SLCVO Blog 05 June

This week’s blog takes a closer look at the different volunteer roles that support SLCVO's work. To mark Volunteers’ Week, we’re also exploring some wider topics, why people choose to volunteer, how volunteering has changed in recent years, and where organisations can promote their opportunities. We’ll also share some simple guidance on how to get started in volunteering, as well as spotlight the chance to get involved with Skye and Lochalsh Citizens Advice Bureau.

Team Update

This week has been a busy and productive one for the team, with a strong focus on supporting community groups and ensuring our own processes are robust and effective. A particular highlight has been Michelle’s work, which has spanned both direct engagement with local organisations and our ongoing membership review.

Michelle and Jo-Anne have been providing initial guidance to several groups exploring how to strengthen their governance structures. This included supporting a group that is considering transitioning from a Company Limited by Guarantee with charitable status to a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO). Offering early advice to a local hall committee interested in becoming incorporated as a SCIO and reviewing the membership and trustee election process with a larger community organisation These early conversations are an important first step for groups as they consider their future, helping them understand their options and what each structure might mean for their governance, responsibilities, and long-term sustainability.

A significant portion of Michelle’s time has been dedicated to SLCVO’s ongoing membership review, which is now just under 50% complete. While time-consuming, this work is essential to ensure we remain compliant with our governing document and charity law. Beyond compliance, the review is proving to be a valuable opportunity to reconnect with our members, check in on how they are doing, and identify where additional support might be needed.

The review process originally began in March, when all members were contacted and asked to confirm their details, renew their membership, and take part in a membership survey. This week, Michelle followed up with reminder emails, reaching individual members, groups in Wester Ross and Lochalsh, and 13 organisations in Skye.

Progress so far shows encouraging engagement:

• 65 memberships renewed, representing 47% of the total

• 45 groups still to be contacted with reminder emails

• 40 survey responses received to date

Once the review is complete, Michael will move on to analysing the survey responses. This insight will be invaluable in shaping our future service planning, ensuring that what we offer continues to meet the real needs of our members and communities.

In addition, this week Jo-Anne has been focused on developing third sector engagement and participation pathways with NHS Highland. As Chair of the Highland Community Health and Social Care Working Group, she has been working to raise awareness of the Third Sector Questionnaire, the results of which will help inform the development of a Highland-wide network. This work responds to growing concerns from communities who have been told that there will be fundamental changes to the way care services are delivered in the future, but who currently lack the mechanisms to respond effectively to these challenges. Many communities do not have the resources to engage with statutory bodies and may remain unaware of the changes ahead. The aim is to create a network that strengthens the collective voice of communities and supports more respectful and realistic change.

Find out more here Highland CHSC Working Group

​Go to the questionnaire

Matt has had a week focused on our befriending service, visiting potential new clients and volunteers. Becoming a volunteer or referring someone to the service has now been made much simpler, with new online forms that can be completed easily, rather than filling in a Word document, saving it, and emailing it back. Paper copies are still available for those who prefer them, and anyone can request a copy by emailing Matt.Davis@slcvo.org.uk.

Access the volunteer application form here Befrienders Skye and Lochalsh Volunteer Application – Fill out form

Access the referral form here Befrienders Skye and Lochalsh Referral Form – Fill out form

Kal has been working behind the scenes to plan the next series of Community Hub events in Kyle of Lochalsh, while personally launching his new show on Radio Skye. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Living Hope and the Lighthouse Community Café, where we will be providing free community lunches as part of the hubs in Lochalsh in July, August and September.

Volunteers Week

Every year in the first week of June, communities across the UK come together to celebrate something truly special: Volunteers’ Week. It’s a time to recognise the incredible contributions made by volunteers and to shine a spotlight on the positive impact they have on society.

At SLCVO, like many local organisations, a lot of what we do is made possible by volunteers. We are guided by a Board of Directors, who are also volunteers, they give their time, experience, knowledge, and commitment to help make sure the organisation is well run and moving in the right direction. Their support and guidance are really important to everything we do.

We also have around 25 volunteer befrienders who make a big difference to people’s lives. They spend time with individuals who may be feeling lonely or isolated, offering companionship, a friendly chat, and someone to listen. This support can help people feel more connected, improve their wellbeing, and build confidence.

