In the community

We currently have around 800 RGU students actively volunteering on various projects, both within the university and out in the wider community.

We’re working to generate new and exciting opportunities for our students and we’ll keep the list below updated. Volunteering comes in many forms and our aim is to provide as much diversity as possible in the volunteering opportunities on offer.

For more information on all our volunteering positions, contact Stevie Kearney, Student Development & Volunteering Co-ordinator:

Email: ext.kearney@rgu.ac.uk
Tel: 01224 262265

Or pop into the Student Union office on University Street (under RGU: Sport)

SILVER CITY SURFERS - HELP PROVIDE FREE IT SUPPORT

Can you spare a couple of hours a week to share your knowledge with the local community and make a positive difference?

We are looking for Computer Tutor Volunteers who are patient, friendly and willing to share their skills in emailing, searching the internet and using technology to help people over 65 to stay in touch.

We're not looking for experts, just folk who know the basics and are happy to share this.

We are also looking for Hospitality Volunteers who can welcome our Learners with a friendly chat and offer them a tea or coffee.

Silver City Surfers will provide support and training to all Volunteers, including any necessary expenses.

Locations: Mastrick Community Centre and Sheddocksley Baptist Church.

If you are interested, please contact ext.kearney@rgu.ac.uk

BRIDGE OF DON SEA CADETS

Bridge of Don Sea Cadets is a friendly, productive and energetic unit within the national Sea Cadet
movement. The kids benefit from the support, training and guidance of a dedicated team of
voluntary staff, civilian assistants and parental supporters. We are actively looking for new members of staff (18+) to assist in the running of our unit. You have the option of joining as a civilian instructor or as a uniformed member of staff.

Civilian Instructor is a role ideally suited to someone who can contribute to the unit but does not wish to enroll as a fully uniformed member of staff. All we ask is that you give up some time each week and the occasional weekend throughout the year.

Uniformed Staff are responsible for the training of cadets within the Corps. Specialised skills can be developed at Sea Cadet training centres throughout the country. You will initially be interviewed to join as a Civilian Instructor and will be required to go through an enhanced criminal records check. Once this has been done you will work towardsbecoming a Petty Officer (SCC). You will be required to attend a Sea Cadet Instructors Qualifying course at one of our National Training Centres, obtain a First Aid qualification as well as receive training and assessment in Instructional Methods.

If you are interested, please contact ext.kearney@rgu.ac.uk

		ABSAFE We create fantastic events where we attempt to kill, injure or commit crime against people. We run them over with cars, squash them with trains and electrocute them. We set fire to rooms they’re in and then for good measure try to fleece them out of a great deal of money by posing as bogus callers and stalk them online using fake social media profiles! And the motive behind these nefarious antics? To let people experience dangerous situations so that they can learn to make safe decisions and be confident people. By having fun with us Absafe teaches you how to avoid danger, how to stay safe wherever you are, and how to deal with any emergency you, your family or friends may face. Boost your CV, meet new people and have a bit of a laugh whilst saving the world. Your mission… Scarers Boo! Scream if you want to save lives! Seriously, we’ll train you to electrocute, run over and set fire to our visitors. It’ll be virtual fun all in the name of safety. Remember, we scare because we care.


		CHEST, HEART & STROKE SCOTLAND Could you help someone who has communication difficulties caused by stroke? A stroke can affect a person’s ability to communicate with their family, friends and colleagues. Their speech or understanding of language can be affected and it can be very frustrating to do everyday things such as make a phone call or ask for what you need when out and about. Could you help someone achieve their goals by encouraging the use of communication strategies and providing opportunities for conversation? Chest, Heart & Stroke offers award-winning training and unparalleled support to all their volunteers. This an opportunity to make a difference to those affected by stroke while gaining skills and experience. Contact us at RGU:Union Volunteering for information on how to apply.

