East Lothian volunteering opportunities
Charity Shop - Stock Room (Dunbar)
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)
The role includes:
* Sorting stock
* Hanging and ticketing stock
* Steaming Stock
* Ticketing bric-a-brac
* Pricing books
Help keep the stock room clean and tidy.
Charity Shop - Driver (North Berwick)
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)
We require weekly drivers, regular rota drivers and relief drivers who may be called upon to cover any unavailability of our regular team.
Charity Shop - Shop Floor (Haddington)
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)
The role includes:
* Assisting customers and making them feel welcome
* customer service and sales service
* putting stock on the sales floor from the stock room
* keepig the rails and shelves tidy
* operating the till
* rotating stock
Volunteer for the Eating Disorder Collective Advocacy Project
CAPS Independent Advocacy
CAPS require a young person aged 16-26 years to work with the CAPS Collective Advocacy team to raise awareness of eating disorders.
This role requires someone who is able to relate to other young people and is willing to share personal lived experience of an eating disorder of any kind, in order to educate and raise awareness around eating disorders amongst other young people. The role requires the willingness to talk about and share experiences of eating disorders with other young people in group situations in various community settings including schools; universities; public events etc. As part of the collective advocacy team you would be supporting the collective advocacy development worker to show a collective advocacy film and facilitate a group discussion.
Lego Club Leader/Helper
East Lothian Council Library Services
Lego clubs consist of a weekly 1 hour drop-in session in libraries. Lego Clubs are suitable for children aged 8 and over. Younger children to be accompanied by an adult. The role of the volunteer is just to supervise children, ensuring that they are safe.They are also expected to engage with children and to ensure that the club runs smoothly. Lego Club Volunteers need to be members of the PVG scheme.
Support Group Coordinator
Parkinson’s UK (East Lothian)
Local groups are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's, their families and carers across the UK.
The Support Group Coordinator keeps the group organised and running smoothly.
As a Support Group Coordinator, you may:
• act as a contact for local and UK office staff, • arrange the group's programme of activities, • organise room booking and refreshments, • organise outings and meals out, • work with the Volunteer Co-ordinator to enable the group to operate within Parkinson's UK's guidelines to bring forward the day when no-one fears Parkinson's.
Work with Young People who have Special Needs
Prestonpans ZAP Group
The Zap group meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 pm until 7.30 pm on Wednesday evenings at Prestonpans Community Centre. We were fortunate to get a lottery grant and with this we purchased a large range of activities that the youth could enjoy. The group are all on the spectrum of Autism / Aspergers syndrome and the group is a safe place to socialise and to learn.
We currently have four staff and the ratio of staff to young person is 1 to 2. We run summer programmes and celebrate events like Christmas and Halloween.
The young people have learned a lot from the group and we have learned a lot about how best to support young people who have this condition. We are currently looking for volunteers in order that we might expand provision and invite other youth to join us. There is always a demand for more young people to come along. For people preparing for a community based career or just wishing to give time to the community with an interesting group, this would be a really good volunteering opportunity. Volunteers could opt into summer work or commit to term time
Volunteer Presenter
Radio Saltire
Radio Saltire is a Community Radio Station. Our volunteers work with the local community by presenting programmes of interest to the community. We offer training for all aspects of our services.
Anchor Section Leader
Boys’ Brigade (East Lothian)
Purpose: to assist with the running of a Boys’ Brigade section
Responsible for: to work alongside other volunteer leaders providing a safe, secure and happy environment for children to enjoy.
Responsible to: Anchor Section Leader-in-Charge
Main Work:
• To assist the Leader-in-Charge with the preparation of suitable programmes for the children
• To supervise the children and to assist them as necessary during activities
• To help deliver the programme where necessary
• To prepare materials and equipment as required
• To ensure that Health and Safety procedures are carried out at all times.
• To implement the requirements of the Child Protection Policy
Anchor Section is for children in Primary 1 to Primary 3 (5-8 year olds).
Receptionist & Admin Volunteer
Musselburgh and District Citizens Advice Bureau
Our Receptionists are the public face of our Citizens Advice Bureau, helping to make sure that everything runs smoothly in the reception area.
As our receptionist/admin volunteer your activities could include:
- greet our clients and other visitors
- answer the phone
- ensure clients know what is happening and how long they have to wait
- explain the services we offer
- give clients leaflets, lists and self-help materials
- record the number of client visits and how long they wait to be seen
- keep the reception area tidy
- enter information into our computer systems.
Music and Entertainment Assistant
British Heart Foundation - North Berwick
The British Heart Foundation is looking for volunteers to join our shop teams, volunteering is a practical opportunity to do something worthwhile, learn new skills, make friends and an opportunity to develop and help save lives. If you have a passion for music, film and games then this could be the opportunity for you!
This opportunity involves sorting and selecting items for sale, pricing items using the price guide and displaying the stock in the department following the merchandising guidelines.
Volunteering can help you gain valuable work experience, meet people, make new friends and learn or develop your skills, your time helps raise vital funds to beat heart disease.
Stock Room Assistant
British Heart Foundation - North Berwick
The British Heart Foundation is looking for volunteers to join our shop teams, volunteering is a practical opportunity to do something worthwhile, learn new skills, make friends and an opportunity to develop and help save lives. If you have an eye for detail and enjoy working in a busy environment this might be the opportunity for you! Good organisational skills and an understanding of current clothes trends would be beneficial.
The role involves helping to sort, tag and steam garments ready for the sales floor along with keeping the stock room tidy and organised.
Volunteering can help you gain valuable work experience, meet people, make new friends and learn or develop your skills; full training will be available for this role and your time helps raise vital funds to beat heart disease.
Walk Leader - Aberlady
Ageing Well - East Lothian
A health walk is a short, local walk usually lasting between 30 and 60 minutes and 1/2 to 2 1/2 miles long. Once trained you will join a network of over 6000 walk leader volunteers in the UK. The training takes place every few months, only takes a day and is most enjoyable. Walk leaders work in pairs, it is a very sociable activity. You will have the opportunity to be outside, keeping active, using the skills you already have and learning new ones. You will gain a sense of achievement from encouraging and supporting others and making a valuable contribution to our project.
Walk Leader - Haddington
Ageing Well - East Lothian
A health walk is a short, local walk usually lasting between 30 and 60 minutes and 1/2 to 2 1/2 miles long. Once trained you will join a network of over 6000 walk leader volunteers in the UK. The training takes place every few months, only takes a day and is most enjoyable. Walk leaders work in pairs, it is a very sociable activity. You will have the opportunity to be outside, keeping active, using the skills you already have and learning new ones. You will gain a sense of achievement from encouraging and supporting others and making a valuable contribution to our project.
Charity Shop Assistant
Hollies Day Centre
To assist in the charity shop duties will include:
Assisting customers and making them feel welcome.
Customer service and sales service
Putting stock on the shop floor from the stock room
Keeping shop tidy
Operating the till
General Assistant
Muirfield Riding Therapy
We need all sorts of people to run Muirfield Riding Therapy; we have volunteers from age 12 to age 86! Some of our volunteers come with horse knowledge and others are people people; everyone’s skills and talents are welcome. As one of our volunteers you can be directly involved in the delivery of therapeutic riding sessions, become part of our dynamic fundraising team or help with horse-care or administration.
Sales Assistant - Haddington Shop
Oxfam (East Lothian)
Time is a precious thing; donate yours and make a difference with Oxfam. We are looking for people to join the friendly volunteer team in the Haddinton Oxfam shop to work with others volunteers to create a welcoming sociable atmosphere and increase the shops's sales. As a Front of House Sales Assistant you would be:
- Serving and helping customers
- Accurate cash handling and credit/debit card handling
- Accepting donations (both cash and stock)
- Restocking and rotating stock on the shop floor
- Dusting and hoovering
Volunteers have the opportunity to make a real impact on Oxfam's goal of working to overcome poverty and suffering.