This weeks blog looks at why people volunteer, how volunteering has changed over the last few years

Why Do People Volunteer?

The honest answer is that there isn’t just one reason. People come to volunteering in different ways, at different times in their lives, and for all sorts of personal reasons. Often, it’s not just one motivation but a mix of things that brings someone along—and keeps them involved.

For some, volunteering is about giving something back. They may have received support themselves, or they simply want to contribute to their community in a positive way. It might be helping at a local group, supporting someone who’s feeling isolated, or being part of something that makes the area a better place to live. Whatever the role, it can feel like a meaningful way to make a contribution.

For others, volunteering is a way to connect with people. It can help you meet others, build friendships, and feel part of something. This is especially important for those who might be new to an area or feeling a bit isolated. Even just having regular contact with others—whether as part of a team or through one-to-one support—can make a real difference.

Some people are drawn to volunteering because they want to build skills or try something new. It can be a good way to gain experience, grow in confidence, and explore different interests. For people thinking about moving into work, changing direction, or just learning something new, volunteering offers a supportive space to do that.

There’s also the simple fact that helping others feels good. Knowing you’ve made a difference—even in a small way—can be really rewarding. A conversation, a bit of support, or just being there for someone can have more impact than you might realise.

Volunteering can also play an important role in supporting wellbeing. Having a sense of purpose, a reason to get out or get involved, and something to feel proud of can all have a positive effect. It’s not just about what volunteers give—it’s also about what they gain from the experience.

At SLCVO, we see all of these reasons every day. Our volunteers bring their time, energy, and kindness for different reasons, but the impact is shared. From our Board members who help guide the organisation, to our volunteer befrienders who offer companionship and support, each person plays a part in making a real difference.

Everyone’s volunteering journey is different. Some people volunteer regularly, others from time to time. Some know exactly what they want to do, while others figure it out as they go. There’s no right or wrong way to get involved.

What matters is that people choose to take part, to give their time in a way that works for them and through that, they help build stronger, more connected communities.

How Volunteering Has Changed in Recent Years

Volunteering has changed quite a bit over the last few years, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a time that highlighted just how important community support is—and how willing people are to step up when it’s needed most.

During the pandemic, we saw a huge rise in people wanting to help. Many volunteered for the first time, offering practical support like delivering food and essentials, picking up prescriptions, or simply checking in on neighbours. These small acts of kindness made a big difference, particularly for those who were shielding or feeling isolated.

For many people, this experience changed how they see volunteering. It showed that you don’t need to make a huge commitment to have an impact—sometimes, just being there for someone is enough.

Since then, volunteering has become more flexible and varied. People are now more likely to look for opportunities that fit around their own lives. This might mean volunteering on a short-term basis, helping out occasionally, or choosing roles that can be done from home. The idea that volunteering has to be a long-term, regular commitment is shifting, and organisations are adapting to be more flexible.

There has also been a greater focus on making volunteering accessible. This includes offering different types of roles, being mindful of people’s time, and removing barriers that might make it harder to get involved. The aim is to make sure that more people feel able to take part, regardless of their circumstances.

Another important change is the increased focus on wellbeing—not just for the people receiving support, but for volunteers too. Organisations are recognising that volunteers need to feel supported, valued, and included. This can mean better communication, clearer roles, training opportunities, and simply checking in to make sure volunteers are having a positive experience.

At the same time, there are still challenges. People’s lives are often busy, and many are juggling work, family, and other commitments. As a result, organisations sometimes find it harder to recruit and retain volunteers. This means thinking differently about how volunteering is offered—making it more adaptable, meaningful, and rewarding.  

Promoting Volunteer Opportunities

If your organisation or group is looking to recruit volunteers, there are some great ways to get the word out and connect with people who are keen to get involved.

The main place to promote volunteering opportunities across the Highlands is the Highland Third Sector Interface (HTSI) Volunteer Academy. This is a key platform where groups can advertise roles and reach a wide audience of potential volunteers. You can find out more or post your opportunities here:

https://www.highlandtsi.org.uk/volunteer-academy

You can also share your opportunities through Volunteer Scotland, which has a national reach and helps connect volunteers with roles across the country:

https://www.volunteerscotland.net

If you’re looking for something more local, SLCVO is always happy to help promote volunteering opportunities within Skye and Lochalsh. We can share your roles through our social media channels to help you reach more people in your community.

