Tag: volunteering

Volunteer in 2026 with NSPCC

Dear Editor, 

As we step into 2026, many people will be thinking about the positive changes they’d like to make in the year ahead. For anyone looking to give back to their community, volunteering with the NSPCC is a meaningful way to support children and young people across Scotland. 

One of the ways to support children is by becoming a Childline counsellor. Our Childline bases in Aberdeen and Glasgow are always looking for new volunteers to support children and young people through our phone and online services. With a child contacting Childline every 45 seconds, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, volunteers play a vital role. 

Another rewarding opportunity is with our Schools Service. Volunteers deliver our Speak out, Stay safe workshops in primary schools, helping children understand their right to be safe, recognise the signs of abuse, and know who they can turn to for support. Last year, the programme reached more than 60,000 across Scotland, and in 2026 we hope to reach even more. 

Full training is provided, and visits can be arranged around work or family commitments. Every shift is different, and volunteers often tell us that the enthusiasm and curiosity of the children they meet is what makes the role so special. 

If this sounds like something for you, visit the NSPCC website to find out more. 

Yours sincerely, 

Adeniyi Alade 

NSPCC Scotland Service Head Helplines 

Letter: Finding time to give back

Dear Editor, 

Many people want to give back to their communities, but sometimes finding the time to volunteer can be a real challenge. 

It’s not always easy to commit to a traditional volunteering shift, at a specific time or on a regular basis. Balancing giving back with work, family, and other responsibilities can be difficult. 

That’s why, thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, Royal Voluntary Service has launched GoVo, a free platform created to make it easier for people to discover volunteering opportunities in their local area, or remote, suited to their interests, availability, and the causes they care about. 

Alongside the more traditional and regular volunteering roles people may already be familiar with, GoVo also offers flexible, one-off, remote, and more unexpected opportunities, with location dependent roles. These include dog walking for people with a terminal illness, DJing at discos for people living with dementia, knitting baby clothes for families in need, and providing exam support for young people with visual impairments.  

Time can be priceless, and volunteering your time can be even more so – not just for the causes and people it supports, but for you as a volunteer too. 

Volunteering can have a powerful impact on your own wellbeing, improving mental health, building confidence, developing new skills, and creating a sense of purpose and connection with others in your community. 

So, to anyone who would like to give volunteering a go – even if you feel short on time – I would encourage you to explore what’s available at GoVo.org, or to visit your local volunteer centre. There’s so much out there, and you may be surprised by just how easy it is to make a difference. 

Thank you, 

Dave Stott,

Director of Volunteering at Royal Voluntary Service

Drop-in Gardening at Lauriston Agroecology Farm restarts TODAY

Drop-in Gardening starts again on Thursday 15 January, and Tuesday 20 January 1pm-3pm …

If you’re looking for a way to learn about growing food …

or to share the knowledge you have…

or for community…

or for some fresh air and gentle exercise…

or to feel like you’re making a difference…

or for a reason to get out the house – try coming along!

Newcomers and beginners always welcome. Please try to arrive 10 minutes before the start time on your first day (12:50pm) – after that, it’s drop-in anytime during the opening hours.

You can get involved with growing fruit and veg in the shared plot, wildlife habitat enhancements, and taking care of the wildflower mound and Community Orchard.

Just come along on a Tuesday or Thursday afternoon and you’ll be welcomed in.

We’ve got outdoor work kit you can borrow, plus gloves, and we supply all the tools. Just bring yourself.

Access notes and FAQs are on our website here:

http://www.lauristonfarm.scot/…/drop-in-gardening…/

If you have any questions or need some support to get started, please contact us!

#NorthEdinburgh

#Edinburgh

#CommunityGarden

#GrowYourOwn

#CommunityOrchard

Letters: Volunteer in 2026 with NSPCC

Dear Editor, 

As we step into 2026, many people will be thinking about the positive changes they’d like to make in the year ahead. For anyone looking to give back to their community, volunteering with the NSPCC is a meaningful way to support children and young people across Scotland. 

One of the ways to support children is by becoming a Childline counsellor. Our Childline bases in Aberdeen and Glasgow are always looking for new volunteers to support children and young people through our phone and online services.

With a child contacting Childline every 45 seconds, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, volunteers play a vital role. 

Another rewarding opportunity is with our Schools Service. Volunteers deliver our Speak out, Stay safe workshops in primary schools, helping children understand their right to be safe, recognise the signs of abuse, and know who they can turn to for support. Last year, the programme reached more than 60,000 across Scotland, and in 2026 we hope to reach even more. 

Full training is provided, and visits can be arranged around work or family commitments. Every shift is different, and volunteers often tell us that the enthusiasm and curiosity of the children they meet is what makes the role so special. 

