Midlothian Needs Friends: Saving Lives with Befriending
A simple conversation can save a life – and this Befriending Week, we’re celebrating the volunteers who make those life-changing connections possible across Midlothian.
Befriending Week is an annual campaign during the first week of November to celebrate befriending, highlighting the positive impact it has on individuals and communities.
Demand for befriending services is at an all time high, with the Befriending Network’s 2025 Befriending Sector Insight Report highlighting the vital need for and importance of volunteer befrienders:
- 72% of member organisations report increased demand for befriending services.
- Over 7,400 people are currently waiting to be matched with a befriender.
- 21,024 volunteer befrienders deliver more than 1.6 million hours of support annually.
Midlothian’s Connect Befriending Project
We at Connect Befriending, support volunteers to create meaningful connections that brighten older peoples’ days. We provide ongoing training, opportunities for learning, and one-on-one support so our befrienders can feel confident and enjoy the connection they create.
This week we want to say a massive thank you to all the people and organisations that have made this project possible, especially our fantastic volunteer befrienders. Our Connect Befriending Project Coordinator, Sam Dyce, explains,
“We know how incredibly impactful a befriender can be for isolated older people. It’s a real privilege to provide a service that not only helps people get the enjoyment of meeting new people, but where we can help volunteers develop as they support their community.”
Befriending is not only beneficial to our service users but also had huge positive impacts on our volunteers themselves. We asked one of our Connect Befriending volunteers, Martin, to share his experience:
“I enjoy it because you can see a real difference in people lives. A positive difference. People can feel isolated, and 2-3 hours may not seem like a lot of time but to some people this can be something of a highlight in the week. Especially if they are largely confined to their home. This is the main benefit I think as a befriender I provide.
But also, of course, we provide some respite for the main carer. These people have a very difficult job and even a few hours here and there can let them go out or do things they need to do. Personally, I find it a real privilege that people we visit let you into their lives, sharing their family and life story with you. And I would really recommend it to anyone thinking of volunteering.”
A little connection goes a long way. Become a volunteer befriender today.
Celebrating Uniformed Volunteers with Police Scotland
As we mark one year since the launch of the Volunteering For All national campaign, we’re thrilled to share some exciting developments in Midlothian’s volunteering landscape.
We were recently joined at our office by Midlothian’s Local Area Commander from Police Scotland, Chief Inspector Kirsty McArthur-Kerr, for a special interview hosted by Black Diamond FM. The conversation touched on the importance of volunteering, community connections, and the launch of our new ‘Uniformed Volunteer’ Award category. You can listen to the full interview here:
Introducing the ‘Uniformed Volunteer’ Award
In partnership with Police Scotland and with support from the Midlothian Provost in their role as Volunteering Champion, we’re proud to announce a brand-new category for the Midlothian Volunteer Awards: Uniformed Volunteer Award.
This award will celebrate individuals who volunteer as part of a uniformed organisation—recognising their dedication, exemplary conduct, and role as positive ambassadors in our communities. Eligible groups include Scouts, Girl Guides, Youth Police Volunteers, Cadets, Royal Archers, Boys and Girls Brigade, St John Ambulance, Coastguard, and many more.
Welcoming Back Police Scotland
We’re delighted to welcome Police Scotland back as a sponsor of the Midlothian Volunteer Awards, joining a fantastic group of sponsors and supporters who help make this annual celebration possible. Our sponsors include:
- Midlothian Council
- Health and Social Care Partnership
- SQA
- EDF
- Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
- David Wilson Homes
And our supporters:
- Midlothian Provost – Volunteer Champion
- Midlothian Lord Lieutenant
Their continued support helps us shine a light on the incredible contributions of volunteers across Midlothian.
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“We’re All Mad Here!” – Young Volunteers Host Community Tea Party
After two weeks of learning how to plan, promote, and host events, a group of young volunteers wrapped up their efforts with a vibrant and joyful Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Held in the Community Garden at Dalkeith Country Park on Friday 1 August 2025, the event was a collaboration between the young volunteers and MCA’s Youth Coordinator, Carey Douglas.
The volunteers, who dedicated part of their summer holidays to this project, chose the Mad Hatter theme themselves and transformed the garden into Wonderland. Around 70 parents, carers, and children joined in the fun, enjoying a range of free activities, including a treasure hunt, face painting, glitter tattoos, and themed games like ‘Pin the Tail on the Bunny’ and ‘Guess the Bunny’s Name.’ There was also a pop-up café offering free refreshments, run by the volunteers themselves.
This exciting day marked the culmination of two weeks of workshops, where the young volunteers developed essential skills in teamwork, marketing, and communication. With support from MCA’s communications staff, they designed their own promotional graphics using Canva, gaining valuable experience in digital design and creative collaboration.
Carey Douglas, Youth Coordinator at MCA, said:
“The young people were full of enthusiasm and energy, they were a great bunch. They quickly became a team, working hard to plan, organise and host what turned out to be a ‘mad success. I’m so proud of their commitment and creativity. We’ve had lovely feedback from parents and the public — especially the children, who were absolutely in their element. Thank you to everyone who supported the event”
One young volunteer shared, “I loved how everything came together — and I’ve made lots of new friends.”
Another added, “This was such a different experience for me. I’ve definitely grown more confident.”
All eight young volunteers were recognised with 25-hour Saltire Awards for their contribution — a well-deserved celebration of their effort and dedication.
Thank you to everyone who came along to support the event — we hope to see you again next year!
Authored by Carey Douglas, Youth Coordinator.
