We are offering one-off, adhoc assistance to people through our team of Community Taskforce Volunteers
Service Update
Since 2020 our Community Taskforce Volunteers have been helping some of the most isolated and vulnerable people in our city. To date our wonderful volunteers have completed over 17,000 tasks! Unfortunately, lack of funding means that we now must stop taking new referrals from people who need our help. We remain fully committed to those people we are currently supporting and of course to our amazing volunteers. We are working very hard to secure new funding to continue this unique and valuable service. Meantime we thank you for your support and apologise that we are currently unable to accept new referrals.
Needing a helping hand with a specific task and there is nobody available to help you? We may have you covered.
Our Community Taskforce Volunteers are on standby to offer practical, short-term support right across Edinburgh. With over 200 trained volunteers, we provide a fast, friendly, and reliable helping hand — just when you need it most.
Anyone can request support — whether you’re asking for yourself or on behalf of someone else. Friends, family, neighbours, or professionals – all are welcome. If we can’t help directly, we’ll try and connect you with someone who can.
How do I request help?
Getting help is simple. We match requests with volunteers based on postcode, and many tasks are completed the within a few days.
Just read through our Terms of Service and click the button below to tell us what you need. Prefer a chat? You can also call or email us — details at the bottom of the page.
Shopping with your shopping list and costs covered by you*
Company on short unaided walks
Support after hospital discharge
Prescription collection and delivery
Light waste management like moving bin bags or taking items to charity shops**
Dog walking on a short term basis†
One off Garden tidying§
Reading or posting letters and parcels
Friendly doorstep chats
* We are unable to cover the cost of shopping, and our volunteers must be provided with cash or a contactless card to cover the cost of goods requested.
** This includes taking bin bags to the street, or recycling items to the local charity shops.
† Provided on a short-term basis only i.e. once or twice a week.
§ This is not a regular service. One person task and a one off.
Our role is to offer a smile, a welcome and of course, some information. It is wonderful to see them got from quiet, wary and nervous arrivals to smiling, relieved travelers who make every effort to express their gratitude to us – whether they speak English or not.
Although my time on the Welcome Desk is just an infinitesimal element of what is needed to help the people of Ukraine, I do feel that those arriving are strongly comforted by having us there just to say “Hi. Welcome to Scotland. You’re safe and very welcome here”. That thought makes me feel good about what we’re doing. There is nothing difficult about our role and even if we have language barriers, we can still communicate well with those arriving.
Those arriving are so grateful to be met by a smiling face. They have gone through such trauma, lost so much and yet are excited to have made it to the safety of Scotland. We are only a small part of the effort to help, but very much appreciated.
For me it’s being able to help folk who have been through such a terrible experience. I feel I am helping in a small way being a kind face when they come through the doors of either terminal 1 or 2. The smile on the faces of the children when you give them a wee teddy it tugs at your heart.
The most rewarding aspect of this task is seeing the faces of the Ukrainian refugees, of all ages, who we are able to welcome and assist. Initially, a bit downcast and wary, they soon turn to smiles of relief and gratitude. So worthwhile.’
What about safety and security
Safe. Trusted. Local.
Your safety is our priority. Every volunteer has PVG Disclosure, is trained, verified, and carries Volunteer Edinburgh ID.
You’ll always know the name of the volunteer who is coming and why.
To Get Started
Need help? Got questions? 📧taskforce@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk 📞0131 561 8309 or 07958 540 438
* Please note that we are unable to cover the cost of shopping and our Community Taskforce Volunteers must be provided with cash or alternative payment method to cover the goods requested.
community taskforce volunteers
Please complete this form to book your place onto: community taskforce volunteers *
Data protection
We’ll only use this information to contact you about the training or event you’re booking. For more information about how we use your data please see our privacy notice.
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* If there is a fee involved you will be invoiced for your booking so please do not send payment now. Bookings are subject to confirmation by us, and all payments are non-refundable. If you need to book more than one place on the course, please submit a form for each attendee. For our Terms of Service please click here.
community taskforce volunteers
Please complete this form to register your interest in this drop-in *
Data protection
We’ll only use this information to contact you about the drop-in you’re interest in. For more information about how we use your data please see our privacy notice.
