Volunteering Focus - September 2026

As we head into autumn, there's something refreshing about the change in season. The leaves start to turn, the mornings get a little crisper, and it feels like a good time to embrace new opportunities and fresh ideas. For many organisations, it's also a chance to take stock, look ahead, and continue building on the fantastic work happening across our volunteering community.

This month, we're taking a look back at our recent volunteer recruitment events, which had a fun game show theme. We weren't quite handing out a star prize, but there were certainly plenty of laughs, great conversations, and new connections made along the way!  It was fantastic to see so much energy in the room and proof that recruitment can be both effective and enjoyable. I think the photos say it all!

We hope you enjoy this month's newsletter and find plenty of useful updates, ideas, and opportunities as we move into the new season.

Blind Date Event

That's a wrap! ????

What a fantastic few weeks it's been. A huge thank you to all the organisations that joined us for our quirky volunteer matching events. We loved seeing the conversations, connections, and laughter shared throughout each session.

The feedback suggests that a more intimate style of recruitment event really appeals to both organisations and potential volunteers, helping to create meaningful connections in a relaxed setting.



   

                                

Could this be the future of volunteer recruitment events?

Watch this space... 

 

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

Volunteer Managers Forum - feedback

At our recent Volunteer Managers Forum, we discussed the future of the Forum and how we can develop it to make sure it continues to be useful, engaging, and inclusive for everyone.
 
To help shape the future of the Forum, I'd really appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to complete the attached form.
 
Your feedback will help us better understand the needs and priorities of volunteer managers and coordinators across Renfrewshire, ensuring that future meetings and activities are as valuable as possible.
 
Volunteer Managers Forum Development Survey – Fill out form
 
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. 

Volunteering in Scotland

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has released encouraging new figures on volunteering in Scotland. The number of formal volunteers fell below one million in 2022-23, but volunteering has now made a welcome recovery. 

State of the sector - People - SCVO

In the last year alone, more than one million people volunteered across Scotland. This is fantastic news and highlights the continued commitment of individuals giving their time and skills to support communities and causes across the country.  These positive figures are also a reflection of the hard work of volunteer managers and coordinators, whose commitment to supporting volunteers helps make volunteering accessible, rewarding, and impactful. 

Also, See Volunteer Scotland's analysis for more on volunteering.

 

Employability Month

Renfrewshire Local Employability Partnership is hosting a variety of events throughout the month for members of the public, schools, and local employers.

Renfrewshire Employability Month | Renfrewshire Council

If you'd like to learn more about the benefits of volunteering, Volunteer Development Officer Raynor will be delivering presentations on 17 September at the Russell Institute.

 

Summit Award

"We are beyond proud to announce that Callum has achieved his Saltire Summit Award! Having worked closely with him for years, I’ve had the privilege of watching him transform from a quiet Jam Night participant into a confident media producer, live event technician, and true leader. Callum embodies everything Erskine Arts stands for, and his dedication - most recently showcased in his incredible Kiltwalk media campaign - has left a lasting impact on our whole community. Congratulations Callum! - Jason & the Erskine Arts Team"



This is a fantastic achievement Callum, well done from Engage Renfrewshire.

Diabetes UK Scotland has recently launched Scotland Talks Diabetes, a volunteer-led podcast created to share expert insights, personal experiences, and meaningful conversations reflecting the diverse voices and perspectives of Scotland's diabetes community.

Podcast link:
Scotland Talks Diabetes Podcast | Diabetes UK
 
Podcasts continue to grow in popularity, offering an accessible way to share knowledge, celebrate success, and connect with audiences. They can provide a powerful platform for volunteers to share their stories, reflect on their experiences, and inspire others to get involved. Food for thought if you're looking for new ways to engage your community.  You never know whose story might inspire the next person to get involved. 

 

How can volunteering become more inclusive, safe and accessible for everyone? Shaped by the themes of the Bridging the Participation Gap report, the Volunteering Action Plan Conference 2026 brings together Scotland’s volunteering community for a day of fresh thinking, practical learning, honest conversations and collective action. Together, we’ll explore inclusive pathways, volunteer safety, youth engagement, governance and the future of volunteer management, while sharing experiences, addressing challenges and helping shape the next chapter of volunteering in Scotland. 

Volunteering Action Plan Conference: Bridging the Participation Gap - Volunteer Scotland

Paisley Halloween Festival

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make this Paisley Halloween Festival a hauntingly good time.

Get ready for a weekend of thrills, chills, and unforgettable fun as the Paisley Halloween Festival 2026 returns to transform the town centre into a spectacular Halloween playground on October 23rd and 24th. As one of the UK's largest free Halloween festivals, this hugely popular event attracts thousands of visitors from across Scotland and beyond.

From dazzling performances, live entertainment, spooky surprises, and the much-loved Halloween Parade, there will be excitement around every corner. With so much happening across the festival weekend, we're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team and help deliver one of Paisley's biggest events.

Whether you're looking to gain experience, meet new people, support your local community, or simply be part of the Halloween magic, we'd love to hear from you!

If you'd like to volunteer at the Paisley Halloween Festival 2026, please register through Engage Renfrewshire or get in touch with the Events Team at:
eventsvolunteers@renfrewshire.gov.uk


 

Pachedu Multicultural Hub

Pachedu Multicultural Hub (SOAC) is looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to support a fun and engaging programme of activities for children and young people during the October school holidays from 12th to 16th October 2026.

Volunteers will help create a welcoming and inclusive environment through arts and crafts, creative activities, games, storytelling and cultural sessions. You'll support children to take part confidently and safely while helping with the general running of the Kids Zone.

No special qualifications are needed. If you're reliable, enjoy working with children, have a creative flair and are passionate about community, culture and inclusion, Pachedu would love to hear from you.
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience, develop new skills, celebrate cultural diversity and make a positive difference to local children and families.

To find out more or express your interest, contact Pachedu Multicultural Hub School Of African Cultures (SOAC) | Pachedu: admin@pachedu.org

Jubilee House Scotland is looking for passionate and committed people to join its Board of Trustees and help shape the future of a growing charity supporting women affected by domestic abuse.

The charity provides advocacy and safety planning, recovery support, wellbeing services, educational workshops and community awareness activities. We are particularly keen to hear from people with experience in finance, bookkeeping, accountancy, legal services, governance, HR or project management.

As a Board Member, you will help provide strategic direction, support good governance and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the organisation.

If you would like to use your skills to make a meaningful difference, please contact jubileehousescotland@gmail.com.

 

The Buddy Beat, Renfrewshire's award-winning drumming group for adults with a mental health diagnosis, is looking for a Volunteer Secretary to join our committee.

The role involves taking minutes at around five committee meetings each year, typing up meeting notes and helping to keep member records up to date. A full handover and ongoing support will be provided by our current Secretary.

Travel expenses can be covered where required. To find out more, visit thebuddybeat.org.

Join our team and help keep the beat going! 

Volunteer Scotland Knowledge Gateway Free Training Resources
Below is the link to VS Knowledge Gateway portal with access to a great number of training courses. 
Training and Events

I would recommend the following course.  It's free and you can complete it at your own pace. 
OLCreate: Involving Volunteers Involving Volunteers
 
THRE - Volunteering - A Human Rights and Equalities First Approach
Volunteering - A Human Rights and Equalities First Approach Tickets, Monday 5 October  •  1 PM - 4 PM GMT+1 | Eventbrite