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Attention all voluntary
Groups in Caithness Do you need Volunteers?
If so, we can help, but
we need to know your requirements. The procedure is simple contact -
Volunteering Highland at 01955 605002 and fill in a form.
We will try and match your request with a suitable volunteer.
4 July
08
Wick High School Does 'The Apprentice'
 14
Pupils from Wick High School recently undertook a fundraising challenge
to raise money for two local charities. The challenge was inspired by
the BBC TV program of the same name and was run by Catherine Patterson
of Volunteering Highland to engage young people in volunteering. The
boys team raised the most money £286.60p for Caithness Mental Health,
and the mainly girls team raised £240 for Balmore Animal Centre. The
rector Mr Trail took on the role of Allan Sugar and after consultation,
he concluded that the boy’s team should ‘get fired’.
7
January 08
Desperate Need for Youth Club Volunteers
Both Youth Clubs in Thurso and Halkirk require volunteer helpers, if you
have 3 hours a week to spare please consider volunteering with the Thurso
or Halkirk Youth Club. The Thursday Evening group which caters for youth
aged between 12-18 desperately need more volunteers, club hours are
7-9.30PM, if you feel you can offer assistance please contact Catherine
Patterson 01955 605470 or Angela Alexander 01847 895782 to find out more.
8 July 07
Malawi Volunteers Return After Ten Weeks Of
Voluntary Work In Caithness
Watten Church Aims To Help Them All With their Education - You Can Help
 The Global Xchange team of Malawians and Scots who were with us in
Caithness for ten weeks have now left for Ekwandeni in Malawi to spend ten
weeks there in voluntary work projects. This will complete their Global
Xchange project between the two countries. Our Malawian friends will
be able to go on to college courses, thanks to the generosity of so many
in Caithness who have funded them for a first year at a college of their
choice in Malawi. A fund for their college education has been set up by
Watten Church
of Scotland, and any further donations will enable the young people to
extend their study courses over the subsequent years. Amazingly £75
can pay for education for a whole year for student in Malawi. So small
amounts might be capable of changing lives dramatically for these young
people who came to Caithness.
28 March 07
Volunteers from
Malawi
Global Xchange help Wick Boys Brigade
 A
group of 18 volunteers, 9 from Scotland and 9 from Malawi plus a
co-ordinator from each area, helped Marc Macdonald the Boys Brigade
leader to transform a piece of ground surrounding the BB hall in Wick on
Saturday. Mr Macdonald was very grateful to all the local businesses
that donated materials and loaned equipment to enable the work to begin.
Local Development Officer of
Volunteering Highland, Catherine Patterson identified projects
in Caithness that the volunteers from
Global
Xchange could assist with. Over the next 3 months the group will be
integrated into the community and will volunteer with a variety of
organisations in Caithness, periodically they will come together to
undertake group activities, the next one taking place on Friday with the
Countryside Ranger where tree planting will go ahead at Wick riverside.
Global Xchange co-ordinator, Rohanna Law has been very pleased with the
welcome and support from everyone in Caithness. For more information on the work of the exchange
volunteers contact Rohanna email;
rohanna.law@vso.org.uk
13
January 07
Catch Up Item From November
Dunnet Forest in Bloom with the help of Thurso College Students
Dunnet Forest Trust will benefit from a
splash of colour this spring thank to a generous donation of bulbs from
Homebase managers, Scott Hervo [left] and Murray Wilson. The event was
organised by Catherine Patterson of Volunteering Highland as part of the
National Make-A –Difference Day for volunteers. The event originally
planed for 27th Oct was re-scheduled due to recent flooding. Students
and Staff from the North Highland College volunteered their services to
help with the planting after permission was gained from the Forest Trust
manger Jon Hollingdale. Ms Patterson would like to thank the Highland
Council for the loan of equipment on the day, Homebase for their
donation of bulbs, Stephanie Brooksbank Staff tutor from the College,
and of course the students for all their help in making the day
successful.
18
September 06
Hot Opportunities
Activities Organiser
Bayview House Thurso are looking for people to help with elderly
residents. Volunteers will interact with residents, perhaps sit and
chat, board games, etc and help organise activities. If you have a few
hours spare and would like to offer your time contact, Diane Campbell
01847 892314.