If this sounds like something for you, visit the NSPCC website to find out more. 

Yours sincerely, 

Adeniyi Alade 

NSPCC Scotland Service Head Helplines 

Letter: Kickstart 2026 with a challenge to support people affected by lymphoma

Lymphoma Action are inviting everyone to grab their trainers and join Team Lymphoma for a fundraising challenge in 2026.

Whether you want to step up to the start line for the first time, or you’re a seasoned challenge-champion, your support will make a difference to people affected by lymphoma, the most common type of blood cancer.

We have a challenge for everyone this year, from our Bridges of London walk to Tough Mudders, and from three peak treks to fun runs.

Every walk, run, swim or cycle will help us continue to offer people affected by lymphoma expert information, dedicated support and a community that understands. You’ll also be helping us celebrate our 40th anniversary so we would love as many people to get involved as possible!

Please visit www.lymphoma-action.org.uk/Challenges for further details on how you can join Team Lymphoma for a challenge in 2026 to raise funds and awareness.

Together, we can make sure no one faces lymphoma alone.

Yours sincerely

Amanda Harris

Lymphoma Action

Burns Night Community Ceilidh at Royston Wardieburn

SATURDAY 24 JANUARY from 5 – 8.30pm

Excited to announce our 11th annual Burns Night Community Ceilidh! Always a highlight of the Winter!

Tickets now on sale from Royston Wardieburn Community Centre reception (weekdays, cash only), and Granton Garden Bakery (Saturdays 10-1, cash or card). All tickets £4. Under 10s free.

If you’d like to volunteer to help at the event, or to offer a short performance (a turn) please contact tom@grantoncommunitygardeners.org

All volunteers and performers get a free ticket.

With Ama-zing Harmonies, musicians from Tinderbox Collective, and the Granton Primary School poets. Pilton Community Health Project, Granton Youth.

Royston Wardieburn Community Centre: Annual General Meeting

MONDAY 1st DECEMBER at 6pm

Royston Wardieburn Community Centre SCIO’s AGM will be held on Monday 1st December at 6pm. All are welcome.

We are looking for new trustees especially if you are:

*Sizzling with social media

*A finance wizard

*Great with admin.

If you are passionate about your community we need you!

Be a Garden Guide at the Botanics

🌿 Become a Garden Guide at the Botanics!

For the first time in years, we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to lead tours at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

If you love horticulture, enjoy meeting people from around the world, and have a passion for storytelling, we’d love to hear from you.

Our popular guided tours run twice a day from April to October. No formal experience is required and full training will be provided.

Apply by 12pm on Monday 1 December:

https://www.rbge.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/

GovernanceWiki: A new resource for Scotland’s third sector

A new digital resource hub is now live to help Scotland’s voluntary sector navigate governance challenges.

The Governance Wiki, developed by Midlothian Community Action (MCA) in collaboration with third sector experts across Scotland, has officially launched during Small Charities Week 2025.

This free user-friendly platform offers accessible, up-to-date guidance for charities, community groups, and social enterprises on a range of governance topics—from legal obligations and board roles to compliance and risk management.

Backed by funding from the Tyne-Esk Community Led Local Development Fund, the Governance Wiki was created in response to increasing demand for governance support, particularly among smaller or volunteer-led organisations that often lack the capacity to access traditional training or keep pace with evolving regulations.

“We heard loud and clear from the sector that governance needs to be demystified and made accessible,” said Dr Lesley Kelly, MCA Chief Officer.

“The Governance Wiki brings together trusted resources curated from across the TSI Network, and also signposts users on to excellent existing resources from organisations such as SCVO and Evaluation Support Scotland.”

Collaborative and Community-Driven

The project was shaped through consultation with Third Sector Interfaces (TSIs) and sector stakeholders, with content led by an independent consultant from IBSM Ltd and developed in partnership with Glasgow Social Enterprise Network, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action, and CVS Inverclyde.

The platform itself was built by Volunteer Edinburgh, drawing on the infrastructure of its successful Volunteer Wiki. Designed for ease of use, the site features intuitive navigation, mobile accessibility, and powerful search functions.

Looking Ahead

MCA is now working with the wider TSI Network to keep the Wiki current and relevant, with plans to:

– Continuously update and expand the content
– Evaluate usage and gather feedback, beginning with an event at the TSI Conference in October
– Collaborate with sector bodies to ensure alignment with governance best practices.

For more information or to explore the Wikis, visit:

Governance Wiki GovernanceWiki

Volunteer Wiki VolunteerWiki – The go-to place for volunteer involving organisations