The difference our projects are making in Forth Valley, Scotland

In Forth Valley, something powerful is happening. Not through large-scale interventions, but through people showing up for one another and choosing to take action in their own communities.

This is a place where community is not just a word, it is something people live every day.

Neighbours support neighbours. Ideas come from lived experience. And local people are stepping forward to shape the future of where they live.
Across Stirling and Clackmannanshire, volunteers like Mary, Tom and Linda are turning small actions into meaningful change. Whether it is supporting someone to feel less alone, creating spaces for connection or improving local environments, their impact is real and felt every day.

What makes this work different is that it is led by the community itself. These are not projects done to people, but with them. Built on trust, shaped by local knowledge and driven by the people who understand their communities best.

Our role is to listen, support and enable. To create the space for ideas to grow and for volunteers to lead change in ways that matter to them. Because in Forth Valley, it is clear that when people are trusted and supported, they do not just take part, they drive things forward.

Really it’s the social aspect that’s the important thing… I don’t think I’ve ever walked with just one person, you always get to talk to at least 4 or 5 people every time – Carol, walking group leader

Our projects in Forth Valley

Volunteers at the RSVP NHS programme support patients and their families on hospital wards, and audiology patients at a drop-in clinic with practical help such as hearing aid maintenance.
Trained RSVP walk leaders provide a programme of weekly walks of varying degrees of difficulty in partnership with Walking Scotland, to encourage people aged 50+ to stay active and connected.
Action Earth supports volunteer of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in practical outdoor activities with nature grants to improve local green spaces.
Our new project, Good Neighbours, will help local people support one another through a handyperson service that involves volunteers completing small maintenance jobs that some older people cannot do by themselves – look out for more on this coming soon!

A group of walking standing outside

I enjoy coming to the walking group very much, for a bit of exercise but it’s the friendship as well that’s really important. What I really like is that I’ve got my exercise for the day, I recently had a knee replacement, and this has been very good for me. – Moira, walking group member

Why this matters

These projects show how volunteering strengthens communities and improves wellbeing, and by working closely with local volunteers and partners, we can identify gaps and respond quickly to community needs.

Forth Valley is a great example of how local people, working together, can create connections, reduce isolation and create lasting change on their own doorstep.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the dedication of our local volunteers, who are helping shape a stronger future for their communities. Their energy and commitment are helping make Forth Valley a place where communities truly lead change.

Find out more about RSVP

A person speaking to another person

The visitors are so appreciative of me helping them… you’re left with that feelgood feeling of ‘I’ve done something’, and I feel I’m giving something back to the community – Mary, hospital volunteer