		CULTER YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB - WEBSITE & PUBLICITY OFFICER Culter Youth Football Club is looking for a volunteer to help with the club website and media relations. We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and dedicated individual to help the club and its mission in delivering youth football to the area of Aberdeen City and Shire. If you’d like to get involved with juvenile football and to help build your portfolio in a media related area then why not volunteer to help Culter Youth FC. The role will involve managing the website and coordinating news articles and coverage whenever possible with the local media. This position is voluntary and presents an exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual to join our club. The person will be required to maintain the website and liaise with different club secretaries and managers for news/information relevant to the club for the club’s website. The role will also involve liaising with, and writing articles for the local media regarding any achievements by different teams, football players and coaches etc. The ideal candidate will have some media related qualification/interest or will be currently studying in media related subjects. An interest in sport or football would be an advantage. Applicants will need to have a flexible approach to work and be able to work at their own pace and manage their own time.

		BEAVERS, CUBS, SCOUTS IN KINCORTH A local Scout troop in Kincorth is looking for volunteers who can give a few hours a week to help out on a weeknight, plus occasional weekends for exciting trips . Previous experience of beavers, cubs or scouts would be an advantage, but not essential. You would need to either have a PVG or be able to go through the application process before starting your volunteering. It’s a really fun group to volunteer with and any help you can give would be massively appreciated. Contact the team at RGU:Union for more info.

		THE ALLOTMENT MARKET STALL - MARKET STALL VOLUNTEER REQUIRED Duties: Helping to staff a fruit and veg market stall in Duthie Park on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-00 to 12-30 and/or 12-30 to 15-00. We sell excess produce on behalf of allotment sites across Aberdeen City and the profits go back to the allotment sites to improve them for the next season. We are looking for volunteers who are keen gardeners, cooks or are interested in environmental issues who as well as selling the produce are willing to talk to customers about the fruit and veg, where it comes from, what to do with it and the benefits of eating local, seasonal produce. We are a small friendly community group working to support the allotment movement, reduce waste and improve access to locally grown produce. We are also looking for someone to maintain our facebook presence.

		INCHGARTH COMMUNITY CENTRE Volunteering with us is a flexible and rewarding method way to gain the valuable work experience you need to help you secure a job, along with a reputable reference for your CV. It’s also the perfect way to stand out from the crowd when looking for graduate work after university.Inchgarth Community Centre has a wide variety of voluntary placements available right now, and are looking for hard-working, bright and diligent people to fill them. They are as follows: Café bar assistant Website designer D.I.Y handyman Youth workers Pre-school helper Fitness assistant Sports coach Music tutor Cleaners Social media marketer Special-needs support worker Over 55’s assistant Inchgarth Community Centre would be highly appreciative if any people could come forward and give up some of their time to help here within the centre – it’s a great way to get involved in the local community and build more links between RGU and Garthdee.

		ROSIE'S SOCIAL ENTERPRISES (TURNING POINT SCOTLAND) - ART WORKSHOP VOLUNTEER As a volunteer at Rosie’s Social Enterprises you will be supporting people who are distanced from the labour market through their mental health or acquired brain injury make high quality hand made items in our workshops. You will be supervised by our qualified workshop co-ordinators who are themselves art graduates. You will use your art and design skill to bring ideas and create new designs in the workshop. The workshops are for crafting, picture framing and wedding stationery. We also have a gift shop to sell our items from. If you have an aptitude for marketing there may also be the opportunity to help with staging and window dressing our shop. We have a structured pathway for volunteers and you will receive good quality supervision and training while volunteering with us. We would require to apply for a PVG check before commencing Skills: Good crafting and or art and design skills, calm, empathetic and reliable. Hours: Hours are flexible and worked around you, although we are looking for people who can commit at least 3 hours per week.

		SCOTT: VOLUNTEER COMPANION / BEFRIENDER SCOTT – Sustainable Connections Transport Team – is a new project run by Shopmobility Aberdeen. With this fascinating outreach venture, we are aiming to provide companionship for people with mobility problems, disabilities and age-related conditions. The solution is very simple – befriending and companionship. Our volunteer companions changed lives of many for better. With a friendly face of a motivated volunteer, our clients are able to access venues, enjoy shopping and overcome obstacles around Aberdeen. It is a brilliant opportunity for you to get your first experience working with variety of clients, especially if you are a social sciences or healthcare student. What is a better way to start your career than having a reference coming from a valued and recognisable charity? You do not need experience to participate in this project, as we will give you full training. If you are able to spare one day, even on irregular basis, this project is perfect for you! We will meet your travel and lunch/coffee expenses.


