Volunteer Focus - October 2026

Hello everyone

Welcome to the October newsletter.

I'm not quite sure how we've arrived here already. One minute it was summer, and the next I'm pricing Christmas decorations and convincing myself that buying festive snacks in October is perfectly reasonable behaviour.

Before I forget, our next Volunteer Managers Network gathering will take place on 2 December, 10am to 12pm, at The Wynd Centre.

The event will provide an opportunity to share stories, experiences and achievements from the past year, while also recognising the fabulous work of volunteer managers and coordinators who dedicate their time to delivering volunteer programmes that are inclusive, supportive and meaningful.

There will also be a special thank you to volunteers, plenty of festive snacks and, most importantly, an opportunity for you to take centre stage and share your successes. We'd love to hear what's gone well, what you've learned and the difference volunteering has made within your organisation and communities.

To book your place, visit Eventbrite,  drop me an email, or do both if you're feeling particularly enthusiastic. Volunteers are welcome too!

There's plenty to share this month: Trustees' Week, Saltire Summit Award nominations, advertising opportunities through the UWS online vacancies service, Befriending Week and new volunteer opportunities.

As always, a huge thank you to everyone who gives their time, energy and enthusiasm to support others. Whether you're coordinating volunteers, volunteering yourself, or simply responding to my emails (which deserves recognition in itself), your contribution makes a real difference.

Happy October!

Raynor

Saltire Summit Awards Nominations

Lots of Renfrewshire organisations involve young people in their volunteer programmes. The Summit Award recognises young volunteers (11-25) who have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact in their community and/or support their own personal development.

Summit Award – Saltire Awards

The Saltire Summit Award can be achieved in two ways:

• By completing 500 hours of volunteering.
• Through a special nomination recognising an outstanding contribution to volunteering.

I am now seeking nominations for young volunteers who meet either of these criteria and deserve recognition for their hard work, dedication, and impact. Take a moment to think about the young people in your organisation and the difference they make. Is there someone who stands out from the crowd?

Successful nominees will receive their award from Renfrewshire Youth Voice at the PAY Awards in November, a fantastic evening celebrating the achievements of young people across Renfrewshire.

To submit a nomination or find out more, please get in touch. Don't miss this opportunity to recognise the incredible contribution of your young volunteers.
 

Volunteer Managers Forum

Our next Volunteer Managers Forum will take place on Tuesday 2nd December, 10:00am to 12:00pm.

• Venue: The Wynd Centre
• Festive refreshments and goodies will be provided

We look forward to seeing you there.

Book your place here

Advertise on the UWS online vacancies service

Great news! You can reach students and graduates directly through the University of the West of Scotland's online vacancies service. The service is free of charge and provides another way to promote your volunteer opportunities to a wide audience.

If you decide to use the service, I'd love to hear how you get on.

Organisation Registration - University of the West of Scotland

Befriending Week 01 - 07 November

Befriending Week is the national campaign celebrating and raising awareness of befriending and the positive impact it has on individuals and communities.

During the week, organisations are encouraged to reflect on their achievements over the previous year, thank volunteers and staff, celebrate service users and share their message with stakeholders, government and the public.

The 2026 theme is Supporting Each Other Through Meaningful Connections.

More information and resources can be found here:

Befriending Week | Befriending Networks


 

Young Trustees Movement Champions

I recently attended a Young Trustees Movement Champions training session and learned more about how to support and champion young people in governance.

If you're passionate about creating more inclusive boards, amplifying young voices and helping young trustees thrive, I'd highly recommend getting involved. Join the next Champions training session and become part of the movement, working to make governance more accessible and representative for young people.

Find out more here: Home - Young Trustees Movement

Trustees' Week

Trustees' Week takes place from 09 to 13 November 2026 and is an opportunity to celebrate the vital contribution charity trustees make to organisations and communities across Scotland.

Sometimes it's easy to forget that board members are volunteers too. To help you show your appreciation, Trustees' Week provides resources, guides and a celebration toolkit to support your efforts.

Trustees’ Week 2026

 

OSCR Trustees' Week webinars

OSCR is hosting two free webinars designed to support both new and experienced trustees in understanding their role and strengthening charity governance.

OSCR | Trustees’ Week 2026: Join our free charity trustee webinars

Please share the link with your trustees.

Request for Trustees' Week Content

As you know, I do enjoy shining a spotlight on the wonderful work volunteers do.

For the November newsletter, I'd love to feature stories from Renfrewshire trustees. If you have any board members who would be willing to share a short quote, story or photograph, please send them my way.

Let's show them how much they're valued and celebrate the impact they make within our communities.

 

Help shape the future of a growing domestic abuse charity in Renfrewshire.

Jubilee House supports women across Renfrewshire whose lives have been affected by domestic abuse, poverty, isolation and trauma.

As we enter our next exciting phase of development, we are looking for forward-thinking, committed and collaborative trustees to join our Board.

You do not need previous trustee experience. We would love to hear from people who are passionate about our work and want to make a difference.

Interested?
Please get in touch: jubileehousescotland@gmail.com

Renfrewshire Community Transport is looking for new Board members to help continue the growth and development of local services, including existing minibus provision and trials of new services such as health and employment-related transport.

More information about the opportunity and contact details can be found here: Volunteer Centre Renfrewshire

Got a volunteer opportunity to promote?

Send me the details and I'll be happy to include them in a future newsletter and our social media. 

And don’t forget you can upload your opportunity to our volunteering platform Volunteering Opportunities | Paisley | Renfrewshire