Edinburgh Leisure has paid tribute to the vital role of its volunteers with a special Volunteer Thank You Day, held on Thursday 6 June as part of the UK’s annual Volunteer Week celebrations.
The event brought together 60 of the organisation’s 190 volunteers for a day of appreciation, connection, and insight into the impact of their contributions. Hosted at one of Edinburgh Leisure’s Meadowbank Sports Centre, the gathering recognised the essential role volunteers play in supporting health and wellbeing across the city.
“Our volunteers are the heartbeat of many of our community programmes,” said Stephen Hughes, Volunteer Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure.
“They help us reach more people, deliver more services, and ultimately improve lives through physical activity. This event was a small way to say a big thank you.”
Volunteers at Edinburgh Leisure support a wide range of initiatives, from health walks and inclusive fitness sessions to youth engagement and wellbeing programmes. Their efforts help reduce barriers to physical activity and promote healthier, more connected communities.
The celebration also offered volunteers the opportunity to share their experiences, learn more about Edinburgh Leisure’s services, and connect with fellow volunteers and staff. Many spoke of the personal rewards of volunteering, including meeting new people, supporting others, and seeing participants grow in confidence and wellbeing.
Volunteer Week, which runs annually in early June, is a UK-wide initiative that recognises the invaluable contributions of volunteers in all sectors.
Interested in Volunteering?
Edinburgh Leisure is always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join its volunteer team.
Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland (SMFS) and Edinburgh Leisure are calling for volunteers to help launch a new weekly club that tackles depression, dementia, and loneliness through the power of sport.
The proposed Sporting Memories Club would be based at Meadowbank, with plans to start in the new year, pending volunteer support.
Following a successful one-off session at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, to mark the launch of Edinburgh 900 exhibition, organisers are eager to establish a regular programme for older adults passionate about sports.
Volunteer Opportunity Highlights
The clubs are run by trained by Sporting Memories volunteers who use a wide range of Sporting Memories reminiscence resources developed specifically to help prompt conversation and discussion. There is always great fun and laughter, friendships are forged, and some remarkable sporting stories often emerge.
Sporting Memories has developed an innovative and engaging approach to tackling the challenges of our ageing society. Their work focuses on reducing loneliness and isolation; getting older people physically active; and helping people to live well with dementia.
Donna Mackey, Partnership Manager at SMFS, emphasised the need for volunteers: “We’re looking for people with a love of sport and some spare time. No expert sports knowledge is required – we’ll provide full training and resources.”
Key points for potential volunteers:
No specialised sports expertise needed
Comprehensive training will be provided
Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in community health
Support for older adults, including those living with dementia
Community Impact
Sam Scott from Edinburgh Leisure explained the broader significance: “These clubs support Edinburgh Leisure’s mission to keep people active and well, no matter what age or stage.
“Using the rich history and heritage of sport, we’re creating a space where older adults can connect, reminisce, and build friendships through their shared love of sport.”
The clubs offer:
A welcoming environment for sport enthusiasts
Opportunities to share sporting memories
Social connection and support
Activities designed to combat isolation and support mental well-being
Who Can Participate?
The club welcomes:
Older adults who enjoy talking about sport
Individuals living with dementia
Carers interested in supporting their loved ones’ social engagement
We’re thrilled to share that the amazing volunteers from Spartans Community Foundation have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024! This is the UK’s top honour for local volunteer groups – the equivalent of an MBE.
Spartans Community Foundation is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises, and volunteer groups to receive this award this year. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service was set up in 2002 to mark the late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and continues now in King Charles’ reign, recognising volunteer groups doing incredible work to support their communities.
Next summer, Spartans Community Foundation representatives will accept the award from the Lord-Lieutenant of Edinburgh, and two of our volunteers will also be invited to a garden party at Holyroodhouse.
Debbi McCulloch, CEO of Spartans Community Foundation, shared: “We’re absolutely thrilled and honoured that our volunteers have received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
“This award is a tribute to their dedication, passion and hard work that makes a positive difference in our community every day.
“We couldn’t be prouder of this achievement and can’t wait to keep building a better future together.”
Thousands of volunteers took to streets, shopping centres and supermarkets for the final weekend of fundraising for the 2024 Scottish Poppy Appeal.
Affectionately known across the country as Poppy Saturday, the day saw an army of volunteer collectors, including veterans themselves and hundreds of young cadets, from Glasgow to Girvan, Edinburgh to Elgin, all make another outstanding effort to raise vital funds to support the Armed Forces community.
