December 2024 Update with Mike Melvin

International Volunteer Day 2024: Diverse volunteers, stronger communities

International Volunteer Day 2024 took place on the 5th December 2024. Mandated by the UN General Assembly, International Volunteer Day is held each year to recognise and promote the incredible efforts of volunteers and thank the 1 billion+ volunteers worldwide serving our communities every day. It is an opportunity for volunteer involving organisations and individual volunteers to promote volunteerism, encourage governments to support volunteer efforts and recognise volunteer contributions to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The theme of this years International Volunteer Day is “diverse volunteers, stronger communities” which highlights how volunteers create a richer culture of service within communities, help bridge the gap between generations and support sustainable development.

Mike Melvin, Volunteering Services Manager at ACVO stated: “Volunteers in Aberdeen and across the globe are at the very heart of our communities and positive change. ACVO is delighted to join millions of people across the globe in recognising UNV - United Nations International Volunteer Day 2024 and we extend a huge thank you to all volunteers in Aberdeen and across the globe.”

For further information about UNV International Volunteer Day 2024, please visit  www.un.org

For details of volunteering in Aberdeen please visit volunteeraberdeen.org.uk and acvo.org.uk/opportunities/volunteering

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Fantastic Kings Award for Voluntary Service recognition for Aberdeen volunteers

All at ACVO are delighted that three brilliant voluntary groups in Aberdeen – Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland, MISS- Miscarriage Support and Shopmobility Aberdeen - have been awarded the prestigious Kings Award for Voluntary Service.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) is the highest award given to local volunteering groups in the UK and is awarded for life.

This unique national honour recognises the outstanding contribution made to local communities by groups of volunteers. It has an equivalent status for voluntary groups as the MBE has for individuals.

The award was first established in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee under the name of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS). Following the accession of His Majesty The King, the award continues to celebrate the best of local volunteering across the UK yearly.

The Lord Lieutenant of the City of Aberdeen Lord Provost Cllr. Dr David Cameron will formally present all three organisations with their Awards and extend his and Aberdeen City’s thanks and congratulations for all that they do.

Mike Melvin, Volunteering Services Manager at ACVO and who also helped with local assessments of nominations for the Award in his role as a Deputy Lieutenant of Aberdeen said: “Huge congratulations to Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland, MISS- Miscarriage Support and Shopmobility Aberdeen on being awarded the Kings Award for Voluntary Service. A tremendous achievement in recognition of outstanding volunteering and the magnificent support you provide people and the community.”

Congratulations from everyone at ACVO to Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland, MISS- Miscarriage Support and Shopmobility Aberdeen on this marvellous achievement and thank you for all you do.

For more information about the Kings Award for Voluntary Service please visit: kavs.dcms.gov.uk

Get involved: Volunteer in Aberdeen!

There are hundreds of different ways you can give your time as a volunteer in Aberdeen! The great thing about volunteering is that it is so inclusive, no matter your experience, time you have to give or age, there is a volunteer opportunity to suit you and an organisation in Aberdeen that would really value your contribution.

Have a look below at some of our recently added opportunities and discover how you can make a big difference in your local community!