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* Registering your interest is not compulsory, however we kindly request that you register in order to provide us with an idea of the number of people to expect, ensuring you get the most out of your visit. There may also be occasions when we need to cancel a scheduled drop-in so providing contact information will allow us to notify you. For our Terms of Service please click here.
community taskforce volunteers
Please complete this form to register your interest in this event *
Data protection
We’ll only use this information to contact you about the event you are interest in. For more information about how we use your data please see our privacy notice.
"*" indicates required fields
* Registering your interest is not compulsory, however we kindly request that you register in order to provide us with an idea of the number of people to expect, ensuring you get the most out of your visit. There may also be occasions when we need to cancel a scheduled event so providing contact information will allow us to notify you. For our Terms of Service please click here.
community taskforce volunteers
Please complete this form to book your place onto: community taskforce volunteers *
Data protection
We’ll only use this information to contact you about the training or event you’re booking. For more information about how we use your data please see our privacy notice.
* If there is a fee involved you will be invoiced for your booking so please do not send payment now. Bookings are subject to confirmation by us, and all payments are non-refundable. If you need to book more than one place on the course, please submit a form for each attendee. For our Terms of Service please click here.
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Data protection
The information you enter here will be emailed to the organisation offering the opportunity, so that they can get in touch with you. Volunteer Edinburgh also receives a copy to monitor interest in volunteering opportunities and we may also use the information you provide to contact you to see if you require further assistance. If you do not want to be contacted by us please check the box at the bottom of this form. We won’t pass your information on to any other third parties. To read more on how we keep your data safe please see our privacy notice.
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Signup to our newsletters
Want to hear more from us? Signup to one or more of our newsletters for exclusive news, events and volunteering tips.
We send out three different bulletins on a regular basis. Our Volunteers’ Bulletin is aimed at existing and prospective volunteers with new editions typically sent out around the middle of each month. Volunteer Edinburgh News is aimed predominantly at volunteer involving organisations and this typically goes out at the end of each month. The Employability Bulletin is sent out weekly and provides details on paid vacancies in Edinburgh.
Please select the newsletters you wish to receive below and then click on the subscribe button.
Data protection
We’ll only send you the newsletter you sign up for and we won’t pass your details on to any third parties. You can read more about how we keep your information safe in our privacy notice.
community taskforce volunteers
Please complete this form to book your place onto: community taskforce volunteers *
Data protection
We’ll only use this information to contact you about the training or event you’re booking. For more information about how we use your data please see our privacy notice.
* If there is a fee involved you will be invoiced for your booking so please do not send payment now. Bookings are subject to confirmation by us, and all payments are non-refundable. If you need to book more than one place on the course, please submit a form for each attendee. For our Terms of Service please click here.
Are you someone who believes in the power of listening and connection? Join us as a Family Befriender at Home Link Family Support, where your support can make a world of difference to families with young children.
Our volunteer mentors are matched with young people who have completed either our Choices or Chances programmes with a positive destination. Main activities will include meeting with your mentee regularly for up to 12 months. Developing an action plan to help them sustain their positive destination. Support your mentee in figuring out what goals they want to work on next. Offer support and advice to your mentee as they navigate the next chapter of young adulthood.
The Supportive Transport Service is a key part of what we offer. It provides transportation to individuals living with or affected by HIV and/or Hepatitis C, helping them meet medical, social care, and daily needs. This might include transport to medical appointments, community activities, or essential errands like grocery shopping. Many Service Users face barriers to traveling independently due to factors such as limited mobility, social anxiety, or financial constraints. In addition to transportation, our drivers often provide a supportive presence by listening or helping individuals reflect on information shared during appointments.
The role of the Activity Buddy is to provide practical support and reduce isolation. The people we work with can find it hard to attend appointments and leisure activities due to poor physical/mental health, limited mobility, social anxiety or literacy issues. When illness, mobility, or side-effects of medication make housework or going out difficult, we offer support to make the home environment more comfortable. Volunteers play a vital part in improving service users’ physical health, mental well-being and quality of life through supportive relationships, community connection, creating pathways for personal growth and collaborative goal setting.