Practical Skills
Person
Pultenytown Peoples Project, are looking for someone with practical
skills e,g, joiner, painter decorator or general 'Handyperson' to
volunteer a few hours of their time to teach young people with their own
tenancy some basic practical skills. If you are perhaps a retired trades
person or have a few hours available contact Yvonne Hendry 01955 606950
for more information.
11 June
06
Caithness Volunteer Award Reception
Volunteer Week 1-7th June 2006
Young People received certificates and
David Steven was presented with the employers award.
30
March 06
Latest Volunteering Opportunities
Thurso Beyond 2000
Thurso Beyond 2000 are looking for a volunteer Chairperson to assist
with the organising of future events, they are also looking to recruit
general helpers for things like fundraising, planning etc. Thurso Beyond
2000 is an organisation that was formed to provide recreation and
leisure pursuits for the inhabitants of Thurso, they are always looking
for innovative ideas and ways to develop future events. If this sounds
interesting to you contact Elspeth Husband 01847 896146 for more
information.
Enablelink
Caithness Enablelink are seeking people to offer natural friendships to
adults with learning disabilities. It is hoped volunteers will offer
their time to accompany people, to help them interact in a wide variety
of social situations. If you think you are an outgoing friendly person
and are willing to spare a few hours a week helping others meet new
people, then this might be a rewarding volunteering opportunity
available to you in your area. Do not hesitate to contact Shena Macbeth
01593721509 if you think it is of interest to you.
Homestart Caithness
Homestart Caithnesss are desperately seeking volunteers to help their
service which supports local families with a child under the age of 5.
Volunteers offer confidential, practical and friendly support to
families throughout Caithness. If you have parenting experience then
this could be an opportunity worth considering. Do not hesitate to
contact Libby Cook 01955 606222 if you would like more details.
HomeAid Caithness
HomeAid are looking for volunteers to work in the Charity shop Thurso,
particularly on a Saturday. At present the shop is having difficulties
opening on a Saturday and more volunteers are desperately need. If you
would like to gain valuable retail experience contact The HomeAid office
01847 890696 to express your interest.
If you are interested in
any of these volunteering opportunities you can also contact Catherine
01955 605002 or e-mail
caithness@volunteeringhighland.org
24
January 06
Are you interested in the environment?
If you are interested in improving the environment then The
Caithness Countryside Ranger, Marina Swanson invites you to their AGM on
Thursday 2nd February at 7.30PM in the Nethercliff Hotel Wick. If you
are unable to attend the AGM but are interested in future events and
projects contact Marina on 01955 607758.
Volunteers are needed
for a tree planting project planned for Saturday the 18th February at
10AM in Dunnet Forest. If you enjoy the outdoors, don't mind getting
your hands dirty and want to meet other like minded people, come along
to the event. For more information call Marina at above number.
21
December 05
MV Youth Volunteering Award Ceremony
 Five young people recently became the recipients of the prestigious Gold
MV Award for volunteering while participating in the Wick Players
production of Mother Goose. The Gold Award is achieved when a volunteer
accumulates 200 hours of volunteering which can take place over a two year
period. The five young people involved with the panto had been in
intensive rehearsals since August and fulfilled their required 200 hours
on the 18th December. This Award is a recognised award of excellence
endorsed by the Scottish Executive and the Gold award is signed by the
First Minister.
28
November 05
New Caithness Volunteering opportunities
Active Schools
Active Schools are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with
after schools activities in Caithness. These opportunities are not
exclusively for sports activities but can cover any extra school
activity i.e., Drama, dance or any event that requires active
participation. If you have an hour or so to spare from 3-4 PM weekdays
and think you might be interested in assisting with after school events
in your area please contact Kenny Russell 01847 895782 or Catherine
01955 605002 for more information
Caithness Young
Archaeologists Group
Caithness Young Archaeologist's Group are looking for leaders to help
with outdoor events around Caithness. The next meeting is scheduled for
28th January in Spittal Village Hall, however if in the meantime you
would like to find out more contact Emma at Caithness Archaeological
Trust 01593 731269 or Catherine 01955 605002 who will be happy to
assist.
