposes •Ability to be flexible and adaptable is essential •Good team working skills are desirable, especially for driving the Hospice vehicle •Ability to communicate with patients is essential •A sensitive, caring manner and an understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality are essential •Volunteer drivers must hold a full driving licence appropriate for the type of vehicle being driven and have a minimum of 2 years driving experience •Volunteers using their own car are required to provide copies of their car insurance and MOT certificates (where applicable). We may contact your car insurance provider to advise them you’re using your car for voluntary purposes - for more information about this, see www.abi.org.uk •Volunteer drivers will be expected to be physically fit and their suitability will be governed by their ability to meet the health and capability requirements of the DVLA as you may be required to assist patients in and out of your vehicle. •Meet the requirements of a PVG Disclosure check

The Highland Senior Citizens Network was formed in 1995 and provides a Collective Advocacy role on behalf of older people across the Highlands. Our motto is 'Nothing about us without us'. We have representation on NHS Highland and Highland Council committees and working parties relevant to the services provided for older people. We employ two part-time Coordinators. We produce well received bi-monthly News-sheets which have a wide distribution. We have a growing membership of over 350 individual members and 99 local groups members. We are always looking for potential trustees, from any background, who are motivated to improve and maintain the well being of older people in the Highlands. We run an annual conference each September at which our members from across the region have an opportunity to meet and engage with speakers on a wide variety of issues.

In & Highland schools, including Dingwall, Alness and Invergordon Academies, MCR have a full time "Pathways Coordinator" who works with small groups of pupils in S1 and S2 to increase confidence and social interaction. From S3 onwards these individuals are offered a 1:1 Mentor, who is a volunteer from the local community, trained and supported by MCR Pathways. Having a reliable, trusted adult in their life is transformational for our young people. Someone who believes in them, is their friend, doesn't judge them, listens to them, helps them grow and develop their skills. Young people then become more engaged with school, with their peers, with other adults - and have hope for the future. We operate in term time only, within the school - you will be allocated a space each week with your mentee. Your PC will support you throughout your journey. Mentoring can be flexible to suit Mentors work patterns and family commitments. Mentors learn new skills and enjoy meeting other mentors in the area at our regular get togethers.

A caseworker is someone who carries out welfare work for the Royal Air Forces Association. Welfare work is about listening to an individual and assessing their needs to find out how the Association can provide help and support to them. Support can include anything from helping put a beneficiary with a disability in touch with the appropriate health professional or local authority, so they can apply for funding for a wet room, to something as simple as filling in a form to get a new fridge, for a beneficiary who cannot afford to replace their broken one. It could also be informing beneficiaries of the other services and support the Association offers. Caseworkers may also need to gather complex information on beneficiaries to help with applications for care home fees or similar and this can involve providing clear and precise information on finances and correspondences. Caseworkers work with ‘beneficiaries’, who are members of the RAF community. Caseworker volunteers need to be caring and empathetic, with the ability to build a rapport with others and put them at ease, through a friendly and sensitive approach and in addition will need : - Good IT skills and access to a computer and the internet, for emails - Caseworkers should be confident using a computer to complete, and submit, forms (Form A) and activity reports to their Regional Casework Team via the online community. - Currently, all contact is by telephone but access to a car and being able to use it for Association volunteer work can be useful. - The insurance company you are with will need to be alerted to the fact your car is being used for volunteer (business) use.

If you’re good with people and willing to learn, you might be just the person for our Retail Team. J Here’s what that means: • making sure all items in the shop look spotless • sorting through and organising stock • dealing with customers’ queries and being New Start’s friendly face • handling cash and working on the till In return you’ll have a cracking team to work with, lots of upskilling and training opportunities… and you will make a difference in your community.

