By Lauren Bailey-Barber, Volunteer Development Officer

As 2026 arrives, many of us are thinking about a New Year’s resolution and ways to make positive changes in our lives.

Whatever your New Years resolution, the chances are that volunteering can help you achieve it. Do you want to start a new hobby? Develop a new skill? Make new friends? Or perhaps get a bit fitter? These are all things that volunteering can help you achieve, whilst also helping your community.

Resolution: To meet new people

A huge 87% of volunteers say they meet new people through volunteering, and Clackmannanshire has loads of volunteering opportunities if this is your goal for 2026.

• Give A Dog a Bone, based on Mar Street in Alloa, tackles loneliness in older adults while also helping to reduce animal homelessness. Their Clackmannanshire Community Space offers a warm welcome, a cuppa, and a blether to anyone over 60 and canine friends are welcome too. Volunteers help with teas and coffees, activities, stocking their wee shop and more. It’s brilliant way to make new friends, whether human or furry.
• Our county’s community hub, Alloa Hub, has a range of volunteering opportunities, from historical researchers to shop assistants. With people from all walks of life using this important community asset, it’s the perfect place to connect with others.

Resolution: Improve my health

Volunteering can boost both your mental and physical health –  and unlike a gym membership, it’s free! 48% of volunteers say volunteering improves their physical health and a huge 75% say it improves their mental health.

• The EPIC Ochils project, part of The Conservation Volunteers, aim to enhance  our local hills– including glens, walking routes and wetlands. Their volunteering sessions run 10:30am-3pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays, offering a great opportunity to get active, improve your fitness and care for the landscapes that make Clackmannanshire special.
• Tucked away in Tullibody, Tullibody Community Garden is a true hidden gem. Volunteers can get involved in everything from sowing seeds, garden maintenance, encouraging biodiversity, cooking classes and even more. There’s always time for a cup of tea and a slice of cake too! Making volunteering here good for the soul and soil. The perfect place to get outside and take care of your mental health. The garden also has several raised beds, making it ideal for those who may be less physically able but still love to get involved.

Resolution: Develop a new skill

Volunteering can be the perfect way to learn new skills or develop existing ones, without breaking the bank. With 72% of volunteers saying they’ve gained new skills from their volunteering.

• Wanting to learn some skills in the kitchen? CLAX1400 Café, based in the Bowmar Community Centre, can help you learn cooking and barista skills. Whilst also supporting you to gain qualifications for work.
• Always fancied trying your hand at woodwork? Alloa Community Shed can help with that! With amazing equipment, friendly members, and a brand-new space at Marshill House, it’s a welcoming environment to learn, create, and develop your craft.

Not Sure Where to Start?

With so many organisations and opportunities across Clackmannanshire, it can feel overwhelming to find the right fit. If you are still unsure, sign up to Clackmannanshire’s Volunteering Portal, where you can browse the latest opportunities and apply directly to organisations.

Whatever your goals for 2026, volunteering is a powerful way to connect, grow, and make a difference – and CTSI is here to help you every step of the way!