volunteering – Page 8 – The NEN

Call for Communities in Scotland to apply for Environmental Grants

The Action Earth campaign, run by national charity Volunteering Matters, has launched to help support communities to participate in outdoor environmental volunteering. Projects can apply now to the campaign, which NatureScot funds.

Nature is in crisis, and we face a climate emergency. Last year, we completed 134 successful projects, helping restore and protect environments to deliver a ‘nature-rich’ future for all.

Volunteering Matters Action Earth offers easy-to-access grants of up to £250 for environmental activities across Scotland. This year, we have 132 nature awards for any group of volunteers carrying out practical environmental improvements or wildlife habitat creation in local urban spaces.

Previous projects have included wildflower meadow and pond creation, woodland and wetland renovations, bird and bat box siting, and creating or improving community gardens.

We are also keen to support projects working with people with disabilities, defined health issues, or barriers to involvement. From last year’s 134 projects to benefit from Action Earth grant funding, over 3,325 volunteers were involved in improving biodiversity in their community – 1,100 of them having disabilities and/or defined health issues.

The campaign is also keen to hear from projects whose work benefits disadvantaged communities, especially in urban areas and in places with reduced local amenities. 45% of volunteers in 2022 were from areas in the lowest 20% of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.

2023 Marks the 20th anniversary of Volunteering Matters and NatureScot’s partnership to help communities make positive local change.

Francesca Osowska, Chief Executive and Accountable Officer, Scottish Natural Heritage. ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.nature.scot

NatureScot Chief Executive Francesca Osowska says: “The Action Earth campaign is a brilliant way for communities to make space for nature and protect local greenspaces, native wildlife and habitats – in turn, helping tackle the nature and climate crises. I encourage groups to apply and look forward to lots of exciting projects this year.”

For those looking for inspiration for their projects, the Volunteering Matters Action Earth website has instructions on how to build bird boxes, bat boxes, frog hibernacula, hedgehog boxes, and bee/insect homes. NatureScot also has many tips to help nature this spring through its Make Space for Nature campaign.

More information is available and applications can be made NOW at the Volunteering Matters Action Earth website:

https://volunteeringmatters.org.

https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/project/action-earth

Young Leader programme at PYCP

Exciting new opportunity for young people 14-18, PYCP is running a new 10-week Young Leader Programme.

Come along today (Thursday 11th May) to our intro session to find out more.

Learning 2 Lead provides a chance to get more involved here at PYCP, learn new skills and use existing skills.

Young people can also work on a Youth Achievement Awards, which look great on college/university/job application forms. For example, a bronze Youth Achievement Award is the SQA equivalent to a National 5

Some of the more unusual activities you can try at Edinburgh Leisure

Edinburgh Leisure launches new membership campaign

As Edinburgh Leisure launches its new May membership campaign, here’s a look some of the more unusual activities to try at Edinburgh Leisure.

Pickleball

Don’t get yourself in a pickle! Invented in the USA over 50 years ago by a family who named it after their dog Pickles, Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the world.

Played on a court very similar to badminton but with a lower net, it is played with a ball and a paddle, and uses racket skills from tennis, squash, badminton and table tennis. The rules and scoring system mean that pickleball is very accessible for the young and not so young, making it a family activity for everyone to enjoy.

Pickleball is available at the new Meadowbank Sports Centre and Gracemount Leisure Centre. Book your place online or via the App under ‘Social Sport Class”

Volunteering

Have time on your hands? Perhaps, you could consider volunteering for Edinburgh Leisure?AtEdinburgh Leisure, their wonderful volunteers play a vital role in supporting people in our Active Communities programme.

They make an enormous difference to people’s lives and, quite simply, many of Edinburgh Leisure’s projects couldn’t exist without them. No matter which role you undertake as a volunteer, training and support will be provided.

Get an overview of their different programmes, and register your interest in any that suit you.

Hydrospin

Most people are familiar with Aquafit, but Hydrospin takes working out in water to a whole new level. If you’ve tried spinning, then try cycling underwater for an hour to get a whole new perspective on a workout.

Hydrospin is a water-based fitness class combining the dynamism of indoor studio cycling with the benefits of water-based exercise.Available at the Royal Commonwealth Pool only.