Members of Board of Directors
Carers of East Lothian
Carers of East Lothian (CoEL) supports adult carers - people who are looking after a family member or friend who is chronically ill, disabled or frail. We help carers to get information and services to help their individual caring role, enhance their own well-being and strengthen their collective voice to improve services. Our Board comprises people with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. We are always looking for people with a commitment to improving support to carers in East Lothian and who have the experience and qualities which could help us achieve our aims, we would be delighted to hear from you. We would particularly welcome people with additional finance, fundraising, negotiating and PR skills but this is not essential.
Warehouse Assistant
Recycling First
Control of stock flow and maintaining inventory. Supervise the clearing and organisation of the warehouse. Liaising with the furniture shop/electrical workshop in connection with shop stock and deliveries. Ensure you keep within the Health & Safety practice in connection with the warehouse. Liase with the Development Officer in connection with the uplift and deliveries.
Trainee Healer (Voluntary sessional worker)
Rainbow Meditation and Healing Trust
• To assist the Trust in the provision of outreach services of meditation and spiritual healing to recipients in community venues such as hospices, care homes, community centres. Our services public service is designed and delivered in partnership with statutory and third sector organisations. We also provide services of meditation and spiritual healing to people at home.
• The trainee healer is given the opportunity to develop their own spiritual growth by participating in our two year healing practitioner training programme.
• The provision of spiritual healing (contact healing) is fully supervised in our weekly development class and in outreach settings.
• Volunteers new to meditation are helped to develop this practice.
• Trainees are expected to attend supervised practice in order to monitor progress and is a requirement of their ongoing assessment process.
• Each person is required to be respectful and supportive of the spiritual pathways walked by others both within and out with the Trust.
Volunteer for Eating Disorder Collective Advocacy Project
CAPS Independent Advocacy
Working as part of a collective advocacy team to raise awareness and speak about own experiences of eating disorders. The role involves working with the Collective advocacy development worker to show a collective advoacy film and facilitate a group discussion in various community settings throughout the Lothians including: schools , universities , health etc. As all of the workshops take place during the day the volunteer would need to be available during the day. The role requires someone who is able to relate to other young people and is willing to share personal lived experience of an eating disorder of any kind , in order to educate and raise awareness around eating disorders amongst other young people ; willingness to talk about and share experiences of eating disorders with other young people in group situations in various community settings including : schools , universities ,public events etc.
Good Neighbours Volunteer
Royal Voluntary Service (East Lothian)
Many older people struggle with little day to day things like shopping, dealing with forms or changing light bulbs. We are looking for good neighbours to help people stay independent and healthy. There are lots of little everyday things that older people can struggle with due to reduced mobility, eyesight or hearing. But, these should not be things that mean they need to leave their homes and stop living independently. They are the sort of things a good neighbour or family might help out with, but not everyone has friends or family living close by to call on.
We are looking for people to take people shopping, do shopping for people, help with filling out forms and paperwork, small DIY tasks, gardening, anything a good neighbour might do.
We do not ask our volunteers to do any personal care, lifting people or using power tools, and you only need to take on tasks you are happy to do.
Shop Volunteer
Cancer Research UK (East Lothian)
Cancer Research UK shop volunteers can choose to work in a variety of areas, and perform a number of different tasks. There's fashion, for instance - preparing clothes for sale, and merchandising the windows and shop floor. Or books and media - separating out vinyls from hardbacks, and keeping the shelves well stacked. And bric-a-brac and collectibles - identifying the real antiques and hierlooms, and ascertaining the right price. This list is not exhaustive though. We just need lots of enthusiastic and reliable people - with knowledge to share and/or a desire to learn new skills.
Sheep Minder
East Lothian Council Countryside Section - Conservation Volunteers
Traprain Sheep Minders are needed to check up on the flock of sheep brought in for conservation grazing at Traprain Law, 5 miles east of Haddington. We need you to count all the sheep from a distance to make sure they are all present and check they appear in good health.
Looking after sheep in this way is known as 'lookering' and those who do it 'lookers', so if you've ever thought of yourself as a bit of a looker, now's your chance to show it!
Sport/Activity Leader
Active Schools East Lothian
Active Schools volunteers will be placed in either a primary or secondary school in East Lothian. The area you work and the age group you work with will be your choice and only what you feel comfortable with. Most Active Schools clubs take place after school and in the evening but there are also some lunch clubs. Your role will either be to lead or assist with one of these clubs depending on qualifications and experience. This will involve taking the register, delivering the activity and ensuring that the children leave safely at the end. Active Schools clubs are about participation, enjoyment and encouraging a healthy lifestyle and they are open to all pupils in that school cluster. You will be supported by an Active Schools coordinator who will take you through an induction and be present at your first session to show you the ropes. Following this you will have regular meetings as and when required and be offered various development opportunities.
Sport/Activity Leader
Active Schools East Lothian
Active Schools volunteers will be placed in either a primary or secondary school in East Lothian. The area you work and the age group you work with will be your choice and only what you feel comfortable with. Most Active Schools clubs take place after school and in the evening but there are also some lunch clubs. Your role will either be to lead or assist with one of these clubs depending on qualifications and experience. This will involve taking the register, delivering the activity and ensuring that the children leave safely at the end. Active Schools clubs are about participation, enjoyment and encouraging a healthy lifestyle and they are open to all pupils in that school cluster. You will be supported by an Active Schools coordinator who will take you through an induction and be present at your first session to show you the ropes. Following this you will have regular meetings as and when required and be offered various development opportunities.
Assistant Scout Leader
South East Scotland Scouts
We are looking for a new volunteer to support the leading of our Scout Troop. Scouts are boys and girls aged 10.5-14 years. Their leaders run a weekly meeting at Tranent Parish Church Hall on a Tuesday evening. Activities focus on having fun, being active and learning new things in a fun way. As you'd expect they play lots of games. You would volunteer under the leadership and support of the Scout Leader.
Volunteer Drivers/deliveries using own car
East Lothian Foodbank
We need individuals who have access to their own car who would like to help the foodbank by delivering food parcels to those in need in East Lothian. We mainly need people who live in the EH21 post code are as these areas are where we have to provide a large majority of our food parcel too.
We would require persons either to come to foodbank to pick up parcels after we have alerted them to the need of a delivery to a person. They would then be required to deliver that food parcel to the person who has been allocated it.
A Volunteer would be required to complete an application form and provide two references and undergo a brief volunteer induction
NSPCC School Service Volunteer
Childline
The NSPCC Schools Service is protecting a generation of children against abuse. One primary school at a time, and we want you to play your part.
As a NSPCC Schools Service volunteer, you'll visit local schools giving assemblies and classroom workshops to 4-11 year olds. You'll talk about their rights, abuse, and bullying and about how to both protect themselves and get help when they need it.
Management Committee Member
CAPS Independent Advocacy
CAPS provides Individual Advocacy in East Lothian and Midlothian and runs several
experience-led Collective Advocacy projects across Lothian.
You will be part of a team of Management Committee members, the majority of whom are people
with lived experience of mental health issues, in accordance with CAPS constitution.
Two members without lived experience may also sit on the committee.
You will receive induction, training, guidance and support from CAPS staff.
Homework Club Leader
East Lothian Council Library Services
Homework clubs are a service from East Lothian Libraries. They consist of a 1 hour drop-in session, run by a volunteer Homework Club Leader with the assistance of a volunteer Homework Club Helper. Primary School Children can come and do their homework at their local library where they would benefit from space to study, access to a wide selection of books, online resources, word processing and supervised internet access.
The volunteers would supervise children, support them in completing their homework, assist them with using the range of research tools available in the library, and encourage them to search the library shelves for books that might be relevant to their needs. They will also be asked to complete a small amount of administration and paperwork involved in the running of the club.
Volunteering with the homework clubs would provide an exciting opportunity for anyone who is interested in working with children whether as a teacher, in a nursery or as a youth worker and would enhance any application for university.
The majority of club members will be aged 8-12 (P4-7), but, depending on the Homework Club Leader, some clubs may accept children from P1. The aim of the homework clubs is to provide a safe friendly environment for children within the library where they can come together and work on their homework. Volunteers offer support but do not teach the children.
Reception & Administration Volunteer
East Coast FM
Man reception desk and answer telephones.
