Over the last year Voluntary Action Scotland (led by Volunteer Glasgow and Trust Volunteering Inverclyde), Department of Work and Pensions and the wider TSI (third sector interface) network have been collaborating on making it easier for those who claim welfare benefits to volunteer. Continue reading Guidance for benefits claimants who volunteer
Emphasis on encouraging diversity amongst Scotland’s volunteers
More people will have the chance to take part in volunteering as a result of £3.8 million funding announced today (Sunday). The Volunteering Support Grant will be made available over the next four years to create new and better volunteering projects with a focus on encouraging disadvantaged and disabled people into volunteering. Continue reading £3.8 million for volunteering projects
North Edinburgh was well represented at Edinburgh’s Inspiring Volunteer Awards this week. The gala event at the City Chambers was an opportunity to celebrate the incredible work of the city’s unsung heroes who do so much to improve the quality of life for so many in the capital. Continue reading Local stars shine at Volunteer Awards ceremony
Meet under flag at Granton Harbour breakwater 10.30am
Over sixty of Edinburgh’s most inspring volunteers are to be honoured by Frank Ross, Rt. Hon. Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, at a special awards ceremony tomorrow during #VolunteersWeekScotland. Among them are local heroes from North Edinburgh’s Knit and Natter group and MAD (that’s Mums and Dads) cook Sean Fitzharris. Continue reading Edinburgh’s inspiring volunteers to take centre stage
Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association has launched a new volunteering service to combat social exclusion among their residents, an issue that disproportionately affects older people.
As a leading not-for-profit provider of quality housing for older people in Scotland, employing over 500 staff in more than 200 housing developments, the new volunteering service aims to make a positive difference to Hanover’s customers’ lives as well as the wider community.
The framework will encourage Hanover residents to volunteer in their developments and local communities, as well as empower Hanover staff to establish high quality, customer focused volunteering opportunities.
Delivered by a newly appointed Volunteer Coordinator, the framework will also promote the take up of volunteering within developments from local communities and third sector organisations.
Since taking up the new role, Edinburgh-born Jim Brown has carried out in depth analysis of Hanover’s current volunteering capacity and the range of social activities residents participate in. Over the next few months Jim will meet with staff and residents to consult in the development of the new framework, ensuring it meets the needs, requirements and abilities of those who will benefit most from it.
Jim said: “I am delighted to have been selected as Volunteer Coordinator for an organisation that really cares about its residents, employees and the communities it is part of. I am very much looking forward to getting out to our developments across Scotland to meet with residents and staff and encouraging them to volunteer and become more socially active.
“I have volunteered throughout my life, as a befriender for an adult with learning difficulties as well as managing a youth football team, so I fully understand and appreciate the benefits volunteering brings to everyone involved.”
Hanover’s Chief Executive, Helen Murdoch said: “Customer service is at the heart of what we do. It is our priority to help all our residents lead rich and fulfilling lives and we are confident that by encouraging residents, local communities and third sector organisations to take up volunteering, that we will see a hugely positive social impact on the lives of everyone involved.”
Volunteer Edinburgh and more than fifty voluntary organisations will join together on Wednesday 21st September between 11am and 7pm at St Paul’s and St Georges Church on York Place to host Scotland’s leading Volunteer Recruitment Fair. Continue reading Roll up, roll up: Volunteer Recruitment Fair
As millions of young people across Edinburgh await their exam results and prepare to enter the world of work, new research from Scottish Gas has highlighted that soft skills and personality are top attributes the majority of Scottish business leaders look for when hiring.
Continue reading YOU’RE HIRED: Soft skills are key, say business leaders
Sunday 31 July 10.30am – 1.30 pm
WATER OF LEITH CLEAN UP & Family Picnic
Why not come along to the ANNUAL RIVER CLEAN-UP (trousers and long sleeves to avoid the nettles recommended!) And so why not bring along a packed lunch and/or picnic stuff and sit and enjoy some friendly company after the clean up?
Meet at Canonmills Clock (Next to the bridge at the bottom of Brandon Terrace) at 10.15am
ALL WELCOME
Volunteer Mentors Wanted
Would you like to make a positive difference to a young person in need?
Could you help develop the skills and confidence of a vulnerable young person in Edinburgh?
Do you have 2 hours a week to support young people to identify and achieve their goals?
Move On Edinburgh is currently recruiting volunteer mentors for our next training course, and your skills, knowledge and experience are our most valuable resource in engaging some of Edinburgh’s hardest to reach young people.
Our mentoring service matches young people (including those who are; young carers, looked after, accommodated, attending SEBD schools, lacking confidence, socially isolated, offending, engaged in risk taking behaviour, misusing substances etc.) with a volunteer mentor.
The service aims to improve outcomes for vulnerable young people such as increased self-esteem and social confidence, extended social networks and improved employability. The mentors also encourage the young people to focus on employment, training and education opportunities, identifying aspirations, finding out about different options and accessing suitable opportunities.
Our mentors are drawn from all walks of life and we are particularly keen to recruit mentors who have personal experience of the care system or homelessness. Mentors undergo a thorough recruitment, training and induction process, involving taking up references, a mandatory 5 week training course and membership of the PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) scheme.
If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please call 0131 558 3740 or email rebecca@moveon.org.uk to request an application pack, or visit our website for more information: http://www.moveon.org.uk/mentoring-3
