About Volunteer scotland
Volunteer Scotland: Making Volunteering Easy and Fun for Everyone
Volunteering is a noble act that benefits both the volunteer and the community. It allows individuals to give back, learn new skills, meet new people, and make a positive impact on society. However, not everyone knows how to get started with volunteering or where to find opportunities that match their interests and availability. That's where Volunteer Scotland comes in.
Volunteer Scotland is the only national centre for volunteering in Scotland. It was established in 1970 as a charity with the mission of promoting and supporting volunteering across the country. Today, it has over 40 staff members who work tirelessly to connect volunteers with organisations that need their help.
One of Volunteer Scotland's main goals is to make volunteering easy for everyone. They understand that people have different lifestyles, commitments, and preferences when it comes to volunteering. Some may want short-term projects while others prefer long-term commitments; some may want to work alone while others enjoy team activities; some may want to help animals while others are passionate about social causes.
To cater to these diverse needs, Volunteer Scotland offers a range of services and resources that help volunteers find suitable opportunities quickly and easily. These include:
- A searchable database of over 10,000 volunteer roles from more than 2,000 organisations across Scotland.
- A user-friendly website (www.volunteerscotland.net) with information on how to get started with volunteering, what types of roles are available, what skills you can gain from volunteering.
- An online platform called "Volunteer Connect" which matches volunteers' interests and availability with suitable roles automatically.
- Training courses for volunteers on topics such as communication skills, leadership development or health & safety awareness.
- Support services for organisations looking for volunteers including advice on recruitment strategies or legal compliance issues.
In addition to these practical services Volunteer Scotland also promotes the value of volunteering through campaigns such as "The Year of Young People 2018" which celebrated the contributions of young volunteers across Scotland. They also work with partners such as the Scottish Government, local authorities, and other charities to raise awareness of volunteering and its benefits.
Volunteer Scotland's impact on volunteering in Scotland is significant. In 2019-2020 alone, they supported over 1 million volunteer hours across the country. This equates to an estimated value of £23 million in terms of social and economic benefits for communities.
Volunteer Scotland's success is due to its dedicated staff members who are passionate about making a difference through volunteering. They are committed to providing high-quality services that meet the needs of both volunteers and organisations. They also collaborate with stakeholders from different sectors to ensure that volunteering remains a vital part of Scottish society.
In conclusion, Volunteer Scotland is an essential organisation that plays a crucial role in promoting and supporting volunteering across Scotland. Its services make it easy for everyone to get involved in meaningful activities that benefit themselves and their communities. If you're interested in volunteering or looking for volunteers, Volunteer Scotland should be your first port-of-call!
volunteerscotland.org.uk
