Clackmannanshire
volunteering opportunities
Connect Alloa
Established in 2019, Connect Alloa are a local youth group tackling social isolation and mental health issues within the Clackmannanshire area. They support young people by providing a safe space for them to socialise and make new friends. Connect Alloa host regular youth group sessions on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, where young people can play games, participate in discussion activities, do arts and crafts, and get involved in fundraising challenges. At the moment, they are running some of our sessions online via Discord and some sessions are in-person at St Mungo's Parish Church.
Volunteers will attend the online and/or in-person youth sessions. Currently, on Tuesdays sessions take place online between 6:30-8:30pm, Fridays are in-person from 6:30-8:30pm and Saturdays are in-person from 11am-1pm. Connect Alloa provide face masks and hand sanitiser for all young people, volunteers and staff. They are also following the latest Government guidelines around Covid-19 and youth work. This means they currently have restricted group numbers for in-person sessions.
Volunteers will be able to get involved with planning and participating in group activities. If you have a specific skill or interest you would like to share with the young people, please get in touch. They have previously had volunteers share their skills in arts and crafts, make-up/special effects and gaming/tech.
Volunteers will also help make sure young people feel welcomed and accepted at group, engaging with them and working with the team to create an inclusive atmosphere. They provide support and Child Protection training through Youth Scotland.
Stirling Interfaith Community Justice Group (SCIO
The Stirling Interfaith Community Justice Group (SICJG) is a charitable organisation (charity no. SC042540), that works alongside the Scottish Prison Service to deliver support and assistance to families visiting those in custody. They are located in the Family Help Hub at HMP and YOI Cornton Vale and the Visitor Centre at HMP Glenochil.
The aim of the Family Help Hub is to provide a supportive, friendly and welcoming environment for families visiting relatives or loved ones in prison. Support is provided by staff and trained volunteers to ensure experiences of prison visiting are less stressful and more positive, thereby encouraging more frequent visits and maintaining family ties in order to reduce re-offending, increase the stability of children's lives and achieve positive long-term outcomes for all of the family.
What is the role of a volunteer?
· The group have many volunteers from various backgrounds and different levels of experience with the criminal justice system. However, training is given to all volunteers so no experience is necessary.
· You will be based at one of the centres and will be responsible for welcoming visitors before they head to their visits. You will usually provide teas and coffees.
· If someone is visiting for the first time, you will sit down with them and talk them through the processes and signpost them to any help from other services.
· Volunteers will be expected to help in building relationships with visitors and looking out for any signs that they may need additional help or support during the visit.
Children’s visits:
One of the main activities that SICJG coordinate is children’s visits. These are more relaxed and allow the children to interact with their parents freely. The group are even involved with organising parties throughout the year, such as Easter, Halloween and Christmas.
Who to contact
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or have any questions, please contact either:
Lauren - Laurensicjg@outlook.com, or Lyndsay - Lyndsaysicjg@outlook.com
The Gate Charity
This new role is to support the charity in their central Alloa charity shop. The purpose of the role will be assisting in the day to day running of The Gate’s charity shop to maximise sales and profitability.
Volunteer's duties will include:
· Assisting and serving customers, and providing a high standard service.
· To assist with processing stock, including sorting, steaming, pricing and hanging of donated items.
· To be involved with the till operation and the handling of cash (although this is not a necessary requirement).
· To promote public understanding of the work The Gate delivers and the importance of raising funds through the shop.
· To promote and apply The Gate’s Health and Safety Policy.
Required skills, qualities and experience:
· Good communication and customer care service skills are essential to fulfil this role.
· Being able to work as part of a team environment and with the general public is essential.
· Previous retail experience would be useful, but not essential.
Volunteers can expect to receive ongoing support and training as appropriate.
The recruitment process is initiated by calling 01259 218766 and sharing your interest in the role. This will be followed by an informal interview where references from one/two referees will be taken.
Volunteering Matters
Peer Perspectives Youth Mental Health Champions will undertake mental health training, then be supported to develop workshops they can deliver to their peers, or to create content for our social media channel. Bespoke opportunities available for young people aged 16-25 with ongoing supervision.
The Gate Charity
The Gate is a local Charity set up to prevent or relieve poverty and improve the conditions of life of people who are marginalized, facing exclusion, vulnerable or homeless in the Clackmannanshire area.
They do this by undertaking projects and support which offer practical help, such as A Community Cafe, Soup Pot, Home Starter Packs and a Food Larder service.
However, the Charity aims to establish a community centre to provide a range of services which will include a drop in café type venue, office, training kitchens, showers, laundry, medical room and project work space which will be open to all within the community, people of all faiths and none.
The Gate believe everyone has the right to be treated equally and to feel valued and respected. And they accept people for who they are and without judgement.
The Gate Centre is located in the heart of Alloa town centre in the former North Church building.