Why we want you Together we can help people facing poverty all over the world – all from right here, in this very shop. Join our friendly team as an Oxfam Volunteer and you’ll find yourself at the heart of your community, making amazing things happen. What Oxfam does Oxfam is a movement of people from around the world who won’t live with poverty. We have two key aims: Responding to emergencies happening in the world now, giving vital support to people facing poverty due to conflict, climate change and natural disasters. Empowering communities to challenge and change systems that promote inequality, so together we can beat poverty for good. Oxfam shops have been fundraising to support Oxfam’s work since 1947, raising millions every year to support people facing poverty. What you will be doing It’s up to you! Why not try a bit of everything? Sorting donations including checking and pricing Serving customers on the till Create stylish window displays Keeping the shop fully stocked Stocktake and other admin tasks Keeping the shop clean and tidy Helping donors as they come in The skills you need Helpful and friendly Happy to be part of a team Excited to learn new skills What's in it for you Some lunch and travel costs Improve skills and boost your CV Grow your confidence and meet new people We can be flexible around your education, family, work, or health etc. Possible references for future employers

If you are looking for a new challenge, have life/work skills you wish to put to good use and you’re interested in helping others in your community, consider becoming a Volunteer General Adviser. Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau is a local, independent charity which provides free, impartial and confidential advice and information. We provide practical advice, negotiate on behalf of clients and can help clients to access services. As a General Adviser you will give advice on a range of topics including benefits, debt, consumers issues, work related problems, housing and relationships. You will interview clients either over the phone or face to face and then research the topic of their enquiry. You will provide comprehensive and reliable advice and support to clients as well as recording the contact on the case management system. Requirements: Good communication skills (verbal and written). Open, approachable and enthusiastic. Able to sift through information and extract what is relevant. Respectful of views and values which may be different from your own. Able to work within a team. Able to use computers. Willing to undertake on-going training. How to apply https://www.invernesscab.org/volunteer or contact volunteer@invernesscab.org

WALK LEADER Become a digital detox walk leader to show people the joys of nature and the benefits of walking and talking. We are always looking for new and exciting walks across Highlands, Moray and beyond. The type of walks you want to deliver are up to you and you can do anything from weekly, monthly to adhoc. It all helps. Person spec: Confident, friendly and a great communicator. Must want to be supportive with a passion for nature and helping others. Vacancies 5 (all areas welcome)

At Counselling Care we provide free Counselling to the community of Skye and Lochalsh. Although we are largely trauma orientated we provide specialist counselling in many areas. Our Counsellors have varied specialist knowledge and we are usually able to help with any issue that presents to us. In order to provide our services for free we are completely reliant on our team of able and willing volunteer Counsellors. We need qualified (to Diploma Level) Counsellors who are members of the BACP, COSCA, or their equivalent who can spare 2-3 hours a week to work with our clients. All individuals will have been assessed. Whilst we are looking for people to work online, over the phone or face to face, we especially need those who are willing to work in a Face to Face capacity. Supervision will be paid for and travelling expenses (within reason) will be honoured. You can also expect to be included in training provided for our Counsellors. You will be part of a friendly team consisting of paid, volunteer and student Counsellors, there are regular team meetings and communication with others within the organisation so you will not be alone.

A rewarding role, where you are making a direct difference to the families of children with a life-shortening condition. Home Support Volunteers visit families in their own homes (in your local area), to provide practical support to ‘lighten the load’ of family life. It may include: Housekeeping – hoovering, ironing, changing beds, general tidying, Practical Sibling Support - spending time with siblings/play Or other tasks identified by families eg. taking pet dog for a walk What is Required? *You can volunteer on any day of the week; mornings, afternoons, or early evenings. An average shift is approx 2 hours with the family, and ideally we are looking for a weekly commitment. All training will be provided, with ongoing support from Team Lead. * You need to be able to drive *You need online access to complete a 'visit log ' (this can be done on a phone, laptop or tablet) *We welcome friendly, caring people to join our team To find out more, please contact Emma Steel on emmasteel@chas.org.uk or 01389 722079, or apply directly via the CHAS Website

3rd Inverness Boys Brigade are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help lead games and sporty activities for their children and young people aged between 5 and 18 years old. The group meets on Friday evenings during term-time, taking part in a wide range of activities including crafts, games, sports, cooking, life skills and community projects. To find out more please contact: 3inverness@boys-brigade.org.uk

We have launched Scotland's first outdoor charity shop where we sell good-quality, used, outdoor equipment at reasonable prices. We want to help get as many people into the outdoors as we can, while at the same time reducing the environmental impact of getting kitted up for the outdoors. We are looking for a volunteer to help sort, photograph, value, & list items on our eBay shop. We are a small team working in a small office space, & with donations becoming more generous & more frequent, we now require assistance to keep on top of donations. The main tasks are; •Sort through donations separating into what Àban can use, what can be sold, & what can be donated to Highland Support Refugees •Photograph donations ready for sale •Assist with research/pricing of items •Assist with listing on eBay What you will need; Comprehensive knowledge of outdoor kit. Our donations can be made up of anything from camping equipment, skis, wetsuits, winter clothing, walking boots/shoes, & general outdoor clothing from lower end to high end. A general interest in the outdoors, and treating all donations in the same way, be it low-end or high-end. If this sounds like you, please just send a short message to info@aban.scot. This should be addressed to Calum Smith, Business Manager at Àban Outdoor Ltd.

