A short film highlighting rural volunteering across Renfrewshire and Inverclyde is set to be screened at a public event later this month.
CVS Inverclyde will host the premiere of Putting Rural Volunteering on the Map at the Waterfront Cinema in Greenock on Wednesday 25th February.
The film focuses on volunteers, community groups and rural areas facing shared challenges, including population change, isolation and falling volunteer numbers. Organisers say these issues are being felt in rural communities across both Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.
The project was created in partnership with Hidden Meaning Productions and is funded by the Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Local Action Group through the Scottish Government’s Community Led Local Development programme. The programme supports local projects aimed at strengthening rural communities.
Recent national figures show volunteering fell by seven per cent in rural areas between 2022 and 2023. Young people were particularly affected, with a four per cent drop in participation.
Local research carried out as part of the project found that more than 85 per cent of people who had never volunteered were under the age of 18. A lack of awareness of opportunities was identified as the main barrier.
John Hamilton, chair of the Local Action Group, said the group believed the project captured the purpose of rural support and said they were pleased with the response it had received.
Beth Cowen, volunteer engagement officer at CVS Inverclyde, said the film highlights the commitment of rural organisations and volunteers. She said the aim is to encourage more people in both Inverclyde and Renfrewshire to get involved.
The screening will take place from 4:30pm to 5:30pm and is open to local residents, community groups and anyone interested in volunteering. Admission is free, with tickets available in advance.
After the premiere, the film will be shared with schools, colleges, youth groups and community organisations across both council areas.
Headline Photo: Simon from Friends of Wemyss Bay Station is interviewed during filming for Putting Rural Volunteering on the Map, a new short film celebrating rural volunteering across Renfrewshire and Inverclyde