To help manage different social media channels. With an aim to maximise engagement, promote volunteering and raise awareness of The Gate Charity.
Role and Responsibilities:
• Establishing an/or maintaining active social media accounts.
• Researching and creating creative content for different social media channels
• Identifying opportunities to establish relationships with local community groups
• Thinking of innovative ways to drive online engagement
• Identifying target audiences and being up to date with current trends.
Skills and Attributes Needed:
• Experience of using Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
• Experience of updating websites.
• Good written communication skills, with accuracy and good attention to detail.
• Ability to think creatively when sharing content.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and motivated to work as an individual.
• Ability to deal in a professional manner when communicating online.
• Basic digital photography experience will be useful but not necessary.
The Gate Charity
The Gate is a local Charity set up to prevent or relieve poverty and improve the conditions of life of people who are marginalized, facing exclusion, vulnerable or homeless in the Clackmannanshire area.
They do this by undertaking projects and support which offer practical help, such as A Community Cafe, Soup Pot, Home Starter Packs and a Food Larder service.
However, the Charity aims to establish a community centre to provide a range of services which will include a drop in café type venue, office, training kitchens, showers, laundry, medical room and project work space which will be open to all within the community, people of all faiths and none.
The Gate believe everyone has the right to be treated equally and to feel valued and respected. And they accept people for who they are and without judgement.
The Gate Centre is located in the heart of Alloa town centre in the former North Church building.
To assist in the smooth running of the warehouse. This role involves supporting the food larder team in managing their food donations, sorting and packaging goods.
Role and Responsibilities:
• Ensure that all warehousing procedures and processes are followed
• Receive food donations from members of the public and thank them
• Ensure that incoming stock is checked and recorded
• Sort food by date and type, removing any items that are damaged or out of date.
• Keep warehouse area clean and tidy at all times, checking for evidence of pests and notifying the project manager if there are any concerns
• Report any health & safety or safeguarding concerns to the Chief Officer
Skills and Attributes Needed:
• Strong team player
• Has an eye for detail
• Organised and self-motivated
• Happy with some heavy lifting
Stirling Interfaith Community Justice Group (Glenochil)
The Family Centre HMP Glenochil is built on a strategic partnership between Stirling Interfaith Community Justice Group, the Scottish Prison Service and the Scottish Government, in response to the needs of male offenders and the families of offenders across Scotland. The aim of the Family Centre is to provide a supportive, friendly and welcoming environment for families visiting a prisoner. Support is provided by staff and trained volunteers to ensure experiences of prison visiting are less stressful and more positive thereby encouraging more frequent visits and maintaining family ties in order to reduce re-offending increase the stability of childrens lives and achieve positive long-term outcomes for all of the family.
Marie Curie Clacks
We are looking for volunteers to help us in our Alloa charity shop. You will be helping us with the day to day running of the shop so we can raise vital funds to support people affected by death, dying or bereavement. The main tasks will include helping us to sort through the donations that arrive in the shop, stocking our shelves with items for sale and serving our customers on the till. If you have an eye for fashion or you love to make things look nice then you can even help us to make our shop look fantastic for our customers.
Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface
CTSI are seeking a volunteer who can help their Digital Communication Officer and Volunteer Development Assistant with enhancing CTSI’s social media presence by writing engaging posts and scheduling a regular output to keep the company’s online presence active and relevant.
The role will involve tasks such as:
• Writing content for social media that is both fun and engaging
• Sharing content via social media, primarily Facebook and Instagram
• Helping CTSI build its presence on new social media channels such as TikTok.
The role is ideal for a young person who is interested in social media, marketing, content creation. The role will allow the young person to build a portfolio of social media content as well as gain experience volunteering in a fast-paced organisation.
Forth Valley Top Toes (FVTT)
Top Toes has been running for approximately 3 years in Falkirk, and are part of the charity Braveheart. They provide personal toe nail cutting service every 6 to 8 weeks for people who can not cut their own toe nails.
They are now setting up new clinics In Stirling and Alloa, and they already have a busy clinic In Clackmannanshire Community Hospital and In the new year will be opening a clinic In Tullibody. The clinics provide a fantastic service and offer a basic foot care check and toe nails cut for disabled and adults who can not cut their own.
This project aims to support the work of NHS podiatry services, allowing them to focus on quality care for those who really need it. Good foot care can reduce the risk of falls among vulnerable older people.
Clients will be given their own set of clippers at first appointment and will bring with them to each subsequent appointment.
This position will involve being a Reception Volunteer at the clinics in either Clackmannanshire Community Hospital or Tullybody. Full training and support will be offered and all expenses be paid. Usually the clinics are 3 to 4 hours long and if you join the team you would be providing a very valuable service to the elderly and disabled people in Clackmananshire.
Key tasks:
• Welcome client to clinic.
• Ask for clipper set and record book.
• Check for any changes to medication.
• Ask for donation.
