Volunteer with us
Walking into a service for the first time can be daunting. A volunteer is often the person who makes that first conversation feel possible.
Volunteering with us can mean all sorts of things, from spending time alongside people at our clubs to fundraising or helping with social media. You'll pick up skills as you go, and you won't be doing any of it on your own.
Email volunteer@ss-scot.org to arrange a chat with our volunteer manager.
Positive Pathways
Developing Skills, Building Futures
Positive Pathways is about investing in people and creating opportunities for growth.
Through volunteering, training and mentoring, we help people build confidence, develop new skills and gain valuable experience while making a meaningful contribution to their communities.
People join Positive Pathways for many different reasons. Some want to give something back, some are looking to build confidence and meet new people, while others are taking their first steps towards further education, training or employment.
Whatever someone’s goal, Positive Pathways provides the support, encouragement and opportunities to help them achieve it.
-
A full induction before you start
Training for your role
Regular check-ins with someone from the team
-
Practical experience and transferable skills
A better understanding of recovery, mental health and community work
Recognition through certificates, awards and events
The chance to make a real difference to people's lives
“What I get out of volunteering is a massive sense of purpose and personal growth. It’s pushed me out my comfort zone and improved my communication and listening skills.”
What our volunteers do
-
Work alongside staff to reach out to people in the community who may be isolated or not currently getting support.
What You’ll Do:
• Join staff on targeted outreach sessions
• Support wellbeing check‑ins
• Provide information and encouragement
• Help reconnect individuals with services
• Assist staff in gathering insights from lived experience
-
Work alongside the group facilitator to provide a safe, welcoming and confidential space for people maintaining abstinence and building stable recovery.
What You’ll Do:
• Welcome and encourage group members
• Provide compassionate, non-judgemental peer support
• Share lived experience safely and appropriately
• Support positive, respectful group discussions
• Help build connection, hope and mutual support -
Help create a welcoming, inclusive and non-judgemental space for people affected by substance or alcohol use at our community clubs.
What You’ll Do:
• Welcome attendees and help them feel comfortable
• Offer friendly conversation and peer support
• Help set up the space and support group activities
• Assist with refreshments and simple food preparation
• Help attendees connect with staff and visiting support services
-
Create engaging digital content and help promote us across online platforms.
What You’ll Do:
• Create posts, graphics, and short videos
• Support scheduling and uploading content
• Keep digital channels updated
• Promote campaigns and volunteer stories
-
Description text goes here
-
Description text goes here
Do I need experience?
No. Many of our volunteers come to us with no background in this field at all. What matters more is being reliable, non-judgemental and willing to learn. We'll provide the training and support you need.
How much time will it take?
That's up to you. We'll talk through what you're able to offer and find something that works around your commitments.
Where do you need volunteers?
We currently have opportunities across Fife, East Lothian and Midlothian.
What happens next?
Get in touch and we'll arrange an informal chat about what you're interested in and which roles might suit you. If you go on to volunteer with us, we'll ask you to join the PVG scheme and we'll guide you through that.
Interested?
Email volunteer@ss-scot.org and we'll arrange a chat to talk through what you're looking for and what we can offer.