Cats Protection’s Caithness Branch is looking to recruit volunteer fosterers in both Caithness and East Sutherland to care for unwanted and abandoned cats while they wait to find a new owner. Cat fostering is hands-on cat welfare work looking after felines on a short-term basis, either in CP-provided cat pens in the garden or in a spare room in the home. The branch, which is run entirely by volunteers, needs people who can offer a temporary home to one or more cats whilst they get back on their paws. Cat fosterers need to have either a spare room or an area in their garden where a 4m x 1.2m (13ft x 4ft) cat pen can be housed and, of course, a love of cats is a must. The charity will provide plenty of assistance, training and all required support materials for new fosterers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Cats Protection’s Caithness Branch then please email enquiries@caithness.cats.org.uk or message via our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cpcaithness/

10th Inverness Boys Brigade are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help lead games and sporty activities for their children and young people aged between 8 and 18 years old. The Juniors age group (P4-P6) meet on a Friday evening (6:30pm until 8pm) and the Company Section age group (P7-S6) meet on a Thursday evening (7:15pm-9pm) during term-time, taking part in a wide range of activities including crafts, games, sports, cooking, life skills and community projects.

Bereavement Counsellors Cruse Scotland Bereavement Support provides a range of specialist support to bereaved people across Scotland. Our counselling and listening volunteer team have a wide range of skills and expertise working with people to help them overcome obstacles to wellbeing and find ways forward through the challenges that life can bring when dealing with a bereavement. We are looking for trained counsellors who are supportive and non-judgemental, proactive, motivated, and open to change and demonstrate an understanding of the importance and scope of confidentiality. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are also essential. You must be a registered member of COSCA or the BACP and hold a recognised Diploma in Counselling.

By joining us as a volunteer Duty Controller you will be involved in the scheduling and monitoring the progress of our free transport service to the NHS in the Highland region. The role involves liaising with and booking jobs from the NHS by phone, and allocating jobs to our riders and drivers. We use online tools to manage and track our work, so familiarity with software (eg excel/word) and messaging services (eg WhatsApp) are particularly beneficial. However, full training will of course be given. We operate 7 days/week, and each day is broken down into 3 controller shifts. Each controller is expected to complete at least one operational shift every 4-6 weeks. All volunteers will also be expected to periodically support Highland & Islands Blood Bikes at fundraising events too. You can of course hold other roles within HAIBB.

We are looking for volunteer counsellors to join our team at ACI Theraputic Recovery Services. We are a Third Sector organisation based in Inverness, which offers free one-to-one, confidential counselling for adults who are experiencing issues with alcohol, drugs, gambling or other addictive behaviours. We also provide support to families and loved ones of those experiencing addiction.   In order to be a volunteer counsellor with us we ask for a minimum commitment of 3 hours per week and that you hold a diploma in counselling.

Black Isle Cares Befriending Service is looking for new volunteers to provide social support to vulnerable members of local communities in the Black Isle. The duties and responsibilities of a BIC befriender can be many and varied as the relationship is unique and tailored to the needs of the individual person. Client related activities may include: •Telephone befriending support and/or welfare checks •Supporting patients and their carers in their own home or care establishment providing friendship and social support •Providing a "listening ear" and companionship (reading, chatting, letter writing) •Providing respite for carers for short periods (up to maximum of three hours) as agreed •Offering opportunities to participate in social/recreational and daily living activities (may go out on trips) Volunteers do not provide or involve themselves in personal care, counselling, medical care, domestic tasks such as cooking and cleaning, or financial and legal matters. Anyone interested in volunteering should email an application form to befriending@blackislecares.com or call 07720 168266 for further information.