• Write receipt and give to client.
• Make a new appointment for client.
• Record donation in donations log.
• Give clipper set and record booklet to personal footcare volunteer.
• Be the warm, welcoming and friendly face or Forth Valley Top Toes.
Skills, Experience, Personal Qualities Required:
An open, friendly and welcoming personality, good at dealing with people, able to observe strict
confidentiality, communicate well with others. Previous experience of working within a medical / health
environment would be an advantage but not essential.
Volunteers should be over 16.
Forth Valley Top Toes (FVTT)
Top Toes has been running for approximately 3 years in Falkirk, and are part of the charity Braveheart. They provide personal toe nail cutting service every 6 to 8 weeks for people who can not cut their own toe nails.
They are now setting up new clinics In Stirling and Alloa, and they already have a busy clinic In Clackmannanshire Community Hospital and In the new year will be opening a clinic In Tullibody. The clinics provide a fantastic service and offer a basic foot care check and toe nails cut for disabled and adults who can not cut their own.
This project aims to support the work of NHS podiatry services, allowing them to focus on quality care for those who really need it. Good foot care can reduce the risk of falls among vulnerable older people.
Clients will be given their own set of clippers at first appointment and will bring with them to each subsequent appointment.
This position will involve being a Personal Footcare Volunteer at the clinics in either Clackmannanshire Community Hospital or Tullybody. Full training and support will be offered and all expenses be paid. Usually the clinics are 3 to 4 hours long and if you join the team you would be providing a very valuable service to the elderly and disabled people in Clackmananshire.
Key tasks:
• Welcome client to clinic.
• Ask for clipper set and record book.
• Check for any changes to medication.
• Ask for donation.
• Write receipt and give to client.
• Make a new appointment for client.
• Record donation in donations log.
• Give clipper set and record booklet to personal footcare volunteer.
• Be the warm, welcoming and friendly face or Forth Valley Top Toes.
Skills, Experience, Personal Qualities Required:
An open, friendly and welcoming personality, good at dealing with people, able to observe strict
confidentiality, communicate well with others. Previous experience of working within a medical / health
environment would be an advantage but not essential.
Volunteers should be over 16.
Change Grow Live - Forth Valley Recovery Service
It’s often overwhelming for the people we support to make changes in their lives. You can help by donating your time as a volunteer Befriender.
Our goal is to empower and enable the people who use our services to increase their confidence in making better decisions, providing them with the resources and opportunity to create a better life for themselves.
Befriending is a supportive, pro social relationship between a volunteer and service user. You will be matched with an individual and support them on a 1:1 basis. The aim of befriending is to reduce social isolation by involving our service users in new experiences and activities in the community to promote their confidence and relationship building skills. This can include supporting them to attend a group or appointment for example.
It can take time for our service users to engage and trust in you, so consistency, patience and resilience is key to the role. You will be provided with all the skills, training and support you will need to undertake the role by Change Grow Live.
Supporting individuals to achieve their goals can be rewarding, and you can make a real difference to somebody’s life. This is the perfect role for a compassionate, non-judgmental person who wants to support others to make positive changes
Tillicoultry Community Garden
The garden is situated in the old neglected church orchard and was created in 2016 by a small group of volunteers under the auspices of the Parish Church. The team have tried to create a peaceful and enjoyable place for the community to enjoy, with items of interest for all ages.
The volunteer would always be working with the rest of the team with ongoing support at all times. Jobs would include basic DIY, garden maintenance, composting, planting, weeding, assisting with fundraising and planning new projects. No official training needed but there will be ongoing opportunities to learn more about gardening generally. The Community Garden is normally open for volunteers on Monday and Wednesday mornings but other times may be available.
Good basic DIY skills would be an advantage and as ability to work as a team and regularly welcome visitors good communication skills are important.
Change, Grow, Live (Forth Valley)
The goal of Forth Valley Change, Grow, Live is to empower and enable the people who use their services to increase their confidence in making better decisions, providing them with the resources and opportunity to create a better life for themselves.
Befriending is a supportive, pro social relationship between a volunteer and service user. You will be matched with an individual and support them on a 1:1 basis. The aim of befriending is to reduce social isolation by involving Forth Valley Change, Grow, Live service users in new experiences and activities in the community to promote their confidence and relationship building skills. This can include supporting them to attend a group or appointment for example.
It can take time for Forth Valley Change, Grow, Live service users to engage and trust in you, so consistency, patience and resilience is key to the role. You will be provided with all the skills, training and support you will need to undertake the role by Change Grow Live.
Supporting individuals to achieve their goals can be rewarding, and you can make a real difference to somebody’s life. This is the perfect role for a compassionate, non-judgmental person who wants to support others to make positive changes
Key Activities:
· Support service users on a 1:1 basis including, telephone and face to face
· Support service users to increase their confidence, empowering and supporting them to achieve their goals
· Gain an understanding of what support is available in your local community
· Keep Forth Valley Change, Grow, Live updated by providing verbal and written feedback
Generally a volunteer is expected to:
· Help Change Grow Live fulfil its role in offering the best service to the service users.
