Local Volunteer Centres
The benefits of volunteering can be enormous. By dedicating your time and abilities, not only are you contributing to your community, you can also gain as much as you give. Volunteering can offer opportunities to meet new people and work on social skills. It can give you the chance to gain career experience through developing and practising both work place and life skills.
Would you like to volunteer but don’t know where to start? If you are interested in becoming a volunteer then there are a few things you might want to consider before you start. Why do you want to volunteer? What do you enjoy doing? How much time am I willing to commit?
Local Volunteer Centres throughout Scotland provide a range of services:
- information, support, guidance and advice to individuals who are either looking to volunteer or already do
- support with searching for and applying to opportunities within your area
- training opportunities and peer support
Volunteer Scotland provides a wealth of information on volunteering opportunities. They also provide a list of local volunteer support organisations.
Volunteering Projects
Can Do is a project ran by Leonard Cheshire offers opportunities for 16 to 35‑year-old disabled people to volunteer in their community. Currently the project is running in Edinburgh, Dumfries and Glasgow.
Tel: 020 7112 1489.
Project Scotland is a charity that partner’s young people aged 16 to 30 with volunteering opportunities through Scotland. They provide information on volunteering opportunities within your area, will arrange a first meeting with a charity and support you through 3 months of volunteering with a mentor.
Tel: 0131 281 7364
Volunteering Matters offer a range of volunteering programmes including specific opportunities for disabled people, older people, young people and families.
Tel: 03300 555283 or email scotinfo@volunteeringmatters.org.uk
Do-it.org is the UK’s national volunteering database. They lists over 1 million volunteering opportunities that are posted by volunteer centres, national/local charities and voluntary groups.
Reach aim to connect charities with skilled volunteers.
Information last updated on 13 March 2024. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.
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Education, Training and Employment, Holidays and Leisure, Training & Employment:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
How do I hire a mobility scooter or wheelchair on holiday?
Shopmobility have members throughout the UK who rent out wheelchairs and scooters to help people access shopping centres and leisure activities. You can find a list of their members here Find a ShopMobility Centre | ShopMobility UK
In Wales, Northern Ireland and England you may be able to rent a wheelchair from the Red Cross Rent or hire a wheelchair | British Red Cross
The website Mobility Equipment Hire Direct connects you to commercial suppliers in the UK and across the world.
You can search for local providers in Scotland using our Scottish Disability Directory or contact us and one of our information workers can help you search.
For further information on hiring equipment away from home check out our Accessible Holidays Information Guide
Education, Training and Employment, Holidays and Leisure, Training & Employment:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.
Organisation | Description |
---|---|
Handcycling Association UK | Provide inclusive cycling opportunities |
Handigolf Foundation | Aims: To promote and co-ordinate golf for disabled people. Services provided: Arranges awareness days to driving ranges which can ultimately lead to open golf contests Some special electric buggies and modified clubs are available at a number of golf c… |
Happy Days Children’s Charity | Holidays and day trips for children with special needs, physical or mental disabilities |
Harmeny Education Trust Ltd | Harmeny Education Trust Limited (HETL) is a charitable organisation, providing a range of high quality services in the areas of care, education, outdoor learning and staff development |
Hawthorn Brae Fund | Provide holiday grants for people who are convalescing from a life-limiting disease or illness, and who do not have the means to afford a holiday. |
Hayfield Support Services with Deaf People Ltd | Residential and day care for deaf people with additional disabilities |
Heads Together | Registered Brain Injury Charity/ Accessible Caravan Holiday |
Healthy Working Lives | NHS based service funded by Scottish Government to provide free and confidential health and work advice and support for employers and employees |
Hearts & Minds | Services provided: Hearts & Minds is a Scottish arts-in-health charity. They aim to improve the experience of people in hospital and in hospice, residential and respite care by using the performing arts to encourage communication, interaction and l… |
Helplines Partnership | Helplines Partnership (HP) is committed to supporting organisations that provide non-face-to-face advice, support and information to improve general wellbeing. |