We need people to tell us their own stories of how they have been impacted by stroke, to help us to raise awareness in the media and elsewhere. When we want to talk about stroke, we find that people are more inclined to listen if we use real stories that are told by people affected by stroke. Can you help us to do that?

Clachworks CIC are currently looking for a volunteer to compile and submit funding applications for our Tool Library and skills workshops. Funding is needed to allow us to continue with the work that we are doing and to allow us to expand. Responsibilities: • Research and identify sources of funding and grants that match the company’s objectives • Write high quality and winning funding proposals We are looking for self motivated, organised individuals with excellent written communication skills, preferably with expertise in submitting funding applications, to local and national government and other organisations who may advertise funds that we may make applications to. You are able to volunteer from home and as the time required for this opportunity can vary a degree of flexibility is required to meet required deadlines for applications.

Mentoring is a fantastic and rewarding way to make a difference to the life of someone else. Apart from the personal satisfaction of helping someone, it is also an opportunity to enhance your own life and build new skills. A minimum commitment of 1 year is needed to ensure these goals can be met. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a life limiting condition that currently affects around 1000 people in Scotland. The Butterfly Trust aspires to improving the quality of life for people affected by Cystic Fibrosis by providing support, promoting people's rights and helping them to live independently. Mentors offer support to adults with Cystic Fibrosis to empower them to achieve a better quality of life. This is facilitated by the mentor and aimed at: increasing the client's independence improving and enhancing social skills broadening their horizons and exploring concerns, to improve self-esteem, enhance their overall coping skills and the person's quality of life in general. A Mentor will meet with the person regularly (typically for 3 hours every 2 weeks) to build a trusting one-to-one relationship enabling the person to explore their concerns and feelings, discuss their aspirations and grow life skills, to support them in achieving goals or just giving them someone to talk to helping to alleviate the stress in their lives. A session might simply be an opportunity to chat, e.g. over a snack or coffee, or may involve a specific activity such as sport or creative/arts. A Mentor might also be required to help with official systems and forms, easing the process of applying for such things as housing, a college place or even employment. It is a requirement for mentors to have held a full driving licence for at least 2 years and have access to a smoke-free car. After applying you will be asked to complete an application form and to meet with us for a short informal interview. Mentors will then attend an induction event (expenses paid) and the trust will acquire PVG clearance on their behalf, before being paired up with an appropriate client in the Glasgow area, within a reasonable distance from your home.

Our befriending service, sponsored by Children in Need, is a fantastic and rewarding way to make a real difference to the life of someone else. Apart from the personal satisfaction of helping someone, it is also an opportunity to enhance your own life experience and build new skills. Befrienders MUST have held a full driving licence for at least 2 years and have the use of a smoke free car. A minimum commitment of 1 year is needed to ensure these goals can be met. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a life limiting condition that currently affects around 1200 people in Scotland. The Butterfly Trust aspires to improving the quality of life for people affected by Cystic Fibrosis by providing support, promoting people's rights and helping them to live independently. Our befrienders offer one to one face-to-face support to a young person aged 8 to 18, who has Cystic Fibrosis. Young people living with this condition have a demanding daily treatment regime at home and sometimes experience limitations that can affect their confidence and ability to cope with the challenges of everyday living. They may also be socially isolated because of their condition. A befriender will meet with the young person for around 3 hours every 1 to 2 weeks, away from the home environment, to build a trusting one to one relationship. A session might simply be an opportunity to chat, eg over a snack or coffee, or may involve a specific activity such as sport or creative/arts. This will allow the young person space and a suitable environment to explore their feelings, discuss their fears, develop life skills and grow in the areas where they may be struggling. Desirable qualities required include good listening skills, patience and an adaptable attitude. Training and support is provided; and expenses reimbursed.

Our Virtual Home Assessors play a vital role in delivery of our service by interviewing potential volunteer pet foster carers to assess their house, home situation and the fosterer. All of our home assessments are currently carried out either by telephone interview only (for cats,birds and small animals) or by video call (Zoom/WhatsApp) for dogs. You can choose to be involved in one or both of the methods available. You will be contacted by the Home Assessment Coordinator when a new applicant becomes available. Main tasks include; contacting the potential fosterer by telephone/email/text to arrange a suitable date and time for the home assessment to take place. Once confirmed to carry out the assessment by either telephone or video. A home assessment form will be provided to you for completion during the call which covers the criterias required by PFSS for the potential fosterer to be accepted. Once completed this form is then to be uploaded onto our database via our website volunteer team page.