· Perform your volunteering role to the best of your ability.
· Follow Change Grow Live’s procedures and standards, including health and safety and equal opportunities, in relation to Forth Valley Change, Grow, Live staff, volunteers and service users.
· Maintain the confidential information of Change Grow Live and of their service users; adhering to Change Grow Live’s policies and procedures.
· Meet the time commitments and standards which have been mutually agreed.
Education Knowledge and Experience:
· Ability to work with professional boundaries
· Good communication skills
· Understanding of the issues faced by our client group
· Excellent time management skills
· Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality
The Gate Charity
Role description:
The Gate are requiring assistance in the community café at the The Gate Centre where the volunteer will help by serving, preparing and greeting customers when they visit the cafe. No cooking is required as part of the role. All food is reheated on the day of service.
The role may involve the following tasks:
- Waitressing
- Dish washing and cleaning appliances
- Serving home baking
- Making and serving hot/cold drinks
- Heating and preparing soup
- Making sandwiches
- Cooking and serving pre-cooked meals and puddings
- Welcoming existing and new customers
- Marketing
Required skills, qualities and experience:
Good people skills are essential, though no previous experience is required. In addition, you should be someone who has good communication skills, an ability to work independently, be reliable, trustworthy, and dedicated.
The hours are flexible; however, it would be useful if you could spare up to 4 hours most Fridays.
Training and support is available to volunteers.
Recruitment process: To being the application process, please call 01259 218766 declaring your interest, then an informal interview will be arranged where the applicant can expect references to be taken from one referee.
Date role created: January 2021
The Gate Charity
The Gate is a local Charity set up to prevent or relieve poverty and improve the conditions of life of people who are marginalized, facing exclusion, vulnerable or homeless in the Clackmannanshire area.
They do this by undertaking projects and support which offer practical help, such as A Community Cafe, Soup Pot, Home Starter Packs and a Food Larder service.
However, the Charity aims to establish a community centre to provide a range of services which will include a drop in café type venue, office, training kitchens, showers, laundry, medical room and project work space which will be open to all within the community, people of all faiths and none.
The Gate believe everyone has the right to be treated equally and to feel valued and respected. And they accept people for who they are and without judgement.
The Gate Centre is located in the heart of Alloa town centre in the former North Church building.
To assist in the smooth running of the warehouse. This role involves supporting the food larder team in managing their food donations, sorting and packaging goods.
Role and Responsibilities:
• Ensure that all warehousing procedures and processes are followed
• Receive food donations from members of the public and thank them
• Ensure that incoming stock is checked and recorded
• Sort food by date and type, removing any items that are damaged or out of date.
• Keep warehouse area clean and tidy at all times, checking for evidence of pests and notifying the project manager if there are any concerns
• Report any health & safety or safeguarding concerns to the Chief Officer
Skills and Attributes Needed:
• Strong team player
• Has an eye for detail
• Organised and self-motivated
• Happy with some heavy lifting
Volunteering Matters (Forth Valley)
Volunteering Matters is a volunteering and social change charity. They recognise the potential young people across Clackmannanshire possess. Young people have aspirations and goals like us all – but may not currently have the tools or guidance needed to turn these into a reality. The effects of COVID-19 have seen many young people across Clackmannanshire experiencing social isolation, loneliness, poor mental and physical health and without a ‘Positive Destination’. Equip Mentoring uses the power of volunteers to support young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) or who need additional guidance and support to enter the employment market, further education or training.
The Volunteer Mentors will support the young people practically (such as CV writing and interview skills) as well as emotionally (building confidence, resilience, and independence) whilst reducing social isolation and loneliness. The young person and mentor will meet regularly and will set goals and ambitions to develop new skills, knowledge and experienced to pursue the young persons chosen pathway. Volunteering Matters asks volunteers to spend 1-2 hours a week with their match.
The time period that Mentors support young people will vary depending on the needs and goals of each match, up to 12 months. Volunteering Matters recognise that every young persons journey & needs are different and so the length of match will depend on their needs and ambitions. The organisation's Engagement Manager offers full support and encouragement to mentors and young people, keeping in touch on a regular basis.
Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface
As a Saltire Ambassador you have the opportunity to further develop your skills through being involved in all aspects of the Saltire Awards; from promotional and publicity activities through to helping to make decisions about Summit Award nominations and taking part in local advisory groups. You will be the face of volunteering within your school or community: providing information on the benefits of volunteering; supporting peers in finding volunteering opportunities; encouraging others to gain their Saltire Awards and leading on voluntary endeavours.