10
October 05
Latest Opportunities
Wick North Schools Breakfast Club are looking for helpers to supervise
children before school begins. The club runs daily during school term
but helpers are needed for Monday and Wednesday morning from 8.30 to
9.15AM. If you feel you could help out even for one morning call Helen
01955 604134 or Catherine 10955 605002 for more information.
Wick HAPPY committee
ungently seek new imput and ideas for running the Hogmany party in Wicks
Market Square. They want this popular event to continue to be a success
but need more volunteers. A meeting is to be held in the Assembly rooms
Wick on Tuesday Oct 25th at 7.30PM for interested parties,
alternatively, call Geraldine 01955 606336 or Catherine 01955 605002.
22
August 05
Hot opportunities
Are you a Parent?
Homestart Caithness are looking for volunteer home visitors/befrienders
particularly for the Thurso area. The role of the volunteer will be to
offer confidential support and friendship to families with at least one
child under 5, who may be experiencing difficulties with the demands of
family life at this time. Volunteer preparation Training course to begin
on Thursday 25th august at 7PM in Community Education Office
Thurso, however if you are unable to attend but are still interested in
finding out more, Call Libby 01955 606222.
Mentors required
Volunteering Highland are looking for volunteer Mentors to work with
unemployed young people. This role involves offering support and
guidance to the long term unemployed. Training and support is ongoing
for volunteers to enable them to assist people into employment.
Volunteers are needed in the Sutherland area, for more information call,
Catherine 01955 605002.
19 July 05
Trinkathon
2005 The Year of the
Volunteer TRINKATHON Open Day Sunday 24th July.
The TRINKATHON at the Trinkie outdoor swimming pool this Sunday is
looking for 'fit pairs' to compete in the Trinkathon.
The Junior event involves 1 swimmer [2 lengths] and 1 runner [approx1/2
mile], while the Adult event involves 1 swimmer [4 lenghts] and 1 runner
[approx 1 mile]. Cups and medals are kindly donated by the Royal Mail.
Registration between 1.15 and 1.45PM
Wick Amateur Swimming
Club will compete for the North bath cup at 2.15. It is hoped to
be a fun day for all the family, please come along and join in, any
queries contact P Coghill 01955 602456 after 6PM for more information.
Hot List July 2005
The Laurandy Day Care centre in Wick are looking for volunteers of all
ages to help collate a book of memories as part of a Dark Horse Venture.
It is hoped this project will involve participants from within the
community, volunteers will chat to the elderly and take notes on their
past memories eg, Childhood or Schooldays and help type the results.
This will involve good communication, interview and computer skills. The
centre is hoping to be able to offer training in interview techniques
subject to funding becoming available.
If you are a young person going on to study Media, Journalism or work in
the care sector, you could gain practical experience while becoming
involved with this community project. Young people aged 16-25 can use
this opportunity to qualify for an MV [Millennium Volunteer] Award. This
is a recognised award endorsed by the Scottish Executive for achievement
in volunteering. If anyone is interested in finding out how to become
involved or for more information contact Margaret Allan 01955 606567 or
Catherine 01955 605002.
1 July 05
Volunteer Admin Assistance
Many voluntary groups around Caithness are seeking Office Administration
assistance. For example the newly opened Womens Aid refuge at Green road
Wick, require a volunteer to help with administration. So if you have a
few hours to spare and think you would like to help Womens Aid or any
other voluntary groups in the office, then contact Catherine 01955
605002 or Donna at Womens Aid 08454 080151. This opportunity can help
you gain practical work experience.
1 July 05
Tidy Up Newtonhill Woodland
Hot off the press....Marina the Highland Council Countryside Ranger,
requires volunteers to help clear up weeds at the Newtonhill woodland on
Thursday 7th July, come along coffee and cake available, call
01955607758 for more information.