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Follow Midlothian Community Action on social media to hear about our future events:
Midlothian Volunteer Awards 2025
On Thursday 29 May 2025, volunteers from across Midlothian arrived at Newbattle Abbey College for our annual Midlothian Volunteer Awards Ceremony. We’re thrilled to celebrate all the amazing efforts of volunteers each year.
This celebration is a part of Volunteer’s Week, a national initiative where we appreciate volunteers across Scotland. It provides a great opportunity to highlight some of the fabulous volunteering projects that exist in Midlothian.
Photographs
Special thank you to Kris Soul Photography for the wonderful photos.
Programme
View the award winners & nominees in our 2025 programme. There are a limited number of printed copies available to pick up from MCA’s office.
Midlothian Volunteer Awards 2025 Programme by Zoe Innes
Mascot Campaign
Last year, instead of introducing a new mascot, we brought back all our previous mascots to celebrate with everyone. This year, we are excited to continue the tradition by introducing a brand-new mascot — a lovely bear! With the recent merger of Volunteer Midlothian and Midlothian Voluntary Action, and our new name, we thought the bear deserved a new name too.
We hosted a Name the Bear competition taking place over Volunteers’ Week, and are excited to announce the winning name for our mascot: Middie!
Chosen for its fun and friendly feel, Middie is a perfect fit for a bear representing the heart of Midlothian. It’s short, memorable, and captures the local spirit we’ve seen throughout the mascot’s journey. Congratulations to the winner of our Name the Bear competition — we’ll be in touch with you soon to arrange your prize, the bear for you to keep!
A huge thank you to all our sponsors for getting involved and taking fantastic photos with the bear.
Thank You
The Midlothian Volunteer Awards couldn’t take place each year without the support from our sponsors. Thank you!
Capital City Partnership
David Wilson Homes
EDF Energy
Midlothian Council
Midlothian Health & Social Care Partnership
Newbattle Abbey College
Scottish Fire & Rescue Service
Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
Well Done You Ltd
Follow us on social media to keep up-to-date on all our events:
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Why Volunteering Matters – In the Words of Midlothian’s Volunteers
This Volunteers’ Week, we are excited to share findings from our first-ever Midlothian-wide Volunteer Satisfaction Survey. This survey was created to better understand the impacts of volunteering on volunteers themselves, to enhance volunteer support and help organisations better demonstrate their impact.
This year is our first iteration of the survey, and as such was only shared for a limited time with a hand full of Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIOs). We were please to receive 68 responses from volunteers across Midlothian, sharing their reflections on how volunteering has shaped their wellbeing, skills, confidence, and connection to their community. The responses paint a powerful picture:
- 99% said volunteering helped them achieve their goals
- 98% said volunteering has helped them make a difference in others’ lives.
- 93% of weekly volunteers feel more connected to their community
“Life-changing. Astounded by the skill of the staff and other partners to provide inclusive opportunities. Proud to be a part of my project and I feel my contribution is well valued.”
Many spoke about the joy of feeling useful, learning new things, and making real connections across generations. These insights help shine a light on the often-unseen personal benefits of volunteering—and why creating good volunteer experiences matters.
“Volunteering has been a really positive experience for me mentally, physically, and socially.”
We plan to build on these insights by running the survey every year and opening it up to even more volunteers and organisations. Thank you to everyone who took part—and to the volunteers who continue to support our communities to thrive.
Read more insights from the survey:
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Nominations open for the Midlothian Volunteer Awards 2025!
We are pleased to announce that nominations are officially open for the Midlothian Volunteer Awards, an event specially designed to honour the volunteers that help our community. We are excited to shine a spotlight on the dedicated and hard-working individuals that work hard to uplift the communities in Midlothian. Volunteers play a vital role in improving the well-being of our community and now it is time to recognise their fantastic contributions.
Submit your nomination here before Thursday 27 March!
This year’s awards ceremony will be a memorable occasion, celebrating the people that go above and beyond, making a positive impact. The awards provide a platform to acknowledge their hard work and dedication. We encourage everyone to take this opportunity to nominate those who have made a significant difference through volunteering. Whether they’ve given their time to charities, environmental initiatives or have supported those in need.
This year the awards will be introducing a new category, Volunteer Leader. This category is being reintroduced in 2025 to recognise the enormous efforts of team leads, project coordinators and managers who ensure continuity of business and delivery of services to local communities and vulnerable groups. This award is a small thank you for being innovative, persuasive, brave and visionary; for leading and inspiring people whose motivation is not a salary but sense of purpose and kindness.
Volunteers’ efforts leave a lasting impression on Midlothian, building a stronger and more compassionate society. We want to thank all volunteers and look forward to sharing their inspiring stories at the awards ceremony.
The deadline for nominations is approaching fast and will close on the Thursday 27 March. So don’t miss out on the chance to spotlight someone who deserves to be recognised. Help us give back to those who have given so much to our community.
Authored by Zoe Innes.
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Volunteer Voices: Transform Project
As part of the National Volunteer Recruitment Campaign, we aim to promote volunteering by highlighting the experiences of volunteers in Midlothian. By looking at their journeys into volunteering and the impact it has had on their lives, we hope to inspire potential future volunteers.
We’re excited to share a story from one of Volunteer Midlothian’s own volunteers, Callum. He volunteers with our Transform Project, helping out in the community garden. Listen to his volunteering story by watching the video below:
“I can say wholeheartedly the positive impact it’s given my life.”
Video created by Caleb Akpo-Young.