Volunteering Focus - July 2026

Welcome to our July Volunteering Focus Newsletter!

After celebrating Volunteers’ Week last month, we’re now shining a light on the amazing young people of Renfrewshire who give their time, energy and passion to causes that matter to them.

Other topics featured include a Save the Date, an upcoming recruitment event with a twist, training & guidance.

SAVE THE DATE – Volunteer Managers Forum

 Join us on 13th August 2026

 Further details on time and venue coming soon

Volunteer Recruitment Event

As part of the legacy work following the Commonwealth Games, we are hosting a series of engaging events designed for those who applied to volunteer at Glasgow 2026.

We would love to invite your organisation to take part in this exciting initiative—bringing a fun, gameshow-inspired twist to volunteer recruitment.

Event Audience
Individuals who applied to volunteer for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, including both successful and unsuccessful applicants—motivated, enthusiastic, and ready to get involved.
 
Event Format – Gameshow Style - Remember Blind Date? ????
Each organisation will have just 3 minutes to present your volunteering opportunities and try and woo our volunteer audience. All groups will answer three key questions:

1. What roles do you offer?
2. What skills can volunteers gain?
3. What impact do these roles have on local communities?

Think quick-fire rounds, high energy, and a chance to showcase your organisation in a memorable and engaging way. This will be followed by a relaxed networking session where deeper conversations can happen.
 
Event Themes
We are hosting two themed sessions. Please select the one that best aligns with your organisation:

Active Health and Wellbeing

• 20th August 6pm – 7pm
• Station 7, Church Street, Johnstone

 Young People

• 1st September 6pm – 7pm
• The Wynd Centre, Stow Brae, Paisley

Each session will include just three organisations so get in touch now!
 
Why Take Part?
This is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Promote your current volunteer roles
• Recruit skilled, enthusiastic volunteers
• And most importantly… have fun while doing it!

Email me on  rmcculloch@engagerenfrewshire.com to register your interest in becoming involved!

Create Paisley is an arts charity working with young people in Renfrewshire, using creativity to change lives and support good mental health. They run weekly arts-based sessions that tackle isolation, anxiety and disadvantage.









 

Jason: Callum is a model young person whose creativity and dedication have shone through over 500 hours of volunteering with us. He’s achieved almost every Saltire Award, with the Summit in his sights!
Volunteering is so much more than just giving up your time - it opens doors, connects communities, and shapes conscientious, well-rounded individuals. Volunteering when I was young completely shaped my own career and friendships, and I can see that exact same incredible journey happening for Callum.
 
Callum: I want to volunteer because it makes me feel valued to help the communities around me. Every time I volunteer and see people around me smile it helps me connect with the community and I can't thank enough for how much it has helped me for both the experience and my mental wellbeing. Volunteering isn't something I do because I need to, it's something I do because I enjoy it, which is why I will never stop doing what I do! 



 

Star Project is a community organisation that focuses on delivering positive social outcomes by tackling the impacts of poverty and deprivation. They utilise creativity, culture and playfulness as a conduit for expression, exploration and positive change; recognise the importance of wellbeing, emotional health and human rights.
 
At STAR Project, we believe volunteering should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or experience. Over the years, we've welcomed volunteers as young as 11, right through to people later in life looking to give something back to their community. For many young people, volunteering is their first step towards employment, helping them build confidence, gain new skills and discover what they're capable of.
 
Christopher Moss, 18, has been volunteering in our Pantry Plus for the past three months. Christopher is one of many young people who have chosen to volunteer with STAR, gaining practical experience while making a genuine difference to local people facing hardship.- Heather Kay, Manager
 

 
"I enjoy meeting the customers. I'm getting work experience, which will help me with job hunting. Everyone here is friendly, and I'm glad to help the community and gain the experience I need. I feel like I've achieved something positive after I've worked a shift."
 
 
A huge thank you to all the young volunteers who shared your thoughts and feelings about your volunteer journeys – your honesty and insights are truly inspiring.

National ESV Framework

Do you have any opportunities coming up that a local business could support?  The National ESV Framework has been developed in partnership with the Scottish Government and a wide range of sector partners to provide clear, practical guidance that supports meaningful, inclusive, and impactful ESV across Scotland.

It is designed to help employers, employees, and volunteer‑involving organisations (VIOs) navigate their ESV journey—whether you’re just getting started or looking to enhance existing activity. If you would like more information, please get in touch.
 
National ESV Framework

Free training for volunteers and staff delivering befriending support
Befriending Network free training - How to have your first conversation - Befriending Networks


PVG Upcoming Training
VSDS Training & Learning - Volunteer Scotland

Volunteer endings Toolkit

Volunteer journeys come to an end for a wide range of reasons, and in some cases these transitions can be challenging to navigate for both the volunteer and the organisation.

The attached toolkit, developed by Morna O’May, provides a comprehensive checklist to support volunteer involvement from start to finish. It offers practical guidance to ensure that each stage of the volunteer lifecycle—recruitment, engagement, support, and exit—is managed in a thoughtful, consistent, and positive way.

Using this resource can help organisations create a more structured and supportive experience, while also ensuring that endings are handled with care, reflection, and recognition of each volunteer’s contribution.

This toolkit not only supports good practice but also encourages organisations to see endings as part of a meaningful journey—one that deserves as much attention as recruitment and retention. Managing this well can strengthen relationships, enhance reputation, and encourage future re-engagement.

Ethical endings toolkit – Morna O’May Consulting