Those with Additional Needs

Graduate Attributes: All of these projects have similar attributes such as...

• Networking - Building social connections/Training

• Oral Communication - Group work activities/Training

• Confidence and Adaptability - Maintaining flexibility/Adjusting to different circumstances

• Recognition of Opportunities - Making new kinds of value/Ideas for future work

• Leading Others - Mentoring/Inspiring/Responsibility/Motivating/Building Relationships

• Self-Awareness and Reflection - Portal Logging/Feedback & Mentoring from Charity

• Diversity Awareness - Appreciate multiple perspectives

• Effective Team Contributions - Group activities

• Interpersonal Skills - Respect/Productive relationship building

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Options in Life

Options in Life is a charity based in Cupar supporting people with learning disabilities and special needs.

As a volunteer with Options in Life, you’ll be part of a lively, hands-on environment supporting young adults with learning disabilities. Activities are varied and engaging—everything from kayaking, hiking, and gardening to cooking sessions, creative arts, and helping out at our pop-up café. Some days, your role might be supporting a participant through a new experience; other days, it could be offering encouragement during a group discussion. We’re looking for patient, adaptable volunteers who enjoy active days, being outdoors, and making a meaningful contribution.

Schedule: We ask that students commit to attending one full day (10am–4pm) per week, at least once per month, ideally across the full academic year to build trust and consistency with participants.

Transportation: Take the Stagecoach X60 bus from St Andrews Bus Station to Kirkcaldy (about 50 minutes). From Kirkcaldy Bus Station, either walk 15–20 minutes to Options in Life

 

Fairway Fife

Fairway Fife is a charity based in West Fife/Dunfermline, with some events being held in other areas of Fife/Dundee, who work with people aged 16+ with additional needs.

Volunteer Opportunities

Peer Mentors at Fairway Fife play a unique role—offering natural, friendly support to young adults with learning disabilities as they navigate social situations, explore new experiences, and build independence. This could mean anything from joining a member for a cinema outing, surfing, or pizza night, to supporting them during bowling trips, shopping days, or just spending time chatting in a group. Some volunteers also contribute by helping with creative activities, admin, or events. We welcome volunteers who are warm, sociable, and dependable—people who enjoy building real connections.

Schedule: The expected time commitment is one day every two weeks, with a focus on consistency so that lasting peer relationships can grow over time.

Transportation Take the Stagecoach X24 bus from St Andrews Bus Station to Dunfermline Bus Station. The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

 

Uppertunity

Uppertunity is a charity based at Dudhope Castle in Dundee and aims to empower those with additional needs to live fuller lives.

Volunteer Opportunities

Uppertunity offers a creative and therapeutic space for adults with additional support needs and neurodiverse conditions, based in the beautiful setting of Dudhope Castle. As a volunteer, you’ll support small group sessions focused on arts, crafts, drama, or upcycling—helping to plan, set up, and guide activities alongside a member of staff. Many of the materials used are donated or reused, so sessions often rely on imagination and adaptability. We’re looking for someone with some experience and interest in art (any kind), sewing and/or drama, but most of all you will bring patience and positivity. We hope that you will enjoy the social aspects of this role, as well as knowing that you are making a valuable contribution to your community.

Schedule: Group sessions run Tuesday to Friday, 10am–12pm and 1–3pm, with time before and after for planning. You can commit to a single session, full day, or a regular slot across the week.

Transportation: Take the Stagecoach 99 bus from St Andrews Bus Station to Dundee Bus Station, with buses running every 7–8 minutes and a journey time of around 28 minutes. From Dundee Bus Station, it’s about a 20–25 minute walk to Uppertunity at Dudhope Castle.

 

Uppertunity are flexible with commitment, especially in terms of student holidays!