If you’ve enjoyed learning about St Columba’s Compassionate Gardeners this month, and would like to get involved and make a real difference to someone through this service, download the volunteer pack, or apply today at:
https://stcolumbashospice.org.uk/…/compassionate-gardener
Fancy an exciting, exhilarating challenge?
We have 2 places to do an amazing zip slide 100ft in the air over the River Clyde on Saturday 14th September!
Have an amazing experience and know that you are tackling loneliness at the same time! For more information DM us or email gemma@vintagevibes.org.uk
Do good. Feel good.
Scotland’s leading Armed Forces charity, Poppyscotland, has put out a call for volunteers to step forward and make a difference across Edinburgh.
Every year, Poppyscotland runs the iconic Scottish Poppy Appeal, which provides the nation with the national symbol of Remembrance, the four-petalled Scottish Poppy.
Hundreds of volunteers step up annually to help organise the Scottish Poppy Appeal in their local area, volunteering their time to help distribute poppies and collecting tins, and arrange collections at supermarkets, shopping centres and other key locations.
This year, volunteers are needed in the capital to help organise the Appeal, with dedicated support from the Poppyscotland team. The charity is seeking members of the community, a community group, school, local business, or anyone who wishes to make a difference to Scotland’s Armed Forces community in the city.
The money raised during the Scottish Poppy Appeal goes directly to Poppyscotland’s Welfare services, supporting veterans, those still Serving and their families at times of need. This could include, for example, providing an emergency grant to stop a veteran losing their home, funding housing adaptations so that a disabled veteran can continue to live with their family, and much more.
Current Poppyscotland volunteer, Eilidh, said: “It has been really interesting getting to meet people who have Served or have had family Serving. They provide the most incredible stories. People just want to talk to you when they see you volunteer with Poppyscotland, so it never gets boring.
“Poppyscotland are amazing and have supported me with every step. Any time I have a slight worry or confusion, they’re there to help me out and they are some of the friendliest people I’ve met. I’ve loved everything about my experience to date.”
Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, Gordon Michie, said: “Every year, we are so grateful for the generous support of the public. But our volunteers are the strength behind the Scottish Poppy Appeal. Their tireless dedication and professionalism means that the national symbol of Remembrance can be found across the nation.
“We have a dedicated team that look after our volunteers. This makes volunteering for Poppyscotland easy and stress free. But we need you to step forward so that we can continue to change lives for the better.”
To find out more about volunteering for the Scottish Poppy Appeal, contact Poppyscotland’s Volunteering team on 0131 550 1597, email:
volunteer@poppyscotland.org.uk
or visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/volunteer
Volunteer at a music festival at Linlithgow Palace and enjoy the event for FREE!
Are you a music fan? Child Bereavement UK needs you! The charity is looking for volunteers to give 4 hours of their time to help at Let’s Rock Scotland (10 August) or Party at the Palace (11 August), both at Linlithgow Palace, West Lothian.
The charity needs volunteers to be at the heart of the festival buzz, scanning entry tickets, selling wristbands and offering raffle tickets to raise funds to support its work. In return volunteers gain FREE access to the rest of the festival fun.
The lineup for Let’s Rock Scotland features iconic artists from the 80s and 90s including UB40, Lulu, ABC, Heaven 17, Big Country, Go West, The Skids, Jaki Graham, Thereza Bazar’s Dollar, and Odyssey. Party at the Palace features Ronan Keating, Bananarama, Callum Beattie, The Farm, Generation, GBX, Mary Kiani, Livin Joy, Sweet Female Attitude, Eves, and Brontes.
Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. The charity supports children and young people (up to the age of 25) when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live, and parents and the wider family when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying.
Ruth Sanger, Head of Community Fundraising for Child Bereavement UK said: “This year Child Bereavement UK is delighted to be the beneficiary charity of some of the UK’s most anticipated festivals and gigs.
“Our volunteers tell us they have a great time soaking up the festival atmosphere and seeing their favourite acts, in return for just a few hours of their time helping us raise much-needed funds. If you’re tempted to join in, please visit our website to find out how you can get involved”.
