Foodbanks & larders:
Stay connected this winter
As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, it's natural to spend more time indoors. For some people, this can lead to feelings of loneliness or isolation.
Staying connected with others can make a real difference to your wellbeing. Whether it's joining a coffee morning, taking part in a walking group, volunteering, learning a new skill or attending a community event, there are plenty of opportunities to meet people and get involved across our communities this winter.
On this page, you'll find information about activities, groups and support services available in your area to help you stay active, connected and supported.
Volunteering opportunities in your area
- Ayrshire Community Trust (TACT) connects volunteers with local projects—ranging from food banks to community gardening—and offers free training in first aid, stress management, GDPR, and more.
- NHS Ayrshire & Arran offers hospital-based roles such as Welcomer and Visitor Volunteer—ideal for meeting people and supporting patients
- The council’s Volunteer Centre (Kilmarnock and Cumnock) connects volunteers with community groups and offers training, DBS support, and CV-boosting placements
- East Ayrshire Leisure Trust includes roles in sport, outdoor conservation, castle textiles, and path maintenance—great for building skills and meeting new people.
- EACHa focuses on homelessness—volunteer friends, recovery groups, or support packs, a supportive way to connect and give back.
- Connect South Ayrshire / Volunteer Scotland lists hundreds of local opportunities—from fundraising to mentoring—searchable by location.
- Ayr Gaiety Theatre offers front-of-house, marketing, and arts volunteering—ideal for meeting people and gaining transferrable skills.
- Active South Ayrshire provides sports volunteering—like coaching, fitness walking, and leadership programmes—open to all skill levels.
- Dumfries & Galloway Council needs volunteers across arts, museums, countryside, libraries, youth work, and schools.
- Third Sector Dumfries & Galloway lists over 100 roles—from therapy dog visits to event support—via its volunteer portal.
- NHS Dumfries & Galloway includes roles like ward companions and welcome guides—helping patients and families while building community ties.
North Ayrshire
- Ayrshire Community Trust (TACT) connects volunteers with local projects—ranging from food banks to community gardening—and offers free training in first aid, stress management, GDPR, and more.
- NHS Ayrshire & Arran offers hospital-based roles such as Welcomer and Visitor Volunteer—ideal for meeting people and supporting patients
East Ayrshire
- The council’s Volunteer Centre (Kilmarnock and Cumnock) connects volunteers with community groups and offers training, DBS support, and CV-boosting placements
- East Ayrshire Leisure Trust includes roles in sport, outdoor conservation, castle textiles, and path maintenance—great for building skills and meeting new people.
- EACHa focuses on homelessness—volunteer friends, recovery groups, or support packs, a supportive way to connect and give back.
South Ayrshire
- Connect South Ayrshire / Volunteer Scotland lists hundreds of local opportunities—from fundraising to mentoring—searchable by location.
- Ayr Gaiety Theatre offers front-of-house, marketing, and arts volunteering—ideal for meeting people and gaining transferrable skills.
- Active South Ayrshire provides sports volunteering—like coaching, fitness walking, and leadership programmes—open to all skill levels.
Dumfries & Galloway
- Dumfries & Galloway Council needs volunteers across arts, museums, countryside, libraries, youth work, and schools.
- Third Sector Dumfries & Galloway lists over 100 roles—from therapy dog visits to event support—via its volunteer portal.
- NHS Dumfries & Galloway includes roles like ward companions and welcome guides—helping patients and families while building community ties.