Thinking about Volunteering

Becoming a volunteer

Anyone can be a volunteer. In Dumfries and Galloway, there are lots of different ways you can do so and many different organisations who would welcome your help and support.

To search for a volunteer opportunity in Dumfries and Galloway, click. Volunteering Opportunities Archive – Third Sector Dumfries & Galloway (tsdg.org.uk)

Why would you consider volunteering?

• It is a great opportunity to meet new people and develop new friendships.
• You are a part of something and contributing to your community or a cause you support or admire.
• It can help to increase your self-confidence.
• You can develop new skills or use existing skills to benefit others.
• It can provide valuable experience to help towards college, university, or job applications.
• It gives you the satisfaction that you are making a difference.
• A chance to participate in an enjoyable and, sometimes, social activity.

Volunteering for young people

The Saltire Awards is a national initiative for young people aged 12 to 25.

The Awards recognise you and your volunteering. Help and support will be on hand every step along the way and the easy to use website allows you to record and track your activities, hours and achievements.

You can progress through the sections in turn or enter and exit at any stage.

Saltire certificates are awarded for the amount of volunteering you do. These are endorsed by the Scottish Government and signed by a Scottish Government Minister.

You get Young Scot Reward Points with the certificates you achieve – these entitle you to some fantastic prizes.
Capturing your volunteering experiences and journey on the Saltire website is a great way to keep a record for your CV, so you don’t need to worry about forgetting anything you’ve done and achieved.