Dufftown and District is fortunate to have so many charities working to make the area a better place to live and visit but they can’t do it by themselves. They need passionate, willing volunteers to help their charities grown and enable them to deliver projects to benefit the community.
Volunteering has many benefits for the local community but also for the volunteer! It provides connection with others, builds self confidence and offers the opportunity to learn new skills, improve physical, mental health and wellbeing and most importantly it’s the opportunity to have a lot of FUN and HELP OTHERS.
Don’t just take my word for it though, charities in the area have asked their volunteers what they get from being part of the brilliant work that they do and this is what they have said.
Dufftown in Bloom
Dufftown in Bloom is more than just planting flowers – it’s about planting friendships, pride in our town and a superb excuse to get outside. There’s something special about seeing the town brighten up, knowing you’ve had a helping hand in it, often a muddy one to help make it happen! It’s a bonus to get the fresh air, bit of banter and sometimes a cuppa, it makes it all the more rewarding. We’re busiest between May/June- October and welcome regular or ad hoc input to help keep Dufftown blooming – please reach out for a chat, find out more or to jump into our WhatsApp’s group to know when activities take place. Please message 07801 350 723 or talk with us Sat 12th April at Dufftown’s Farmer market
Keith and Dufftown Railway
“I enjoy the engineering aspect of it, and get a lot from the challenges that this presents. For example, the relatively unique environment means that when problems present themselves, the solutions often require a little head-scratching. It’s very satisfying. The social aspect of it is also very rewarding.
If you are thinking of volunteering with Keith and Dufftown Railway -Do it! There’s pretty much something for any ability or skill level. It doesn’t matter how much time you’re able to give, a day every so often or a couple of days a week, there’s a lot to be gained from it”
Speyside Youth
Speyside Youth create and provide safe spaces and activities for young people to reach their full potential. This provision includes weekly Youth Cafés, lunch hubs, 1-1 young people/parent or carer support, information and signposting, skills development and training, peer-mentoring and high school transition work. Young people develop and build on skills, confidence and wellbeing whilst becoming more active in the Speyside Community.
Volunteering with young people is a powerful way to make a positive, long-lasting impact, and it is extremely rewarding to see this manifest through the work done at Speyside Youth. As a volunteer you get to play an important part as a supportive adult figure, who can inspire confidence, provide guidance and model positive behaviour. You can gain as much as you give when you see the benefits to a young person’s life.
Volunteer opportunities are 2-4 hours at youth cafes on Tuesdays and Fridays, or as part of the advisory committee who meet monthly for 2 hours to manage the charity.
Dufftown Community Centre
The Volunteers at the Community Centre commented that Volunteering had the following benefits;
” Helps grow confidence “
“it is a chance to give back to the community and make friends at the same time.”
Whisky & Heritage Centre
“Volunteering as part of the Whisky & Heritage Centre is about sharing stories, creating engaging connections, and showcasing Dufftown’s incredible history and all that comes with the current development project for the expanding centre. Whether it’s helping visitors trace their Speyside roots, swapping stories around whisky experiences with like-minded people, or simply enjoying a chat with locals and tourists alike, it can be a rewarding experience. We would love to hear from you if you’re interested in volunteering when the centre re-opens. Equally, if you are interested in bringing your skill set, experience and enthusiasm to the development project, perhaps joining the Whisky and Heritage Trustees, then please do reach out for a chat (admin@dufftown.co.uk) and we look forward to meeting you on Sat 12th April at Dufftown’s Farmer market” Andy Cameron, Chair
We will all be attending the Farmer’s Market on Saturday 12th April from 10.00-1.00 with an array of volunteering opportunities across many of the charities in the town. So come along, have chat and see how you can support us! No big commitments required, even a little help now and then or for a specific event or task is hugely appreciated.
