Volunteering In Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a strong community spirit and many residents and employees of the city region volunteer for a variety of organisations. Whatever your interest or skills you’ll be able to find a volunteering opportunity that benefits yourself and others.

Edinburgh is the first city in Scotland to have a dedicated strategy for volunteering, called ‘Inspiring Volunteering: A volunteering strategy for Edinburgh (2007-2012)’. The Strategy plans for the development of volunteering across many sectors over five years.

Nine Edinburgh-based organisations were awarded the ‘Invested in Volunteers’ (IiV) UK Quality Standard, which recognises their commitment to high-quality volunteer involvement. Organisations receiving their award included Amos Scripture Trust, Canongate Youth Project, Edinburgh and Lothians Samaritans and Edinburgh Central Citizens Advice Bureau.

The Volunteer Centre Edinburgh helps to involve more people in volunteering, offering support, advice and information on opportunities as well as guidance on getting started. Training and resources for organisations engaging volunteers is also offered.