Tomorrow the nation will fall silent in sombre reflection and pause for two minutes on Remembrance Sunday, safe in the knowledge that Poppy Saturday across Scotland has once again been a roaring success, with shoppers enthusiastically donating.
Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland, said: “We cannot thank each and every volunteer and indeed donator enough for their continued support to the Scottish Poppy Appeal.
“The response we have had, not just on Poppy Saturday but throughout the past three weeks, across the length and breadth of our country has been nothing short of phenomenal.
“On behalf of Poppyscotland and the Armed Forces community that we support, I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who gave so generously. Without such support, quite frankly the Scottish Poppy Appeal simply could not happen.”
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with millions of poppies being distributed around the country.
The money raised from the Appeal has enabled Poppyscotland to help countless men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces or with struggles adjusting from military to civilian life.
At the British Heart Foundation (BHF), we are calling for budding elves to spread Christmas cheer and lend an elfing hand in their local BHF shop.
We are looking for generous volunteers, or elves, to lend a hand – whether that’s picking out Secret Santa gift ideas, to getting creative and decorating the shop, or simply being a friendly ear for customers during what can be a lonely time of the year.
We welcome anyone who wants to help during this busy time. All you need is some festive spirit, a willingness to lend a hand, and maybe a Santa hat or two!
With no need to sign up to regular shifts, every hour will make a difference and raise money to fund lifesaving research, which will help keep families together for Christmases to come. So why not put your best elf forward and have a go at volunteering with the BHF?
To get involved, pop into your local shop or visit our website. There will be hot drinks, snacks, and a festive welcome waiting for you.
Yours sincerely,
Jo Wright
Retail Volunteering Operations Manager at the British Heart Foundation
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:
The Mighty Stride (approx. 21 miles) – £20£10 registration fee
The Big Stroll (approx. 11 miles) – £20£10 registration fee
The Wee Wander (approx. 5 miles) – £12.50£6.25 for adults, £6.50£3.25 for children
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.
National Galleries Scotland are recruiting volunteers to help with our upcoming events that will take place in the Granton Art Centre.
We are prioritising volunteers based in the area as we are looking to support local people and help connect them with the community. You can find more information in the link below:
We need your help in providing a warm welcome for community groups and visitors to Granton Art Centre, where we house many artworks from the National Galleries of Scotland’s collection.
With your help we can support audiences, in particular groups from North Edinburgh, to feel more connected to the collection and National Galleries of Scotland.
Your role:
You will be supporting the GAC team – led by our Store Manager, Holly – as well as freelance artists and educators who lead tours, events and activities to ensure community groups and visitors have a positive and memorable experience.
This opportunity supports National Galleries of Scotland with its community development programme in North Edinburgh, building relationships for The Art Works – National Galleries of Scotland’s future project in Granton to deliver a community centred and sustainable new facility for Scotland’s collection of art.
What is the Granton Art Centre:
Granton Art Centre is Scotland’s first purpose-built art store for paintings, drawings and sculptures from the national collection. It provides 1,300 square metres of secure and climate-controlled storage space.
It is a living archive, full of potential inspiration for community groups, artists, researchers, schools, and individuals where visitors can see artworks up close.
In the future, Granton Art Centre will eventually exist as The Art Works.
How to apply:
Easiest way to apply is online through the button on the right. You will be asked to provide some basic information about you, along with why you would like to volunteer in this role. You will also be asked for two referees, ideally one of them should be work/education/volunteering related and the other personal.
We are looking to recruit a team of 4 – 5 volunteers each contributing about 2hrs per month
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION BY THE END OF JULY
Through this opportunity we aim to support local people and help connect them with the community. As such, priority will be given to applications from local residents (EH5 postcode).
Last year, the NSPCC delivered its Speak out Stay safe programme to nearly 63,000 children in Scotland
The assembly helps children understand abuse in all its forms and where to ask for help.
The charity rolled out a refreshed version of the programme earlier this year alongside a new promotional video and is encouraging schools across the UK to sign up
NSPCC Scotland is appealing for volunteers to help share these vital messages in primary schools
NSPCC Scotland has released new today which reveals that their Speak out Stay safe educational programme was delivered to 62, 986 children across 348 schools in Scotland last year (April 2023 to March 24).
