Volunteer Academy: News & Updates

Luthien and Courtney (behind the camera for HTSI) had a lovely visit to Moy Country Fair on Friday. Despite a little drizzle, it was a great day out and an opportunity to meet charities and organisations involved in work across conservation, wildlife and outdoor activities. We enjoyed chatting with the Scottish SPCA, who are looking for fundraisers. Then the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), who shared their fascinating work around wildcats. They are looking for a sm

What a brilliant weekend we had at Belladrum!We had lots of fun activities: colouring in a volunteer, Wheel of Fortune and Volunteer Quest Thank you to everyone who stopped and chatted with us, it was great to meet you all! Mollie McGoran "I volunteered with Alness Youth Forum, Highland Youth Parliament, Scottish Youth Parliament and Highlife Highland Young Leaders. It's a million percent why I have a job and the most important thing I have ever done!" Abi "I volunteer at sc

Yesterday, Luthien visited the Black Isle Show and had the pleasure of chatting with some of the fantastic charities and organisations attending on the day. Thankfully, the rain stayed away, and it was a great opportunity to connect with groups making a real difference across Highland communities. Luthien spoke with Jenny from PAMIS, who are looking for volunteer drivers to support the Pamiloo, helping disabled people with complex needs access suitable toilet facilities at ev

Volunteer mentors sought as mentoring programme launches at Thurso High School Adults across Thurso and Caithness are being encouraged to become volunteer mentors as award-winning mentoring charity MCR Pathways launches its programme at Thurso High School this August. The programme will help more young people build confidence, raise aspirations and realise their full potential through the support of a trusted adult volunteer mentor. To support the launch, MCR Pathways is now

Volunteer mentors sought as mentoring programme launches at Tain Royal Academy Adults across Tain and the wider Easter Ross area are being encouraged to become volunteer mentors as award-winning mentoring charity MCR Pathways launches its programme at Tain Royal Academy this August. The programme will help more young people build confidence, raise aspirations and realise their full potential through the support of a trusted adult volunteer mentor. To support the launch, MCR P

June’s Pre-Loved Charity Fashion Show was full of colour, creativity and community spirit. Volunteer models took to the runway wearing outfits styled from local charity shop finds, with local designers helping to bring each look to life. The event was a brilliant way to celebrate reuse, creativity and the hidden gems found in our charity shops, while also recognising the volunteers and teams who help make these spaces so valuable to their communities. Styled by Heidi Soos, a

June’s Pre-Loved Charity Fashion Show was full of colour, creativity and community spirit. Volunteer models took to the runway wearing outfits styled from local charity shop finds, with local designers helping to bring each look to life. The event was a brilliant way to celebrate reuse, creativity and the hidden gems found in our charity shops, while also recognising the volunteers and teams who help make these spaces so valuable to their communities. The first autumn collect

June’s Pre-Loved Charity Fashion Show was full of colour, creativity and community spirit. Volunteer models took to the runway wearing outfits styled from local charity shop finds, with local designers helping to bring each look to life. The event was a brilliant way to celebrate reuse, creativity and the hidden gems found in our charity shops, while also recognising the volunteers and teams who help make these spaces so valuable to their communities. First in our summer show

June’s Pre-Loved Charity Fashion Show was full of colour, creativity and community spirit. Volunteer models took to the runway wearing outfits styled from local charity shop finds, with local designers helping to bring each look to life. The event was a brilliant way to celebrate reuse, creativity and the hidden gems found in our charity shops, while also recognising the volunteers and teams who help make these spaces so valuable to their communities. The first spring collect

The Volunteer Academy Team were delighted to host a Volunteer Celebration at Davochfin Farm, Dornoch as part of Volunteers' Week in June. Guests enjoyed a guided tour of the farm which included meeting lots of very friendly animals such as the Kunekune pigs, goats and Highland cows. The event also provided the opportunity to bring people together, share experiences and celebrate the incredible contribution volunteers make throughout the year. Over tea, coffee and homemade tre

This is My Place: Conversations, Community and Children’s Mental Health Children’s mental health is often thought about in term of school-aged children or teenagers when, in moments of acute crisis, services like Mikeysline provide immediate emotional support to people experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts. Alongside this, The Brent Centre Highland supports children, young people, and families through therapeutic services, helping them make sense of complex emotions an

Over the winter months, I've been spending time visiting community groups and volunteers across the Highlands. It's made me reflect on just how important volunteering is at this time of year. As winter settles in across the Highlands, many people feel the season brings both challenges and opportunities. The colder months can make it harder for some to get out and about, and shorter days can leave communities feeling more isolated. this is when the difference made by volunteer

Welcome to the winter edition of the Volunteer Academy Bulletin. As the days grow shorter and the festive spirit returns, we’re delighted to share with you the latest news, volunteer stories, and upcoming activities across the Highland region. This issue includes: Festive Greetings Priory Volunteer Recognition Day Creating Community at Tykes News: Safeguarding the Integrity of Volunteering Fellowship Programme Skills Bank What’s On Festive Greetings As we approach the festive

In 2025 Volunteering Matters Action Earth will offer grants to help urban communities to respond to our nature and climate crises. Funded...

Reflections on an Inspiring Day at the Discovery College, Eastgate Inverness – 28 August 2025 I had the privilege of visiting the Discovery College at Eastgate Inverness, home to the Scottish Highlands’ first drop-in recovery college dedicated entirely to supporting people with mental health concerns, wellbeing, substance abuse, and addiction. The experience was inspiring, leaving me optimistic for the future of community-led mental health support in the region. First Impress

June is a vibrant and exciting month for volunteering across Highland, with opportunities to connect, contribute and celebrate the...