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Community spirit can flow again in Stathspey and Badenoch!





Military advisors say 'Never volunteer for anything' but civvies think very differently – here in the strath, particularly, community spirit is the order of the day and next week will prove it.

There will be any number of openings for those who want to 'do their bit' during Volunteers' Month, which starts on Tuesday.

Anyone waiting to get back out into the community after Covid's horribly restrictive year will get all the help and advice they need, thanks to Voluntary Action in Badenoch and Strathspey.

VABS is offering taster sessions to would be volunteers with some of the organisations across the strath who rely on volunteers to deliver their invaluable services.

"All you need to do is sign up, turn up and then enjoy connecting with people and making a difference," says Mairi Brown.

Facilitator at VABS: Mairi Brown
Facilitator at VABS: Mairi Brown

Prior to the pandemic, VABS celebrated volunteering by bring people together and sharing good news stories of the benefits of volunteering in the local communities.

"Things are a bit different just now, but the need is still there," says Mairi.

"Volunteer organisations the length and breadth of Badenoch and Strathspey are opening their doors for the month of June and will welcome you to sign up for a morning, an afternoon, a day or a whole week without committing yourself to any long term volunteering."

Local organisations including Caberfeidh Horizons, The Highland Folk Museum, Aviemore Highland Hospice, National Park Ranger service, Aviemore Parkrun, Grantown Museum, Badenoch and Strathspey Therapy Gardens and Where2Today are some of the organisations who are taking part in VABS’ Volunteer in June initiative.

“People are understandably cautious at getting back out into volunteering after the year we’ve had, so we thought holding a month long event might generate some degree of confidence for people.

"Volunteering is the cornerstone to many organisations in the strath and we wanted to create some awareness that organisations are open and recruiting volunteers to get them back on their feet.”

There are many more places to volunteer, such as the uniformed organisations; youth groups and after school clubs. Anyone who wants to join in can contact VABS about these groups too.

"They'll all be delighted to hear from you."

Mairi can be contacted by email at mairibrown@vabs.org.uk or phoning 07517 467517 to match you up with an organisation you’d like to volunteer with.

"We’ll also have information on our Facebook pages, Voluntary Action Badenoch and Strathspey and Volunteering in Badenoch and Strathspey."


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