ACVO News returns this month with a focus on volunteering, storytelling and the many ways people across Aberdeen are contributing to their communities.
Read the magazine online now: acvo.org.uk/acvo-news/april-2026/
Bringing together local voices, sector insight and opportunities to get involved, the latest edition highlights both the impact of volunteering and the importance of sharing those experiences more widely.
This month’s cover feature spotlights Rowan Peattie, a Volunteering Engagement Intern at the University of Aberdeen. Through her work across the Careers and Employability Service and Aberdeen University Students’ Association, Rowan is helping to strengthen connections between students and volunteering opportunities, ensuring more young people can access and benefit from getting involved in their communities.
We also hear directly from volunteers at Aberdeen Arts Centre as part of our “Why I Volunteer” series. Ian and Fiona share their experiences of supporting the venue, reflecting on what brought them to volunteering and why it continues to play an important role in their lives. Their stories highlight the value of volunteering not only in supporting local organisations, but in creating connection and community.
Alongside these features, this month’s edition includes insight from Volunteer Scotland’s State of Volunteering in Scotland report, exploring both the positive contribution of volunteers and the ongoing challenges facing the sector, including participation, accessibility and capacity.
We also feature the launch of ACVO’s new Communications and Media Network, which brings together third sector staff and volunteers involved in communications, media and storytelling. The network aims to create a space for sharing learning, building confidence and strengthening connections across the sector. Its first session, held at Aberdeen Arts Centre, included contributions from Craig Walker, Editor of the Press & Journal and Evening Express, and Ben Hendry, Aberdeen and Shire Lead, who shared insight into how local stories are selected and the continued demand for strong, people-focused storytelling.
Other highlights from April’s ACVO News include:
- Befriend a Child raises over £50,000 at its Boogie Boozy Brunch weekend, supporting children and young people across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
- Sport Aberdeen’s MacKenzie Championship Course at Hazlehead wins Best Municipal Golf Course at the 2026 Scottish Golf Tourism Awards.
- Aberdeen Citizens Advice Bureau celebrates the dedication of staff and volunteers at its annual awards ceremony
- Scarf congratulates long-standing board member Mike Scott on being awarded an MBE for his outstanding contribution to communities across Scotland.
We hope you enjoy this month’s edition and, as always, thank you for everything you do to support communities across Aberdeen. ACVO News is your platform to celebrate the people, projects and partnerships making a difference in Aberdeen. If your organisation has news to share, we’d love to hear from you!
You can easily submit stories through our website at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news, or reach out directly to ACVO’s Communications Officer, Andrew, at andrew.davidson@acvo.org.uk, or Digital Media Assistant, Emily, at emily.shepherd@acvo.org.uk.