If you achieve ‘The Ascent’ you could become a Saltire Ambassador. Ambassadors have the opportunity to further develop their skills through being involved in all aspects of the Saltire Awards; from promotional and publicity activities through to helping to make decisions about Summit Award nominations and taking part in local advisory groups. Whatever your reasons for volunteering there is a Saltire Award for you.
Guide Dogs
You will be providing a puppy with a vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. This is a full-time volunteering opportunity as a puppy will live with you in your home for around 12-16 months. It should be noted that although it is possible for another Puppy Raiser to look after a dog on your behalf for short periods of time that this may not always be possible. Consideration should be given to your future plans such as holidays abroad.
“It’s so rewarding to know that the dog will go on to help people with sight loss gain independence and freedom.” – Chris, Puppy Raiser
We rely on volunteers like you to help us improve the lives of people with sight loss. In this role your support will include:
• Developing, caring and providing for the needs of one of our puppies using Positive Reinforcement Techniques and following Guide Dogs Puppy Raising for Excellent Partnerships (PREP) programme
• Familiarising a puppy to a wide range of environments including shops and outdoor off lead exercise areas in all climates and seasons.
• Teaching a puppy it’s ok to be left alone by gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of 4 hours
• Attending regular puppy classes
• Regularly meeting with Guide Dogs representatives to discuss your pup’s development
• Completing regular on-line questionnaires to help us monitor puppy progress
Ideally you will:
• Be able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg)
• Have access to a car on a weekly basis for training and vet visits
• Have your own home or written permission to have a dog in the home
• Have access to a secure area where the puppy could go to the toilet during the day, especially first thing in the morning and last thing at night
• Be able to access online content and training materials (you will need your own email address)
If you don’t feel you tick every box but are sure this role is the one for you, please drop us a message and tell us why. We’re open to suggestions and happy to chat with you to find out what’s possible!
Volunteering is a two-way street, so in return for your time you will get;
• A dedicated volunteer manager/key contact who will help you settle in and support you during your time with us.
• The challenge and reward of seeing a puppy develop in your home.
• The opportunity to learn and develop your understanding in dog body language, learning theory, the human animal bond and the life of a Guide Dog.
Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any expenses related to your volunteering with us in line with our policy.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further before applying please email volunteer coordinator Aaron Puckrin at aaron.puckrin@guidedogs.org.uk. Thank you.
Guide Dogs
You will be providing a puppy with a vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. This is a full-time volunteering opportunity as a puppy will live with you in your home for around 12-16 months. It should be noted that although it is possible for another Puppy Raiser to look after a dog on your behalf for short periods of time that this may not always be possible. Consideration should be given to your future plans such as holidays abroad.
“It’s so rewarding to know that the dog will go on to help people with sight loss gain independence and freedom.” – Chris, Puppy Raiser
We rely on volunteers like you to help us improve the lives of people with sight loss. In this role your support will include:
• Developing, caring and providing for the needs of one of our puppies using Positive Reinforcement Techniques and following Guide Dogs Puppy Raising for Excellent Partnerships (PREP) programme
• Familiarising a puppy to a wide range of environments including shops and outdoor off lead exercise areas in all climates and seasons.
• Teaching a puppy it’s ok to be left alone by gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of 4 hours
• Attending regular puppy classes
• Regularly meeting with Guide Dogs representatives to discuss your pup’s development
• Completing regular on-line questionnaires to help us monitor puppy progress
Ideally you will:
• Be able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg)
• Have access to a car on a weekly basis for training and vet visits
• Have your own home or written permission to have a dog in the home
• Have access to a secure area where the puppy could go to the toilet during the day, especially first thing in the morning and last thing at night
• Be able to access online content and training materials (you will need your own email address)
If you don’t feel you tick every box but are sure this role is the one for you, please drop us a message and tell us why. We’re open to suggestions and happy to chat with you to find out what’s possible!
Volunteering is a two-way street, so in return for your time you will get;
• A dedicated volunteer manager/key contact who will help you settle in and support you during your time with us.
• The challenge and reward of seeing a puppy develop in your home.
• The opportunity to learn and develop your understanding in dog body language, learning theory, the human animal bond and the life of a Guide Dog.
Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any expenses related to your volunteering with us in line with our policy.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further before applying please email volunteer coordinator Aaron Puckrin at aaron.puckrin@guidedogs.org.uk. Thank you.
Volunteering opportunities advertised
across
Clackmannanshire:
88
The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. The Red Cross are part of a global network of volunteers, responding to natural disasters, conflicts and individual emergencies. Where they enable vulnerable people at home and overseas to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, they help people to recover and move on with their lives.
ABOUT THE MOBILITY AIDS SERVICE:
The Mobility Aids service operate a “Hub & Spoke” model, which sees a central warehouse (hub) which manages and delivers equipment to surrounding outlets (spokes) to achieve delivery of the service locally to our customers.