		57' NORTH Music Journalists Wanted – Fancy interviewing musicians, getting free gig tickets and writing for the north-east’s biggest music website? The 57º North project – www.57north.org – is the online hub for all music activity in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The project is a not-for-profit venture and the emphasis is on the music community taking ownership of the content. Therefore, they are looking to recruit volunteer music journalists for the site. The expert team provide a free one-day music journalism training day for all volunteers, taking you through everything you’d need to know in order to kick off your music writing career, including tips on networking, interview technique and writing – as well as information on getting into audio and radio work. They then have regular meetings for all volunteers involved in the project, with support offered and follow-up sessions. This is a great opportunity for any aspiring media student, or anyone who just loves music and wants to help promote Aberdeen’s local music scene. For more information, give Stevie a shout here at the RGU:Union (contact details above).

		ABERDEEN ACTION ON DISABILITY There are several opportunities for volunteers to get involved with providing support to those with disabilities and hours are flexible to suit you. They are looking for those involved in social work or similar in order to help a range of people to fill out forms and access benefits and support. Also, there are opportunities for those who wish to get involved in their fundraising activities by putting on events, while a graphic design, IT or media student would be ideal to help with their design and publicity. Let us know on the contact details above if you have the skills to help them make a difference. It’s a small charity but the work they do is vital, so your role can be as small or as large as your time allows.

		BARNARDO'S Do you enjoy a challenge? Would you like to make a difference by mentoring a young person? If the answer is YES then get involved with your local Barnardo’s project. For more information contact Donna Lawie on 01224 624090 / donna.lawie@barnardos.org.uk

		CHILDLINE Volunteer Counsellor – Good listener? Looking for a challenging but rewarding volunteering experience? Childline is looking for volunteers in Aberdeen to go through their excellent training programme – no previous experience necessary! Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, Childline need volunteers to ensure a child’s call can be answered round-the-clock. You could provide support for children and develop invaluable communication skills that will benefit your future and those of vulnerable children. If you’re a good listener, open-minded and can commit to a regular weekly shift, then counselling at Childline could be ideal for you. They run a full training programme so get in touch with us here at RGU:Union for more info. You can also find more through their website by clicking here.

		CORNERSTONE Befriending Volunteer – Volunteering with Cornerstone is easy and you could make a real difference, working with adults, children and young people who have disabilities and other support needs. You’ll get the support of an excellent training programme and expenses to cover your befriending, plus you’ll be matched up by your interests and hobbies. So whether it’s a game of pool or a trip to the football, your time and company could make a world of difference to someone else. Activity Enabler – If you are unsure about one-to-one work as a befriender, you could help out with some group-based activities instead. It’s the same recruitment process and a great way to get started. You can find out more info through their website – www.cornerstone.org.uk – it’s flexible around your study and work commitments and they’ll even put you through your PVG Disclosure. You will require two character references. If you’re interested, let us know at RGU:Union and we’ll put you in touch.

		DA - DRUGS ACTION DA (Drugs Action) is a local charity working in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire providing specialist drug and alcohol services. Our aims are to reduce harms associated with substance use and to promote recovery for individuals, families and communities. Volunteer Mini Bus Driver for Activity Group – Our Activity group helps people trying to get away from problematic drug use, who want to meet others on a similar journey and want to do leisure activities on a Friday afternoon. We require an enthusiastic, motivated individual to drive a minibus and assist our Activity Group by driving one Friday afternoon per month. Volunteer Gardener – We are looking for a keen gardener to volunteer in our Timmer Market premises to help maintain our small garden area. We would be particularly interested in anyone that can maximize the potential of the garden and maintain it on a regular basis. Volunteer Complementary Therapists – We are looking for volunteers to enhance the skills and experience of our staff so that we can offer a wider range of Complementary Therapies to our service users. We welcome applicants with the relevant qualifications and experience in any therapy and are looking for this type of volunteering at DA. The specific project ‘REFRESH’, at the moment will run on a Sunday between 1-5pm , but other opportunities may become available. Volunteer Receptionist – We are require a friendly, welcoming person as a receptionist and greeter to work for 4 hours on a Sunday afternoon between 1 and 5pm, with ‘REFRESH’, a health and lifestyle project. They will welcome clients and provide refreshments while clients wait for appointments. Creative Group Volunteer – Do you have a creative skill that you can share with our service users? We are looking for people with skills and knowledge in all areas of the arts who can help us to devise and deliver creative groups and sessions in all of our Aberdeen services. Anything from creative writing to crochet, upholstery to cake decorating we are welcome to any suggestions. Volunteer Music Group Assistant – The DA Music Group is looking for a volunteer with musical background who would be able to tutor either individuals or a group in some aspect of music. The group does not stick to one specific style of music so the wider the volunteer’s knowledge and experience the better. The idea of the music group is to allow an outlet for clients musical creativity and to help them to reconnect with society and gain confidence and self-esteem. Essential qualities are patience, creativity, and the ability to bring people together. Volunteer Buddy – People who have had problems with substance abuse often say they can lose touch with friends and colleagues, as well as losing their confidence in social situations. Buddies aim to help people build up their confidence again by supporting the person to get out and about to rediscover old interests or find new ones. Once trained, our buddies are matched with an appropriate client and alongside the Drugs Worker, they will jointly agree a plan which will enable the Buddy to support the client in their recovery. The specific plan agreed will be led by the needs of each individual client and could typically include the Buddy accompanying the client to social events, leisure activities or to appointments with other organisations. For any of these volunteer positions, get in touch with us here at RGU:Union and we’ll point you in the direction of a volunteer pack and more infor from the team at DA.

		THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS MUSEUM “The Gordon Highlanders Museum is committed to preserving and sharing the legacy of the world-famous Gordon Highlanders for future generations and, to achieve this, our volunteers are at the core of everything we do”. There are so many different areas in which you can become involved; it really depends on what you enjoy. Opportunities are available as museum guides, tea room/shop assistants or in hospitality, education and gardening areas. Some teams offer times which are flexible whilst others require a set morning or afternoon per week. All areas would welcome new members and no previous experience is required as training is provided. Many current volunteers will be on hand to meet with you and talk you through what they do, how they do it and why they enjoy it so much. This would be a rewarding volunteering experience for students from a range of different disciplines, so ask us at RGU:Union for more info – also have a look at their website by clicking here.

		INSPIRE Inspire is an award winning charity that was established in 1988 and is now one of Scotland’s largest charities, employing over 400 people and enabling empowerment to hundreds of children, young people and adults with learning disabilities and additional support needs throughout North East Scotland. They have a wide range of exciting and rewarding volunteering experiences on offer – you can check out their website for more info. They are currently looking for people to fill the following roles: Befriender Volunteer: Our volunteer befrienders spend time with the people we support, getting involved with their interests and hobbies. You could be taking an avid Dons fan to Pittodrie to watch a game or going ice skating or to the cinema. This one-on-one support means a lot to the people we support. Please contact us at RGU:Union for more information if you are interested in any of these opportunities and we’ll give you all the detail you need and put you in touch with the team at Inspire (who are all very friendly!).

		SOMEBODY CARES Somebody Cares is the leading organisation in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire providing free food, furniture, clothing and much more to the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalised people of the area. Since 2002, Somebody Cares has been working tirelessly to provide for those in Aberdeen who have the least and they are currently supported by around 70 volunteers. They have many projects and facilities and therefore offer a range of volunteering options. In particular, the following roles would be well-suited to students. Business Development and Fundraising Officer – A volunteer is required to help develop an organisation-wide marketing and fundraising plan. Grants and sponsorship are available but there is currently nobody to apply for these funds, meaning the charity misses out on some potentially large funds. This role would be perfect for a communication/marketing/PR student. It would also involve working with the team to develop the marketing and branding, helping gain increased coverage locally in order to develop the work, while an income generation strategy need to be developed to make the most of the facilities, which includes the restaurant and a 350-capacity conference venue. Graphic Designer and Web Designer - Another key role to be filled is to have a volunteer work on design and website projects, which could include re-branding and redesign of the current website and marketing materials. This role would be perfect for any design/computing students who want to gain experience helping develop an under-used web resource for a busy charity. You can get more information about Somebody Cares from their website at www.somebodycaresuk.org and if you’d be interested in the above roles – or any other volunteering opportunities they have on offer – please get in touch with the volunteering team here at RGU:Union.

