Voluntary Groups Sutherland

Voluntary Groups Sutherland Supporting the voluntary sector in Sutherland by representing and supporting voluntary groups. Voluntary Groups Sutherland was established in 1973.

A group of community minded people met to look at ways of improving the lifestyle and well-being of the local population, and also supporting local groups. The result was the setting up of the East Sutherland Council of Social Services(ESCSS). The Management Committee was made up of representatives from all the areas of East Sutherland and a part-time Secretary worked from home. From those small b

eginnings has emerged Voluntary Groups Sutherland (VGS); a Company Limited by Guarantee, with a board of Directors, five paid staff and outright owners of its own building (located in Main Street Golspie). Volunteering - We provide a volunteering matchmaking service across Sutherland & we work with our partners across Highland to support volunteers and volunteering. Visit Volunteer Scotland to find a volunteering opportunity or contact us to register a volunteering opportunity with your organisation. Community - Voluntary Groups Sutherland engages with the Community Planning Partnership process; helping shape services which make Sutherland a better place to live. The partnership brings together the public, private, voluntary sector and community to agree priorities on the planning and provision of services. Social Enterprise - Social enterprises are third sector organisations that operate using a business model to generate sources of income. VGS provide support and advice on structures and governance to new and exisiting social enterprises and provide a signposting service to access information and support they need. Third Sector - Voluntary Groups Sutherland supports the local Third Sector through local training events and one-to-one support on issues including governance, funding, planning and development. We keep local organisations up-to-date with funding, regulations & legislation and Third Sector News. Voluntary Groups Sutherland is also a partner in the Highland Third Sector Interface.

As we celebrate Volunteers Week 2026, did you know 2026 is also The United Nations International Year of Volunteers.The ...
02/06/2026

As we celebrate Volunteers Week 2026, did you know 2026 is also The United Nations International Year of Volunteers.

The United Nations designated 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026), recognising volunteerism as a critical driver of social, economic, and environmental progress worldwide.

The guiding theme is ‘Every Contribution Matters’ — reflecting a global reality that more than 2.1 billion volunteers worldwide give their time, skills, and energy to foster solidarity and drive positive change.

The key message from IVY 2026 is clear: volunteers can significantly contribute to sustainable development, but only if provided with an enabling environment — meaning supportive policies, safe conditions, proper training, and recognition systems.

Volunteerism is a cornerstone of sustainable development and humanitarian action. Volunteers strengthen societies in times of crisis and peace, and their contributions are vital to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Thank you to all our Volunteers across Sutherland.
01/06/2026

Thank you to all our Volunteers across Sutherland.

On Saturday 25th April Voluntary Groups Sutherland hosted a morning training session presented by Karen Derrick on Good ...
28/04/2026

On Saturday 25th April Voluntary Groups Sutherland hosted a morning training session presented by Karen Derrick on Good Governance. This was well attended by a number of organisations from across Sutherland.

If you would like advice or guidance on Constitutions, General Governance, Funding, Independent Examinations, etc then please get in touch.

Tel: 01408633001
E-Mail: [email protected]

We’re looking for volunteers to join our newly forming Sutherland Access Panel! Access Panels operate across Scotland, f...
23/04/2026

We’re looking for volunteers to join our newly forming Sutherland Access Panel!

Access Panels operate across Scotland, from Shetland to Tweedale. While each panel operates independently, they all share a common goal: improving accessibility and inclusion within their local communities.

Each Access Panel is involved in a range of activities, including carrying out access audits, developing local access guides, raising awareness, reviewing planning applications, and more. To learn more about Access Panels, visit: Home - Disability Equality Scotland Access Panel Network.

This opportunity is open to people with lived experience of disability, as well as those with a strong interest in equality and inclusion.

Support is provided, and we aim to make participation as accessible as possible.

If you’d like to find out more or are interested in joining, please comment below or contact Voluntary Groups Sutherland by Email: [email protected] or Telephone: 01408 633 001.

15/04/2026

CLLD (Community-Led Local Development) gives rural communities the power to tackle their own local challenges, responding to the needs of their local area and supporting positive change. By building knowledge and skills, supporting new ideas and encouraging cooperation, CLLD helps to create viable a...

17/12/2025

Our Natural Capital Communities Partnership project is recruiting for two roles: NCCP Manager and NCCP Adviser. Both roles are full time, funded to 31 March 2028. Closing date is Monday 19 January. Learn more and apply here: https://buff.ly/bU7My8U

17/12/2025

Community groups – your projects matter!

Add them to BeConnected and make sure they’re visible to funders and partners.

Start shaping the future of Highland today: https://buff.ly/IUPQU0M

Read more here - https://buff.ly/rzOkcc2

17/12/2025

Join us at Brora Heritage Centre, Friday 19th December, Christmas late night shopping and book launch! 4.45pm - 8pm. Cake & Drinks available, complimentary Mulled Wine.

Address

VGS, Lairg Community Centre, Main Street
Lairg
IV274DB

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 1pm
Tuesday 9am - 1pm
Wednesday 9am - 1pm
Thursday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+441408633001

Website

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