Losing one's mobility through illness or injury can be very difficult and distressing. The Red Cross makes a huge difference to people’s lives by providing short-term use of wheelchairs (75,000 each year in the UK) or toilet aids. This helps people to maintain their independence and quality of life when they are discharged from hospital or after an injury. It means that someone can take a relative on holiday or just out for the day. Equipment can be collected from our network of ‘spokes’, based in Red Cross premises, hospitals or medical centres, or they can arrange for delivery/collection. The British Red Cross have also developed mobile ‘pop-up’ teams so that their can respond to changing needs.
WHY THE RED CROSS WANTS YOU:
If you enjoy being in an office environment, are compassionate and like meeting people then this could be the role for you. Thanks to its volunteers the Red Cross can provide people in the local community with wheelchairs and other mobility equipment to help them through a crisis. This vital service enables people to maintain their independence and quality of life after an illness or injury. Whether it is to help take a relative out, or take a child to school, it makes a difficult and distressing time a little bit easier. They seek to ensure that everyone who needs a wheelchair can get one.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:
• Providing great customer service issuing wheelchairs/equipment and receiving returns.
• Using a computer-based stock control system.
• Demonstrating safe use of the equipment.
• Receiving payments / donations.
• Dealing with enquiries from people wanting to hire/loan a wheelchair or other equipment (online, phone and in person).
THE SKILLS YOU NEED:
• Physically able to safely lift or move wheelchairs and other mobility equipment.
• Some customer service experience is desirable.
• Enjoy meeting people and good interpersonal skills.
• Able to work independently and in a team.
• Good IT skills and able to complete on-line training.
• Able to commit to a regular shift on a weekly basis.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:
• Meet new people and be part of a dynamic and inclusive team.
• A great opportunity to use your existing skills and/or gain new ones.
• All training and induction for the role (there is no charge for training).
• Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses for the role including for attending training.
• An opportunity to be part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation and the knowledge that you are making a positive difference to people’s lives.
UNDER 18s NOTICE
Due to COVID-19 restrictions the Red Cross are currently unable to provide the required level of supervision, so cannot offer this opportunity to under-18s in most locations.
Please contact them at wheelchairvolunteer@redcross.org.uk to check what is available in your locality.
Last updated 3 days ago
We are recruiting a full-time volunteer for a six-month placement within our Communications team, funded by the European Solidarity Corps! You will sit within our wider communications team focusing on our ProjectScotland brand’s communications, as well as providing some support to our wider work across Scotland and the UK. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get involved in a varied range of tasks that interest you and you’ll help to promote the work we do to the public, potential volunteers, other charities and even funders. Whether you’re helping to raise the profile of a brand new project by coming up with exciting social media content, writing case studies of volunteer experiences or supporting the wider comms team with a nationwide campaign, this is an amazing opportunity to gain some real experience in the world of communications in a dynamic organisation!
This placement is based in Edinburgh, accommodation with another volunteer and a weekly allowance will be provided.
Want to know more? Get in touch! alice.carbone@volunteeringmatters.org.uk
Last updated 3 days ago
Forth Environment Link (FEL) is a Scottish environmental charity, based in the Forth Valley, leading the way on connecting people and place on actions which make a positive response to the Climate Emergency. They support more day to day journeys on foot or by bike; they encourage more local food to be grown and eaten in our communities; and want to help increase the lifespan of everyday items.
Forth Environment Link are working with the Scottish Government and Clackmannanshire Council to provide free bikes to primary seven pupils across Clackmannanshire. The “Bike Buddies” project is aimed at pupils transitioning from primary to secondary school with a focus on the Lornshill Academy catchment area during the initial pilot project. As part of the project will support the pupils with a wraparound support package that will include; bike safety equipment as well as confidence and maintenance support.
FEL are looking for volunteers to support the project past the initial funding stage, assisting with:
• Bike maintenance support- assisting pupils to maintain their bikes
• Assisting with led rides
• Showing pupils safe routes
• Encouraging pupils to integrate cycling into their daily life.
FEL will provide the necessary training including cycle leader and bike maintenance training. The volunteers will have the support of our project officers during the initial funding stage (until August 2022) to outline and guide them through their responsibilities as a bike buddies volunteer.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
A genuine interest in promoting cycling and healthy lifestyles to Clackmannanshire youth. A positive attitude towards learning new skills and developing existing ones. Confident cyclist is preferred.
No formal experience is required however we would welcome volunteers with experience of maintaining bikes and leading groups on cycles.
Last updated 5 days ago
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Home-based volunteering, Suitable for groups, One-off volunteering
*Are you hoping to save time and money this holiday season?
*Are you trying to lessen your impact on the environment?
*Are you keen to declutter your home?
*Are you looking for a creative way to support a worthwhile charity?
Give new life to the books, toys, and clothing that are cluttering your home by hosting an Eco-Christmas Gift Swap fundraising event! Your friends and family will love the gifts that will be new to them, and you and your friends will love saving money and time. And as if that wasn’t enough, your fundraiser will help support the amazing education projects funded by Feed the Minds throughout the world!
