The Library in Brodick are looking for volunteers to help deliver their Computer Buddy Scheme. You don't need to be an IT genius, as full training will be given. Volunteers are asked to give one hour a week to help others become more confident in basic computer skills and Internet navigation. For more information, please call in to the library, phone them on 01770 302835 or visit www.ers.north-ayrshire.gov.uk

WRVS delivers practical support through the power of volunteering so that every older person can live the life they want. They are seeking volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels to elderly residents in the Whiting Bay area, so if you have access to a car and some free time, contact Mary Whyte on 0845 6014670 or write to her at North Ayrshire Meals on Wheels, 4 Maxwell Street, Paisley PA3 2AF

ArCaS - Arran Cancer Support Trust - runs the fantastic charity shop by Brodick pier, and this helps fund its very important work in providing practical support to those affected by cancer. The shop is manned by vounteers and the manager, Ruth Devlin. Volunteering in the shop offers a sociable, enjoyable way to spend a morning or afternoon, and anyone with free time to help out can pop by the shop or call Ruth on 302 766.

 Art in Mind meet on Fridays, and their aim is 'to introduce local people with mental health problems to art and self-expression, to help them gain in confidence and self-worth.' They are happy to hear from volunteers, and along with their parent organisation, Arran Visual Arts, offer a creative environment for artistic development and rewarding social contact. Call us, or contact Jan McGregor on 01770 700249,      e-mail member@smiddy12.fsnet.co.uk

The Arran Branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association offer horse-riding for adults and children with additional needs. They also provide their volunteers with opportunities such as helping with their website www.arranrda.btik.com, fundraising and of course caring for the horses themselves. We can put you in touch with them, or their e-mail is rda.arran@hotmail.co.uk

Rural Gateway are helping a Finnish Folk Music organisation in their search for partners in a transnational developing project, which is provisionally called European Oral Singing Cultures. The Transnational Development incentive could bring your group into a working relationship with a suitable project overseas, under the care of Leader. See the Transnational Co-operation page for more.

If you are involved with, or thinking about setting up, a community shop, The Community Retailing Network is a valuable source of advice and support. In their own words-

'From small communities seeking to retain their local shop, post office or petrol pumps to larger urban areas trying to provide better access to affordable, fresh, healthy food - community ownership can offer a sustainable, long-term solution.

The Network aims to support and develop community owned retailing and we do this by:

• Supporting existing community owned shops and retail enterprises
• Helping to set up new ones
• Sharing knowledge and good practice
• Promoting and representing community retailers'