Engage Newsletters
Keep up to date with Engage Renfrewshire
Volunteering Focus - 19 November
Say Hello to Raynor!
Engage are delighted to welcome Raynor McCulloch to the team as our Volunteer Development Officer!
Raynor, who many from the Volunteer Managers' Forum will recognise from her time as Volunteer Lead at dates'n'mates, joined us on Monday and, once she's had a chance to settle, will be reaching out to our volunteer involving organisations to learn all about your programmes and where Engage can support.
A word from Raynor on herself and her role:
"I am passionate about promoting Volunteering for All and breaking down barriers that prevent people from volunteering. I support local organisations to grow their volunteer programmes, build confidence in Volunteer Managers and champion inclusivity in our Volunteering Community.
I love my wee crazy Chihuahua Nacho, spending time with my husband Stuart and my girls and CHRISTMAS!!"
We can confirm Christmas paraphernalia has already appeared in the office! ????????
Raynor can be emailed via rmcculloch@engagerenfrewshire.com if you'd like to say hello!
Festive Volunteers with Renfrewshire Council Events Team
Join Renfrewshire Council for the Linwood Christmas Event with Lights Switch-On!
Date: 5th December 2025
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Tweedie Hall, 17 Bridge Street, Linwood, PA3 3DB
We are excited to invite you to be a part of our vibrant community at the Linwood Christmas Lights Switch-On! This festive event is all about coming together to celebrate the holiday spirit, and we need enthusiastic volunteers to help make it truly special. Here are the roles we are looking to fill:
- Snack Table Elf
- Festive Concert Ticket Steward:
- Storytelling and Arts & Crafts Assistant
#Youth VIP Session - Engaging Young Volunteers: Turning Interest into Impact
This informative, interactive online learning workshop brought to you by #YouthVIP is all about energy, ideas, and action!
Who is this for?
This online learning workshop is open to - and will be beneficial for – organisations who:
- Already work with young volunteers
- Want to explore the option of taking on young volunteers in the future
- Are simply interested in seeing the value that young volunteers can add to their work
Agenda
Get ready to be inspired, as this fantastic collaborative session will give you the chance to:
- share workings - experiences, challenges and perspectives
- meet peers also looking to develop their youth volunteering practice
- learn new approaches to engaging young volunteers
Session information
Date: December 2nd 9:30am
This session will take place online over Zoom, with access links and details being shared 48 hours before the workshop is due to begin. Please check the email box you used to register for the event for updates on how to access the session.
Sign up here
Volunteer Scotland: A Complete Guide to PVG
This free face-to-face training is delivered at the Volunteer Scotland offices in Stirling
This session is designed to support all Lead and Additional signatories, whether you are new to the role, about to step into the role or are interested in finding out more about what the role of being a signatory involves.
This session covers all aspects of the PVG Scheme and will leave you with the information required to process PVG scheme applications for your organisation.
The session covers:
- What is a signatory and what your responsibilities are.
- How the PVG scheme is governed by the Code of Practice
- The PVG scheme process (covering applications and viewing results)
- Resources available to help.
- Who needs to have a PVG scheme (regulates roles with children and/or protected adults) and your legal requirements.
- Your recruitment process and linking in PVG scheme disclosures.
- Referrals process – how and when you need to make a referral to Disclosure Scotland.
Multiple dates available but selling out so book soon, all dates are full day training (10am to 4pm)
December 16th
January 15th and 26th
February 4th and 17th
March 4th and 31st
Book a space here
Festive Friends with St Mirren Charitable Foundation
Every December, the team at St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation delivers a busy schedule of festive events and initiatives, supported by an incredible team of staff and volunteers.
On December 25th, we will deliver a traditional hot festive dinner, a food hamper, and a thoughtful gift to older adults who may be lonely or isolated, as well as to local families experiencing financial hardship.
Each nominee will receive a doorstep visit from our team of Buddies between 12 noon and 3 pm, spreading festive joy. Later in the evening, our volunteers will also make a short check-in call for a warm chat.
Before you complete the form, here are some things to note:
* This form is for individuals or families who would benefit from a Christmas Day visit and delivery.
* If referring a family, use the main household contact as the primary name on the form.
* Please complete one form per household.
* You must provide the age and gender of each adult/child named so that we can tailor gifts appropriately.
* Agencies or individuals can make referrals
Cut-off date for referrals is Friday, 12th December 2025.
Referral form here
In addition to completing the link, St Mirren ask that every organisation also email over ONE fully completed list with ALL your nominees and their relevant details to Gayle Brannigan directly for the closing date so that they may double and triple check they have not missed anyone. Please make sure that you provide ALL the required info correctly, especially contact numbers, address details (inc postcode) and mobility/hearing/vision/cognitive issues.
Those interested in volunteering over the festive period should also contact Gayle: gayle.brannigan@stmirren.com
Employability Month Round Up
You may remember that in September Engage took part in the Local Employaiblity Partnership's Employability Month with a series of events based at the Russell Institute, alongside colleagues at Invest In Renfrewshire.
A Highlight Report has now been created of the whole month's activities and gives a good overview of events and outcomes.
If you would like to learn more about supporting those on an employability journey get in to volunteering, and vice-versa, please get in touch!