Also work on computer and file paperwork.
Sports Coaches
Pennypit Community Development Trust
Are you seeking an opportunity to gain new sports coaching skills or develop existing coaching skills? Why not start coaching at a local sports club?
Sports available include: Football, Hockey, Cricket, Gymnastics and Indoor Bowling.
The team of coaches at a local club can provide you with new skills and qualities which could benefit your development as a coach, you only need a passion for sport and a willingness to learn.
You will be helping with the planning, delivery and evaluation of coaching sessions, aiming to create a fun learning environment where the young participants can develop and achieve their potential.
Fundraising Events Marshall
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)
The role includes:
* Assisting participants and making them feel welcome
* Assist in preparation of necessary equipment
* support participants throughout the fundraising challenge
Media and Promotion Coordinator
Natural Connections
Do you enjoy photography and filming? Would you like to support our project in recording it's progress and success? Do you have a few hours free each month to spend at The Heugh Community Growing Garden?
We are developing the old Tranent Gasworks site on The Heugh into a community growing garden and a resource for the local community. We are looking for volunteers who have a keen interest in photography and/or filming who have access to their own equipment, to help us build our website and social media presence. This is a flexible project, where we can adapt to your skills and welcome your input!
Volunteer Shop Assistants
Sue Ryder (London)
Volunteer retail assistants wanted for busy charity shop. Tasks include sorting through donated goods, steaming clothes, pricing items, working on the till and helping customers.
As well as gaining retail experience and perfecting your sales techniques, working for our shop offers the perfect opportunity to explore your creativity by creating window displays or arranging merchandise, or become a specialist by focusing your attention on a specific part of the shop, such as books or collectibles.
Book Assistant
British Heart Foundation - North Berwick
The British Heart Foundation is looking for volunteers to join our shop teams, volunteering is a practical opportunity to do something worthwhile, learn new skills, make friends and an opportunity to develop and help save lives. If you have a passion for books and understand different book types within a category then this could be the opportunity for you!
This role involves sorting and selecting books for sale, pricing items using the price guide and displaying the books in the department following merchandising guidelines.
Volunteering can help you gain valuable work experience, meet people, make new friends and learn or develop your skills.
Your time helps raise vital funds to beat heart disease.
Cash Desk Assistant
British Heart Foundation - North Berwick
The British Heart Foundation is looking for volunteers to join our shop teams, volunteering is a practical opportunity to do something worthwhile, learn new skills, make friends and an opportunity to develop and help save lives. If you enjoy talking to people and providing great customer service this could be the role for you!
This role involves completing till transactions accurately, talking to customers and promoting add on sales like badges and raffle tickets. Promoting our stock requirements and the Gift Aid scheme to donators is an important part of working at the cash desk.
Volunteering can help you gain valuable work experience, meet people, make new friends and learn or develop your skills, your time helps raise funds to beat heart disease.
Donated Stock Generator
British Heart Foundation - North Berwick
The British Heart Foundation is looking for volunteers to join our shop teams, volunteering is a practical opportunity to do something worthwhile, learn new skills, make friends and an opportunity to develop and help save lives. If you enjoy a challenge and are confident talking to people with a positive and enthusiastic attitude, then this could be the opportunity for you!
This opportunity involves contacting local business for end of line stock, sourcing potential new stock donors and helping the manager with stock sourcing.
Volunteering can help you gain valuable work experience, meet people, make new friends and learn or develop your skills.
Your time helps raise vital funds to beat heart disease.
Volunteer Events Organiser
Royal Voluntary Service (East Lothian)
We are looking for a Volunteer Events Organiser to assist with the planning and organisation of events in the RVS community hub area. Tasks include:
- Assist with the execution of events including the collation of materials, marketing, publicity, equipment and compilation of guest lists, invitation and response processes
- Research into appropriate venues when required. Assistance in the setting up and dismantling processes pre and post event
- Research appropriate conferences or events that have content relevant to the areas of WRVS work
Walk Leader - North Berwick
Ageing Well - East Lothian
A health walk is a short, local walk usually lasting between 30 and 60 minutes and 1/2 to 2 1/2 miles long. Once trained you will join a network of over 6000 walk leader volunteers in the UK. The training takes place every few months, only takes a day and is most enjoyable. Walk leaders work in pairs, it is a very sociable activity. You will have the opportunity to be outside, keeping active, using the skills you already have and learning new ones. You will gain a sense of achievement from encouraging and supporting others and making a valuable contribution to our project.
Shop Volunteer
British Heart Foundation - Musselburgh
British Heart Foundation are looking for new people who are keen to get back in to work or those who just fancy giving some time to help our charity cause. We’re looking for taggers to work with our team in the stock room area. Also, we are particularly looking for someone for a Wednesday afternoon to work with our books and a Saturday afternoon till operator. Full training will be given, so don’t worry if you haven’t worked in a shop before. If any of these roles interest you, give us a call or pop into the shop for a chat.
Management Committee Member
CAPS Independent Advocacy
CAPS provides Individual Advocacy in East Lothian and Midlothian and runs several experience-led Collective Advocacy projects across Lothian. You will receive induction, training, guidance and support from CAPS staff. More information is contained within the Management Committee volunteer role description available online at www.capsadvocacy.org
Please contact Jane Crawford, CEO on 0131 273 5116, or by email: jane@capsadvocacy.org for an informal chat.
Management Committee members must not be disqualified from acting as a charity trustee. This role is subject to Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme membership. CAPS is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, Scottish Charity number SC021772.
Advisor
Musselburgh and District Citizens Advice Bureau
Our volunteers who give advice to our clients are at the heart of our service and we could not manage without them.
The role of a CAB advisor is varied. All kinds of people volunteer as CAB advisors: providing free, confidential, independent and impartial advice. Our volunteer advisors help people deal with their problems and these are some of the activities our advisors undertake:
- Meeting clients - usually in person, but sometimes by phone or email
- Explaining the choices faced by clients and what they mean
- Offering practical help to clients by writing letters, making phone calls and helping fill in forms
- Referring clients to other agencies if they are better placed to help
- Using our electronic information system to give information to clients.
Home Library Delivery
East Lothian Council
You will deliver books to the same people once a month so that a rapport is built up. You can take as much or as little time as you can spare to carry out the deliveries. All we do is let you know which day for the delivery.
Drama facilitator assistant - East Lothian Youth Theatre
East Lothian Council Arts Services
East Lothian Youth Theatre run over 25 classes throughout East Lothian. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist in our growing classes! We would be particularly interested in people with experience with children with additional support needs and autism.
This is a great opportunity for someone looking to further their knowledge and experience of the performing arts. All our members aged 8 and up get the chance to perform in the Brunton Theatre in the heart of Musselburgh. Our classes run weekly during term time and all tutors are qualified professionals.
Volunteer Driver
British Heart Foundation (Edinburgh)
British Heart foundation is looking for volunteers to join our shop teams, volunteering is a practical opportunity to do something worthwhile, learn new skills, make friends and an opportunity to develop and help save lifes.
Mentor
Rock Trust
The Rock Trust aims to provide opportunities for young people to develop personal, social and practical skills, as well as the sense of self worth necessary for independent adult life.
The Rock Trust Networks Project has been created to help enable young people to develop ways in (re)building positive social networks necessary for moving into, or living in their own tenancies, and to re-engage positively in society.
Mentors would be expected to meet with a young person, who has been referred from the East Lothian Children’s and Families Throughcare and Aftercare Team on a regular basis for a couple of hours per week. The mentor would be engaging with the young person (aged 15-21years old) in a social activity such as cinema, going for a coffee or simply heading out for a walk. There is a minimum commitment of 1 year. Regular support and supervision will be provided by the Rock Trust Social Networks Support Worker, to discuss all areas of the opportunity. A police check is necessary to take up the opportunity
Sport/Activity Leader
Active Schools East Lothian
Active Schools volunteers will be placed in either a primary or secondary school in East Lothian. The area you work and the age group you work with will be your choice and only what you feel comfortable with. Most Active Schools clubs take place after school and in the evening but there are also some lunch clubs. Your role will either be to lead or assist with one of these clubs depending on qualifications and experience. This will involve taking the register, delivering the activity and ensuring that the children leave safely at the end. Active Schools clubs are about participation, enjoyment and encouraging a healthy lifestyle and they are open to all pupils in that school cluster. You will be supported by an Active Schools coordinator who will take you through an induction and be present at your first session to show you the ropes. Following this you will have regular meetings as and when required and be offered various development opportunities.
