Volunteering Opportunities in Lochaber

1. One Off Opportunities
2. Sport
3. Advice/Information Giving
4. Befriending/Mentoring/Support
5. Administrative/Office/Committee
6. Youth Work/Adult Education/Disability
7. Practical/DIY/Environment
8. Charity Shops/Retailing/Fundraising
9. Driving
   
10. Other - Animals/General etc......        

If you would be interested in further information or applying for an opportunity then......

                       E-mail:Lochaber@volunteeringhighland.org

 1.       One Off Oportunities

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2.         Sport

 Ref. 92             Indoor Bowler                    Angus Crescent Indoor Bowling Club Adult Training Centre
 
To assist with and help disabled bowlers to achieve the satisfaction of playing and competing in Indoor and Outdoor Bowls.

Ref. 237            Cycling Tutor/helper       Highland Council - Active Schools Programme

A great chance to help and get involved with getting more children on bikes and improving their skills whilst getting fitter and improving your own skills.

Ref. 238             Activity Supervisor - Junior Climbing Club            Highland Council - Active Schools Programme

Without an adult present, young people are not allowed to use the climbing wall.  There is a huge amount of interest but adults are needed to make this happen.

  
Ref. 98             Volunteer Walk Leaders   Step It Up Highland Lochaber

Volunteer walk leaders are required to support and encourage individuals who are keen to take part in led walks.

Ref. 152           Shinty Referee                  The Camanachd Association

Opportunity to be a valued contributer to the growth of Scotland's oldest sport, officiating at fixtures in the most beautiful parts of the Highlands of Scotland.

Ref. 239           Netball Coaches            Highland Council - Active Schools Programme  

  Help a primary netball team prepare for an interschools tournament.

 
Ref. 241           Hockey coach/helper, session supervisor
Council - Active Schools Programme

To work with a young hockey coach/volunteer.  To provide support in case of emergencies and help ensure the safety of participants.

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    3.    Advice/Information Giving

 Ref. 56                  Support worker            Victim Support

To support victims of crime

Ref. 57                  Collection Point Staff      Lochaber Credit Union

To deal face to face with the public helping at one of the various Credit Union collection points throughout Lochaber.

Ref. 99                  Telephone Support Worker/Counsellor
Scottish Care and Information on Miscarriage

Within Scotland, over 7,000 women and families suffer through miscarriage each year.  Often these families feel isolated and anxious following this type of loss.  We need caring people to work within local communities to provide support, information and be there to listen - could you offer this support?

Ref. 142             Presenter                      WWF Scotland

WWF are looking for volunteers who will give presentations about the work we do, in response to local requests from schools, clubs and other organisations.

Ref. 145             Adviser                Lochaber Citizens Advice Bureau

Volunteer Advisers interview clients, explore the issues and provide advice from our comprehensive information system.

Ref. 147             Business Adviser/Coach   Young Enterprise Scotland

Young Enterprise Scotland Advisers are attached to a Young Enterprise Company, to guide a group of young people (15-19 year olds) in the setting up and running of their own company over the course of the academic year.  The Adviser's role is to bring practical business skills and experience to keep the company on track, whilst allowing the young people the scope to shape their own business.

Ref. 213              Witness Service Volunteer           Witness Service

To work solely within the sheriff court to provide practical and emotional support to all witnesses attending criminal trial.

Ref. 217               Helpline Volunteer          First Steps to Freedom

The volunteer is required to man the helpline at his/her particular duty time, taking varied and interesting calls.

Ref. 223              Watch Leader                     Scottish Wildlife Trust

Watch Leaders throughout Scotland organise and run Watch groups and inspire young people (8-14) to enjoy and care for their natural world. 

Ref.             Volunteer Speaker            Children's Hopsice Association Scotland (CHAS)

You will be trained to talk about the work of CHAS to any group who requests a speaker.  This can range from primary schools to community groups and even businesses.

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   4.      Befriending/Mentoring/Support

Ref. 52             Volunteer Visitor            Volunteer Visiting Service

To visit people in their own homes, or to assist them to partake in social activities within their communities.  The service hopes to alleviate some negative aspects of social isolation and increase clients feelings of wellbeing.  

