TWO Forres organisations are celebrating receiving a large chunk of

Scottish Government funding, enabling them to press ahead with new volunteer-led opportunitites.

Rays Opportunities celebrating Scottish Government funding for volunteer-led projects

Ray’s Opportunities SCIO and The Newbold Trust have been awarded 10,000 each from the Volunteering Support Fund, administered by the Voluntary Action Fund (VAF).

Moray MSP Richard Lochhead is delighted that funding has been announced for a total of five organisations in Moray.

“Volunteers undertake an enormous amount of worthy work in our communities,” he said.

“I am pleased that the money from the grants is to be used to recruit, support and train volunteers from vulnerable backgrounds.

“It is particularly pleasing to note that all five Moray organisations have more or less qualified for the full amount of money available and I congratulate them for their successful bids for funding.

“I am sure the grants will be put to good use and will result in positive experiences for local volunteers.”

Forres-based charity Ray’s Opportunities supports people with physical, hidden and learning disabilities at the Community cafe at Forres House Community Centre.

Ray’s Opportunities will use the funding to provide volunteering opportunities for 15 people from disadvantaged backgrounds, mainly individuals with a physical, hidden or learning disability, who face challenges to obtaining sustainable employment.

The Community Cafe enterprise will offer the chance to increase vocational and social skills while building confidence through on-the-job training and work experience.

The 11-month programme will ensure full volunteer expenses are covered; fund publicity for the programme and volunteer recruitment; and fund a part time volunteer coordinator.

“The Community Cafe is a popular venue within the town,” said Mr Lochhead.

“I am pleased that the social enterprise has been given a financial boost to recruit and train volunteers in catering and hospitality skills.”

Director Ray McDonald is delighted to accept the funding.

“Ray’s Opportunities was awarded the Volunteer Friendly Award last year in recognition of our commitment to volunteers,” he said.

“We understand the crucial contribution that volunteers of all ages and abilities have to make this grant enables us to have a volunteer coordinator to oversee this vital side of our operation.

“The scheme will equip people who would otherwise be furthest away from the job market, with the work and life skills to gain sustainable employment or further vocational training.

“We hope the volunteering experience will also help people to live independently in the future.”

The Newbold Trust is based at wellbeing and sustainable living centre, Newbold House, on St Leonard’s Road. Newbold House offers workshops, retreats, eco-holidays, venue hire and accommodation.

The Trust will use their grant to host more residential and local volunteers, and develop new initiatives stemming from volunteers.

New volunteers will join in community outreach events such as the organisation’s first ever Permaculture Summer Festival, and harvesting and processing days. They will also receive support and mentoring from a member of staff.

Richard Lochhead MSP welcomed the news.

“I’m aware that the Trust greatly value their volunteers who undertake a range of tasks to support its sustainable aims,” he said. Last year their grant allowed us to recruit a volunteer coordinator to significantly improve and expand our volunteering programme.

“We now have more local people volunteering and have started a whole new volunteering day during the summer months.

“This year the funding will continue to support the volunteer coordinator post and further improve the learning journeys for volunteers.

“We are offering more trainings and interactive seminars to develop employment skills, confidence and awareness around sustainability and wellbeing.

“We are also reaching out to a more diverse range of potential volunteers. We particularly welcome youth, elders, anyone feeling socially isolated or suffering from stress/depression and those who are finding it hard to get back into work after a period of time off or unemployment.

“Our hope is to help local people build skills, confidence and social networks and therefore provide ongoing benefits in their lives.

“We value our volunteers very much and could not continue the educational and retreat work we do without their help.”