		SPORT ABERDEEN Sport Aberdeen constantly have a range of volunteering options with clubs and projects all across the city. For more information, you can visit their website by clicking here. Currently, they are looking for students who would be interested in the following roles: Sports Coach / Activity Assistant For Disability Sports Sessions A number of opportunities exist to volunteer with established disability sport sessions, or to be involved in the creation of new activities. The role will involve assisting lead coaches to deliver safe and enjoyable sessions, interact with and provide support for participants and create a fun learning environment, set up activities and equipment. Volunteers should be organised, motivated, enthusiastic and able to work on their own initiative as well as within a team environment. Ideally volunteers should have experience working with participants in similar sports settings and have some knowledge of how to plan and deliver age and skill level appropriate activities. Volunteers should be able to communicate well with participants in the sessions as well as with their parents and carers. Some prior training and qualifications are desirable but not essential as support can be given to work towards these: NGB Coaching Qualification, Child Protection Training, HSE approved First Aid Certificate. Current sessions include: badminton, football, table tennis, boccia, indoor curling and powerchair. Get in touch with us for more information. Grampian Netball Network The Network was established in 2011 and is currently made up of representatives from the following local partner organisations: Aberdeen & District Netball Association, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen Secondary Schools Netball Association, Aberdeen Sports Village, Aberdeen University, Netball Scotland, Robert Gordon University and Sport Aberdeen The aim of the Netball Network is to bring these partners together to share information and good practice concerning opportunities for netball across Grampian 1. Junior Pathways Programme Co-ordinator a) To liaise with the GNN Chair Person, Grampian Netball Development Manager and other partners regards the Junior Pathways Programme and its development across Grampian b) To arrange Junior Pathways Sub Group meetings as required to discuss, plan and action developments of the Programme including selection trials at the start of the annual programme c) To liaise with the Junior Pathway Centres (currently 2) including coaches, managers and facility staff to ensure the smooth running of the centres 2. Administration Support A. Minute Secretary to the GNN a) To attend and produce a minute of meetings (approx 4 per year) b) To distribute minutes and agenda by email prior to meetings c) To liaise with the GNN Chair Person to co-ordinate meeting arrangements B. Treasurer/Book Keeper to GNN a) To record expenditure and income relating to the Junior Pathways Awards for All funding b) To produce reports on the Awards for All funding for GNN and the Pathways Sub Group c) Liaise with Aberdeen & District Netball Association regards payments to be made from the Awards for All funding 3. Junior Pathways Team Manager Main duties: Be the Emergency contact for venues and contact athletes to advise of cancellation Communication with whole squad and parents/guardians via phone and email Distribute and maintain a record of kit allocation and replacements Maintain contact list of emergency contacts and medical information and ensure it’s present at each session regardless of whether TM is present or not Work with RDM to affiliate players to Netball Scotland at start of season Work alongside coaches to ensure best possible delivery of programme Provide first point of contact for all players and parents within the programme Collect player contribution and keep records of payments made and due Inform players of training programme and any changes throughout season Understand and actively promote the Netball Scotland Child Protection policies and procedures to ensure all children are safe from harm in sport Liaise with other Junior Pathway Centres’ Managers to share best practice and knowledge Request cheques for any expenditure Inform Coordinator and Finance coordinator of any cancellations of venue hire Inform Coordinator of any player regular non-attendance and drop outs at the earliest point possible MoveMORE Volunteers MoveMORE Aberdeen is an exciting new physical activity programme for people affected by cancer. It is run by Sport Aberdeen in partnership with Macmillan & CLAN Cancer support. The programme will provide people affected by cancer chances to MoveMORE and feel good through Chi Gung (gentle exercise like Tai Chi), walking groups and circuits-based exercise classes. Physical activity has been shown to make a huge positive and lasting change to the lives of people affected by cancer. These volunteer roles with MoveMORE Aberdeen are an opportunity to be a part of that huge change! We need volunteers to help us run MoveMORE groups around Aberdeen City. There are various opportunities for you to get involved – you can become a; 1) Volunteer Chi Gung Leader, 2) Volunteer Walk Leader, or a 3) Volunteer ‘Motivator’ (to assist with the circuits classes led by trained exercise professionals). No Previous experience is needed for any of these roles as full training is provided For all Sport Aberdeen opportunities, get in touch with us at RGU:Union to apply or for more information