Those with Additional Needs

Options in Life

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

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Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers will partake in support roles, working alongside groups of young adults with additional support needs during group outings. These can include rock climbing, kayaking, cycling, crafts, and museum visits and activity centres in the colder months.

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Volunteers will support staff to give a memorable experience to service users.

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Commitment and Training

Groups run every weekday from 10am-4pm, and volunteers should commit to a full day once per month, and this should be on the same day of the week each month. A minimum commitment of one academic year is preferred, however they can be flexible with holidays and travel commitments.

Volunteers are required to meet in Cupar at 10am where a minibus will transport groups to and from the outing location.

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Options in Life will complete a PVG check on volunteers at no cost to the volunteer. Additionally, the opportunity to attend training, such as first aid, understanding autism and epilepsy awareness, can be provided at no cost to the volunteer after a prior commitment to volunteering has been shown.

 

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 peopled aged 16+ with additional needs.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers will partake in various methods of peer mentoring, such as befriending and social hangouts before and after events. Peer mentoring is fully supported by facilitators who are also volunteers, and one-on-one meet ups with service users will not be granted. Events can include bowling, the cinema, sports, food, outdoor activities (water or land based), training, cafes, work experience, theatre and mindfulness.

There are also opportunities to volunteer in the admin and social media side of the charity.

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Commitment and Training

Fairway Fife is looking for volunteers to volunteer for 4 hours every fortnight for a minimum of one year, however they can be flexible with holidays and travel commitments.

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The main meeting point is Dunfermline bus station with many events taking place in Dunfermline itself. There is direct transport from St Andrews to Dunfermline and Fairway Fife will contribute to transport costs for public transport (however, driving fuel costs will not be covered).

There are also opportunities to attend various trainings alongside your mentee.

 

Uppertunity

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

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Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers can partake in various roles such as gardening, cooking, baking, upcycling, weekly group support and planning and running events.

Please note that gardening roles do not work directly with those with additional needs.

Volunteers do not require previous experience, but must be open minded, respectful and committed.

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Commitment and Training

Time commitments vary between roles:

Gardening: Thursdays and Fridays from 10am-2pm

Baking/Cooking: Tuesday to Friday from 10am-2pm or 1pm-3pm

Group Facilitator: Tuesday to Friday from 10am-2pm or 1pm-3pm

Upcycler: Fridays from 1pm-3pm

Event Planner: Flexible and varied

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