How:
-Go through your home and collect all the unused items (that are still in very good condition), all the gifts you were given but never use, all the clothing that you meant to take back but forgot to, all the puzzles you’ve already done, the books your kids have already read, (etc., etc.). Then, invite your friends to do the same!
-Make a plan about where and when to meet so that all those treasures can find new, loving homes, and you and your friends can raise money for some very worthwhile projects. It’s a win for you and your friends, a win for the planet, and a win for people experiencing extreme poverty throughout the world!
Where:
-Would you and your friends like to meet in a community hall on a weeknight? Or maybe you’d all prefer a small gathering at someone’s home? Or maybe the local pub could be hired? Or maybe you’d all feel more comfortable meeting outside in the garden? Maybe you could gather right after the school run? The possibilities are endless….
When:
-Because Christmas shopping seems to happen earlier and earlier every year, sometime in November would be ideal. That way, people will be able to relax knowing that they’ve gotten all the gifts they need very early in the holiday season.
Options for fundraising:
*Attendees could donate what they think is fair, based on all they’ve chosen to take and what they can afford.
*Beyond the gift swap, you could also hold a bake sale, a craft fair, and/or a raffle to raise even more money for our projects!
Last updated 9 days ago
Adoption UK is the leading charity which specialises in providing support, community, and advocacy for all those parenting or supporting children who cannot live with their birth parents.
We are looking for Community Network Coordinators to support the FASD Hub Scotland by developing and coordinating online and/or face to face meetings and occasional family events for those with lived experience of FASD or a history of PAE, wither in a specific geographical area or specialist themed area.
You should have lived experience of parenting an individual with FASD or having personal experience with FASD or a history of PAE, in addition to lived experience of adoption, kinship, foster care, or as a biological parent
The role
• Arrange monthly online/face to face meetings
• Arrange quarterly (suggested) family get together's
• Respond to email enquiries about group meet ups and events
• Working with the Adoption UK Scotland Community team, help to facilitate family events in the local area.
Experience of using Facebook to promote and inform would be a bonus.
The role will be home-based for online meetings, and attendance at community venues will be required for face-to-face meet ups as appropriate. Meet ups may be held during the day or during the evening.
The role includes comprehensive induction training and ongoing support.
We welcome applications from across Scotland.
Last updated 9 days ago
Adoption UK is the leading charity which specialises in providing support, community, and advocacy for all those parenting or supporting children who cannot live with their birth parents.
We are looking for volunteers to support us with the creation, production and editing of our digital media content, for our FASD Hub Scotland who have knowledge and understanding of FASD as a disability.
The role includes:
• Supporting the development of our digital content for the FASD hub
• Create and maintain the digital content across different platforms.
• Utilise the developed resources within our training programme.
We will provide training on our systems.
Experience of using online platforms to create and edit digital content using CANVA, ClipChamp, YouTube or similar would be extremely helpful alongside a good understanding of FASD and the challenges facing parents, carers and families.
This role will be based from home, you will need access to the internet, social media channels and websites, ideally using a laptop for functionality.
Any hours you can offer are greatly appreciated, however a few hours per month would be ideal, our core opening times are Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm
This role is time limited and will end 31 March 2022.
We welcome applications from across Scotland
Last updated 9 days ago
Top Toes has been running for approximately 3 years in Falkirk, and are part of the charity Braveheart. They provide personal toe nail cutting service every 6 to 8 weeks for people who can not cut their own toe nails.
They are now setting up new clinics In Stirling and Alloa, and they already have a busy clinic In Clackmannanshire Community Hospital and In the new year will be opening a clinic In Tullibody. The clinics provide a fantastic service and offer a basic foot care check and toe nails cut for disabled and adults who can not cut their own.
This project aims to support the work of NHS podiatry services, allowing them to focus on quality care for those who really need it. Good foot care can reduce the risk of falls among vulnerable older people.
Clients will be given their own set of clippers at first appointment and will bring with them to each subsequent appointment.
This position will involve being a Reception Volunteer at the clinics in either Clackmannanshire Community Hospital or Tullybody. Full training and support will be offered and all expenses be paid. Usually the clinics are 3 to 4 hours long and if you join the team you would be providing a very valuable service to the elderly and disabled people in Clackmananshire.
Key tasks:
• Welcome client to clinic.
• Ask for clipper set and record book.
• Check for any changes to medication.
• Ask for donation.
• Write receipt and give to client.
• Make a new appointment for client.
• Record donation in donations log.
• Give clipper set and record booklet to personal footcare volunteer.
• Be the warm, welcoming and friendly face or Forth Valley Top Toes.