Ref. 64          Befriender/Buddy      Lochaber Challenger Group

Befriender/ Buddy to help disabled sailors gain confidence

Ref. 66          Actvities Helper              Mackintosh Centre

To help out at the lunch club and with various other activities

Ref. 67          Befriender                        Mackintosh Centre, Mallaig
To offer time to befriend and support older people within the centre.

Ref. 71          Companion                         Moss Park Care Home

To be a companion to one or several of our residents

Ref. 72          Activities Assistant                 Moss Park Care Home

To assist the Activities co-ordinator with afternoon activities sessions.

Ref. 73          Helper                                    The Glengarry Centre

To help challenge the stigma around mental ill-health by providing social opportunities for people experiencing mental health problems.

Ref. 79          Supporter                     Women's Aid Lochaber

To support women, young people and children who have experienced domestic abuse.

Ref. 82          Support worker            Invernevis House

To spend time on a one-to-one basis with individual residents.  This is a rewarding and interesting opportunity.

Ref. 83          Escort/Support worker     Invernevis House

Escorting individual residents to church on a Sunday morning.

Ref. 84           Activity Worker             Invernevis House

To spend time in Invernevis House supporting daycare clients with activities both within and outside Invernevis House.

Ref. 85           Volunteer Mentor      Volunteering Highland Lochaber       

Ref. 114         Passenger Assistant             Lochaber Community Care Forum Lochaber Community Car Scheme

A community transport service for people who are unable to use, or have difficulty with public transport.

Ref. 178         Counsellor                Lochaber Council on Alcohol

Have you ever considered becoming a counsellor?  We are looking for people with common sense who understand lifes ups and downs and have time to give. (Training provided.  6 full weekends, then 3 hours a week for 2 years plus portfolio work).  THIS IS ONLY AVAILABLE ABOUT ONCE A YEAR.  LCA would also welcome people to help as back-up when counselling is taking place.

Ref. 201         Supporter                 Lochaber Friendship Group for the Visually Impaired

We have monthly meetings or outings where our members meet socially for lunch or afternoon tea and an informal chat.  Or we plan outings to go shopping or to musical events.

Ref. 209       Care Support              Contact the Elderly

An opportunity to be involved with working with over 65's to provide a social outing.

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   5.    Administration/Office/Committee 

     Ref. 63       Committee Members             Lochaber Credit Union

To be involved in making decisions about how LCU should be run through being on a committee.  Help also needed to publicise LCU.

Ref. 69         Administration                          Cancer Research UK

To help with paperwork in the shop

Ref. 74        Treasurer                            Lochaber Action on Disability

To be the Treasurer for LAD.

Ref. 77         Committee Members and Reception Work
  Shopmobility Lochaber

To help with the office/admin, welcoming clients and giving advice on equipment.

Ref. 80          Committee Member/Fundraiser
                                          Friends of Mallaig and District Swimming Pool
To support an important and valuable community resource while meeting people and having fun.

Ref. 88          Support worker              Lochaber Deaf Care

To provide help and assistance to people with hearing loss.

Ref. 93          Volunteer Administrator       Talk Lochaber

Talk Lochaber, our local talking newspaper service requires people to provide administrative support for the weekly newstape which goes out to over 60 people who cannot read print.

Ref. 94           Volunteer Technician           Talk Lochaber

Talk Lochaber, our local talking newspaper service requires people to record the weekly newstape which goes out to over 60 people who cannot read print.

Ref. 95            Volunteer Editor                    Talk Lochaber

Talk Lochaber, our local talking newspaper service requires people to prepare articles for our weekly recording sessions.  The weekly editor decides on content of the weekly tapes which go out to over 60 people who cannot read print.

Ref. 96            Volunteer reader                     Talk Lochaber

Talk Lochaber, our local talking newspaper service requires people to read newspaper and magazine articles aloud in our weekly recording sessions.

Ref. 104          Receptionist                      Nevis Community Radio

Although volunteers are primarily involved in local broadcasting, the work behind the scenes is just as important.  Nevis Radio also offers the chance to do reception work and sorting of the CD catalogue system.