Activity Worker
East Lothian Young Carers
Help facilitate club meetings whether at an indoor or outdoor event. Responsible for the safety of young carers at club events, report any incidents to the clubs senior activity worker. Help with transport to and from clubs as an escort on a hired mini bus or taxi, contribute to planning the groups activities, to join in and have fun with all group activities.
Homewares Volunteer
Oxfam (East Lothian)
Time is a precious thing, donate yours and make a difference with Oxfam. We are looking for people to join the friendly volunteer team in the Haddington Oxfam shop to create a welcoming atmosphere and increase the shop's sales. As a Home wares Volunteer you would be:
- Sorting through incoming donated home wares stock and deciding what is and isn't saleable according to Oxfam's retail standards and Trading Standard's rules
- valuing, cleaning and pricing saleable home wares stock ready for the shop floor
- displaying and merchandising home wares products on the shop floor in order to maximise sales
- ensuring the mechanisms are in place in the shop to keep stock fresh and the shelves full
- monitoring home wares sales within the shop and working with the shop manager to plan for maximising sales within the shop
- utilising tools and guidelines from Oxfam and the shop manager in order to keep up with current trends and initiatives in selling home wares.
Assistant Driver
Recycling First
Daily uplift and delivery of good quality second hand furniture
Ensure proper care and everyday maintenance of vehicle
Supervise and organise workload
Keep accurate drivers log at end of each day
prioritise daily wok routes
must be fit and able to lift heavy furniture
have a clean driving licence and have the ability to use own initiative
Countryside Volunteers
East Lothian Council Countryside Section - Conservation Volunteers
The Ranger service operates a series of practical conservation events. typically every 1-2 months often on a Sunday. Events range from hedge planting, to dune conservation, to the monitoring of certain plants and animals. Volunteers receive support and relevant training from Rangers. Certain projects can be undertaken by individuals in a time scale of their own choosing. e.g squirrel recording, whilst other activities are group based and tied to fixed dates.
Come along, meet new people and gain new skills and experiences while you make a positive difference to your local environment and wildlife.
Volunteer Youth Worker
East Lothian Special Needs Playschemes
We are looking for people to provide 1-1 care and supervision in a supportive, fun environment for children with a wide range of special needs. We provide specialist playschemes during school holidays where the children can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, art, music, games, bouncy castles and days out. While the children are enjoying their time at playscheme their families are benefiting from some much needed respite. This opportunity is hard work but a lot of fun and provides extensive experience for those considering a career in childcare/nursing/teaching/caring etc.
Shop Volunteer
Save the Children
Our shops help raise lots of money for children living in the UK and in 120 countries worldwide. It’s always lovely chatting to our customers about the fabulous items we sell and telling them about the fantastic work that Save the Children does. You’ll get the chance to meet new people and make friends plus you’ll be part of an amazing team of volunteers.
There’s so much for you to get stuck in to when you’re volunteering in our shops. We get lots of donations and it's always exciting when one of our volunteers spots a real gem. You'll be taking in, sorting, steaming and pricing donations, rolling up your sleeves in the backroom as well as being on the shop floor.
Serving customers with a smile is so important. You’ll be using the till (don't worry, we'll show you how) and handling money. And when people come in to donate items you'll also be completing the Gift Aid forms that let their donations help us even more.
It’s really important that our window and shop displays look appealing so people keep visiting our shops. So you'll be wielding a duster and vacuum as well as your imagination to make the shop look its best.
It would be ideal if you could volunteer one shift a week, which is about four hours but we're also happy to have more flexible times. No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do and we provide all the training you’ll need. But if you have any experience or particular interest tell us, it may come in useful. It’s really easy to get your volunteering started. If you're over 18 years old, just click on ‘Apply’ and get filling in your details!
Volunteer Birthday Party Host
National Museums Scotland
The volunteer will assist the birthday party facilitators with delivering a package of activities for the parties and interact with people of all ages. They will be helping support staff to provide an enjoyable experience for our visitors.
Assistant Scout Leader
South East Scotland Scouts (Edinburgh)
We are looking for a new volunteer to support the leading of our Scout Troop. Scouts are boys and girls aged 10.5-14 years. Their leaders run a weekly meeting at Tranent Parish Church Hall on a Tuesday evening. Activities focus on having fun, being active and learning new things in a fun way. As you'd expect they play lots of games. You would volunteer under the leadership and support of the Scout Leader.
Home Library Service
East Lothian Council Library Services
Library staff make up bags of books for readers based on a profile which each reader completes. The volunteer then collects bags of books for up to 5 people from the library on a designated day and delivers them to each reader on a list. They will collect books which the reader has finished with and return these to the library. The volunteer often passes on information from readers about book choices and requests etc.
Anchor Section Leader
Boys’ Brigade (East Lothian)
Purpose: to assist with the running of a Boys’ Brigade section
Responsible for: to work alongside other volunteer leaders providing a safe, secure and happy environment for children to enjoy
Responsible to: Anchor Section Leader-in-Charge
Main Work:
• To assist the Leader-in-Charge with the preparation of suitable programmes for the children
• To supervise the children and to assist them as necessary during activities
• To help deliver the programme where necessary
• To prepare materials and equipment as required
• To ensure that Health and Safety procedures are carried out at all times
• To implement the requirements of the Child Protection Policy
Anchor Section is for children in Primary 1 to Primary 3 (5-8 year olds).
Junior Section Leader
Boys’ Brigade (East Lothian)
Purpose: to assist with the running of a Boys’ Brigade section
Responsible for: to work alongside other volunteer leaders providing a safe, secure and happy environment for young people to enjoy.
Responsible to: Junior Section Leader-in-Charge
Main Work:
• To assist the Leader-in-Charge with the preparation of suitable programmes for the children
• To supervise the children and to assist them as necessary during activities
• To help deliver the programme where necessary
• To prepare materials and equipment as required
• To ensure that Health and Safety procedures are carried out at all times
• To implement the requirements of the Child Protection Policy
Junior Section is for children in Primary 4 to Primary 6 (8-11 year olds).
Anchor Section Leader
Boys’ Brigade (East Lothian)
Purpose: to assist with the running of a Boys’ Brigade section
Responsible for: to work alongside other volunteer leaders providing a safe, secure and happy environment for children to enjoy
Responsible to: Anchor Section Leader-in-Charge
Main Work:
• To assist the Leader-in-Charge with the preparation of suitable programmes for the children
• To supervise the children and to assist them as necessary during activities
• To help deliver the programme where necessary
• To prepare materials and equipment as required
• To ensure that Health and Safety procedures are carried out at all times.
• To implement the requirements of the Child Protection Policy
Anchor Section is for children in Primary 1 to Primary 3 (5-8 year olds).
Company Section Leader
Boys’ Brigade (East Lothian)
Purpose: to assist with the running of a Boys’ Brigade section
Responsible for: to work alongside other volunteer leaders providing a safe, secure and happy environment for young people to enjoy.
Responsible to: Company Section Leader-in-Charge
Main Work:
• To assist the Leader-in-Charge with the preparation of suitable programmes for the young people
• To supervise the young people and to assist them as necessary during activities
• To help deliver the programme where necessary
• To prepare materials and equipment as required
• To ensure that Health and Safety procedures are carried out at all times
• To implement the requirements of the Child Protection Policy
Company Section is for young people in Primary 7 to Secondary 3 (11-15 year olds).
