Insights | Volunteering
10 September 2026
Recognising the volunteers who make a difference

words by Mike Melvin, Volunteering Services Manager – ACVO TSI

One of the things I enjoy most about my role is getting out and about across Aberdeen, meeting the people who give their time to make a difference in our communities.

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On Thursday 6 August, I was delighted to visit Nigg Bay Golf Club in Torry where Boogie in the Bar, a social afternoon disco, was being held to see first-hand the positive impact these sessions have on the people who take part.

It was a particularly special visit as we recognised Frazier Allen with a Lord Provost Volunteering Certificate Bon Accord Award, celebrating his incredible contribution as a volunteer DJ at some of the Boogie in the Bar sessions across the city.

Having only started giving his time last year, Frazier helps create a fun, lively atmosphere where people can socialise, enjoy themselves and, most importantly, get up and have a dance.

It was clear to see that he has become a much-loved part of Boogie in the Bar – it was fantastic to have the opportunity to recognise the commitment and enthusiasm he brings.

Something we see time and time again across Aberdeen is the amazing commitment that volunteers bring. Through their own skills, experiences and motivations, they contribute towards making our city such a vibrant and caring place.

The Lord Provost Volunteering Certificate is a partnership between ACVO TSI and the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, created to recognise individuals and teams who are making a positive difference across our city through their time, commitment and community spirit.

For me, one of the most important things about the award scheme is the opportunity it gives us to say thank you. There are so many people volunteering quietly, week after week, who might not always realise just how much their contribution is valued. Recognising that contribution gives us all a chance to celebrate the difference they make.

I’m also excited to bring nominees together for an event in October, which will be a great opportunity to celebrate the individuals and teams who have been nominated and highlight the amazing volunteering taking place across Aberdeen.

Nominations for the award scheme are currently closed, but we’ll be looking forward to celebrating even more incredible volunteers when we’ll welcome nominations once again in due course.

A huge well done to Frazier, and to everyone involved in Boogie in the Bar. It was a pleasure to visit and a real privilege to see the impact of volunteering in action.

Don’t forget that you can discover hundreds of opportunities available to volunteer all across Aberdeen – make sure to get involved and make a difference.

To find out more about how you can get involved, visit volunteeraberdeen.org.uk

To learn more about the Lord Provost Volunteering Certificate, visit lordprovostcertificate.co.uk


This article originally appeared in the September 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

Mike Melvin

Volunteering Services Manager
Mike is mainly responsible for managing ACVO’s work promoting, supporting and developing volunteering. He also facilitates the Aberdeen Volunteer Co-ordinators Network, is the TSI Local Assessor for the Volunteer Friendly Award in Aberdeen, co-ordinates the Saltire Awards locally and presents ‘So Why Don’t You…?’ on SHMUfm

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