Ref. 105          Executive Committe Member      The Abbeyfield Ballachulish Society LTD

The Abbeyfield Society provides care and very sheltered housing for older people and other services with local community involvement.

Ref. 110         Committee Members        Lochaber Sea Cadets

The Lochaber Sea Cadet Unit is a local charity affiliated to the National Sea Cadet Corps.  It is not a recruiting organisation for the navy, but a group of people who want to give young people an experience of the sea with a naval theme.

Ref. 115          Volunteer telephonist      Lochaber Community Care Forum Lochaber Community Car Scheme

The car scheme is a community transport service for people who are unable to use, or have difficulty with public transport.

Ref. 116          Administrator                   Women's Aid Lochaber

To support women and young people who have suffered from domestic abuse.

Ref. 134          Printer Sitter                       Westword

To help print Westword

Ref. 137          Receptionist and helper      The Land, Sea and Islands Centre, Arisaig 

Manning counter and shop and answering questions on local information from visitors to the area.

Ref. 161          Front office Assistant               Iona Community

To assist resident Administrator in front office with tasks and to assist from time to time in the Abbey church.

Ref. 222         Committee Member            Scottish Wildlife Trust

Volunteers are vital to the work of SWT.  Committee Members allow the SWT groups (Member Centres) to promote wildlife issues, run events, and help out at local reserves.

Ref. 225         Team Member          Belford Hospital Patients Council

To meet with and discuss questions and queries raised by patients/relatives/carers past and present, and staff who find clarification of issues relating to their case difficult "to sort out".

Ref. 229         Administrator         The Abbeyfield Ballachulish Society

To help answer phones, post letters and generally help with small admin jobs.

Ref. 233         Complaint Panel Member         General Dental Council Dental Complaints Service

Volunteers - members of the public and dental professionals - will sit on regional complaints panels and hear complaints about private dentistry that can't otherwise be resolved.

Ref. 242          Admin Assistant              Forestry Commission

Learn about various computer packages, electronic filing and general duties in the Forestry Commission.

                      Receptionist                    Lochaber Hydrotherapy LTD

Receptionists wanted at the new Dolphin Pool to answer the phone, greet people as they arrive and fill in booking forms.  This position would suit someone who enjoys meeting people.  Confidentiality required.

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6.      Youth Work/Adult Education/Disability 

 Ref. 75        Youth Worker         Community Learning and Leisure Youth

Looking for someone who has time, likes to have fun and wants to work with young people.

Ref. 86           Youth club helper        The Salvation Army

To assist in working with a variety of children in two youth clubs, ages 4-9 years and 9's+.

Ref. 89            Group volunteer              Lochaber Stroke Service

The volunteers are an essential part of the stroke service and we offer the opportunity to be valued while carrying out constructive, positive work, which gives scope for goodwill while working directly with people who need help.

Ref. 90             Volunteer Tutor         Highland Council Adult Basic Education

Opportunity to work on a one-to-one basis with an individual to help increase their confidence, self-esteem and basic skills.

Ref. 101           Youth Work             Caol Youth Centre Community Learning and Leisure

Have you got drive, enthusiasm and enjoy working with young people in a community setting.  Then this could be just what you are looking for.  There is also an opportunity to work with the wider community, young and old alike, within the youth centre.

Ref. 102           Coffee Bar Assistant    Caol Youth Centre Community Learning and Leisure

Opportunity to work with all ranges of the community in a centre setting, serving tea, coffee and sandwiches.

Ref. 109           Instructors                  Lochaber Sea Cadets

We need people 18+ years who are happy working with young people (12-18 years old) to help us run our unit.  No particular military or sailing skills are needed  - full training will be provided.  Only a few hours per month need be given.

Ref. 158           Children's Workers         Iona Community

Volunteer children's workers help to plan and lead the children's programme offered at specific times in the year, especially Easter, Mid June through to the end of August, Community week and the Christmas house party.

Ref. 175           Youth Worker for Fusion       Community Learning and Leisure Youth

Fusion is a safe drop-in for young people aged 12-18 years.  It is open 3 evenings plus with a mixture of activities including:  music, arts & crafts, info & advice, internet, PS2, board games, karaoke, discos etc.

