About Us

Volunteer Centre Western Isles is an independent local charity with offices and staff in Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra.

We provide information, advice and support to individuals interested in volunteering, volunteer managers, voluntary groups, clubs and organisations, private and public sector organisations and companies.

We:

• offer free, confidential support to people who want to volunteer and groups/ organisations who involve volunteers
• provide a brokerage service, matching volunteers to volunteer roles in hundreds of local and national organisations
• support community events that are often run entirely by volunteers
• facilitate adult and youth volunteer awards that recognise the achievements of volunteers
• facilitate volunteer awards for organisations who provide the best experience for their volunteers
• gather statistics and carry out research into volunteering in the Western Isles which we share with local and national government
•  constantly work to raise the profile of volunteering as a positive force with prospective volunteers, local policy makers and community leaders
• We are committed to serving our rural communities in ways that best suit their needs throughout the Western Isles

We are passionate about volunteering; we support and encourage it in all forms.

Our Aim:

• To build stronger resilient communities by actively supporting and promoting volunteering.  

Our vision is:

• To create a vibrant, thriving and caring community where every individual is empowered to contribute and make a difference through volunteering.

Our Strategic outcomes are:

Increase Volunteer Engagement:  Promote volunteering opportunities and inspire active participation through social media and various communication channels.

Strengthen Community Ties: Encourage local participation in community-focused activities.

Support Organizations: Provide resources to local groups to manage volunteers effectively.

Recognize Volunteers: Develop programs to celebrate and retain volunteers.

Advocate for Policies: Promote policies that support volunteering.

Build Partnerships: Enhance collaboration with various sectors.

Ensure Well-being: Provide support services for volunteer well-being.

Measure Impact: Implement systems to track and report volunteering impact.

Our Values

We are:

• passionate about volunteering; we will support and encourage it in all its forms.
• committed to development of the individual, the organisation and the community.
• supportive, friendly and non-judgemental in our dealings with ourselves and others.
• committed to giving a quality service and pursuing excellence in all that we do.

Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO)

Scottish Charity No. SCO27472

Registered address: 95 Cromwell Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2DG.