For Volunteers
All over Scotland people are making a difference by volunteering in schools. SU volunteers run groups, pray for their schools and provide different kinds of practical support.
School can be one of the toughest places for a young person to live for Jesus. SU Groups provide a place for connection, support, friendship and spiritual growth. At the same time, SU Groups provide a lifeline for those who might otherwise never hear about God’s love for them. With fewer and fewer children and young people in church these days, taking the light of the gospel into Scotland’s schools is increasingly important.
Find out more about volunteering with SU Scotland.
Ever wondered what it is like to run an SU Group?
Watch this video to find out why Dorothy loves running the SU Group in Irvine.
Can I start a new group?
If you are interested in setting up an SU Group in your local primary, secondary or special school we'd love to hear from you.
We know of many schools where there is a desire to have an SU Group, but currently no volunteers available to make that happen. SU Groups may be run by teachers, pupils, parents or others and anyone running a group must be an approved SU Scotland volunteer.
- Discover more about SU Groups and how they Make A Difference. Listen to volunteer testimonies and explore some of the exciting teaching resources available to you.
- Contact your regional worker to discuss your plans. They can help you connect with other volunteers and provide advice about, applying to become an SU Scotland volunteer and getting the group started.
- Read our guidance on Starting an SU Group for details on the best approach.
The protocol for Scripture Union Scotland staff and volunteers working in Scottish schools provides important information about how we work in schools.
Are there resources to help me?
Yes! We have lots of resources to help you lead and run an SU Group. Visit our resource hub below.
Talking to your local staff member and accrediting yourself as an SU Scotland volunteer will open up access to other online resources and advice on other good materials for SU Groups.
SU Group Volunteer Training 2026/27
Equipped to Serve:
SU Groups create welcoming spaces where pupils can connect, ask questions, explore the Bible and grow in faith. This training is designed to equip new and existing volunteers with the vision, confidence, practical skills and safeguarding awareness needed to serve schools well. Whether you are preparing to start, joining a team or continuing to lead, these sessions will help you understand SU Scotland’s wider vision, plan effectively, support pupils wisely and enjoy serving your local school community.
Book Your Place
Come along, be refreshed, and leave with practical ideas, encouragement and confidence for your SU Group.
To book your place, email: edinburgh@suscotland.org.uk
Session 1: The Big Picture
Mandatory for all new volunteers. If these dates don’t suit, the sessions will be repeated in January 2027. We’d encourage existing volunteers to come also.
Monday 28 September 2026, 7–9pm, Zoom
Explore the vision and purpose of SU Groups, including leadership, gospel foundations, school culture, Scripture use, safeguarding, Local Ministry Hubs and how volunteers can serve their local school well.
Session 2: The Detail
Mandatory for all new volunteers; existing volunteers are very welcome.
Monday 5 October 2026, 7–9pm, Zoom
Get practical help for running an SU Group, including role clarity, planning, prayer, programme, publicity, session preparation, Bible study preparation, ASN and using SU Scotland’s digital resources confidently.
Serving Your Local ASN School
For new team leaders and volunteers who wish to serve their local ASN school.
Thursday, 1st October 2026, 7-9pm, Zoom
Discover how SU Groups can serve ASN school communities with sensitivity, confidence and creativity, developing inclusive approaches that honour pupils, support staff and build meaningful opportunities for Christian presence.
Choose the sessions that will help you grow in confidence and develop your SU Group leadership. Each of these will run from 19:15 to 20:30.
- Faith Development and Bible Engagement
- Wednesday 28 October 2026
- Bruce Lockhart and Gemma Morton
- Grow confidence in helping pupils engage with the Bible, ask thoughtful questions and take next steps in faith through age-appropriate activities, conversation and prayerful leadership.
- ASN
- Thursday 19 November 2026
- Elaine Tait and Lynne Hamilton
- Explore practical ways to welcome and include pupils with additional support needs, adapting activities, communication and expectations so every young person can participate meaningfully and safely.
- Handling Difficult Questions
- Wednesday 2 December 2026
- Eilidh Lockhart and Cheri Young
- Build confidence in responding to pupils’ honest, challenging or unexpected questions with grace, clarity and sensitivity, creating space for discussion while knowing when to signpost appropriately.
- Storytelling for Primary-Aged Pupils
- Tuesday 19 January 2027
- Valerie Sim and Lesley Crawford
- Learn how to tell Bible stories in engaging, memorable and age-appropriate ways, using voice, movement, questions and participation to help primary pupils listen and respond.
- Behavioural Challenges
- Monday 22 February 2027
- Owain Evans and Su Muir
- Consider practical strategies for creating calm, welcoming groups, responding wisely to disruptive behaviour and setting clear expectations that support safety, dignity and positive participation.
- Leading Games in Various Contexts
- March 2027, date TBC
- Craig Morris and Jenny Thomson
- Develop a toolkit of adaptable games for different ages, spaces and group sizes, with guidance on inclusion, safety, purpose and linking activities to Bible themes.
You can do this
School can be one of the toughest places for adults to witness for Jesus too – which is why our team is committed to being there for you with training, support, resources and guidance, enabling you to run a brilliant SU Group – and enjoy doing it!
With God’s help, you can do this – and make a difference in the lives of children and young people in a school near you!
To find out more about how to get involved with running an SU Group in your area contact regional@suscotland.org.uk .