About Pain Concern: Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline and online community. All pain is unpleasant, but for the one in five people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with lifechanging results. About the role: Pain Concern is looking for a highly motivated, hard-working candidate seeking entry into broadcast journalism/production. For the right candidate, this is a chance to boost your CV whilst helping to realise Pain Concern’s mission, to ‘work to improve the lives of people living with pain and those who care for them. We have 140 editions of Airing Pain podcasts to date which brings together people living with chronic pain, their supporters, and leading healthcare professionals to explore the resources and approaches to the assisted self -management of chronic pain. Airing Pain is produced by award-winning former BBC radio producer, Paul Evans. The successful candidate will work closely with him, benefitting from his forty years of experience working in the broadcast industry. What you would be doing: As a member of the Airing Pain production team, you will help in the initial research for each programme, and you will help facilitate its success after broadcast. Tasks include: • Supporting the producer and production team in the production of the podcast. • Promoting the podcasts in Pain Concern’s media outlets. • Monitoring programme reach and listener numbers. • Capturing feedback for our programmes. • Writing research notes and programme descriptions. • Administrative tasks associated with production, such as contact database management. • Researching, contacting contributors, and scheduling interviews in conferences such as the British Pain Society Annual Scientific Meeting. Is this role right for me: We are looking for an individual who possesses some or all of the below experiences, skills and qualities. • You will probably be educated to degree level or a current undergraduate. • Your subject of study is not relevant, neither is previous experience or training in the world of ‘media’. • Excellent communication skills • Excellent listening and questioning skills • Enthusiasm for the medium of speech radio/podcasts • A working understanding of IT, Microsoft office and have access to a computer, laptop, or tablet with internet access • Happy to use Microsoft Teams for meetings • Ability to work to deadlines • Knowledge of / interest in pain and long-term conditions • Willingness to commit for at least 6 months Availability and location: • Volunteer 2-4 hours per week • You can volunteer on days/times which suit you and fit around your current commitments some flexibility may be required • You can volunteer from our office at Newcraighall, Edinburgh or from your location. Benefits to you: • Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team • Meet new people • Build on your employability skills • A dedicated volunteer line manager looking after you • A job reference • Reasonable travel and expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Policy • Satisfaction of giving a valuable service to the community. How do I apply: Download and complete an application form our website at https://painconcern.org.uk/volunteer-for-pain-concern/ For more information contact hr@painconcern.org.uk

We are recruiting new volunteers to be part of our Dementia Helpline team. Can you spare 8 hour per month to make sure nobody faces dementia alone? Our next Helpline Volunteer Preparation Programme is running in Glasgow during January 2024 For further information on this and other training dates please email helpline@alzscot.org

Are you passionate about supporting veterans and making a positive impact in your community? Erskine Care Home in Gilmerton, Edinburgh, is looking for dedicated and compassionate individuals to join our team as Volunteer Befrienders. Erskine has a long-standing tradition of providing exceptional care for veterans, and you can be part of this meaningful journey. By becoming a Volunteer Befriender, you will play a vital role in enhancing the well-being and quality of life for our residents. Why Volunteer as a Befriender: Make a real difference in the lives of veterans who have served our country. Build meaningful connections and friendships with residents. Contribute to a positive and supportive community environment. As a Volunteer Befriender, you will engage in 1:2:1 interactions with residents, offering companionship and support. This could involve friendly conversations, strolls in the garden, or engaging the resident in activities like crosswords. Your time and commitment will create moments of joy and connection for those who have served our nation.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of those affected by dementia? Erskine Care Home in Gilmerton, Edinburgh, is looking for compassionate individuals with an interest in dementia to join our team as Volunteer Companions for our Dementia Café. About Erskine Care Home: Erskine is committed to providing specialised care, and we are seeking volunteers to support our Dementia Café, creating a warm and supportive environment for both residents and their families. Why Volunteer for the Dementia Café: Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by dementia. Provide companionship and support in a caring and nurturing setting. Join a community that values empathy, understanding, and connection. Your Role as a Volunteer Companion: As a Volunteer Companion for the Dementia Café, you will be a source of comfort and companionship for residents and their families. Your presence and support on Saturdays, once a month or every two months, will contribute to the well-being and joy of those living with dementia.

Do you thrive in organising unforgettable experiences and love to be part of creating memorable moments? Erskine Care Home in Gilmerton, Edinburgh, is searching for enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Volunteer Activities & Events Volunteers. Erskine is more than a care home; it's a community. We are seeking volunteers to assist, in the organisation of events ,with outings, and group activities to bring joy and excitement to the lives of our veterans. Why Volunteer in this role? Play a crucial role in creating memorable experiences for veterans. Contribute your organisational skills to make a positive impact. Join a community that values your creativity and enthusiasm. As an Activities & Events volunteer, you will be the magic behind our big events, outings, and group activities. You will assist to ensure that our veterans have engaging and enjoyable experiences.