Skills, Experience, Personal Qualities Required:
An open, friendly and welcoming personality, good at dealing with people, able to observe strict
confidentiality, communicate well with others. Previous experience of working within a medical / health
environment would be an advantage but not essential.
Volunteers should be over 16.
Last updated 15 days ago
Top Toes has been running for approximately 3 years in Falkirk, and are part of the charity Braveheart. They provide personal toe nail cutting service every 6 to 8 weeks for people who can not cut their own toe nails.
They are now setting up new clinics In Stirling and Alloa, and they already have a busy clinic In Clackmannanshire Community Hospital and In the new year will be opening a clinic In Tullibody. The clinics provide a fantastic service and offer a basic foot care check and toe nails cut for disabled and adults who can not cut their own.
This project aims to support the work of NHS podiatry services, allowing them to focus on quality care for those who really need it. Good foot care can reduce the risk of falls among vulnerable older people.
Clients will be given their own set of clippers at first appointment and will bring with them to each subsequent appointment.
This position will involve being a Personal Footcare Volunteer at the clinics in either Clackmannanshire Community Hospital or Tullybody. Full training and support will be offered and all expenses be paid. Usually the clinics are 3 to 4 hours long and if you join the team you would be providing a very valuable service to the elderly and disabled people in Clackmananshire.
Key tasks:
• Welcome client to clinic.
• Ask for clipper set and record book.
• Check for any changes to medication.
• Ask for donation.
• Write receipt and give to client.
• Make a new appointment for client.
• Record donation in donations log.
• Give clipper set and record booklet to personal footcare volunteer.
• Be the warm, welcoming and friendly face or Forth Valley Top Toes.
Skills, Experience, Personal Qualities Required:
An open, friendly and welcoming personality, good at dealing with people, able to observe strict
confidentiality, communicate well with others. Previous experience of working within a medical / health
environment would be an advantage but not essential.
Volunteers should be over 16.
Last updated 15 days ago
The Family Centre HMP Glenochil is built on a strategic partnership between Stirling Interfaith Community Justice Group, the Scottish Prison Service and the Scottish Government, in response to the needs of male offenders and the families of offenders across Scotland. The aim of the Family Centre is to provide a supportive, friendly and welcoming environment for families visiting a prisoner. Support is provided by staff and trained volunteers to ensure experiences of prison visiting are less stressful and more positive thereby encouraging more frequent visits and maintaining family ties in order to reduce re-offending increase the stability of childrens lives and achieve positive long-term outcomes for all of the family.
Last updated 16 days ago
Feed the Minds is a UK-based international development charity with over 50 years’ experience in delivering practical education projects to people experiencing extreme poverty, conflict, and/or discrimination throughout the world.
They believe that each person deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilled life, free from poverty and discrimination in all its forms, and that education paves the way for people to be agents of change in their own lives.
Their currently funded projects, for example, are arming people who are experiencing food shortages and who are already being hard-hit by the climate crisis with sustainable farming skills in Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Cameroon. And they're offering business classes to women in Kenya, and supporting women in Uganda to produce reusable sanitary pads as part of an effort to encourage the development of social enterprises and to spread awareness about women’s health.
- Are you hoping to save time and money this holiday season?
- Are you trying to lessen your impact on the environment?
- Are you keen to declutter your home?
- Are you looking for a creative way to support a worthwhile charity?
Give new life to the books, toys, and clothing that are cluttering your home by hosting an Eco-Christmas Gift Swap fundraising event! Your friends and family will love the gifts that will be new to them, and you and your friends will love saving money and time. And as if that wasn’t enough, your fundraiser will help support the amazing education projects funded by Feed the Minds throughout the world!
HOW
- Go through your home and collect all the unused items (that are still in very good condition), all the gifts you were given but never use, all the clothing that you meant to take back but forgot to, all the puzzles you’ve already done, the books your kids have already read, (etc., etc.). Then, invite your friends to do the same!
- Make a plan about where and when to meet so that all those treasures can find new, loving homes, and you and your friends can raise money for some very worthwhile projects. It’s a win for you and your friends, a win for the planet, and a win for people experiencing extreme poverty throughout the world!
WHERE
- Would you and your friends like to meet in a community hall on a weeknight? Or maybe you’d all prefer a small gathering at someone’s home? Or maybe the local pub could be hired? Or maybe you’d all feel more comfortable meeting outside in the garden? Maybe you could gather right after the school run? The possibilities are endless.
WHEN
- Because Christmas shopping seems to happen earlier and earlier every year, sometime in November would be ideal. That way, people will be able to relax knowing that they’ve gotten all the gifts they need very early in the holiday season.
OPTIONS FOR FUNDRAISING
- Attendees could donate what they think is fair, based on all they’ve chosen to take and what they can afford.
- Beyond the gift swap, you could also hold a bake sale, a craft fair, and/or a raffle to raise even more money for their projects!
Finally, I am happy to provide support and advice every step of the way!
Last updated 17 days ago