Parents of babies who have received care in hospital from the neonatal team can experience perinatal mental health issues and feelings of isolation.A befriender can provide emotional support to help build positive relationships between parents and their baby and improve parents’ mental health. Accessing activities in the community, going for a walk, or talking over a cuppa are some of the ways in which a Befriender can make a real difference for parents and their babies.
Web designer and SEO specialist in Musselburgh. Website builds, updates, local search and social media. WordPress, Wix, Squarespace and other platforms.
Lauren Gilmour
Jill of all trades former journalist with experience across PR, communications, marketing, social media, photography and volunteer recruitment.
Alastair Dunn
Able to help with outdoor or indoor tidying and clearance on an occasional basis (as not always in Edinburgh).
Stewart Dee
Experienced Civil Service Manager looking to use my management and governance experience as a Board Trustee.
Declan Chambers
IT professional offering tech, data and Infrastructure support, plus teaching and creative skills. Available Mon-Sun, 10am-8pm.
Sam Clark
Experienced administrative professional offering organisational, data and records management support to charities needing reliable, detail focused help.
Alastair Logan
Self taught Python and AI developer offering NLP, data, cloud and automation skills to help charities solve problems and work more efficiently.
Stephanie Alcazar
Available Tuesdays–Wednesdays to support with social media management and training, as well as deliver illustration workshops.
Jake Whittet
Edinburgh Microsoft 365 security specialist offering free cyber security assessments. Plain English reports, no jargon.
Samantha Towers
Hello, I'm an experienced joiner, plasterer and painter.
Thomas Quiroga
Helping charities use AI and low-cost technology to automate admin, improve processes, save time and focus more on supporting their communities.
Scott Croucher
I’m an experienced chef with over 4 years experience.
Joshua Stokes
Experienced professional in Data Protection, Records Management and all things considered Information Governance.
Douglas McEachan
Well-travelled retiree can offer friendly and informal scenic travel slide shows.
Sophie Jones
Karate coach with 10 years of experience and looking to inspire other people to become karateka (karate kids).
Declan Gates
French Tutoring
Valerii Kostikov
Experienced gynaecologist-oncologist (18+ years). Kind, reliable, compassionate and patient-focused. Keen to support people and gain UK healthcare experience.
Sarah Cleary
Do you have a regular need for someone to sort jigsaw puzzles, bits and bobs (for example sewing beads) that need tidied or organised and sorted by size?
Dr Donald Glass
Retired University Lecturer offering volunteering time to support visitor experiences at one of Edinburgh's museums.
ABDUALSME
Experienced barber- qualified for three years.
BILL KEIL
anything considered
IAN JACKSON
Team of 10 people available for one day volunteering opportunity. Flexible on what this would entail.
Izunna Agupusi
I am an Embedded AI Engineer with Raygonal Ltd, Edinburgh, holding an MSc in Artificial Intelligence. I specialise in embedded systems, early career in IT
Laura McGlennon
As a qualified Yoga & MeditationTeacher I can offer classes teaching children, teenagers and adults. Available Monday to Friday mornings and afternoon
Rapinder
Pianist, classically trained to above average level.
Aoife
Passionate volunteer supporting community projects through event help, outreach, and content creation to promote inclusion and positive change.
Nicole Carter
Qualified Nutrition Adviser who specialises in Eating Well For Good Mental Health free sessions.
Reuben Nishan Christmas
An engineering degree holder offering to help with STEM tutoring. Also, looking to help out in any capacity related to food/cooking/baking.
ola amroush
I recently graduated with a degree in Business Management from Edinburgh Napier University. I’ve found it challenging to secure a role in my field
Brandon Williams
With 35+ years of operational expertise and a passion for helping others, I offer reliable, organised support to make a tangible, positive impact.
Interested in volunteering but have little to no English? Please contact us for further assistance using the form below:
Language Barriers?
We’ll only contact you about volunteering and we won’t pass your information to any third parties without your consent. You can read more about how we look after your information here.
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