Junior Section Leader
Boys’ Brigade (East Lothian)
Purpose: to assist with the running of a Boys’ Brigade section
Responsible for: to work alongside other volunteer leaders providing a safe, secure and happy environment for children to enjoy
Responsible to: Junior Section Leader-in-Charge
Main Work:
• To assist the Leader-in-Charge with the preparation of suitable programmes for the children
• To supervise the children and to assist them as necessary during activities
• To help deliver the programme where necessary
• To prepare materials and equipment as required
• To ensure that Health and Safety procedures are carried out at all times
• To implement the requirements of the Child Protection Policy
Junior Section is for children in Primary 4 to Primary 6 (8-11 year olds).
Surf Mentor
The Wave Project - Scotland
The Wave Project is a volunteer-led initiative that uses surfing and peer-mentoring to help young people overcome varying challenges that they face through social isolation, disability or mental health problems.
This exciting project takes place in Dunbar, running alongside Coast to Coast Surf School and needs your help! The Wave Project depends on committed and enthusiastic volunteers in order to deliver first class programmes. If you feel you could spare a few hours on a Tuesday or Thursday afternoon to jump in the water alongside some of our young people please do not hesitate to get in contact! Water experience is not required though may be helpful.
Get Outdoors and get out of your head
Life Science Trust (Edinburgh)
Help to dig out the foundations for the first student chalet at Pishwanton Wood. Chalets are being constructed to house students and visitors to Pishwanton Community Wood in order that they may stay on site instead of having to be a few miles away.
Barrowing earth to make a wheelchair accessible ramp 10 yards into the wood.
Barrowing top-soil to the herb and vegetable gardens.
Charity Shop - Driver (Dunbar)
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)
We require weekly drivers, regular rota drivers and relief drivers who may be called upon to cover any unavailability of our regular team.
Charity Shop - Stock Room (Haddington)
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)
The role includes:
* Sorting stock
* Hanging and ticketing stock
* Steaming Stock
* Ticketing bric-a-brac
* Pricing books
Help keep the stock room clean and tidy.
Rugby/Football Coaching Opportunity
Progressive Sports Development
Progressive Sports Development offers a variety of opportunities for volunteers to help us make a difference within our community.
Volunteering Opportunities:
•Improve your sports coaching skills
•Give something back to your local community
•Support delivery of social inclusion projects
•Get involved in disability sport
•Support our coaches at our football academies
Volunteer Shop Assistant - Haddington
Sue Ryder (London)
Our charity shop in Haddington is looking for volunteer shop assistants to carry out a range of tasks from sorting out donations in the back room to helping customers and making sales on the shop floor. This is a great opportu
nity to gain practical experience in the retail industry; learn about pricing goods, visual display, marketing and cash-handling; and become more confident in dealing with the public. There are opportunities to share your knowledge and interest in clothes, books or collectibles by concentrating on a particular section of the store, gain a valuable NVQ in Customer Care or Retail, and make make new friends.
Assistant Beaver Scout Leader
South East Scotland Scouts
We are looking for a new volunteer to support the leading of our Beaver Colony. Beavers are boys and girls aged 6 to 8 years and they are the youngest section of the Scouts. Their leaders run a weekly meeting at Tranent Parish Church Hall on a Tuesday evening, 5.30-6.30pm. Activities focus on having fun and making friends. As you'd expect they play lots of games and make things (and so do the Beavers!). You would volunteer under the leadership and support of the Beaver Scout Leader.
Assistant Cub Scout Leader
South East Scotland Scouts
We are looking for someone with enthusiasm and energy for volunteering with children. Skills in crafts, art, music, or any hobby can be shared but are not essential. Volunteers currently run a weekly meeting in the early evening during school term time that usually lasts 1.5 hours. Activities focus on having fun, making friends and learning new things in an engaging way. As you'd expect they play lots of games and make things (and so do the children!). If you get involved you will be volunteering under the supervision and support of an experienced leader who will help you learn the role.
Beaver Scout Helper (Dunbar)
South East Scotland Scouts
We are looking for a few new volunteers to support the leading of our Beaver Colonies. Beavers are boys and girls aged 6 to 8 years and they are the youngest section of the Scouts.
There are two leadership teams which each currently run a weekly meeting at Bleachingfield Community Centre on a Tuesday evening; one at 5.00 - 6.00pm and the second at 6.30 - 7.30pm. Activities focus on having fun and making friends. As you'd expect they play lots of games and make things (and so do the Beavers!). If you get involved you would volunteer under the supervision and support of the Beaver Scout Leader.
Beaver Scout Helper (North Berwick)
South East Scotland Scouts
We are looking for a few new volunteers to support the leading of our Beaver Colony.
Beavers are boys and girls aged 6 to 8 years and they are the youngest section of the Scouts.
Their leaders run a weekly meeting at North Berwick Scout Hall on a Monday evening at 5.30-6.30pm. Activities focus on having fun and making friends. As you'd expect they play lots of games and make things (and so do the Beavers!). If you get involved you would volunteer under the leadership and support of the Beaver Scout Leader.
Charity Shop - Display & Merchandising (Dunbar)
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)
The role inculdes:
* Selecting stock for shop windows
* Organising a theme for the displays
* Dressing window models and window displays
* Dressing interior displays
Charity Shop Display & Merchandising-North Berwick
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)
The role includes:
* Selecting stock for shop windows
* Organising a theme for the displays
* Dressing window models and window displays
* Dressing interior displays
Helper/Supporter
New Beginnings Club East Lothian
The role includes chatting to people, encouraging and supporting people to play games especially recognise numbers to play bingo and support members to serve refreshments at the break. The new beginnings club has planned activities throughout the year including arts and crafts sessions, nature walks, a weekly radio show on East Coast FM, fundraising activities and bus trips. Volunteers who get involved in the new beginnings club and are interested can take part in other activities the club runs but our first priority is to get two supporters helping out at our Wednesday evening social. This is held fortnightly in the Town House Haddington from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The club is very welcoming, very friendly and very much into having fun.
Retail Volunteer
Bethany Christian Trust - Gullane Shop
Retail volunteers are the backbone of our shops. A day can include sorting donations, operating the till or pricing stock- but every day, and every shop, is different! Each volunteer brings their own skills, experience and character to a role.
Saltire Awards Ambassador
STRiVE
We’re looking for young volunteers from East Lothian to become Saltire Awards Ambassadors!
Being a Saltire Awards Ambassador gives you lots of new and exciting opportunities, such as creating podcasts, arranging the annual Awards ceremony, promotion through social media and development training. The skills you develop as an Ambassador include public speaking, communication skills, organisation skills and building self-confidence.
Across East Lothian there are young people who are Saltire Awards Ambassadors. If you would like to join them and become part of a supportive and friendly team, then get in touch!
Visitor Services Assistant
National Trust for Scotland (East Lothian)
To welcome visitors and ensure they have an enjoyable and informative experience.
To promote (or actively sell after training) membership of the NTS.
To encourage tours of the Mill and issue tickets.
To serve customers in the shop and assist the Senior Property Assistant with stock display and replenishment.
To assist with the cleaning of the property before opening and throughout the day.
To assist with the safety and security of the property and visitors, and to ensure that the visitors appreciate and respect the property, its contents and the work of the NTS here.
To provide a high-quality and positive experience of the work of the NTS on behalf of the nation.
To contribute to mystery visit scores and the retention of our VisitScotland 4-star rating.
To train to be able to delegate for the Senior Property Assistant if desired.
This is a complete role and you must be willing to undertake all of the above following training.
Volunteers are required to dress smart casual for this role.
Tour Guide – Preston Mill
National Trust for Scotland (East Lothian)
To inform and inspire our visitors by providing an accurate and engaging guided tour of the Mill.
To welcome visitors and ensure they have an enjoyable and informative experience.
To assist with the safety and security of the property and visitors, and to ensure that the visitors appreciate and respect the property, its contents and the work of the NTS here.
To provide a high-quality and positive experience of the work of the National Trust for Scotland on behalf of the nation.
To promote membership and to contribute to mystery visit scores and the retention of our VisitScotland 4-star rating.
Volunteers are required to dress smartly or smart/casual for this role.
