We put a special Volunteers’ Week spotlight on volunteers from Langstane Housing Association, Inchgarth Community Centre and the Gathimba Edwards Foundation. In this month’s Why I Volunteer in Aberdeen films, they share their volunteering experience, the impact it has had on their lives and why they encourage others to get involved.

Ronnie and Kevin: Langstane Housing Association

Langstane Housing Association volunteers Ronnie and Kevin have both dedicated years to helping ensure that the tenants’ voices are heard within the organisation.

Ronnie has volunteered with Langstane for the past 10 years across a variety of projects, including the readers group and scrutiny group where he helps review documents and policies.

For Ronnie, volunteering has had a positive impact on both his wellbeing and confidence: “It helps my mental health, it makes me feel valued,” he says. “It also gives you new learning opportunities that you didn’t have before.”

Kevin, who has been a Langstane tenant for more than 30 years, previously volunteered on the organisation’s Board of Directors for 24 years and now serves as a member of the Scrutiny Committee: “I’m actually helping put forward the tenants’ point of view on issues,” he says.

For Kevin, volunteering is about making a positive contribution to the community and supporting others, as he says: “If you can influence policies once in one small positive way, then it’s been of help to at least one person.”

Both Ronnie and Kevin describe Langstane as a welcoming, supportive and friendly environment, encouraging others to consider giving volunteering a try.

Jim: Inchgarth Community Centre

Over at Inchgarth Community Centre, Jim volunteers with the Phoenix Club – supporting adults with learning disabilities by facilitating games, arts and social activities.

Jim first became aware of the opportunity after spotting volunteer adverts whilst attending the centre’s gym following his retirement. Now volunteering at the club for around three years, Jim says the experience has been hugely rewarding.

“I just enjoy their company and enjoy seeing them enjoying themselves,” he says. “Being here on a Thursday afternoon, I enjoy it and it’s definitely a positive experience for me.”

As well as supporting participants, volunteering has also helped Jim connect with new people and become more involved in his community: “It’s a pleasure meeting new people and just mixing with them as well.”

Rachael, Emily and Abi: Gathimba Edwards Foundation

Meanwhile, volunteers with the Gathimba Edwards Foundation (GEF) spoke about the sense of community and connection volunteering brings through the charity’s fundraising events and activities.

Rachael recently volunteered at the GEF races in Duthie Park alongside her daughter Emily where the welcoming atmosphere stood out to them both.

“Volunteering brings so many people together – all ages, all abilities. I think that’s a really important part of our community,” Rachael says.

“We’re all volunteering, we’re all helping out together – it’s a really good thing for me and I really enjoy it,” says Emily.

“The GEF team just bring us in with open arms,” Rachael continues. “There’s so much fun around it as well, with a real focus on a good cause and helping others.”

They believe volunteering is something everyone should consider if they are able to make the time.

Also volunteering at the GEF races was Abi, who took on the role of mascot Flash the Frog during the event: “I really enjoy volunteering and helping out whenever I can,” she says.

Having previously volunteered with GEF in Kenya as well as at local events, Abi says volunteering allows her to give back whilst also having fun: “My role as a mascot is mostly giving children high fives,” she explains. “The kids absolutely love it!”

She says volunteering has also helped her build friendships and feel part of a wider community: “There’s people here that I only ever see when I’m volunteering, and it’s just really nice to see them again,” she says. “It becomes a community.”

Get Involved

Across Aberdeen, volunteers continue to make a huge difference in communities every day – supporting local organisations, helping others and creating opportunities for connection and inclusion.

As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, these stories showcase how volunteering can make a meaningful difference to communities and organisations as well as to the people giving their time back.

Films featuring these volunteers, alongside many more inspiring stories from people volunteering across the city, can be viewed on our Volunteer Aberdeen website, highlighting the positive impact volunteers make in communities throughout the city.

This article originally appeared in the June 2026 edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine featuring a spotlight on the local third sector in Aberdeen and all those who work in it and make a positive impact in the city.

Sign up to have it sent directly to your inbox every month, and read our current and past editions at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news