Ref. 177           Youth Worker                           Community Learning and Leisure Youth

Working with young people aged 12-18 years, mainly 12-15 years in a youth club setting.

Ref. 184           Award Supporter           Duke of Edinburgh Award

Working with young people between 14-25 to help get them through their award

Ref. 185           Leader                    Girlguiding Scotland Volunteer Inquiries
Looking for Fun, Friendships and new Challenges?  Leaders can participate in a whole host of activities and times are flexible, so you can give as little or as much as you like.

Ref. 191          Volunteer Supporter           LEAD Scotland

Supporting a disabled adult in a course of study normally in the student’s own home.

Ref. 226          Youth Club Volunteer            Community Learning and Leisure - youth

To pass on skills and have fun playing with children (P4-P7) at Upper Achintore Youth Club.  

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 7       Practical/DIY/Environment

 Ref. 53        Steering Group Member and or Compost Turners
                      Lochaber Environmental Group

We are keen to form a committee of local people to manage the Community Compost Scheme in Kinlochleven including producing newsletters, leafletting, fundraising, childminding and carrying out practical tasks.

Ref. 136         Handyperson/Gardener      Astley Hall, Arisaig

To help maintain the hall and the grounds.

Ref. 157         Maintenance Team Member      Iona Community

Work as part of the team involved in the day-to-day upkeep of the centres and rolling programme of repairs.  Can range from changing lightbulbs, mending locks, and furniture to unblocking drains and painting.

Ref. 176         Compost Volunteer        Lochaber Environmental Group

Composting is the easiest way for everyone to recycle at home.  10% of Lochaber are now composting.  Help us to spread the word and protect the environment.

Ref. 211          Environmental Practical Helpers     BTCV - ACT for Lochaber

To get involved in environmental projects in Lochaber.

Ref. 243          Trail Maintenance Volunteer         Forestry Commission

Learn about trailbuilding and maintenance using a variety of handtools.  Find out how health and safety obligations can have an impact on recreation provision.

Ref. 244             Conservation Volunteer       Forestry Commission

A huge variety of jobs such as removal of non native plants, burning brash and rhodendendrons, survey work.  May also help with butterfly reserve, Sunart Oakwoods and Daingean Heritage Trail.

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 8.        Charity Shops/Retailing/Fundraising

 We require volunteers to work in the craft shop and also to create their own crafts. 

Ref.         Collecting Can Co-ordinators   Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS)

This is a fantastic opportunity to become the local representative for CHAS by raising awareness of children's hospice services and helping us raise the £5 million needed annually to support families from across Scotland.

Ref. 68        Shop Assistant                  Cancer Research UK

To work as part of a team in the shop to help a worthwhile cause whether working on the till or sorting clothes.

Ref. 87        Shop Assistant                   Highland Hospice

Volunteer required to join our team of shop staff working split shifts once a week and one Saturday per month.

Ref. 119       Collections Volunteer       Barnardo's Scotland

Collect and count income; bank money; complete the income register; post receipts to collections fundraiser; issue thank-you receipts to supporters.

Ref. 121       Daffodil Day collector        Marie Curie Cancer Care Fundraising

There are 744 hours in March, can you spare two of them to collect on Daffodil Day?
A few hours will make all the difference in someone's life!

Ref. 122          Collecting Can Co-ordinator        Marie Curie Cancer Care Fundraising

Arranging the placement, and coordinating the collection of Marie Curie static collection cans.  Banking the monies raised.

Ref. 128          Fundraiser                       Highland Hospice

To help raise funds for the work of the Highland Hospice in local areas.

Ref. 133         Shop Assistant                  Save the Children Charity Shop

To work in the Save the Children Charity shop raising funds for the Save the Children projects that help children.

Ref. 143        Panda Keeper                     WWF Scotland

Volunteers have the responsibility for the upkeep, placing, emptying and banking of our Panda collecting units in their locality.