Buddy
Musselburgh and District Citizens Advice Bureau
Citizen's Advice Musselburgh is offering much needed support to our client's attending a health assessment for disability benefits. For many people this assessment is very stressful. The Buddy will attend the health assessment with the client and act as a witness to the assessment. There is some limited note taking in the form of a 'tick list'.
Full training will be given. You will talk to the client before the assessment date and meet the client at the assessment centre. We have a Buddy co-ordinator to support and guide you.
A Buddy makes a real difference but don't take our word for it -
'I was very anxious about it but my Citizen's Advice Buddy came with me. It was great to have someone with me who understood the process and she was really reassuring' Client B
Sales Floor Assistant
British Heart Foundation - North Berwick
The British Heart Foundation is looking for volunteers to join our shop teams, volunteering is a practical opportunity to do something worthwhile, learn new skills, make friends and an opportunity to develop and help save lives. If you enjoy talking to people and can provide great customer service then this could be the opportunity for you!
The role involves helping customers on the sales floor, promoting the Gift Aid scheme to donators, assisting on the sales floor, putting out stock and keeping the sales floor looking great.
Volunteering can help you gain valuable work experience, meet people, make new friends and learn or develop your skills, your time helps raise vital funds to beat heart disease.
Walk Leader - Prestonpans
Ageing Well - East Lothian
A health walk is a short, local walk usually lasting between 30 and 60 minutes and 1/2 to 2 1/2 miles long. Once trained you will join a network of over 6000 walk leader volunteers in the UK. The training takes place every few months, only takes a day and is most enjoyable. Walk leaders work in pairs, it is a very sociable activity. You will have the opportunity to be outside, keeping active, using the skills you already have and learning new ones. You will gain a sense of achievement from encouraging and supporting others and making a valuable contribution to our project.
Safety Guide
Risk Factory (The)
The Risk Factory is an exciting new purpose-built centre in Edinburgh, designed to allow visitors to experience first hand a range of real-life risk situations and learn how to deal with them in a controlled and supervised environment. Our volunteer Safety Guides escort groups of children around the Lifeline Hazard Scenarios at the Centre, encouraging them to identify dangers and take action to reduce and avoid risks. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE AND SOMEONE WAS TRAPPED INSIDE? OR HOW ABOUT IF YOUR DOG FELL INTO A CANAL? We'll train you in a range of safety skills so that you can pass that knowledge on to help visitors cope with dangers when they face them in daily life.
Sport/Activity Leader
Active Schools East Lothian
Active Schools volunteers will be placed in either a primary or secondary school in East Lothian. The area you work and the age group you work with will be your choice and only what you feel comfortable with. Most Active Schools clubs take place after school and in the evening but there are also some lunch clubs. Your role will either be to lead or assist with one of these clubs depending on qualifications and experience. This will involve taking the register, delivering the activity and ensuring that the children leave safely at the end. Active Schools clubs are about participation, enjoyment and encouraging a healthy lifestyle and they are open to all pupils in that school cluster. You will be supported by an Active Schools coordinator who will take you through an induction and be present at your first session to show you the ropes. Following this you will have regular meetings as and when required and be offered various development opportunities.
Shop Assistant
RNLI (East Lothian)
Interesting souvenirs for children and adults working directly with local community and visitors in the area. Using electronic till and swipe machine. Helping with displays, general enquires and cash handeling.
LGBT Age Befriender
LGBT (East Lothian)
A befriender will form a supportive relationship with an older LGBT person and spend between 1-2 hours a week with the person, giving them space and encouragement to be themselves. The client may just want a bit of banter or to pursue a hobby with support. The befriender may be their only link to the LGBT community and may therefore offer a valuable service in allowing an otherwise isolated individual to express themselves without care or concern. Training and support are offered by the project, including ongoing training opportunities to develop practice and learn new skills. An Enhanced Disclosure check is required as lone working with vulnerable adults is involved. Peer support groups are arranged by the project for volunteers to share experiences and learning. A minimum 6 months commitment post-training is requested.
Daycare Volunteer
Gullane Day Centre
Our service helps older people to socially interact with others who they may have known in various walks of life before their old age. Many make new friends and friendships blossom. We also encourage our members to join in our activities, outings and information services.
Van Assistant
Recycling First
Must be over 21 years of age, must be fit and able to lift heavy furniture. Assist with the cleaning of the vehicle at the end of each week also ensure proper care of the vehicle. Help with the cleaning and organisation of the warehouse. Must have the ability to use own initiative and work under pressure. Good knowledge of East Lothian.
Assist with the driving of the van for those in possession of a driving licence.
Support Worker
STAR Youth Club
Star Youth Club provides a weekly opportunity for teenagers with special needs to meet with friends and enjoy a variety of activities. For many of our members it is their only night of the week where they get a break from their parents and their only opportunity to socialise in a way that most mainstream teenagers take for granted. Our volunteers provide care and support to ensure that our members are able to get the best out of their time at youth club. While the members are enjoying their youth club their families are benefiting from some much needed rest.
Events Organiser
British Wireless for the Blind Fund ( East Lothian )
The British Wireless for the Blind Fund requires Volunteer Event Organisers to assist in organising a variety of different activities throughout the year. This is an opportunity to get involved in organising events ranging from gigs, quizzes and supper evenings, themed dances, pamper parties, sponsored events and activity days. This is your chance to be creative and to come up with new innovative ideas to raise money for this much loved charity.
As a Volunteer Events Organiser you should enjoy planning and organising or, want to develop these skills as part of your career development. This exciting role will be varied and suit someone who already has, or would like to develop events planning or project management experience.
This is a great opportunity to really make a difference by raising vital funds for the British Wireless for the Blind Fund.
Community Cafe Helper
The Ridge
The Ridge Café is a community run initiative and it is hoped that it will become a hub for training, catered events/parties and for getting locally grown food into the food-chain.
We are looking for people who are interested in a career in catering or who would benefit from working in a small, friendly community kitchen/café environment. The Ridge Café is open 6 days a week during the day and holds events in the evenings. You can volunteer on a set day and time each week or you can volunteer for specific events, for example, childrens parties or special meals – St. Valentines, Burns Night etc. You chose how many hours you want to volunteer.
You would be supported by Sue, the Manager of the Café who is a very experienced chef and is happy to pass on her knowledge and skills.
We offer free Rehis (The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland) training in Food Hygiene. Travel expenses will be refunded.
Bookbug Session Leader
East Lothian Council Library Services
Bookbug sessions are free story, song and rhyme sessions aimed at babies and preschool children and their parent/carer. Each session lasts around 30 minutes, it’s free to take part and there is no need to book.
Bookbug sessions help to build children’s confidence and social skills, aid language development and early literacy, foster emotional and social wellbeing and most importantly are lots of fun.
Full training and the opportunity to sit in on an established leader session would be given before leading your own sessions.
Broadcaster
East Coast FM
A chance to get hands on experience of a radio station and learn all aspects of broadcasting Live radio programmes.
Community Fundraiser
Save the Children (Scotland)
Local Groups are an effective way for volunteers to lend their support for our work. They provide continuity and stability to our volunteering network. Groups contribute to our work by raising vital funds and awareness.
Supporter groups are a key part of Save the Children, representing the charity in their
communities. Some groups have been going for more than 30 years, showing incredible dedication to raise money and awareness for the world’s most vulnerable children. Some have now raised over £1 million!
It's really flexible:
• You'll only need to give a couple of hours a week
• You can fit your role around your interest and skills
• Most meetings happen in the evening, so they won't clash with your job or daytime activities
Supporter Group Member
Save the Children (Scotland)
Local Groups are an effective way for volunteers to lend their support for our work. They provide continuity and stability to our volunteering network. Groups contribute to our work by raising vital funds and awareness.
Supporter groups are a key part of Save the Children, representing the charity in their communities. As a supporter group member you can tailor your role to suit your interests and skills. Each group has several roles including a group co-ordinator, treasurer, press officer and more. It’s really flexible; you only need to give a couple of hours a week. Meetings happen in the evening, so they won't clash with your job or daytime activities.
