The Volunteer Centre

The Local Volunteering Development Agency Grants Programme started in April 1996. The Centre is an IIP (Investors In People) employer. Through it, the Scottish Executive supported the creation of a national network of 42 Volunteer Centres – one in each of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas.

The aim of the grants programme was to make it easier for people to volunteer, to improve quality of life and to do this in ways, which are appropriate to local volunteering needs and circumstances.

The Volunteer Centre in North Ayrshire was set up by a steering group, after public consultation, in 1999. The Centre opened its doors in October 1999. The Centre is recognised by the Inland Revenue as a Charity and also became a Company Limited by Guarantee in May 2001. The governance of the organisation is overseen by a group of voluntary Directors.

We are the only charity in North Ayrshire that receives Core Funding from the Scottish Executive and North Ayrshire Council to be the champion of volunteering. We are core funded to deliver on the Scottish Executive Volunteering Strategy 2004.

4 key objectives are set out by VCNA in our current business plan:

• Advance the position of VCNA as the champions of best practice in Volunteering
• Develop the capacity of volunteer involving organisations
• Support individuals to have a rewarding volunteering experience
• Establish our position as an effective influence on local and national policy, relating to volunteering

Who can use our services

Any individual, organisation or community based in North Ayrshire can access our services.

Why not get involved

Anyone can volunteer so why not give us a call to find out more about volunteering which will allow you to use your skills and talents to help individuals and organisations within your community.

Services provided by Volunteer Centre North Ayrshire

The Centre promotes, supports and develops Volunteers and Volunteering throughout North Ayrshire. The centre encourages individuals to become actively involved in their local communities; reducing social exclusion and promoting mental and physical well being and active healthy individuals and communities.

Staff members are also available to deliver presentations to groups and organisations e.g.

• Recruitment of Volunteers
• Information & Advice relating to Volunteering
• Development of Policies & Good Practice
• Training

These are just some of the areas that VCNA cover but if you require additional information please do not hesitate to contact us.

Volunteer Centre North Ayrshire is recognised in Scotland as a charity: Ref SCO28874