Ref. 144        Fundraiser                            WWF Scotland

It is the fundraising support which helps to keep our main projects in Scotland and the rest of the world up and running.  Fundraising is vital to our charity, can be done in your own locality, in your own time and with family and friends.

Ref. 148       Sooty Box collector      Royal National Institute for the Blind Community Fundraising Scotland

Volunteer required to take ownership of Sooty collecting boxes placed in retail outlets in their home area.  Collectors monitor, empty and bank the contents of the boxes allocated to them.

Ref. 149        Event Organiser       Royal National Institute for the Blind Community Fundraising Scotland

Volunteer required to raise public awareness and valuable funds for RNIB through organising a local event.

Ref. 160        Shop Assistant                          Iona Community

Team of volunteers to work with resident shop staff to run this busy department.  The shop sells a wide range of books on spirituality, peace and justice issues; locally made crafts, wild goose publications, tapes, CD's. and Traidcraft products.

Ref. 167       School's Co-ordinator               British Heart Foundation

As a Fundraising School's Co-ordinator you will make a real difference by helping us to raise more funds for vital heart care through our successful Jump Rope for Heart and other school fundraising activities.

Ref. 168        Walkabout Co-ordinator            British Heart Foundation

Walkabout is a series of BHF sponsored walks held throughout the year.  There is considerable potential to increase income by encouraging Walkabout Co-ordinators to organise and market walks on our behalf.

Ref. 169       Shop Health and Safety Organiser      Save the Children Charity Shop

We need you to make a difference!  By ensuring that the shop complies with existing and new statutory health regulations, your help will be vital to the overall smooth running of the shop.  All our 130 shops are locally managed and run by volunteers.

Ref. 170       Big Red Fightback Team Leader    British Heart Foundation

As a 'Big Red Fightback' Team Leader you will make a real difference to the thousands of people whose lives are devestated by Scotland's biggest killer, heart disease, by helping us to raise income to continue our work.

Ref. 179        Retail Volunteer                      PDSA Charity Shop

All funds raised through selling donated goods, go to the treatment of sick animals in Fort William.  We offer a great opportunity to train and gain experience in the retail sector within a friendly animal loving work environment.  Full support and on-going training always offered.

Ref. 181        Fundraising co-ordinator          Cat Protection Fort William and District

To raise money to support our work locally which helps to protect the welfare of cats.

Ref. 182       Administration Tasks                    Cat Protection Fort William and District

If you enjoy paperwork and have spare time on your hands then this could be what you are looking for.

Ref. 192        Bag Dropper                  Highland Hospice

To put bags through letterboxes in designated areas of Lochaber for households to fill with goods and leave for van collection the following week.

Ref. 215        Fundraiser                            British Heart Foundation

We would like people to join our committee to help fundraising for Lochaber BHF.  We are looking for new ideas.

Ref. 231        Fundraiser              Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association

Would you like to chat and meet new people, and raise vital funds for a little-known charity supporting the Scottish MND community?

Ref. 234       Community Fundraiser and Event Organiser     Bowel Cancer UK

We are looking for people who can help on an occasional basis with various local events, or better still, become involved in local awareness raising and fundraising activities.

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9.           Driving

Ref. 97         Driver                                   Contact the Elderly Highlands

If you would like to enjoy the company of others (usually) on a Sunday afternoon why not join Contact the Elderly as a volunteer driver?

Ref. 118       Driver           Multiple Sclerosis Society Lochaber Branch

To help drive the minibus to escort people to MS social outings.

Ref. 129       Van Driver                           Shopmobility Lochaber
Mobile unit with scooters to allow less able people to have easy access to shopping. 

Ref. 140       Minibus Driver                          Lochaber Action on Disability

To drive the minibus to escort clients to social occasions, this is a vital service which is highly valued and has come to be relied on.

Ref. 146        Driver and collector of donated goods    Highland Hospice

A chance to help the Hospice raise funds by putting out bags for donations in various locations in Lochaber and then collecting them.  This will be vital to the stock replenishment of the Lochaber shop.

Ref. 151       Volunteer Driver           Lochaber Community Care Forum Lochaber Community Car Scheme

A community transport service for people who are unable to use, or have difficulty with public transport.