Speak out Stay safe, which has been running since 2011, aims to help primary school children understand abuse in an age-appropriate way, as well as teach them where to ask for help.
The NSPCC believes empowering children with this knowledge is vital as on average two children in a primary school class across the UK have experienced abuse or neglect.
Educating children on abuse and neglect helps them to recognise situations or signs which will enable them to share their concerns with a safe adult.
Earlier this year the children’s charity rolled out a refreshed version of the programme, with a new promotional video. The updated version of Speak out Stay safe, which is available to all UK primary schools, includes a range of resources – which varies depending on the age of the children. Schools can benefit from virtual assemblies, lesson plans and face-to-face workshops with NSPCC trained volunteers.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Speak out Stay safe was delivered in more than 90% of all primary schools across the UK. This was affected due to the lockdown and using its refreshed service model, the children’s charity is ambitious to rebuild numbers and reach more children.
Speak out Stay safe volunteer, Karen Duncan (60) from Auchterarder, Perthshire, said:“Speak out Stay safe is a brilliant programme that helps children recognise what may be happening to them, that’s it not ok, and that they can speak to someone.
“I was a teacher for 30 years, but you don’t need previous professional experience of working with children to do this.
“The most important thing is that you are concerned about the wellbeing of children and would like to help keep them safe. The training and support are exceptionally good and it’s great to be part of a team with the same goal in mind.
“I feel I’m making a difference. If I can prevent abuse happening to one child, then I’ve done what I set off to do.”
Enola Butler, NSPCC Scotland Schools coordinator, said: “Speak out Stay safe is a vital safeguarding service in schools which helps them to understand what abuse is and where they can turn for help.
“We know many children might not be aware that they are experiencing abuse, and they might be scared about speaking out because they are worried about repercussions.
“Our volunteer numbers have reduced in recent years, and we would love to hear from anyone who is interested in joining us for just a few hours each month.
“Many volunteers have told us they feel privileged to be helping to spread these really important messages and we’d like to reach every child in Scotland to let them know that abuse is never their fault, and help is available.”
The programme is available in English, Welsh and incorporating British Sign Language and there is also a version of the programme for children with additional needs and disabilities.
Business software experts join efforts to restore an iconic coastline
THE UK’s leading finance software implementation specialists have taken to the beach to help a conservation charity restore an historic Scottish coastline.
A team of 30 employees from Eureka Solutions descended upon the Cramond Foreshore and assisted The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) charity in restoring the coastal habitats and dune systems in the area.
The team’s efforts were part of the Sage Foundation’s initiative to support UK charities by providing volunteers to help achieve tasks relatively quickly that would otherwise take months to complete.
The volunteering work centred around removing invasive non-native plant species like Japanese Rose and suckering ash and sycamore to allow native plants to re-establish.
Volunteers also helped sow a special ‘Edinburgh coastline’ wildflower seed mix to create new pollinator corridors and extended protective fencing to prevent further degradation of sensitive grassland spots.
David Lindores, CEO at Eureka Solutions, said: “Our team was proud to roll up their sleeves and make a tangible difference in restoring such a unique and ecologically important area.
“We had a great day working alongside colleagues from TCV as well as volunteers from Modulr – it was wonderful to see different organisations coming together for a common cause.
“The Sage Foundation contacted us and asked if we could lend a hand to the vital conservation work happening along the Cramond coastline, and we couldn’t be happier to get involved. As an established business of twenty years, we feel it’s important to support community and environmental initiatives like this.”
Cramond Foreshore is a designated Site of Special Scientific Importance (SSSI) and holds historical significance as the location of the “Dragon’s Teeth” anti-tank defences, Cramond Island and Lauriston Castle.
The extensive coastal path stretches from the mouth of the River Almond in the west, past the historic Roman village of Cramond, across the tidal causeway to Cramond Island, and continues eastward towards Granton Harbour.
The volunteering day was organised through the Sage Foundation, which facilitates charitable donations and volunteering opportunities for Sage employees and partners worldwide.
Eureka Solutions also has a long-term charity partnership with the Ayrshire Cancer Trust in which it raises funds through team events and initiatives throughout the year.
The East Kilbride firm specialises in implementing business software solutions and is one of the UK’s leading experts in Oracle NetSuite, iplicit and Sage 200, as well as producing its own complementary software solutions including the integration application, Besyncly.
With over 20 years of expertise, the firm works with hundreds of clients across multiple sectors providing consultancy, implementation, training and technical support.
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