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Volunteering with the Mental Health and Wellbeing service at The Walled Garden and Wisecraft involves supporting clients in their chosen activities. Like their clients, volunteers are allocated sessions that fit with any other commitments they might have and they are free to choose which activity is of most interest to them. There is no obligation to be skilled in any of their activity areas just to have a passion for learning and supporting people. Activities run on a daily basis during the week and are broken into 2.5 hr sessions. They encourage volunteers to attend the same session/s each week to help with continuity of care and building meaningful relationships with staff and clients, however there is of course flexibility depending on each individual circumstance. Their volunteers are from all walks of life, young and old and may have lived experience of mental health difficulties but are at a point in their own recovery where they are able to support others. They often have students volunteering who find that the service and setting is beneficial for enhancing their studies. Most commonly Psychology but also Counselling and Health and Nutrition type courses. Aime is a young person who volunteered with them in their Creative Wellbeing activities while she studied Psychology at Stirling University and they knew her from a previous volunteering placement she did with them. Janice from the Walled Garden says 'It’s been great to see her again and see how she has developed personally and be able to offer her the opportunity to use volunteering to aid her studies and experience.' Aime says: “ As a psychology student who has lived experience of ill mental health, I have been able to use this to my advantage at the walled garden to act as a role model to the clients in order to show people that recovery is possible. I have been able to not only develop my confidence massively but gain experience of how psychological theory can be applied in practical aspects of work. I have gained lots of experience while volunteering here and it has been a pleasure to have the opportunity to come back. As a short-lived volunteer in 2017 I see lots of amazing improvements within the garden, and I have enjoyed getting to know the clients which has been my best memory of 2023. As an individual who has overcame their own mental health battles it is nice and encouraging to see that within Perth there is a safe environment for individuals to enhance their wellbeing through activities such as that of art. I enjoy seeing improvements within the clients such as that of improved self-esteem and confidence as it is always nice to know people are on the right track to recovery and a better wellbeing !” To find out about current opportunities check out the Walled Garden and Wisecraft's Be the Change page: PKAVS Walled Garden & Wisecraft | Be the Change (Perth & Kinross)

Grandmentors is an award-winning, inter-generational mentoring project for care experienced young people. The project operates in 15+ locations across the UK and launched for the first time in Perth and Kinross in 2022. They recruit, train and support volunteer mentors (normally but not exclusively aged 50+) who draw on their wealth of professional and personal life experience and skills to support young people (aged 16-25) through life transitions on their pathway to independence. This is a story about the impact being a Grandmentor can have on a young person: Adrian first met Matthew in May 2023. At 16, Matthew was living in long-term foster care, unsure of his future but unhappy with his current situation. Despite this uncertainty, he had shown leadership potential as a senior member of a local Officer Cadet company, guiding younger cadets. His main interests were gaming and his foster family’s dogs, but he had little engagement beyond that. Having decided to leave school, Matthew had enrolled in a Business Administration course at a local college. Adrian encouraged him to make the most of his studies, but the course failed to inspire him. By March 2024, Matthew lost his place and was asked to leave his foster home. Social services arranged safe shared accommodation, but his future remained uncertain. At this stage, Adrian and Matthew had built enough trust for honest conversations. “You need to take control of your life,” Adrian urged, encouraging Matthew to take ownership of his choices. These discussions, though challenging, gradually shifted Matthew’s outlook. By September, there was a noticeable change. He had chosen a Game Development course, secured temporary work, and was learning programming in preparation. His newfound confidence was evident, and their mentoring relationship evolved into open, constructive discussions. Adrian says: “Mentoring is a relationship somewhere between supportive friend, coach, champion and critic. At times you may be called on to be all four at once! Key is to first build trust. Coaching them to see their potential and all the world has to offer is hard, but be patient. When you see them start to achieve, then it all becomes so worthwhile." Could you be the next Grandmentor? Find out more and register your interest here: Volunteering Matters | Be the Change (Perth & Kinross)

The #IWill movement in Scotland aims to encourage and empower more young people to take action, make a difference and influence change within their communities, the environment and broader society through activities such as volunteering, fundraising, mentoring, campaigning and activism. #IWill partners are working together across Scotland to deliver a cross-sector approach that will transform the role and perception of young people in society. We are calling on organisations to come forward and support the young people of today make a difference for the world of tomorrow! There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the #IWill Movement in Scotland beyond and support more young people to take action, make a difference & influence change! Since 2013 over 1000 organisations across the UK pledged to think about what they can do to involve young people in social action. On top of that there are over 350 young #IWill Ambassadors across the UK, promoting and celebrating the voices of young people! But there is still more that needs to be done to grow the Movement and we need you to join us to help continue to grow the #PowerOfYouth! Find out more on how to get involved and start spreading the word about the #PowerOfYouth and Join the Movement! Youth Action: UK Youth Charity Empowering 10-25 Year Olds What is the Charter? The #PowerOfYouth Charter provides a framework for your organisation to empower more young people to take action, make a difference and influence change. Organisations are encouraged to commit to five key principles: 1. Prioritise empowering young people to volunteer and take social action 2. Open up your decision-making structures 3. Work in partnership 4. Evidence the benefits of youth social action 5. Recognise and celebrate young people Find out more about the charter here ! Sign up for the #PowerOfYouth Charter here ! How can you get involved? 1. Sign up to the Charter Sign up through a senior leader from your organisation such as the Chief Executive or Chair. Ideally you will have endorsement for the Charter from your Board. Your organisation will outline specific actions it will take to deliver on the Charter commitments. 2. Shout about it. Publicise your adoption of the Charter through your communication channels. 3. Follow through. Your organisation will hold itself accountable to young people and track its development by sharing your progress towards the Charter commitments annually with #IWill Scotland partners, ambassadors and your networks.