Volunteering Matters delivers place-based volunteering in Edinburgh to support young people and families facing complex challenges. Through Brighter Futures and Family Supporters Edinburgh, we help people build confidence, overcome barriers and shape positive futures through the power of volunteering.




Edinburgh is a city full of history, creativity and character. It’s known around the world for its festivals, culture and stunning views. But like many places, some people in Edinburgh face real struggles, including poverty, poor health and feeling cut off from their community.

We believe the people of Edinburgh have the power to make a difference. That’s why we work closely with local communities to create projects that meet their needs. We listen to what people want and support them to lead the change they want to see.

Our work in the city focuses on helping young people who are finding school hard and families who are facing difficult times. With the help of local volunteers and charity partners, we offer mentoring, support and practical help to make life better, one step at a time.

A view of Edinburgh city

In Edinburgh, we run two core projects that support people to overcome challenges and shape more positive futures: Brighter Futures and Family Supporters Edinburgh. Together, they offer holistic, community-based support for young people and families, often working hand in hand to address interlinked issues.

Brighter Futures
Brighter futures support young people across Scotland to access volunteering opportunities in their local community. We work closely with local charity partners to re-engage young people and work…

Family Supporters Edinburgh
Family Supporters Edinburgh offers practical and emotional support to families across the South East, South West, North West and North East localities of Edinburgh, empowering them to face a range of…


Family Supporters Edinburgh Receives £179,577 from National Lottery Community Fund (Scotland) 
Family Supporters Edinburgh is delighted to have been awarded a three-year grant worth £179,577 from the National Lottery Community Fund (Scotland) made possible by National Lottery players.  

18 July 2024

My Volunteering Story, Robert
Hear from Robert, our fantastic Engagement Manager for the Action Earth project in Scotland, who started off as a volunteer with CSV Media in Edinburgh back in 1990. 

4 June 2024
The words the city of Edinburgh council
The words community fund with a hand with two fingers crossed
The RS Macdonald Charitable Trust
Walter-Scott-Logo

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