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Getting involved
The most common opportunities for voluntary work are with voluntary agencies. Statutory bodies such as local authority social services/work departments may also have opportunities. The addresses of volunteer bureaux or councils for voluntary service are listed in telephone directories, public libraries and Citizen Advice Bureaux.
The following organisations can be also be contacted for more information about volunteer opportunities:
Volunteer Centre Network Scotland
The Volunteer Centre Network in Scotland is made up of 42 volunteer centres and helps people get involved in volunteering. The centres provide information about a whole range of volunteer opportunities in your local area and beyond.
www.volunteerscotland.info
Workwithus.org
A useful website providing links to different voluntary organisations. This site has specific pages about volunteering and social care. Contact: Mansfield Traquair Centre 15 Mansfield Place Edinburgh EH3 6BB T: 0131 556 3882
www.workwithus.org
Charities
National charities and voluntary organisations look for volunteers on a continuous basis. Their contact details can be found in your yellow pages or telephone directory. Some suggested organisations and opportunities are listed here:
The Children’s Panel
In Scotland, panel members sit on children’s hearings and make key decisions about children that, in other countries, would be made in court.
For further information, contact: T: 0131 244 5483
www.childrens-hearings.co.uk
Student Volunteering Scotland (SVS)
An organisation of student volunteers.
Contact: E: svs@studentvolscotland.org.uk T: 01786 479593
www.studentvolscotland.org.uk
Community Service Volunteers (CSV)
A national organisation that helps place people between 16 – 35 in voluntary projects usually lasting four months to a year. Projects are available throughout the UK and volunteers are often placed away from their home area. All CSVs receive pocket money, meals, and if placed away from home, rent-free accommodation and return fares to and from home at the beginning and end of the project.
T: 020 7278 6601
www.csv.org.uk
Do-it.org.uk
A website containing news and features on volunteer work and a database allowing you to search for volunteer opportunities by geographical area.
www.do-it.org.uk