Earlier this week, we celebrated International Guide Dog Day 2026 (Wednesday 29 April)! Guide dogs give people with sight loss the confidence to get out safely and live the life they choose. Guide Dogs Scotland is one of the UK’s leading sight loss charities, and are active locally. Within the Falkirk District, you can get involved and support their work by volunteering.
Volunteering News
Get Ready for Volunteers’ Week 2026!
A message from Ashleigh Gillespie, our Volunteering Development Officer, ahead of Volunteers’ Week 2026: “Volunteers’ Week is a special time to celebrate and thank the people who give their time and dedication to support others and their local communities. Volunteers are at the heart of our communities, and this campaign week is all about recognising their incredible impact. We encourage all organisations, groups, and local people to engage with the campaign – to support this, Volunteer Scotland has a dedicated Resources page.”
Connecting Volunteering Network: May 2026 Meeting
Join CVS Falkirk & District for our upcoming Connecting Volunteering Network meeting on Thursday 14 May 2026, 10am – 12pm, at the Falkirk Fire Station Community Room, Westfield, Falkirk, FK2 9AH. The theme for this meeting will be “Volunteers Week”, looking at the different plans and celebrations taking place across Falkirk District to thank local volunteers.
The Big Help Out Returns for 2026
After a year-long break, The Big Help Out will return this Volunteers’ Week 2026, running Friday 5 June 2026 – Monday 8 June 2026.
AVM Scotland Peer Support Networking Group
The Association of Volunteer Managers (AVM) welcomes all volunteer managers to attend the next meeting of its Scotland Peer Support Networking Group, taking place on Thursday 30 April 2026, 10:30am – 3pm, at the Victim Support Scotland office, Granite House, 31-33 Stockwell Street, Glasgow, G1 4RZ.
Upcoming Young Trustees Movement Online Training
Recognising that less than 3% of charity trustees are under 30 years old, the Young Trustees Movement is calling for increased board diversity. As part of this campaign, they are hosting online training, 12pm – 1pm, across multiple dates (via Zoom), focusing on championing diversity within boards: Wednesday 15 April 2026, Wednesday 13 May 2026, and Wednesday 10 June 2026. Tickets are free, although advance booking is required to gain access to the Zoom sessions.
Greenheart Growers CIC Market Garden Volunteer Sessions
Greenheart Growers CIC is hosting volunteer sessions on Thursdays and Fridays, 11am – 4pm, at their market garden at Mavisbank Farm, Shieldhill, FK1 2AZ. The sessions are aimed at anyone who would like to contribute positively and gain practical growing experience and skills at a functioning Organic Market Garden, and make new friends. All abilities and experience levels are welcome to help contribute to the social enterprise’s mission. Teas and coffees will be provided.
Upcoming Young Trustees’ Community Cafe
The next Young Trustees’ Community Café from the Young Trustees’ Movement takes place on Wednesday 8 April 2026, 12pm – 1pm, via Zoom.
Ready for Youth Work E-Learning Course
Youth Scotland’s e-learning course, Ready for Youth Work, is now open for applications until Thursday 30 April 2026. Participants have until Tuesday 30 June 2026 to complete the course; accreditation is available at SCQF Level 3. The course is open to those living in Scotland only.
Changes to PVG Scheme Now In Effect
Changes to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme have now come into effect. As of Wednesday 1 April 2026, the PVG scheme now involves a five year membership.
