The impact of Glasgow Life Volunteering
Volunteering
As one of Scotland’s largest charities, we offer diverse volunteering opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Our volunteers play a vital role in helping us to connect local communities with culture, learning and active living. They are a source of support, information and inspiration for people across Glasgow and we are deeply grateful for their passion, commitment and impact.
How do volunteers support Glasgow Life?
Throughout 2024/25, more than 1,600 volunteers supported our services, programmes and events, collectively donating nearly 25,000 hours of their time.
Those volunteering hours had a value of around £410,000.
Home Library Service Volunteers deliver books to your home if you can’t visit the library. Our volunteers will bring you the joy of reading and a link to the outside world to help beat loneliness.
Memories Scotland Group Facilitators are volunteers who lead sessions at Glasgow Libraries are an opportunity to reminisce and share memories about the past. Volunteers support the group with facilitated social reminiscence - they will provide hot drinks, a listening ear, and a keen interest in storytelling and community heritage.
Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Volunteers offer lots of services, including in-person support and information, emotional, practical and financial support. Most importantly someone to talk to about how you are feeling.
Glasgow Libraries offer a network of free coding clubs where children and young people can learn how to be creative with code, while having fun and making new friends.
Volunteer Mentors known as CoderDojos inspire the next generation of digital makers by helping them learn to code in a fun and sociable environment.
Digi-PALS volunteers are on hand in Libraries and will happily help individuals. During these drop-in sessions our friendly volunteers can assist with various digital and online activities.
Our Museums offer a wide range of roles including;
Volunteer Collection Guides showcase our venues treasured collections in guided tours, whether they are leading a guided walk of the highlights or giving detailed introductions to a gallery.
Learning and Access Volunteers assist Museum staff deliver workshops to families and school groups, this includes our school holiday programmes and events like Lunar New Year Celebrations.
Curatorial Volunteers help research objects from our vast collections, enhancing knowledge of objects, and Volunteer Conservators assist conservation staff.
Good Move Health Walk Leaders are at each walk to make sure you go at a comfortable pace. Health Walks last around an hour, and we want to make sure you get the most out of it. They're also a chance to take in the sights and sounds of Glasgow's beautiful parks and green spaces.
Aye Write Book Festival is a highly popular celebration of books featuring events showcasing established authors and the next generation of writers.
Volunteers help support and enhance our customers’ enjoyment of the festival. Our volunteers bring a wealth of skills and experience with many returning year after year.
Festival Volunteers support the smooth running of Celtic Connections, by assisting festival staff and the wider festival community with errands and tasks, and by providing general festival information to artists and the public. We are grateful for the time, passion, skills and commitment our volunteers give to the festival, and welcome new and returning volunteers each year.