Volunteering can open up a whole new world of interests and opportunities for you. Not only does it give you the chance to meet people and make new friends, but also become involved with what is happening in the community.  If you would like to know more about volunteering on Bute, please contact Jim Clinton at Bute Community Links Tel. 504438 or A&B Volunteer Development Centre .  You really can make a difference!

                                                         Bute Time Bank

                                               Bute's Own Volunteer Scheme

Bute Time Bank was launched in January and is developing at a pace. Hanne Mason is the Time Broker and can be contacted on 01700 505041, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.

What is Time Banking?

Time banks don't use real pounds and pence: instead, they encourage people to make deposits and withdrawals of their time.

In a time bank, participants earn credits for helping each other - one hour of your time entitles you to an hour of someone else's time.

Credits are deposited centrally in a time bank and withdrawn when you need help yourself. Unlike a real bank, there are no penalties for being in debit; all that is asked is that when your skills are called upon, you give back by providing a service for another member of the time bank.

To read more click here

If you enjoy walking, why not share your enthusiasm with others and encourage them?

STEPPING OUT is a Walking for Health Scheme (www.pathstohealth.org) whereby individuals are encouraged to include more exercise in their daily life. Short walks have been developed by trained Volunteer Walk Leaders who will take people out in small groups.

Our Passport to Health allows you to 'earn' foot miles which can be saved to entitle you to anything from a free refreshment to a relaxing foot or shoulder massage.                  

Regular ' Walks of Interest' take place throughout the year.

Please contact us on 505041 if you are interested in becoming a Walk Leader or for full details of our Walking Programmes.

Walking is FUN, it's HEALTHY and it's FREE!

Volunteers Wanted for the Community Garden

Here you can enjoy getting closer to nature and grow fruit and vegetables either for personal use or for the Green Tree Cafe. Your labour can be exchanged for a free healthy meal in the cafe on the day that you work at the allotment.

Training: Short courses, workshops and just plain hands on at the job training is available throughout the season.

If you prefer landscaping, building & construction, then the Community Garden at the Resource Centre at Longhill Crescent might be your first choice.

Either way, this is your chance to get in touch with nature.

The cafe is now up and running, and very popular.   We are still looking to get people on board and possibly run another Food & Hygiene Course.  If you like cooking and socialising, volunteering in the cafe could be for you. To register your interest please phone 505041.

The Lunchclub are looking for volunteer hosts/hostesses,cooks and entertainers.

Training: Food & Hygiene, Cookery Course.

Health & Wellbeing Groups

We are looking for volunteers to help with our exercise and relaxation groups. This could be to make the tea or coffee, knock on people's door to remind them, assist them in coming to the session and assist the facilitator during the session. You will be working with elderly people helping them to remain confident and mobile.

Training: Induction training in the programme, further opportunities for training are available on a regular basis