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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!
"Don’t say I'm a historian!” said Alan Johnstone, a volunteer with Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums when we joined him at a recent ‘Our Aberdeen’ session hosted at the Aberdeen Treasure Hub.
Despite his claims otherwise, it’s clear to see that Alan is somewhat of an expert on the rich social history of the Granite City. Over the past seven years, Alan has undertaken various volunteer roles which aim to connect local residents with their shared past using storytelling and hands on experiences.
His journey into volunteering began with a deeply personal motivation. “Both my parents had dementia, so when I retired I wanted to be involved with something which could support individuals living with similar conditions.”
Alan started volunteering with Alzheimer Scotland, running Football Memories sessions, where participants reminisced about old games, teams, and players. However, he quickly realised that conversations often strayed beyond football. “At every meeting, we’d end up talking about cinemas, shops, dance halls - everyday life in Aberdeen so we needed something for everyone , not just those with an interest in sports” he recalled.
“And that made me think: we’ve got wonderful museums and galleries in the city which house amazing collections of local artefacts so why not find a way to allow people to explore these and unlock personal memories?”
That realisation led him to AAGM, where he helped develop Our Aberdeen, a memory-focused program designed to use museum collections to spark discussions about the city’s past. And in doing so, Alan found a love for discovery. “Volunteering has to be a two-way street,” Alan noted. “I get so much out of it personally, and that drives me to give something back in return.
Unlocking Memories Through Objects
One of the key aspects of Alan’s volunteering at AAGM is facilitating memory sessions using ‘treasure boxes’ filled with historical artifacts. These objects - ranging from tools used in Aberdeen’s once booming industries to old household items - act as powerful triggers for conversation. “One item here, and we can’t say which one, may trigger off a personal memory,” Alan said. “Before we know it, half an hour has passed, and we’ve made someone’s day just by reminding them of their childhood or first job.”
The benefits of these sessions go beyond simple nostalgia. “The health and wellbeing benefits are very significant,” he noted. “At the sessions, people get used to seeing the same faces, make new friends, and rebuild their confidence.”
Rachel Thibbotumunuwe, Learning Manager at Aberdeen City Museums and Galleries who worked closely with Alan to develop the Our Aberdeen programme, emphasised the inclusivity of these sessions.
“All of our sessions are open to everyone, which is so important,” she said. “We’ve had students join because they were interested in the topic and even had a baby at a recent one. These intergenerational connections can really help people experiencing social isolation - our staff and our volunteers are trained and really ready to be sensitive to the needs of somebody who might have dementia but the sessions are open to all and everybody is welcome.”
Discovering Aberdeen’s Hidden History
For Alan, volunteering has become a personal journey of discovery. “Before I retired, I didn’t know much about Aberdeen’s history at all,” he admitted. “Now, I find it incredibly interesting to learn that 100 years ago, Aberdeen was leading the world in some industries, exporting goods everywhere.”
Through his research, Alan has uncovered fascinating stories, from the city’s once-thriving comb-making industry to its legacy in textile production at Crombie Mills. “It’s sad that modern technology has made some of these industries obsolete,” he reflected. “But it’s important to remember them and share those stories.”
At AAGM’s Treasure Hub, which stores the majority of the museum’s collection, volunteers like Alan play a vital role in making these objects accessible to the public.
“The collection belongs to the people of Aberdeen, anyone can request to see an item if they’re interested but it’s also important to offer the chance to get hands on with artefacts and experience the collection in an informal setting.”
Rachel echoed this sentiment, noting that while only a small percentage of the collection is ever on display, efforts are being made to catalogue and share more of it. “It’s a challenge,” she admitted, “but it’s worth it when you see the impact these objects have on people.”
The Value of Volunteering
Alan’s passion for volunteering is evident, and he encourages others to find their own way to contribute. “Think about what interests you,” he advised. “I started with football because I’m an Aberdeen fan. Others might want to support a cause that’s personal to them, like a health charity. It’s about finding what drives you.”
He believes that volunteering is about more than just giving back—it’s about gaining something in return. “It’s given me a new enthusiasm,” he said. “At the end of my working life, as an accountant, it was all about budgets and targets. Now, I get to research history, meet amazing people, and share stories that matter.”
For Alan, volunteering isn’t just about the past - it’s about building connections in the present and preserving Aberdeen’s heritage for the future. “You get out of volunteering what you’re prepared to put in,” he said. “And for me, that’s been incredibly rewarding.”
All are welcome at Aberdeen Archives, Gallery and Museums’ ‘Our Aberdeen’ sessions - no booking required. Held from 2:00 - 3:30 pm at Aberdeen Treasure Hub (Granitehill Road, AB16 7AX), these events include tea, coffee, and biscuits with donations appreciated to support the delivery of the programme. Find out more on the AAGM website
Volunteer Peer Supporters
LATNEM Peer Support (Let's All Talk North East Mums)
Published on:
April 16, 2025
4/16/25
A Peer supporter at LATNEM is a mum with lived experience of mental ill health who wants to share her own journey as a path finder, giving hope to others. A mum or birthing person with a passion for helping others. The role involves preparing the space before a meeting and tidying up afterwards. You would help to prepare refreshments and make our service users feel welcome.
Support & Advice
Support & Advice
Aberdeen
Aberdeen
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Charity Trustee
Asylum and Refugee Care (AARC)
Published on:
April 9, 2025
4/9/25
This is an exciting opportunity to play an active role in the governance of AARC. We are looking for individuals with experience in governance, finance, promotion/fundraising, or related skills, to become trustees. We are currently a small team of trustees, wanting to grow in size and experience as a team.
Refugees & Asylum Seekers
Refugees & Asylum Seekers
Aberdeen
Aberdeen
Charity Trustee with Lived Experience
Asylum and Refugee Care (AARC)
Published on:
April 9, 2025
4/9/25
We are looking for individuals with lived experience of the asylum-seeking process, to become trustees. To avoid conflict of interest, we ask that you are no longer receiving direct support from AARC, but would welcome anyone who has previously received support from AARC.
Refugees & Asylum Seekers
Refugees & Asylum Seekers
Aberdeen
Aberdeen
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