Whether you’re looking to build confidence, gain experience, meet new people, or give back to your community, volunteering can open doors in ways you might not expect. That’s why Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface created the Clackmannanshire Volunteering Portal. A free, easy-to-use platform connecting local people with volunteering opportunities across the Wee County.

Designed for both individuals and organisations, the Portal helps make volunteering more accessible, flexible, and straightforward for everyone involved.

A Volunteering Portal Designed for the Community

Clackmannanshire’s Volunteering Portal is open to anyone interested in volunteering in the Wee County. From young people looking for their first experience to individuals wanting to support local causes, the Portal allows users to explore opportunities based on their interests and apply directly online.

For organisations, it provides a simple way to advertise opportunities, manage volunteers, and connect directly with local people.

Lauren Bailey-Barber, Volunteer Development Officer at CTSI, explained:

“The idea of Clackmannanshire’s Volunteering Portal is that individuals can take charge of their own volunteering journey and that organisations can connect directly to local people looking for opportunities.”

Why Volunteering Matters

A successful volunteering experience benefits everyone involved. While organisations gain invaluable support, volunteers themselves often gain confidence, practical skills, friendships, and a stronger connection to their community.

Lauren shared:

“Successful volunteering matches allow individuals to feel a part of something bigger, gain skills and meet new people whilst providing the organisation with invaluable support.”

The Portal is already making a difference locally, with 56 organisations signed up and more than 130 volunteers registered so far.

A Volunteer’s Experience

One volunteer, currently supporting Home-Start Clackmannanshire as a shop volunteer, said they initially got involved to gain experience for future employment opportunities.

“A lot of workplaces that hire younger people require experience with stock, handling customers and using the till. Home-Start offered all of these things and more.”

After hearing about the Portal through school, they found the application process “fairly easy” and quickly settled into the role.

“So far, my experience at Home-Start has been great. People have been respectful, patient and helpful.”

They also shared that volunteering has helped build their confidence, especially in busy situations and under pressure.

When asked what they would say to someone considering volunteering through the Portal, their answer was simple:

“Do it.”

Supporting Local Organisations

The Portal is also helping organisations reach new volunteers and adapt to changing recruitment challenges.

Home-Start Clackmannanshire, a charity supporting local families through home-visiting and group support services since 1988, says the Portal has helped them connect with a wider network of people looking to volunteer.

They explained that volunteering has changed significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, making online visibility and accessibility increasingly important.

The Portal’s built-in tools also allows organisations to track engagement and better understand which opportunities attract the most interest, helping them tailor recruitment and volunteer support more effectively.

Most importantly, volunteers continue to play a vital role in the organisation’s work.

“Each role and volunteer has a different impact and are all the backbone of our organisation.”

Thinking About Getting Involved?

The Clackmannanshire Volunteering Portal is free for CTSI member organisations to use. Opportunities posted through the Portal are also cross-listed to Volunteer Scotland, helping roles reach more potential volunteers.

For individuals, signing up is quick, simple, and free. Users can browse opportunities by interest or cause and apply directly through the Portal.

As Lauren puts it:

“What have you got to lose?”

Whether you’re looking to gain experience, meet people, support a cause you care about, or simply try something new, volunteering could be the perfect next step.

You can explore opportunities and learn more through the Clackmannanshire Volunteering Portal.