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/fitness-classes/water-based

Adult swim and dive coaching

Hone your skills in the water with Edinburgh Leisure’s 1-2-1 swim and dive lessons.

Whether you are looking to build confidence in the pool or perfect your technique Edinburgh Leisure’s enthusiastic team will help guide, support and encourage you to achieve your goals – fast. Their lessons are open to all ages and abilities, although the swim 1-2-1 session times are more suitable for adults.

Prices are £22 for a 25-minute session or £44 for 50 minutes. Bookings can be made up to a week in advance (or 8 days in advance if you have a membership card).

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/coaching-courses/swimming#SwimAdult

Squash

Grab your racquet and step on court at venues across Edinburgh. Available at Craiglockhart Tennis Centre and the new Meadowbank Sports Centre.

And if squash isn’t your bag, then there’s always tennis, badminton, Pickleball or table tennis.

Edinburgh Leisure run a series of Adult social sport classes across their venues. These are regular social and fun classes designed for all ages and abilities:

Badminton – Instructor led adult social classes available at Craiglockhart Tennis Centre, Gracemount Leisure Centre, Meadowbank Sports Centre and Wester Hailes High School. More information on these sessions can be found here

Pickleball – Gracemount Leisure Centre and Meadowbank Sports Centre. Book your place in the class online or via the App under ‘Social Sport Class”

Take a dip in a Victorian pool

Edinburgh Leisure boasts not one but five Victorian pools!

At Glenogle, Portobello, Dalry, Leith Victoria and Warrender, which over the years have received substantial refurbishment and TLC. To swim in a Victorian pool with the natural light that floods in through their glass roofs is a relaxing experience like no other.

Turkish Baths, steam rooms and saunas

And chill! Looking for something a little less strenuous or to soothe your muscles after a workout? Or just a place to unwind?

Taking some regular time out can improve your mental and physical wellbeing. The gentle moist heat in Edinburgh Leisure’s spa facilities will relax your mind and body which can have a beneficial effect on your sleep and help to alleviate any aches and pains. There are lots of options across Edinburgh!

And for the ultimate in relaxation therapy, look no further than Edinburgh Leisure’s authentic, original Victorian-designed Turkish Baths at Portobello Swim Centre, the last of their kind in Edinburgh.

Sauna and Steam Room: Ainslie Park Leisure Centre, Glenogle Swim Centre, Leith Victoria Swim Centre

Sauna: Dalry Swim Centre, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Gracemount Leisure Centre and Warrender Swim Centre

Steam Room and Turkish Bath: Portobello Swim Centre

With 50+ venues across the city, which includes 1 world-class climbing centre;11 superb swimming pools, including 5 Victorian ones; 15 state-of-the-art gyms; 32 tennis courts; 141 sports pitches; and 750+ fitness classes per week, wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is right up your street and has a flexible and affordable membership option to suit most budgets.

Those joining in May will pay no joining fee*. There are also additional member benefits, including priority bookings, free gym induction and discounts on a range of activities. There is no contract and membership can be frozen or cancelled at any time.

For more information and to join Edinburgh Leisure:

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/may-membership-campaign

Summer hours at Lauriston Farm

Summer hours!

Now the days are longer, we can be at the community garden and allotments a bit later, so … starting this Tuesday 2nd May, the drop-in hours are:

Tuesdays 3-5pm

Thursdays 1-3pm

We hope you can join us. You don’t need gardening experience and you don’t need to book – just come along when you can.

There are a mix of jobs – you can choose the ones that are right for you, have a blether with neighbours, get some sea air, learn more about growing food using nature-friendly methods, and feel good about feeding the neighbourhood.

You also get a share of produce when things are ready to pick.

Hope to see you there!

North Edinburgh Community Festival: Call for Volunteers

SATURDAY 13th MAY – WEST PILTON PARK

Volunteer-information Download

ELREC: Free Permaculture Course at Lauriston Farm

We are excited to announce the launch of our Permaculture Course, taking place at ELREC plot in Lauriston Farm as part of our Communities’ Reduce Reuse & Recycle project.

This course is open to everyone who is interested in learning about gardening and sustainable land management practices.

Our course offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a range of topics such as soil building, sowing seeds, compost making, beneficial insects, pest management, and much more. By taking our Permaculture Course, you will gain a deeper understanding of how to live more sustainably, reduce your ecological footprint, and contribute positively to the local and global ecosystem.

