As we mark several national campaigns this month, ACVO and partners across the third sector are coming together to recognise, celebrate and promote the vital role of both voluntary action and literacy in the city.
November has brought and will bring a spotlight to key voluntary roles across the area:
National Befriending Week (1st–7th November 2026)
Brings together befriending organisations and volunteers to celebrate existing befrienders, raise awareness of befriending services and encourage new volunteers to get involved.
International Volunteer Managers Day (5th November 2026)
Highlights the essential work of everyone involved in volunteer coordination and manage-ment, recognising the real difference their leadership makes for local communities.
Trustees Week (9th–13th November 2026)
Expresses heartfelt gratitude to the country’s more than 1 million volunteer charity trustees for their invaluable governance, commitment and leadership.
Alongside celebrating volunteer leadership and support, Aberdeen is championing literacy and engagement.
The Aberdeen City Lieutenancy is proudly supporting the National Literacy Trust’s “Go All In” campaign as part of the National Year of Reading 2026.
Carrying the message “if you’re into it, read into it,” the campaign encourages people of all ages to explore reading through their existing passions – whether sport, music, food, gaming, films or fashion.
Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeen, Doctor David Cameron, highlighted the initiative’s significance:
“Reading opens doors, builds confidence, and enables people of every age to explore new ideas and opportunities. We are delighted to be working with the National Literacy Trust and look forward to supporting initiatives that will encourage and inspire people to increase their love of reading.”
Throughout 2026 and beyond, the Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants will collaborate with the National Literacy Trust to promote reading projects across Aberdeen.
Whether through giving time as a befriender, managing volunteers, guiding an organisation as a trustee or encouraging a love of reading, every contribution helps strengthen Aberdeen.
Get Involved & Learn More
Befriending Opportunities: volunteeraberdeen.org.uk/opportunities or aberdeenbefriendingnetwork.co.uk
Trustee Training & Support: acvo.org.uk/ support/governance or trusteesweek.org
Volunteer Management: volunteermanagersday.org
“Go All In” Literacy Campaign: goallin.org.uk
This article originally appeared in the November 2026 edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine for and from Aberdeen’s third sector. Read and subscribe for free at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news
