Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to give back, benefiting both mental and physical well-being.
High Life Highland is always looking for volunteers across its many services, from archiving to gardening, beach clean-ups to coaching youth basketball.
There is a role for everyone, but one area urgently needs more helping hands.
The organisation is committed to inclusivity and is striving to create more opportunities for children who need extra support to take part in sports, whether for fun or competition.
Fiona Green, Disability Sports Development Officer at High Life Highland, is passionate about increasing participation.
“We have a successful Active Schools network across the Highlands, getting more children active more often,” she said.
“But I believe we could achieve even more in disability sports if we had a few extra volunteers.”
The charity is looking for people from across the region who have a love for sport and a desire to help young people feel confident to try new activities.
“It’s not a big time commitment,” Fiona explained.
“We’re only asking for an hour a week, and we can provide any necessary training.”
High Life Highland works closely with Highland Disability Sport to improve sporting opportunities for individuals with physical, learning, or sensory disabilities.
Regular activities include football, swimming, golf, bowls, athletics, boccia, dance, and fitness, with taster sessions and multi-sport events throughout the year.
Alison Thompson, Highland Disability Sport Co-ordinator, highlighted the vital role of volunteers in making these events possible.
“Our training sessions and competitions simply wouldn’t happen without them,” she said.
“We are always looking for passionate, enthusiastic people who want to help ensure that those with disabilities can take part in sports they love.”
The goal is to reach all areas of the Highlands, so having volunteers spread across the region is essential.
“If you’re part of a club and think your sport could offer inclusive sessions, please reach out,” Alison added.
“Our athletes always turn up eager and excited, but without enough volunteers, it’s difficult to host events throughout the year.”
Bryan Stevens, a disability sports volunteer for over a decade, is living proof of the impact volunteers can make.
His passion lies in basketball, and he has worked with Scottish Disability Sport and High Life Highland.
“I wanted to give children and adults in the Highlands a chance to play sports on a level playing field, something I never had growing up,” he said.
“It has been incredibly rewarding, and I’ve gained skills in basketball, wheelchair basketball, race running, and first aid.”
Fellow volunteer Marisa Mustard, who helps with swimming and multi-sport sessions at Culloden, echoed Bryan’s sentiments.
“If you love sports and have a passion for helping others, volunteering in disability sports is a truly rewarding experience,” she said.
“I see first-hand the benefits young people gain, from developing skills and fitness to finding a safe space where they can meet others like them.”
She believes disability sport is underrepresented at grassroots level and that volunteers play a crucial role in bridging that gap.
“You see Paralympic athletes, but they all had to start somewhere,” Marisa said.
“The opportunities provided at this level are essential to making that possible.”
Fiona Green encourages anyone interested to step forward.
“Our volunteers all say how rewarding it is, and we would love to hear from anyone keen to get involved,” she said.
“We especially need volunteers from all over the Highlands to make sport accessible on everyone’s doorstep.”
For more information, email fiona.green@highlifehighland.com or fill in the High Life Highland Volunteering form online.
