Volunteering not only makes a difference for others, it also makes a difference for you. There are a vast range of opportunities available, and we can help find the right one for you.
You can now search for current Falkirk volunteering opportunities directly through our website! Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page to find the best role for you.
As a result of the incredible response from our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have also launched VOLUNTEER FALKIRK, a new local volunteering partnership providing you with up to date and relevant information about volunteering locally in the Falkirk and District area during this time. So whether you live in Banknock or Bo’ness, we can put you in touch with local volunteering initiatives.
Volunteering can help you:
- Gain new skills and experiences
- Update your CV
- Meet new like-minded people
- Build your social life
- Have fun
- Increase your confidence
- Give back to your community
Saltire Awards for Youth Volunteering
Young volunteers (aged 12 – 25 years old) can also take part in the national Saltire Awards programme. There are 3 levels of awards:
- Challenge – for taking part in a one-off group activity
- Approach – individual awards for 10 or 25 hours volunteering
- Ascent – individual awards for 50, 100, 200 and 500 hours volunteering
For further information, including how to get started, please visit the dedicated Saltire Awards page.
Connecting Volunteering Network
The Connecting Volunteering Network is for anyone who is involved in volunteering in Falkirk, whether they are a staff member or a volunteer, whether they organise helping activities informally in their community or work with an established group or organisation. Our diversity of experience, skills and knowledge is one of our sector’s key strengths, and the Connecting Volunteering Network is a space to share these for mutual benefit.
This is an opportunity to connect with others who volunteer and who work with volunteers to share successes and challenges, to support each other, and to plan how we can make volunteering in Falkirk bigger and better than ever.
For further information, including all upcoming meeting dates and papers, please visit the dedicated page.
Involving Volunteers in Your Organisation
Volunteers play such an important role within an organisation: a resource that for many organisations couldn’t do without however they are a resource that needs to be looked after, managed and nurtured. If you want help to find the right people, to support and manage them effectively to ensure they have a positive experience with you and help your organisation get the best from volunteering, we are here to help.
At CVS Falkirk we have a dedicated volunteering team who can provide a range of support in relation to any aspect of your volunteer programme – for further information on the support we offer, during and outwith the COVID-19 pandemic (including a FAQ of always relevant questions), please visit the dedicated “Involving Volunteers in Your Organisation” page.
Celebrating Volunteering
Recognising the contribution of your volunteers is very important, and we hope that the various events we’ve had over the years will inspire your organisation to hold your own volunteer celebration. To this end, we have put together some ideas we hope will inspire you to hold your own celebration.
During Volunteers’ Week, as part of the celebrations, we also provide organisations with our Celebrating Volunteering Certificates and Long Service badges for their volunteers. If you are interested in participating in this initiative, please contact CVS Falkirk by email: info@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
To find out more about the range of volunteering opportunities in Falkirk, please contact us.
Other Resources
Volunteering FAQs: Our team has created a helpful listed of frequently asked questions for anyone looking to start their volunteering journey, or for experienced volunteers who just want to check a few details, and everyone in between.
Volunteering and DWP Benefits: The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has published the guidance on volunteering while claiming benefits, which we have shared on our website as a list and a downloadable pdf. We also work closely with Jobcentre Plus in Falkirk and Grangemouth to highlight volunteering opportunities that are available and to support their staff in encouraging people to volunteer.
Resource Library – Volunteering: A list created by our Volunteering team, which links to useful templates and guides detailing important information when setting up or managing a volunteer programme within a third sector organisation.
“Volunteering for All” Framework: A national framework launched by Scottish Government in 2019, aiming to reduce barriers to volunteering for people from all sections of the community, regardless of their background. It supports third, private and public sector organisations to promote the value of volunteering, and celebrates the contributions which have already been made, encouraging everyone who wants to volunteer to take part. The framework also aims to build more links with communities, seeking opportunities to share resources and expertise at a grassroots level.
Scotland’s Volunteering Action Plan: Launched in 2022, the action plan is the new volunteering strategy from Scottish Government, building on the work of the Volunteering for All Framework to maximise the impact of volunteering. It has been designed to create an environment and a community of practice, in which volunteering can adapt to changing priorities and continue to thrive, as well as helping establish accountability for ensuring the needs of volunteers are at the centre of future decision-making.
Case Studies
Case Study – Royal Voluntary Service
Read the full story here: Royal Voluntary Service
Case Study – Moira Dunning
Read the full story here: Moira Dunning
Case Study – Helena Gribben
Read the full story here: Helena Gribben