Stronger communities, stronger you.

The TSI is delighted to have hosted a student from the University of Dundee, Jay Stuart, who has helped us interview volunteers and their managers asking the question: Why Volunteer? "I recently was given the opportunity to meet some of our volunteers and volunteer managers and interviewed them on why they chose to volunteer. My interviews took place in two PKAVS facilities. The Walled Garden and the Carers Centre. Many people choose to give their time to help volunteer for many reasons. Margaret, a volunteer at the Carers Centre, spent her time being a carer for her husband for many years without much knowledge on how to help him. A local nurse introduced her to the free carers programme to get the help they both needed. She gained a lot of knowledge from this time and after her husband passed, she wanted to give back to those who helped her. She has been at the Carers Centre for two years now and absolutely loves spending her time there. She does not feel pressured to come in everyday and is a part of the local choir who have done concerts for different charities. Volunteering has made an incredibly positive difference to her life and advises anyone to volunteer. She urges only a few hours a week still helps the community and mentions the flexibility of the role - "The hours are very flexible so its fine if you have any appointments and cannot make it one week." The Carers Centre is full of lovely and welcoming staff and volunteers showing how only a small amount of your time can help make a difference. If you have any experience in caring, or want to gain some, it would be a wonderful way to get out of the house and help others. At the Walled Garden, which focuses on mental health, David one of the peer support workers started as a client and become a volunteer for a few years before moving into a paid role. There are many opportunities available, including arts and crafts, health walks, trips, and gardening. There is lots of free training for staff and volunteers. Volunteers are vital in supporting roles for the running of the activities offered to the clients. Janice is the recovery and development officer at the Walled Garden she oversees volunteer recruitment, management of volunteers and all-around support. There are currently 30 volunteers over two locations who have warmth and empathy and are willing to support the clients and have fun. The staff and Janice are open to feedback given by volunteers and want to make sure everyone is comfortable. People with lived experiences of mental health issues are very understanding of what they are doing at the Walled Garden. There are many reasons why you should volunteer, if you have experience with what a certain charity is doing, if you want to help the community or any certain group, you should start volunteering! There is a lot going on in the world right now and if you can give a few hours of your time to support a cause then you should give it a go. You can volunteer through many organisations, community groups or your local charity shop. There are many volunteering opportunities available to join now through Be the change." Jay Stuart.

The Make a Difference Awards are your chance to say thank you and recognise those who improve lives where we live. Nominations are now open and will close on Tuesday 31 March at 5pm. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and awards will be given in each category, across each national and local BBC radio station. Make a Difference Award ceremonies will take place across the UK in September 2026. Make A Difference Awards

Mark has been a volunteer in the CATH Shop for 10 years, and has also been a Trustee member for the charity since 2016. He provides assistance and a welcoming smile to customers in the shop, and has a wealth of experience in the voluntary sector. When Mark joined CATH he had just moved back to Perth, having previously volunteered for St Theresa's Hospice in Darlington, on a large-scale refurbishment project. He is a firm believer in being part of the community, taking pride in making positive contributions and a real difference in people's lives. Mark highly recommends volunteering as a great way to start in the workforce and gain experience whilst being supported through learning. Thank you Mark for everything you do ,we are extremely grateful for your hard work and fantastic contribution you make to CATH. To find out more about volunteering with CATH you can look on their Be the Change profile: Churches Action for the Homeless | Be the Change (Perth & Kinross)