Volunteering in Edinburgh
Summary: Getting involved through volunteering is a fantastic way to build connections in Edinburgh. Here are some organizations where you can lend a hand.
Moving to a new city like Edinburgh can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be daunting, especially when trying to build a new social circle. Volunteering is an excellent way to connect with like-minded individuals, give back to the community, and even learn new skills. Edinburgh's vibrant capital, offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities suited to various interests and schedules. Here's a guide to help expats explore some of these opportunities.
The Welcoming Association
The Welcoming Association aims to support migrants and refugees in Edinburgh by offering a range of services, including English language classes, social events, and employment support. Volunteers can help with teaching, event organization, or administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours a week to more frequent involvement.
Website: thewelcoming.org
Location(s): The Welcoming, 20 Westfield Avenue, Edinburgh
Time Commitment: Flexible, from a few hours per week
Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust
For nature enthusiasts, the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust offers volunteering opportunities in conservation and environmental projects. Activities include tree planting, path maintenance, and wildlife surveys. Volunteers typically commit to one day per week or fortnightly.
Website: elgt.org.uk
Location(s): Various parks and greenspaces throughout Edinburgh and Lothians
Time Commitment: One day per week or fortnightly
Cyrenians
Cyrenians is a charity dedicated to helping those affected by homelessness and social exclusion. Volunteers can assist with cooking meals, fundraising, or supporting service users in various ways. The time commitment varies depending on the role but usually involves a few hours per week or month.
Website: cyrenians.scot
Location(s): Various locations throughout Edinburgh
Time Commitment: Flexible, from a few hours per week or month
The Royal Voluntary Service
The Royal Voluntary Service focuses on supporting older people in the community. Volunteers can help with social activities, providing companionship, or assisting with practical tasks. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours a week to more frequent involvement.
Website: royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
Location(s): Various locations throughout Edinburgh
Time Commitment: Flexible, from a few hours per week
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home
Animal lovers can volunteer at the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, which rescues and rehomes stray and unwanted pets. Volunteers can help with dog walking, cat socialization, or administrative tasks. The time commitment usually involves a few hours per week.
Website: edch.org.uk
Location(s): 26 Seafield Road East, Edinburgh
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
The Edinburgh Remakery
The Edinburgh Remakery is a social enterprise that teaches repair skills and promotes a circular economy. Volunteers can help with teaching workshops, repairing items, or assisting with events. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours a week to more frequent involvement.
Website: edinburghremakery.org.uk
Location(s): 127 Leith Walk, Edinburgh
Time Commitment: Flexible, from a few hours per week
The Edinburgh Tool Library
The Edinburgh Tool Library is a community resource that lends tools to members and offers workshops on various DIY skills. Volunteers can help with staffing the library, leading workshops, or maintaining tools. The time commitment usually involves a few hours per week.
Website: edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk
Location(s): 151 London Road, Edinburgh
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
The Rock Trust
The Rock Trust supports young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Volunteers can help with mentoring, fundraising, or supporting events. The time commitment varies depending on the role but usually involves a few hours per week or month.
Website: rocktrust.org
Location(s): Various locations throughout Edinburgh
Time Commitment: Flexible, from a few hours per week or month
Volunteer Edinburgh
Volunteer Edinburgh is a hub for volunteering opportunities in the city. They offer a wide range of roles in various sectors, including health, social care, arts, and culture. The time commitment varies depending on the role but is generally flexible.
Website: volunteeredinburgh.org.uk
Location(s): Various locations throughout Edinburgh
Time Commitment: Flexible, depending on the role
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society
For those interested in arts and culture, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society offers volunteering opportunities during the world-famous Fringe Festival. Roles include stewarding, box office support, and event management. The time commitment is usually a few shifts during the festival period.
Website: edfringe.com
Location(s): Various locations throughout Edinburgh
Time Commitment: A few shifts during the festival period
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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