To do this, you can:

• Send us an email with your opportunity details at info@slcvo.org.uk

• Or tag us directly in your social media posts so we can help amplify your message Facebook

How to Start Volunteering: A Simple Approach

If you’re thinking about volunteering but don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. Getting involved can feel like a big step—but often, the easiest way in is to start with people you know

A friend, neighbour, or colleague might mention a group they’re involved in or a role they enjoy. These informal conversations can be a great starting point—they give you a real, honest picture of what volunteering is like.

If you know someone who volunteers, don’t be afraid to ask them about it:

• What do they do?

• What do they enjoy about it?

• How did they get started?

Sometimes, just hearing someone else’s experience can make it feel more approachable.

Volunteering doesn’t have to mean travelling far or making a big commitment. Many opportunities are right on your doorstep through local community groups, charities, and organisations.

A good way to explore what’s out there is by looking at SLCVO’s online Information Hub which has a downloadable directory of groups and links to other organisations It’s a helpful way to see what’s happening locally and find something that matches your interests.

You can browse here Skye and Lochalsh Information Hub

Think About What Works for You

Before getting involved, it helps to take a bit of time to think about what you’re looking for. There’s no pressure to have all the answers, but a few questions can guide you:

• How much time can I give? This could be a couple of hours a week, once a month, or something more flexible.

• What kind of role would I enjoy? Do you like working with people, or would you prefer something behind the scenes?

• What skills or experience do I have? You don’t need anything specific, but it can be helpful to think about what you’d like to use or develop.

• What causes matter to me? This might be supporting older people, helping young people, the environment, or community events.

• What support might I need? It’s okay to ask about training, flexibility, and what’s expected of you.

You don’t have to commit to something long-term straight away. Many groups are happy for people to try out a role or start small. Volunteering should feel positive and manageable, not overwhelming.

It’s also okay if the first thing you try isn’t quite right. Volunteering is a personal journey, and it can take a bit of time to find the right fit.

At its heart, volunteering is about connection—getting to know people, being part of something, and contributing in a way that works for you.

Whether you hear about an opportunity through a conversation, discover a group through the SLCVO directory, or simply decide to reach out and ask what’s available, every step counts.

And often, the hardest part is just getting started.

Make a Difference in Your Community: Volunteer with Skye and Lochalsh Citizens Advice Bureau

If you’re thinking about volunteering and want to do something practical that really helps people, Skye and Lochalsh Citizens Advice Bureau (SLCAB) is a great place to start.

Every day, SLCAB supports people with issues like money worries, housing, benefits, employment, and more. Behind this support is a team of volunteers who give their time to help others understand their options and feel more confident moving forward.

Volunteering with SLCAB is about making a real difference in your local community. You’ll be helping people at times when they might be feeling stressed, unsure, or overwhelmed.

There are a range of roles available, depending on your interests and what you feel comfortable with. You could be:

• Speaking directly with clients and helping them find the right information

• Supporting the team with admin or reception tasks

• Getting involved in outreach or community work

You don’t need expert knowledge—full training and ongoing support are provided, so you can develop your skills as you go.

People volunteer with SLCAB for lots of reasons, and many find it a really rewarding experience.

Volunteering can help you:

• Make a meaningful impact on people’s lives

• Build confidence and learn new skills

• Gain experience that can support future job opportunities

• Meet new people and be part of a supportive team

• Feel a sense of purpose and connection

It’s a chance to do something positive while also developing yourself.

SLCAB welcomes people from all kinds of backgrounds. You don’t need specific qualifications—what matters most is being a good listener, being open to learning, and wanting to help others.

Whether you can give a little time or more regularly, there may be a role that fits around your life.

Volunteering with SLCAB can be incredibly meaningful. You might be the person who helps someone understand their rights, access support, or take the next step in a difficult situation.

For many volunteers, that sense of making a difference is what keeps them involved.

If you’d like to find out more or see how you could get involved, visit:

https://slcab.cas.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer