Our impact
In Forth Valley, communities are being strengthened by local people taking action, supporting one another and shaping solutions based on lived experience. By creating space for volunteers to lead, this community-led approach is turning small actions into meaningful, lasting change.
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.
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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, Walk 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!
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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.
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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
Find out more about RSVP
RSVP
RSVP is a programme for people aged 50 and over to use their energy, enthusiasm and experience to support others. Explore more and get involved today.
Walking Group Member (Stirling & Clackmannanshire)
For people 50+, the RSVP Forth Valley walk programme encourages people to participate in our weekly walks in Stirling and Clackmannanshire.
RSVP (Forth Valley)
RSVP Forth Valley supports people aged 50+ to stay active, connected and make a difference through volunteering. It helps reduce isolation and improve health and wellbeing while benefiting local…
Walk Leader (Stirling & Clackmannanshire)
For people aged 50+, our walk schedule encourages people to participate in our popular weekly walks in Stirling and the surrounding area.
With thanks to the players of People’s Postcode Lottery