Being a CHSS Community Connector is perfect for busy people who’d like to get involved and help CHSS, but don’t have much time to give. Our tasks are quick and include signing petitions, completing surveys and sharing posts on social media. 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.

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. We are looking for volunteers to cover either a morning or afternoon shift in our Alness shop during the week or on a Saturday. We are looking for volunteers to provide high standards of customer care, to assist with sorting and pricing donations, operating the till alongside helping to 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 Taster sessions are available for interested volunteers.

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. We are looking for volunteers to cover either a morning or afternoon shift in our Beauly shop during the week or on a Saturday. We are looking for volunteers to provide high standards of customer care, to assist with sorting and pricing donations, operating the till alongside helping to 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 Taster sessions are available for interested volunteers.

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. We are looking for volunteers to cover either a morning or afternoon shift in our Tain shop during the week or on a Saturday. We are looking for volunteers to provide high standards of customer care, to assist with sorting and pricing donations, operating the till alongside helping to 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 Taster sessions are available for interested volunteers.

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. We are looking for volunteers to cover either a morning or afternoon shift in our Harbour Road shop either during the week or particularly on a Saturday or Sunday. We are looking for volunteers to provide high standards of customer care, to assist with sorting and pricing donations, operating the till alongside helping to 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 Taster sessions are available for interested volunteers.

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. We are looking for volunteers to cover either a morning or afternoon shift in our Falcon Square shop during the week or at the weekend. We are looking for volunteers to provide high standards of customer care, to assist with sorting and pricing donations, operating the till alongside helping to 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 Taster sessions are available for interested volunteers.

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. We are looking for volunteers to cover either a morning or afternoon shift in our Nairn shop during the week or on a Saturday. We are looking for volunteers to provide high standards of customer care, to assist with sorting and pricing donations, operating the till alongside helping to 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 Taster sessions are available for interested volunteers.

Our shops, including our new bookshop in Nairn, help fund Hospice care in the Highlands. Retail volunteers work as part of a team with the Shop Manager to keep the shop open and to generate income from the sale of donated and new goods. We are looking for volunteers to cover either a morning or afternoon shift in our Nairn Bookshop during the week or on a Saturday. We are looking for volunteers to provide high standards of customer care, to assist with sorting and pricing donations, operating the till alongside helping to 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 Taster sessions are available for interested volunteers.

We are looking for some friendly helpers to take a group of Afghan women who have recently arrived to Inverness to swimming lessons. They are learning to swim in specially organised women's only sessions which are being facilitated by Highlife Highland and feedback so far is that they are really enjoying learning to swim for the first time! Unfortunately challenges in organising transport to and from the pool may put a stop to the program, unless we can find some amazing volunteers to help out. You would pick up the 9 seater Merkinch Community Centre bus a 6pm (Wednesday) and then the women from their houses, before going to the swimming pool. You are invited to join the swimming session with the women (for free), which runs from 8-9pm and then drop everyone and the bus back. You don't need to commit to doing every week, but signing up for even just a few sessions will be a huge help. Starting Jan 2024 It will be a wonderful opportunity to support recently arrived Afghan women to learn a new skill and settle into Inverness, as well as a chance to share a fun activity, make friends across cultures and have a good swim together! We aim to have two volunteers helping for each session to support each other (we know volunteering alone can feel a bit daunting!) and you will be well supported by the coordinators at HLH who run the program. Due to the nature of the program, we can only consider womxn volunteers. You will need a clean driving license (no minibus license required) and provide a PVG check, or be willing to do one (we can help you get this).

Listening volunteers are there for anyone who needs support. Every year, they spend over one million hours responding to calls for help and they can change the course of someone’s life. Join the Samaritans Email Hub and be part of our mission to provide support, hope, and encouragement to those who need it most. https://www.samaritans.org/scotland/samaritans-in-scotland/about-samaritans-scotland/west-highland-skye-project/volunteering-opportunities-west-highlands-and-skye/ We are recruiting in Lochaber, Wester Ross, Skye and Lochalsh

As an Energy Advice Event Volunteer you will support colleagues from our Low Carbon Community Team, as they deliver outreach events across the Highlands. You will provide light touch energy advice to members of the public, 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 event management including managing customer data in a secure way •Flexible outlook and ability to adapt approach