Welcome to SVE's hub for all things Volunteers Week 2026!

We want to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to every volunteer throughout Stirling who gives their time, passion and energy to support our communities, charities and people. Volunteers are at the heart of the third sector, supporting our most important services while building skills, experience and meaningful connections along the way.

Throughout the week, we will be celebrating across our social media, sharing daily thank yous, inspiring volunteer spotlights and exciting opportunities from different organisations across the area. We are also proud to be hosting our Inspire Volunteering Awards Ceremony on Wednesday - which promises to be a wonderful and uplifting evening showcasing the very best of volunteer spirit in Stirling.

That's not all - we'll also be out and about visiting your organisations, meeting incredible volunteers, and delivering appreciation and participation certificates in person.

On this page, you will find highlights from our volunteer spotlights and stories, as well as featured articles and blogs written by our own SVE staff exploring a range of engaging and topical subjects to volunteering.

Volunteer Spotlights

Below are a few volunteering spotlights we wanted to highlight the amazing projects going on in and around Stirling.

  

Dementia Friendly Dunblane - Memory Cafe

We are shining a spotlight on Dementia Friendly Dunblane - a volunteer-led group helping make Dunblane Dementia Friendly - creating a more welcoming and supportive place for people living with dementia and their families and carers.

Their aim is simple: to help people feel part of the community, not apart from it, by raising awareness of dementia, reducing stigma, and offering practical local support.

DFD runs two Meeting Centres at the Braeport Centre on Wednesday from 1-4pm and Friday from 11-3pm.

At Meeting Centres, individuals with dementia can participate in various social, cognitive, and physical activities designed to promote engagement, stimulation, and well-being. These activities may include arts and crafts, reminiscence therapy, music therapy, physical exercise, and educational sessions.

Watch this short video on the café and the impact it has had on the community.

KiltWalk - Equi-power RDA Volunteers

An incredible team of volunteers make everything possible at Equi-Power RDA.

From those supporting sessions on the ground, helping coaches deliver activities and attending events, to the volunteers working behind the scenes offering professional expertise, fundraising support, and helping to grow the organisation’s reach, every contribution matters.

In 2025 alone, 88 volunteers gave over 3,000 hours of their time, helping 135 participants, families, carers, and community members experience the life-changing benefits of RDA activities. Their dedication has also enabled the organisation to expand services, reaching new participants who may not otherwise have access to riding, horse care or vaulting sessions.

Behind the scenes, volunteers also provide vital governance, strategic insight, and professional guidance, helping to shape the vision of a more accessible, permanent RDA centre and a facility that can benefit the wider community.

From supporting participants during sessions, to face painting, making teas, offering a friendly chat, and providing essential organisational support, every role plays a part.

Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA RDA would not exist without its volunteers, and they are deeply valued and appreciated for everything they contribute.

We'll be sharing more spotlights and shout-out throughout the week on our Facebook, which you can keep an eye on here...

Blogs and Articles

SVE staff have come together to collect and write topical blogs on various important subjects within volunteering, including spotlights and insights from local volunteer led organisations.

Inspire Volunteering Awards 2026

We had a fantastic evening celebrating the incredible volunteers who make such a difference across Stirlingshire at this year's Inspire Volunteering Awards. 

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the event such a success.

To our sponsors, thank you for your generous support and for helping us recognise and celebrate outstanding volunteering achievements across our communities.

• NHS Forth Valley
• Stirling Council
• Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
• SceneStirling
• STEP Scotland
• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
• FEL Scotland
• Thistles Stirling

To our presenters, thank you for helping us honour our nominees and winners on the night. Special thanks to our host Natalie James Professional Singer for guiding us through the evening with such warmth and enthusiasm, and to Kevin Gilday for the original poem that captured the spirit of volunteering so perfectly.

Most importantly, congratulations to all our nominees and winners, and thank you to every volunteer whose dedication, kindness and commitment make a lasting impact every day.

Our 2026 winners are:
⭐️Culture, Arts & Faith - Ryan Cotter - Stirling Community Radio
⭐️Heart of Gold - Nelly Little - PLUS
⭐️Environment & Heritage - Fallin Community Garden
⭐️Health, Wellbeing & Sport - Jamie Cramb & Liz Howie - Dementia Friendly Dunblane
⭐️Outstanding Trustee - Naomi Ross
⭐️Community Champion - Creative Stirling Volunteer Steering Group Creative Stirling
⭐️The Lord Provost Award - Fallin Community Voice
⭐️Young Volunteer of the Year - Ellie Welsh
⭐️The Inspire Volunteering Award 2026 - Richard McLennan - Safebase

Massive thanks also go to Avents planning for the beautiful decor, Stirling County RFC & Taste Culture for the venue and catering, Dynamic Live Events and Blue Juice Media for the AV and video, Rock Choir Scotland led by Rachel Leitch for the amazing entertainment and Julie Howden for the photos.

Here are just a few of the photos from a truly inspiring evening.