Last month five 'Get Ready to Volunteer' course participants successfully completed the 2026 programme.
This five week course designed to give people the knowledge, confidence, and contacts to start volunteering. VAO runs the course in partnership with OIC’s Community Learning Development and Employability team to support the work of the Orkney Local Employability Partnership (LEP.
Over the course participants:
- learnt about the different ways volunteering benefits them and the community
- explored the different ways they can volunteer
- looked into what volunteering opportunities are available in Orkney
- met representatives and volunteers from local charities and organisations
- took part in a group volunteering activity
The participants told us that having guest speakers attend sessions and the opportunity to learn about different local opportunities are the things they enjoyed most about the course. This year's cohort heard from staff and volunteers from Orkney's newest music festival, the Water Sound Bluegrass & Roots Festival, and the newly reopened Tomb of the Eagles. The group also attended the Gilbertson Day Centre to take part in a group volunteering activity, where the spent time doing a craft project with the service users.
Pictured are the 5 participants receiving their course completion certificate and those under 26 receiving an additional 10-hour Saltire Award certificate.
For more information about the course and to be notified of future 'Get Ready to Volunteer' courses, fill out the form below.
