In 1962 we placed a volunteer in Glasgow, supporting young people in need. He became our first Full-Time Volunteer and so Scotland became the birthplace of one of our flagship programmes.
Nearly sixty years later, we continue to run high impact volunteering programmes across Scotland: from befriending projects supporting young people, mentoring projects to help families in challenging circumstances and volunteer-led projects that keep older, retired people engaged in their communities.
In April 2021 Volunteering Matters merged with ProjectScotland so that more people in local communities can be supported to overcome the challenges they may face. And more young people in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK will be supported by volunteers to overcome any barriers in their way, developing their confidence and skills to unlock their potential.
Our combined approach provides a platform for volunteers, young people and communities to challenge existing structures and work with decision-makers to overcome barriers and inequalities.
Across the Volunteering Matters family – including ProjectScotland, Get The Gen, Employee Volunteering and #iwill – we turn local knowledge and energy into action and progress, building stronger communities and a better future for all.