For more information on volunteering or to see a full list of events please visit:
https://www.childbereavementuk.org/Event/festivals
To find out more about the charity and for support please visit:
www.childbereavementuk.org or call 0800 02 888 40
Are you interested in the rich history and art of Granton and the surrounding area? Granton:hub needs you!
Granton;hub is a Community Based Creative and Cultural Centre in Granton, Edinburgh. The charity is based in Granton’s historic Madelvic House.
We are a volunteer-run charitable organisation that aims to elevate Granton’s profile and provide a focus for Granton’s diverse and evolving communities.
We are looking for Trustees to work with the existing Board during this exciting time of development of the Western Harbour.
We meet for 2(ish) hours once a month at Madelvic House.
Discussions are ongoing with City of Edinburgh Council regarding the refurbishment of the beautiful, listed, Madelvic House.
Also, we are in contact with the Lar housing association who will be developing the Madelvic car factory into 28 flats.
If you think you can contribute during this exciting time, or you would like more information, do not hesitate to contact me at chair@grantonhub.org
Thanks – looking forward to hearing from you!
Dave Harrold
Chair, Granton:hub
Summer is the perfect time to try something new, so why not lend a hand in your local charity shop? The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is offering ‘taster’ sessions for anyone who wants to see what volunteering is all about.
So, whether you’re passionate about preloved, looking to meet new people, or keen to support the charity, we offer flexible volunteering roles for as little as an hour or two, without any long-term commitment.
Our volunteers are changing the way they gift their time to us. Fitting around life commitments like studying, family or work, we’re seeing an increasing number of people opting for ad hoc shifts. And that works for us!
With plenty of roles in store, through our Action Team, or remotely – yes you can volunteer from the comfort of your own sofa – give it a try for an hour or two. We will welcome you with open arms, and of course drinks and snacks too! Please do pop in for a cuppa or get in touch to find out more.
Every hour makes a difference, and no matter how much time you spend with us, you will be helping to fund lifesaving research.
Find a role to suit you by popping into your local shop or visiting
Yours sincerely,
Sarah Boardman
Retail Volunteering Operations Manager at the British Heart Foundation
Taking care of the trees! Weeding, mulching and tree tube maintenance help the saplings to thrive.
If you can help on Sunday 4th August 11am-1pm please sign up here:
Apprentices from gas distribution network SGN have been spending time at a Bonnyrigg care home as part of an initiative designed to give back to their local community.
For the second year in a row, 16 apprentices training with us to be First Call Operatives have been spending time at Nazareth Care Trust in Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh, as part of our Community Action Programme, where our people are given a day away from their usual duties to volunteer with local charities and businesses.
The apprentices came from across Scotland to undertake a variety of jobs including painting the Trust’s front foyer area, residents’ bedrooms and all the external railings at the home. Singing as they worked provided the residents with extra entertainment, with some of them joining our apprentices to listen to music in the gardens while they worked.
Everyone at the care home were impressed with how much work they were able to carry out and how well they presented themselves. When the staff found out it was apprentice Elliot’s 18th birthday, they bought a huge birthday cake, candles and cards and made a fuss of him during lunch, bringing the cake out with everybody singing.
Bianca Courtney, General Manager at Nazareth Care Trust, said: “As a charity, we rely on the support of volunteers to help maintain facilities at our care home.
“We loved having SGN with us and the apprentices were fantastic ambassadors for the company.
“We can’t thank them enough for the work they did with us and hope they’ll return for a third year!”
SGN is committed to bringing in 120 new apprentices and trainees into the business each year, for the next three years, helping to develop them into our engineers of the future.
Edinburgh Leisure, the city’s leading sports and leisure provider is calling on anyone looking for a new challenge to don their tartan and join them to take part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk to raise funds for their award-winning Ageing Well project.
An Edinburgh Leisure and NHS Lothian initiative, Ageing Well keeps hundreds of older adults in Edinburgh more connected and physically active, by offering low-cost city-wide activities that encourage active living and socialisation all the while boosting their health and wellbeing.