Event Support Volunteer
British Lung Foundation - Breathe Easy East Lothian
We are looking for Event Support Volunteers for our Lung Health Events which cater for around 100 people affected by a lung condition. These events raise awareness of local services and support the work of the British Lung Foundation nationally. You'd be helping out with tasks like:
- Showing people to tables
- Manning our registration desk and handing out information packs
- Helping host information stands
- Helping with refreshments.
In Memoriam Volunteer
British Heart Foundation (Edinburgh)
In Memoriam giving is an important way for families affected by heart disease to remember a loved one and provide a vital source of funds to support the work of the charity. In Memoriam donations are usually made by friends or family in lieu of flowers at a funeral. The Gift of Hope Fund is an ongoing trubute fund usually set up by the family of a loved one who has passed away to remember them. This vital role is about promoting the importance of In Memoriam donations and the Gift of Hope to the work of the charity. You will be the local contact for In Memoriam donations, the role will involve:
- Visiting funeral directors in your area and being their point of contact with the charity
- Building up a relationship with your funeral directors to help them understand the difference In Memoriam donations make to the chartiy and how the money is spent
- Delivering materials (leaflets, envelopes etc) to funeral directors
- Collecting and banking In Memoriam donations from funeral directors. Writing to bereaved families to acknowledge and thank them for their donations.
eBay Assistant
British Heart Foundation - North Berwick
The British Heart Foundation is looking for volunteers to join our shop teams, volunteering is a practical opportunity to do something worthwhile, learn new skills, make friends and an opportunity to develop and help save lives. If you love eBay and enjoy looking for fantastic bargains online and are interested in unusual items, then this could be the opportunity for you!
This opportunity involves identifying collectable antique or trend items, researching potential eBay items and submitting to the online team.
Volunteering can help you gain valuable work experience, meet people, make new friends and learn or develop your skills.
Your time helps raise vital funds to beat heart disease.
Welcome Volunteer
Royal Voluntary Service (East Lothian)
Our volunteers would listen carefully taking a note of what the older person needs and would like to happen. They would work closely with the Service Manager and other volunteers to tailor our services to meet the older persons needs whilst using available resources to signpost to other organisations that may help. The volunteer would meet the older person again to explain the activities, services or support offered to them with regular reviewing and revisiting as the older person requires.
Volunteer for CAPS/LEARN Advocacy Promotion
CAPS Independent Advocacy
The role is to represent and promote Independent Advocacy in Edinburgh and the Lothians. To attend promotional events, meet and greet people , promoting Independent advocacy services and how this can be of benefit. You need to have a friendly and approachable manner and be able to communicate sensitively with people form a wide variety of backgrounds and occasionally people who may be experiencing distress.
To provide information and signposting regarding Independent Advocacy/ CAPS services.
To set up and man promotional stalls. To monitor leaflets /resources and inform the volunteer coordinator when resources need to be replaced.
Training and mentoring will be provided in this role.
Sport/Activity Leader
Active Schools East Lothian
Active Schools volunteers will be placed in either a primary or secondary school in East Lothian. The area you work and the age group you work with will be your choice and only what you feel comfortable with. Most Active Schools clubs take place after school and in the evening but there are also some lunch clubs. Your role will either be to lead or assist with one of these clubs depending on qualifications and experience. This will involve taking the register, delivering the activity and ensuring that the children leave safely at the end. Active Schools clubs are about participation, enjoyment and encouraging a healthy lifestyle and they are open to all pupils in that school cluster. You will be supported by an Active Schools coordinator who will take you through an induction and be present at your first session to show you the ropes. Following this you will have regular meetings as and when required and be offered various development opportunities.
Code Club Leader/Helper
East Lothian Council Library Services
Help others learn the fun of coding using your skills and knowledge! Coding Clubs consist of a weekly one-hour session for Primary 5 – S1. The volunteers would support them in their tasks, whilst being under the supervision of another staff member.
Computer Buddy
East Lothian Council Library Services
Help others join the digital world by passing on your computer skills. You do not have to be a whizz kid. Many of our clients have very little or no computer experience. Many just want to set up an email or do some internet shopping. Or you could help someone with job searching.
Buddies may be asked to help the learner to use their own devices including tablets, ipads, laptops.
Play Helper
Pencaitland Playgroup
We are looking for a reliable volunteer to work under the supervision of our experienced and qualified Play Leader and Play Assistant. You do not need any formal qualifications to apply but ideally you should got on well with children, parents or carers. A responsible and caring attitude is essential along with a dash of patience and tolerance!
You could be involved in activities ranging from art, craft and cooking, to outdoor games.
The task you will be involved in include:
- Setting up/clearing up of play areas, materials and equipment
- Preparing daily snacks
- Encouraging fair & caring behaviour amongst the children
- Talking to the children and encourage their development
- Liaising with parents & carers
- Supervise play time
- Provide support to the Play Leader & Assistant
- Take part in outings
Company Section Leader
Boys’ Brigade (East Lothian)
Purpose: to assist with the running of a Boys’ Brigade section
Responsible for: to work alongside other volunteer leaders providing a safe, secure and happy environment for young people to enjoy.
Responsible to: Company Section Leader-in-Charge
Main Work:
• To assist the Leader-in-Charge with the preparation of suitable programmes for the young people
• To supervise the young people and to assist them as necessary during activities
• To help deliver the programme where necessary
• To prepare materials and equipment as required
• To ensure that Health and Safety procedures are carried out at all times
• To implement the requirements of the Child Protection Policy
Company Section is for young people in Primary 7 to Secondary 3 (11-15 year olds).
Junior Section Leader
Boys’ Brigade (East Lothian)
Purpose: to assist with the running of a Boys’ Brigade section
Responsible for: to work alongside other volunteer leaders providing a safe, secure and happy environment for children to enjoy
Responsible to: Junior Section Leader-in-Charge
Main Work:
• To assist the Leader-in-Charge with the preparation of suitable programmes for the children
• To supervise the children and to assist them as necessary during activities
• To help deliver the programme where necessary
• To prepare materials and equipment as required
• To ensure that Health and Safety procedures are carried out at all times
• To implement the requirements of the Child Protection Policy
Junior Section is for children in Primary 4 to Primary 6 (8-11 year olds).
Charity Shop - Shop Floor (Dunbar)
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)
This is an opportunity to undertake a satisfying and rewarding role as part of the shop team volunteers. Working in a friendly atmosphere while providing an extremely useful and appreciated role.
The role includes:
* Assisting customers and making them feel welcome
* customer service and sales service
* putting stock on the sales floor from the stock room
* keepig the rails and shelves tidy
* operating the till
* rotating stock
Charity Shop- Shop Floor (North Berwick)
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)
The role includes;
* Assisting customers and making them feel welcome
* Customer service and sales service
* Putting stock on the sales floor from the stock room
* Keeping the rails and shelves tidy
* Operating the till
* Rotating stock
Charity Shop - Stockroom (North Berwick)
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)
The role includes:
* Sorting stock
* Hanging and ticketing stock
* Steaming stock
* Ticketing bric-a-brac
* Pricing books
Help keep the stock room clean and tidy
Charity Shop - Driver (Haddington)
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)
We require weekly drivers, regular rota drivers and relief drivers who may be called upon to cover any unavailability of our regular team.
Charity Shop Assistant
Salvation Army - Tranent Charity Shop
We are looking for volunteers to join us at our shop where we have a fun and easy going atmosphere. The volunteer role includes checking and getting donations ready to go out in to the main shop, this includes tagging and hanging clothes, pricing our wide range of goods such as bric-a-brac, shoes, handbags, books, toys and DVDs. You could also help with our window displays and when you felt comfortable you can get involved with serving customers.
Assistant Scout Leader (North Berwick)
South East Scotland Scouts
We are looking for a new volunteer to support the leading of our Scout Troop. Scouts are people (boys and girls) aged 6-8 years. There are two Scout Troops running weekly at North Berwick Scout Hall; one on a Wednesday night and the second on a Thursday night. We only ask volunteers to help one of the Scout Troops, not both. Activities focus on having fun, being active and learning new things in a fun way. The volunteers also seek to provide the young people with opportunities to get outdoors and experience some adventure from time to time. You would volunteer under the leadership and support of the Scout Leader.
