ACVO, Aberdeen’s third sector interface, this week celebrates the relaunch of their Volunteer Aberdeen online platform as part of an ongoing drive to encourage city residents to get more involved with local charities and community groups.
The website, available at www.volunteeraberdeen.org.uk, features hundreds of volunteering opportunities from well known organisations such as CFINE, Aberdeen Cyrenians, Befriend a Child and many more.
Opportunities are arranged categorically, making it easy for Aberdonians of all ages to discover how they can give back to their local communities in ways which reflect their interests.
Mike Melvin, volunteering services manager at ACVO TSI said: “The new Volunteer Aberdeen website is a marvellous way for our city’s charity and community groups to connect with the wider public.
“There are hundreds of different ways you can give your time as a volunteer in Aberdeen. The great thing about volunteering is that it’s inclusive, there really is something for everyone. No matter your age, experience, interests or amount of time you can give – there is a volunteer opportunity to suit you, and a local organisation that would really value your time”.
As well as listing ways to get involved in the city, the new Volunteer Aberdeen website also features stories that highlight the valuable work of local volunteers, demonstrating the huge positive difference being made by the people of Aberdeen.
One of these stories profiles volunteers with Alcohol & Drugs Action (ADA) and takes a closer look at what inspires people to give their time with the charity.
Jackie, who volunteers regularly at ADA’s craft group said: “I lost my brother to addiction and I knew he found recovery before he passed. I know how recovery and volunteering helped him so I thought, well, if I can come and volunteer, and I can give back to somebody else, maybe I can help them on their road to recovery.
“I think with volunteering, sometimes just the simple things can make a huge difference to others – it could be just giving someone a hello, showing you are interested in them, giving them your time.
“I've gotten so much out of volunteering too and met some amazing people”
Maggie Hepburn, chief executive at ACVO TSI said: “The new Volunteer Aberdeen website is a fantastic resource for the city. Local third sector organisations and volunteers make a huge positive impact in Aberdeen and the more people we can get involved, the bigger collective difference we can make.
“The range of opportunities featured on the website reflect the diversity of the charities and community groups we have in Aberdeen, and we are so lucky as a city to have them all working to support our local communities.
“As always, we are so thankful for the efforts of Aberdeen’s volunteers and I would urge those interested in getting more involved with their area to browse our new website, join in and see the difference volunteering can make for you and your community”
The new look Volunteer Aberdeen website is available now at https://www.volunteeraberdeen.org.uk