Spring into Volunteering

Spring is just round the corner and with brighter days and warmer temperatures it’s the ideal time to consider volunteering outdoors. Being the outdoor capital of the UK, Lochaber has many different and exciting volunteering opportunities to offer with something to suit everyone no matter what their fitness level.

Volunteering and being outside has many proven health benefits, therefore it’s a great way to socialise and reap all the rewards while giving back to the community.

Voluntary Action Lochaber (VAL) can help you begin your volunteering journey if you are new to the sector and provide you with the support you need to get you started.

The Community Fridge team secured funding to create a community garden. They have been given a small piece of ground at Kilmallie Community Centre where they hope to install some raised beds to grow fruit, vegetables, and herbs, then getting together at the end of the season to create a meal with their harvest.

Caroline Campbell said: “We really hope to be able to create a community of growers where we can learn and pass on new skills and have some fun!” New volunteers are always made welcome.

Fort William Town Team are a small group of volunteers who do their very best to keep the High Street and Parade looking lovely throughout the year. The team get together between March and December to plan gardening days, litter picks and the annual hanging basket project to brighten up the town. The team are hoping more people can join them one Sunday afternoon a month for a hardworking social get together from April onwards.

These are only two of the many projects in the community – if you would like to find out more information about these roles or any other volunteering opportunities within Lochaber, call VAL on 01397 706044 for an informal chat or email volunteering@valochaber. org