Sales Assistant
Save the Children Shop - North Berwick
All of our shops are led by volunteers – Save the Children in North Berwick is looking to build a strong team of fabulous retailers to help raise money and awareness. The Sales Assistant role would primarily involve serving customers, thanking them for their donations and helping to process stock for hidden treasures. Each day is different as we never know what will come through the door but we can guarantee a lovely friendly working environment, fun and endless cups of tea!
Previous retail experience would be wonderful but not essential as all training will be provided.
Stewarding
Little Big Screen
You can choose from a range or Volunteering roles
1. Join the Organising Group
2. Publicity (Website, Facebook, Posters etc.)
3. Film Equipment (Training will be provided)
4. Setting up / cleaning hall
5. Stewarding
6. Serving Tea and Coffee
Publicity Coordinator
The Garleton Singers
The Garleton Singers is looking for someone to assist our Committee in promoting our concerts over the “season” from September to June.
The activity will include liaison with other choirs, agreeing the sizing and placement of our advert in a variety of publications across the Lothians in good time to maximise our support and the size of our audiences. Close liaison with the choir Website Coordinator and Programme Editor will be essential. In addition they would coordinate the concert review arrangements and ensure dissemination as appropriate.
The work can largely be undertaken from home by email and phone calls, but will also involve meetings across East Lothian with committee members, supporters and promoters, flyer distribution and occasional appearance on East Coast FM. A full remit of tasks and timetable is available on request.
Volunteer Coach
Lothian Disability Badminton Club
Volunteers play a massive part in the running of LDBC. They provide a fun, friendly and exciting atmosphere for our club members. They can make such a big difference to a player’s confidence and badminton playing ability.
All of our volunteers have the opportunity to under go training to become qualified coaches. We can guarantee that you’ll have a great time and will learn new skills whilst enjoying yourself.
Battlefield Tour Guide & Re-enactment Steward
Battle Of Prestonpans 1745 Heritage Trust
Battlefield tour guides are required to lead tours of the Battle of Prestonpans site. You will lead small groups around the historical site detailing the action battle as you go. There are Interpretation Boards along the route and a significant viewpoint atop the Battle Bing at Meadowfield. Tours will include monuments and from June 2016 the Bankton House Doo'cot exhibition. The splendid 104 metre Battle of Prestonpans Tapestry is well documented and on exhibition from time to time locally when not on tour. Opportunity to steward the tapestry at exhibitions also arises.
Re-enactments take place each September 21st in association with the Scottish Battlefields Trust and during the year there are several re-enactments by our Alan Breck Regiment of Highlanders and Redcoats from the Edinburgh City Guard.
Retail Volunteer
Barnardo's Charity Shop - Pinkie Branch
If you are keen to learn new skills, meet new people or wish to gain experience for future employment this might be the volunteering opportunity for you! We are looking for friendly, open and committed people to help in the local Musselburgh Pinkie Barnardo’s store. The hours can be flexible and we offer a range of retail tasks
Collective Advocacy Participant ‘Much More than a Label’ (Personality Disorder Project) Volunteer
CAPS Independent Advocacy
Would you like to raise awareness of Personality Disorder, campaign for change, improvements in services and fight against stigma? ‘Much More than a label ‘Collective Advocacy project are looking for people who identify with having lived experience of Personality Disorders to join this exciting, active and innovative project.
The aim of the project is for people who have been given a diagnosis of a personality disorder or had experiences that they feel fit with a personality disorder diagnosis to come together, have a collective voice and create change.The group decides what it wants to do (it is experience-led) and has a CAPS staff member to enable/facilitate its decisions
Individuals can get involved in a way which suits them. Activities and achievements of the group so far have included: developing and delivering experience led training; creating films based around experiences of living with Personality Disorder; organising various awareness events, creating leaflets and resource packs based on peoples’ lived experience, responding to and creating consultations and attending and delivering presentations at conferences.
(Collective advocacy is where a group of people who are all facing a common problem and have had similar experiences get together to work on specific issues and have their voices heard. The group as a whole may campaign on an issue that affects them. A collective voice can be stronger than that of an individual, as groups are more difficult to ignore.)
Volunteering opportunities advertised
across
East Lothian:
145
Our volunteer drivers provide service users with lifts to hospital or GP appointments so that they can access vital medical care and treatment. They also help service users to get to support groups, supermarkets and other activities, as well as collecting and delivering prescriptions and helping to take children to playgroups. Drivers quickly get to know service users and build up a rapport with them, making it a really sociable and rewarding role.
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• To assist the Trust in the provision of outreach services of meditation and spiritual healing to recipients in community venues such as hospices, care homes, community centres. Our services public service is designed and delivered in partnership with statutory and third sector organisations. We also provide services of meditation and spiritual healing to people at home.
• The trainee healer is given the opportunity to develop their own spiritual growth by participating in our two year healing practitioner training programme.
• The provision of spiritual healing (contact healing) is fully supervised in our weekly development class and in outreach settings.
• Volunteers new to meditation are helped to develop this practice.
• Trainees are expected to attend supervised practice in order to monitor progress and is a requirement of their ongoing assessment process.
• Each person is required to be respectful and supportive of the spiritual pathways walked by others both within and out with the Trust.
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Lego clubs consist of a weekly 1 hour drop-in session in libraries. Lego Clubs are suitable for children aged 8 and over. Younger children to be accompanied by an adult. The role of the volunteer is just to supervise children, ensuring that they are safe.They are also expected to engage with children and to ensure that the club runs smoothly. Lego Club Volunteers need to be members of the PVG scheme.
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Local groups are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's, their families and carers across the UK.
The Support Group Coordinator keeps the group organised and running smoothly.
As a Support Group Coordinator, you may:
• act as a contact for local and UK office staff, • arrange the group's programme of activities, • organise room booking and refreshments, • organise outings and meals out, • work with the Volunteer Co-ordinator to enable the group to operate within Parkinson's UK's guidelines to bring forward the day when no-one fears Parkinson's.
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The Zap group meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 pm until 7.30 pm on Wednesday evenings at Prestonpans Community Centre. We were fortunate to get a lottery grant and with this we purchased a large range of activities that the youth could enjoy. The group are all on the spectrum of Autism / Aspergers syndrome and the group is a safe place to socialise and to learn.
We currently have four staff and the ratio of staff to young person is 1 to 2. We run summer programmes and celebrate events like Christmas and Halloween.
The young people have learned a lot from the group and we have learned a lot about how best to support young people who have this condition. We are currently looking for volunteers in order that we might expand provision and invite other youth to join us. There is always a demand for more young people to come along. For people preparing for a community based career or just wishing to give time to the community with an interesting group, this would be a really good volunteering opportunity. Volunteers could opt into summer work or commit to term time
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Radio Saltire is a Community Radio Station. Our volunteers work with the local community by presenting programmes of interest to the community. We offer training for all aspects of our services.
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Purpose: to assist with the running of a Boys’ Brigade section
Responsible for: to work alongside other volunteer leaders providing a safe, secure and happy environment for children to enjoy.
Responsible to: Anchor Section Leader-in-Charge
Main Work:
• To assist the Leader-in-Charge with the preparation of suitable programmes for the children
• To supervise the children and to assist them as necessary during activities
• To help deliver the programme where necessary
• To prepare materials and equipment as required
• To ensure that Health and Safety procedures are carried out at all times.
• To implement the requirements of the Child Protection Policy
Anchor Section is for children in Primary 1 to Primary 3 (5-8 year olds).
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The role includes:
* Sorting stock
* Hanging and ticketing stock
* Steaming Stock
* Ticketing bric-a-brac
* Pricing books
Help keep the stock room clean and tidy.
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We require weekly drivers, regular rota drivers and relief drivers who may be called upon to cover any unavailability of our regular team.
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The role includes:
* Assisting customers and making them feel welcome
* customer service and sales service
* putting stock on the sales floor from the stock room
* keepig the rails and shelves tidy
* operating the till
* rotating stock
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