Jenny Selman, Funding Manager for Edinburgh Leisure explained: “Part of our Active Communities programme, Ageing Well is led or supported by trained older adult volunteers and our participants and volunteers really benefit both mentally and physically from taking part.
“It caters for a diverse range of interests and abilities, with activities including walking groups, cycling, gardening at our allotment and buddy swimming.
“Unfortunately, the programme is facing a funding shortfall of £17k, so we’re encouraging people to sign up to the Kiltwalk to raise some much-needed funds for Ageing Well and hopefully, get active, and stay active because of taking part.
“We hope that the funds raised by our supporters, coupled with generous donations we receive throughout the year, will enable us to continue with this valued programme. Every pound raised really will make a difference.”
All those signing up to the Kiltwalk to raise funds for Edinburgh Leisure will receive a 50% discount on the registration fee and also an Edinburgh Leisure T-shirt and a tartan-themed snood.
The Kiltwalk takes place on Sunday, 15th September 2024. Three walk lengths are available:
Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme supports 12,500 people who face the greatest barriers to getting active annually – people affected by health conditions, inequalities, and poverty.
Your participation in the Kiltwalk will raise crucial funds to promote health, happiness, and connectedness among older adults in Edinburgh whilst contributing to a fantastic and enjoyable event.
To find out more about signing up with Edinburgh Leisure to walk the Kiltwalk, and to get your 50% discount, click here.
To find out more about the Kiltwalk, click here.
The team at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline recently volunteered at a children’s hospice in Balloch that provides services for children and families across Scotland.
Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) offers a full family support service for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions. This includes palliative care, family respite and support through hospices, homecare services and hospital presence.
The Dunfermline Amazon team cemented its long-term support of CHAS by volunteering at the charity’s hospice, Robin House in Balloch. The hospice offers specialist end-of-life and respite care for families and bereavement support. The Amazon team spent the day cleaning up the garden area at the hospice.
The volunteering event is part of a long-standing support programme that Amazon provides for CHAS. Since 2018, Amazon has donated more than £130,000 to CHAS, while Amazon employees have also volunteered at multiple CHAS events.
Jamie Strain, General Manager at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline said: “Our friends at CHAS offer outstanding levels of care and a broad spectrum of services to terminally ill children and their families.
“We are so pleased to help them in any way we can, including our most recent time volunteering at Robin House to provide extra pairs of hands for the staff as they support families in impossibly difficult times.”
Natasha Blyth, an employee at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline added: “Thank you to CHAS for allowing us to come and volunteer at the wonderful Robin House.
“We were able to see first-hand the invaluable work the staff do to support terminally ill children and their families and build on our great relationship with the staff there.”
Lara MacDonald, Senior Corporate Partnerships Executive at CHAS said: “We were delighted to welcome volunteers from Amazon EDI4 to Robin House where they supported our gardener Maggie for the day.
“Our gardens play a huge part in creating an incredible care experience for children and families during their time spent at the hospice and we are so grateful to the team for giving up their time to lend a hand.
“Every year, around 150 children die in Scotland due to a life-shortening condition. Whenever a child is ill, it has a huge impact on the whole family. We offer specialist support to families to be there for them through their darkest days and provide a safe space for reflection, rest, shared memories and help create moments of joy.
“We are grateful for our long-term partnership with the Dunfermline Amazon team. They have already raised over £130,000 for us and their continuous support helps us to run our services. Thank you to Natasha and the team for spending their time with us and making a difference to our families.”
Amazon supports the communities where it operates and has delivered free computer science and STEM education programmes to more than 700,000 students across the UK through Amazon Future Engineer.
Amazon helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good, including more than seven million healthy breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in partnership with Magic Breakfast.
And through its Multibank initiative, co-founded with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Amazon has supported more than 200,000 families experiencing poverty, with the donation of more than 2 million surplus essential goods.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief to help people tackle poverty and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose.
Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and tackle issues such as homelessness, mental health problems, and food insecurity across the UK, and around the world.
