Get involved!

Volunteer with us

Looking for a way to give back, meet new people and make a real difference in your community? Join our fantastic team of volunteers at Grassmarket Community Project.

Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. They help us create welcoming, supportive spaces where people can build confidence, learn new skills, try new things and connect with others. Whether you’re supporting a creative workshop, joining us on a walk, sharing your skills, helping with technology or getting involved in one of our social enterprises, your time and enthusiasm can make a real difference.

You don’t need to be an expert to volunteer with us. We’re looking for kind, patient and enthusiastic people who enjoy working alongside others and want to be part of a supportive community. From just a couple of hours a month to a more regular commitment, we have a range of opportunities to suit different interests, skills and availability. All our volunteers receive ongoing support, as well as access to free training throughout the year.

When you’re ready, you can complete our Volunteer Enquiry Form, or get in touch with us at [email protected] to find out more.

Volunteer as a Team

Bring your team together, get involved in your community and make a meaningful difference at Grassmarket Community Project.

We welcome groups and corporate teams who want to share their time, energy and skills with our community. Whether you’re looking for a hands-on team volunteering day, a fundraising challenge to take on together, or an opportunity to share your professional expertise, we can help you find a way to get involved that works for your team.

There are plenty of ways to support Grassmarket Community Project. Your team could get hands-on in our Tartan workshop, helping to support the production of handmade products, take part in a challenge event to raise vital funds, or lend a hand with maintenance, decorating and practical improvements around our busy community building in the heart of Edinburgh.

We also welcome skills support from individuals and organisations who can offer professional expertise to help strengthen our work. From sharing specialist knowledge to supporting a particular project or workshop with our members, we’re always interested in hearing how your skills could make a difference.

Volunteering together is a brilliant way to build connections within your team while supporting a community where everyone is valued and has the opportunity to thrive. We’ll work with you to create an opportunity that is useful, enjoyable and makes a genuine contribution to our community.

Interested in getting your team involved? Get in touch with Judith at [email protected] to start a conversation about how you can support Grassmarket Community Project.

– Volunteer Stories –

Volunteer Stories: Meet Calum

Calum enjoys the community at GCP. ‘It’s a really great place where people come and meet others and through activities get a sense of achievement and through skill-building, they improve their quality of life.’ 

Volunteer Stories: Meet Elsa

You may have already met Elsa. She usually sits on reception on a Wednesday!

Volunteer Stories: Meet Hailey

Hailey is volunteering on our Young Members Programme. ‘As soon as I came here, I knew I would have to come back and volunteer!’

Volunteer Stories: Meet Megan

Meet Megan, she loved her placement at GCP so much, she’s now back with us a volunteer!

Creative partnerships – Getting crafty with Edinburgh Uni

Edinburgh Uni gets crafty with Greyfriars Tartan. GCP is well-known for developing inspiring relationships with like-minded partners!

Our Tartan Team welcomes Maria

Meet Maria from GCP’s Tartan Team, she is one of our newest volunteers and is keen to share her story to inspire others.

Volunteering with GCP

Volunteering plays an essential role in the continued success of GCP. Find out how you can help change lives

Volunteer Stories: Meet Pauline

Meet volunteer, Pauline, and find out why she’s a great match for GCP!

Volunteer Stories: Meet Maureen

Meet Maureen AKA ‘the Rose Lady’ and one of GCP’s longest serving Volunteers!

Vote Kevin for People’s Choice

Kevin, our Volunteer Manager, has being shortlisted for the SCVO Awards for Employee of the Year. You can VOTE KEVIN too!

Greyfriars Tartan did Tartan Week!

Greyfriars Tartan at Tartan Week – an important opportunity to build on the success of this much-loved brand

Congratulations Janie, our Volunteer Champion 2023

Huge congratulations to Janie, our Tartan Workshop volunteer, winner of the prestigious Social Enterprise Volunteer Champion Award 2023

Our Tartan Team visit the V&A Tartan Exhibition

Where do you take a team of Tartan Workshop volunteers for a treat? The V&A’s spectacular Tartan Exhibition, of course!

Meet JH Campbell, our good friend James

J.H. Campbell is a novelist, writer of short stories. James is also a much-loved volunteer here at GCP.

Let’s talk about Kevin – Our Volunteer Manager

Meet Kevin, our Volunteer Manager. He started here as a volunteer, fell in love with the place, and hasn’t looked back since!

Frank’s GCP story

Meet Frank, inspirational artist, member AND volunteer at The Grassmarket Community Project. We are so lucky to have him with us!

Volunteer Stories: Meet Sophie

Sophie began volunteering with us, after seeing an advert to help support our Friday Art and Craft group. We’re SO glad she did!

Strike it lucky – A Volunteer Night Out

It was a fun evening when 15 GCP volunteers and 5 staff went 10-pin bowling recently. In fact the evening was considered ‘a roaring success’

Volunteer Stories: Meet Liz

Meet Liz, our award-winning volunteer. We asked her more about her life and why she loves volunteering with GCP…

Volunteer Stories: Meet Anne

Anne volunteers with The Grassmarket Community Project choir. She’s brilliant and we really appreciate her support.

Volunteer Stories: Meet Mustapha

Meet Mustapha, he volunteers with the Woodwork Group at The Grassmarket Community Project and he loves it! Find out why…

Volunteer Stories: Meet Michael

Meet Michael, an experienced volunteer who supports the members and team at The Grassmarket Community Project in many ways.

Inspirational women of GCP – meet Anne and Magdala

Meet Anne and Magdala. They are both phenomenal women and sew inspirational…

Volunteer Stories: Meet Dennis

Meet Dennis. A popular face around The Grassmarket Community Project, Dennis is an experienced volunteer with a smile and a story to share

Open Door Meal – ALL Welcome

Every Wednesday, Edinburgh residents are invited to come along for a free meal at The Grassmarket Community Project

VOLUNTEER STORIES: Caelan

Art student Caelan volunteers every week and would come more often if she could

VOLUNTEER STORIES: Martha

History student Martha loves seeing the difference she makes as a volunteer

VOLUNTEER STORIES: Liz

For Liz, volunteering is as much for her as it is for our members