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 Centre’s 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.
Caithness.org is another source of information on local 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 5 June 2020. 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.
If you would like this information guide in another version then please contact us and we will post or email you a copy.
Holidays & Leisure:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
I am going on holiday, how do I hire a mobility scooter or wheel chair when I am there?
If you are staying within the UK you can search for a Shop Mobility local to where you are going. Another option would be to search for local mobility equipment providers.
The Mobility Equipment Hire Direct is a one stop shop to hire a wide range of mobility equipment in a variety of destinations from anywhere in the world using your chosen currency and in your chosen language.
You can search for local providers and shop mobility using our Scottish Disability Directory or contact us and one of our information workers can help you search.
Helpline: 0300 323 9961
For further information on hiring equipment away from home check out our Accessible Holidays Information Guide
Holidays & Leisure: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 |
|---|---|
| Insight Radio | Europe’s first radio station for blind and partially sighted people |
| Inspire Crafts | Fun and inspiring craft workshops for adults with learning disabilities |
| International Penfriends | Penfriends throughout the world |
| International Tennis Federation (Wheelchair Tennis) | International governing body for tennis |
| Inverclyde Carers Centre | Centre providing a range of services for carers living in Inverclyde |
| Investigate Create | Website providing new ways for individuals with visual impairments and hearing loss to participate in the arts |
| Islesburgh Complex | Helping people address their personal and social learning needs |
| Israel 4 All | Provide accessible tourism in Israel for people with physical disabilities and / or special needs |
| Israel Travels | Provide guided tours of Israel for physically disabled people |
| J & C Gites Limited | Provide accessible self catering accommodation in South East France |