Ref. 163        Driver and Goods Control Officer           Cats Protection  Ardnamurchan Branch

To assist in the transporting of cats.

Ref. 208       Driver/Escort                Contact the Elderly

Driver for minibus/own car to transport elderly community members to Community Centre once a month.

Ref. 214              Minibus Driver        Mallaig and District Transport Association

Drivers are needed to help transport groups of people from toddlers to senior citizens to a variety of events to help them to take advantage of social, sporting, cultural and educational services.  The volunteer drivers would receive MIDAS training and may sometimes take advantage of these events themselves.

 Ref. 230         Driver                The Abbeyfield Ballachulish Society

A driver is required to help drive people to events and also help with the lunch club run.

Ref. 236         Driver              Highland Council  - Active Schools Programme

To take children to various activities and increase their opportunities to take part in sports.

                      Drivers Mate    New Start Highland

Needs help to support the member of staff deliver and collect furniture.  There will also be some warehouse work.  Volunteers will need to be physically fit as there will be plenty of lifting and carrying!

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10.        Other  -  Animals/General etc....

Ref. 78       Volunteer Visitor              Pets As Therapy Highlands

By visiting with registered PAT dogs/cats in homes, hospitals etc.

Ref. 103      Presenter/producer           Nevis Community Radio

Nevis Radio offers a unique opportunity within the locality of Lochaber to get involved in radio broadcasting, getting first hand work experience, or just to be involved and have fun.

Ref. 106      Pet Fosterer            The Pet Fostering Service Scotland

A pet fosterer gives a temporary home to a pet in an emergency, ie when the owner is ill or has had an accident.

Ref. 117          Volunteer helper            Multiple Sclerosis Society Lochaber Branch

To help escort people in minibus to social outing

Ref. 123      Emergency Services Co-ordinator   WRVS Emergency Services

To act as the main contact for volunteers in the emergency services team and for emergency call outs.

Ref. 124    Emergency Services Team Member       WRVS Emergency Services

As a trained volunteer, you wil be asked to give practical help and support.  You will provide help and comfort for victims and support for blue light organisations in any emergency call outs.

Ref. 135       Volunteer Helper            Astley Hall, Arisaig

To help with Arts Promotion programme.  The hall tries to promote the Arts locally by bringing in drama, concerts, children's activities, crafts etc.

Ref. 138        Subscription volunteer       Westword, Morar

To help once a month on a Friday or Saturday for 4 or 5 hours to help with the admin of and posting of subscriptions.

Ref. 153         General Assistant                 Iona Community

Working as a team member covering a variety of jobs, such as creative arts, housekeeping, outdoor activities, gardening, environmental work and cooking.  People may be aked to take responsibility in co-ordinating these tasks.

Ref. 154          Domestic Posts                     Iona Community

Prepare and assist with cooking and cleaning of utensils.

Ref. 155          Housekeeping Assistant       Iona Community

General cleaning and laundry as part of the Iona community, playing a vital role in helping to welcome guests.

Ref. 156        General Assistant                     Iona Community

To be a Jack of all trades, flexible, fit into most posts as cover.  To be very much a team player.

Ref. 159        Craft Worker                              Iona Community

Volunteer craft worker will lead craft sessions for guests and for staff members as part of the programme team.

Ref. 162        Abbey Church General Assistant            Iona Community

Mainly assisting in church with stewarding all services and keeping the Abbey clean and tidy.

Ref. 189        Special Constable            Northern Constabulary Human Resources Unit

The Special Constabulary is a volunteer body of men and women, designed to assist the regular police, and is drawn mainly from the communities served by the force.  Special Constables perform constabulary duties and exercise constabulary powers under the supervision of, and supported by, regular police officers.

Exhibition Development Assistants          Lochaber Rural Education Trust

To become involved in a new and exciting development establishing an international exhibition of photographic equipment and photography in a purpose-built rural centre, here in Lochaber.

Ref. 228          Real Nappy Demonstrator          Highland Real Nappy Project

If you are an experienced real nappy user (mum, dad, grandparent, carer) and you want to help promote the use of real nappies across the Highland area, then join our team of volunteers.

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