This is an excellent opportunity to participate in a transformative and enriching experience that empowers individuals to create meaningful and positive change in their lives and communities.

The best part? The course is completely FREE, although donations are welcomed to support our work. To book your spot, please email cfc@elrec.org.uk.

Check out the course timetable here https://www.elrec.org.uk/elrec-permaculture-course-at…/ for more details.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn about permaculture and join us on this journey towards sustainability and regeneration!

Volunteer sessions with Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden

Did you know that we have regular volunteering sessions?

We have a wonderful community of people from all walks of life who gather in the garden to help us maintain its beauty and help with seasonal gardening tasks.

Whether you’re an avid gardener or a complete beginner we would love to have you!

We have an employed gardener on site if you’d like to learn specific things and advance your skills, or if you just need a helping hand to gain some confidence.

For more information check out of website and email us with your interest to arrange an introductory visit.

#scotlandcommunitygardens

LifeCare: Would you like to join our board?

We are looking for new trustees to help LifeCare in its great work supporting local older people

LifeCare is at an exciting stage in its development and we are looking for Trustees who will passionately inform our services bringing new skills and experience to help lead the organisation.

We are particularly (but not exclusively) interested in individuals with experience in the following fields:

Health and Social Care
Finance
Fundraising
Marketing and Digital Innovation
Hospitality

Most of all, we are looking for people with lived experience of care, or as an unpaid carer, to help strengthen our capacity to better embed the voice of the people who use our services at Board level.

Can you help us? We are looking for people who share our values, that are passionate and committed about supporting local older people, who can be creative in building our profile and work closely with our team and stakeholders to deliver outstanding person-centred services to our clients.

The Board usually meets in the evenings (either in-person or via Zoom). The role is non-remunerated however reasonable expenses will be reimbursed and training / ongoing support will be provided. If you have any questions or would like a quick chat to find out more, please contact our chair beverleyfrancis@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk.

To apply please send a CV and covering letter expressing your interest to beverleyfrancis@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk. Please contact us if you would prefer to submit an application in another format.

Closing date 31^st March 2023

Webpage: https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/2023/02/27/join-lifecares-board-of-trustees/

Vintage Vibes: Looking for lovely people in North Edinburgh to volunteer

Did you know that Edinburgh is the loneliest city in the UK for older people?

@Vintage Vibes Edinburgh is a charity project that matches you with a wonderful older person who is local to you and has a shared interest, to create a fantastic friendship that meets once a week. It’s flexible, fun and fulfilling.

“You couldn’t have picked a better person, she is a great friend.” – Doreen

Interested? Email hello@vintagevibes.org.uk or go to vintagevibes.org.uk and sign up online

Call for nominations to join Hostelling Scotland’s Board of Trustees

Start 2023 with a new and exciting adventure!

Hostelling Scotland, the not for profit, self-funded charity, who operate a network of nearly 60 exceptional quality assured youth and affiliate hostels throughout Scotland, and facilitate a number of youth and community initiatives, is on the lookout for new members to join its Board of Trustees.

The organisation is very keen to receive applications from as wide a range of talented people as possible irrespective of their religion or belief, gender, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, political belief, relationship status or caring responsibilities.

With the challenging economic climate Hostelling Scotland would love to hear from applicants with skills and experience in managing operational change, charity/corporate governance, law, risk management, and youth travel and hospitality.

Margo Paterson, CEO of Hostelling Scotland, said: “Hostelling Scotland is open to all. We are committed to inclusion and diversity and we want our Board of Trustees to be representative of the wide range of talented people we have in the communities we serve throughout Scotland.

“We value greatly the benefits of having different points of view and experiences on our Board. We particularly welcome applications from first time Trustees and highly motivated individuals across all age groups and backgrounds, with a wide range of skills and experiences, and the capacity and commitment to grow into the role.”

“If you are looking for a new and exciting adventure and keen to do something great. If you believe you have the enthusiasm and drive to help shape the future of hostelling in Scotland, we would love to hear from you.”

To express an interest and receive a nomination pack and application form, please email: companysecretary@hostellingscotland.org.uk.

Please note: a formal nomination form is required to be completed by 10 March 2023.