2 June 05
Volunteers Week Gets Going In Caithness
 Volunteers
week got off to a nice start yesterday with the help of local young
people. The development officer for Volunteering Highland, Catherine
Patterson, organised for Wicks Riverside path to be upgraded with the help
of young volunteers and the support of Mr Hargrave and Mr Guest of the
Highland Council. The path had been identified as in need of
upgrading as it becomes
waterlogged and extremely muddy in places. The group managed to fill in
the potholes and tidy it up as much as possible before the weather took a
turn for the worse. The Path is extremely popular with local walkers
and many made comments in support of the work being done, especially as
the group consisted of mainly young people. Ms Patterson wishes to
thank the volunteers for all their hard work and also wishes to thank the
Council for providing materials, equipment and ongoing support. She is
keen to include projects in other areas within Caithness therefore
communities should come forward with suggestions of projects to be
considered in the future.
Volunteers needed on Wednesday 1st June
2005
Volunteering Highland in conjunction with the Highland Councils
Roads and Community Works dept and senior pupils from Wick High school,
are undertaking an environmental project this Wednesday 1st June from
10AM.-5PM. It has been identified as in need of upgrade particularly
during winter months when the path becomes waterlogged.
As part of Volunteers Week Catherine Patterson of Volunteering Highland
has organised a tidy-up of the path located directly parallel and to the
rear of the caravan site Wick from the railway tunnel ending at
Riverside Drive. This path is popular with local people all year around
and it is hoped volunteers will offer their assistance on Wednesday. All
equipment and materials will be kindly donated by Highland Council all
that is required is a workforce so, if you have a few hours available
please come along or contact Catherine on 01955 605002 for more
information or to offer your services.
May is the month of the environment.
2005 is the year of the volunteer and May is the month to promote
environmental projects. There are many 'one off' environmental events
occurring over the next few weeks seeking volunteer support.
For example, this Sunday 22nd May [and for
the next three weekends] Friends of the Trinkie are busy whitewashing
the Trinkie outdoor swimming pool. The project is being completed over a
period of time to enable the whitewash to dry and this is of course
related to the tides. Volunteers are asked to wear old warm
clothing, equipment and materials are provided. If anyone is interested
in supporting this worthwhile project please contact Patty Coghill on
01955 602456 she will be able to advise on future details.
In support of volunteers week, Volunteering
Highland is undertaking a Riverside Path clear-up at Wick River on
Wednesday 1st June. This will involve improving the general path area
which can become water logged in winter months. Anyone interested in any
of the above volunteer opportunities or would like information on how to
volunteer contact Catherine 01955 605002.
Hot Opportunities
May 2005
Do you have a couple of hours available in the evenings? If
so.....volunteers are required for the Wick and Thurso area.
Thurso Key Housing
are looking for a befriender to escort a lady to the bowling on a
Tuesday evening [expenses are provided]. Befriending is an opportunity
to help others expand their social skills and gain confidence. If you
think you might be interested in this worthwhile opportunity contact
Catherine at Volunteering Highland 01955 605002.
Wick Jam Club located at the youth
club, are looking for adult helpers to help out on a Saturday evening
7-9PM. The club offers activities on other evenings but they are finding
it difficult to get helpers for Saturday. Once again if you are
interested contact Catherine 01955 605002 or e-mail
volhighlandcaithness@telfordhouse.com
Hot List
March 2005
Are you interested in the environment and gardening?..If so, Wick Flower
Basket Committee are looking for volunteers to help maintain and water
the displays throughout the summer.
It is hoped that a rota system could be implemented if enough volunteers
come forward. Reliability and commitment are the only ingredients
necessary. Think you might be interested ? call Catherine at
Volunteering Highland.
Wick Town Improvements [Gala committee] are looking for a treasurer to
help run the extremely popular Gala. This annual event raises the
profile of Caithness at home and abroad, but relies on the good-will of
volunteers for its success. Volunteers are always needed to help
organise this event.
If you think you would like to contribute to the continued success of
the Gala call Catherine at Volunteering Highland. 01955 605002 email:
volhighlandcaithness@telfordhouse.com
February 2005
We are looking for youth Leader/Assistants to help with uniformed
and non-uniformed youth groups in your area.
For example, 1st Wick Scouts and Wick Boys Brigade are looking for
Leaders to help.
So, if you have a couple of hours available on either Monday, Wednesday
or Thursday evenings you could help these groups continue.
If you think you might
be interested contact Catherine at Volunteering Highland 01955 605002 or
e-mail
volhighlandcaithness@telfordhouse.com for more information. |
