West Lothian
volunteering opportunities
Dignity Boxes
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Part-Time Volunteer Coordinator to join our team. This role is crucial in managing and supporting our volunteers, who are the backbone of our organization. The Volunteer Coordinator will be responsible for recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers, as well as developing volunteer programs that align with Dignity Boxes' mission and goals.
Braid Health and Wellbeing
Role Description - Volunteer Administrator
They will require.
• Excellent telephone manner and people skills
• Good communication skills
• PVG provided by Braid Health & Wellbeing
• to complete a volunteer application form
Friday 12pm to 1pm or longer if possible
Main Duties
• Answering telephone and directing calls as required
• Answering main door
Citizens Advice Bureau West Lothian
Join Our Team of Volunteers and Make a Difference!
Our charity relies on the dedication of our volunteers, who are the backbone of our front-line services. Without their support, we could not deliver the essential work we do for the people of West Lothian. Our services cover a wide range of topics, including benefits, debt, housing, employment, energy, and consumer issues.
We offer comprehensive training and continuous support to ensure that you are fully equipped to carry out your role as an adviser. As part of our wider network, you will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities.
We welcome new members with open arms and want you to feel at home with us from day one. You will experience the satisfaction of making a positive impact on people's lives by providing the information and advice they need to turn things around. We ask that our volunteer advisers can commit to a minimum of six hours per week.
If you're interested in volunteering with us or would like more information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would be thrilled to hear from you!
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
From stunning boutiques full of designer gems to discount stores where you can grab a bargain, our charity shops are much-loved across Scotland.
We are looking for friendly volunteers to help our shop management team assist customers and donors, and ensure the shop is tidy and well stocked. Whether you have a passion for fashion and love chatting to customers, or you would prefer to be behind the scenes in our stockroom, your help could make a difference in your local community.
Our Retail Volunteer Anne shares why she loves volunteering, “I wanted to learn new skills as well as get to know more people locally, so volunteering in the shop was ideal. I enjoy being part of the team! It’s good to feel useful and part of the successful running of the shop.”
We believe everyone has the right to live life to the full following the diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, long Covid, or a stroke. Our shops are vital in helping us raise the funds needed to provide services such as community support services, specialist nurses, advice and information, education, and peer support.
Join our fabulous team of Retail volunteers and learn new skills, make great friends, and make a real difference to people in Scotland who are isolated, scared, or anxious about their condition.
Barnardo's Scotland
Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.
Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!
Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.
You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.
Why we want you:
Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.
What you will be doing:
Work on the till processing sales and returns
Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
Create stylish window displays
Replenish stock on the shop floor
Stock-take and other administrative tasks
The skills you need:
Friendly and helpful
Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks
What's in it for you:
Have fun and meet new people
Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer
Other information:
Minimum age 14
Shop based
Location: 35 North Bridge Street, Bathgate, West Lothian, EH48 4PL, United Kingdom
Disclaimer
We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please visit your local store for a paper application form or contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on volunteering@barnardos.org.uk
Reuse and Thrive
As a shop volunteer you will ensure our customers have a
positive shopping experience. You will welcome customers, help them with making purchases and use our till system to record sales and process payments.
You will help with the day to day running of the shop. This
includes organizing, pricing and displaying stock and ensuring the shop is clean and tidy.
What you need for this role
Have a friendly and welcoming manner
Be a good organiser
Able to handle money, with good numeracy
Sympathetic to R&T’s ethos and values.
We can help and support you to develop the skills you need for this role. A full induction and training will be provided, covering all the areas outlined above.
DEBRA
Be part of a dedicated team carrying out a wide and varied range of tasks to help make our shops a success whilst helping to raise vital funds to help support people living with the painful genetic skin condition EB.
The role will involve:
Operating the till
Giving excellent customer service
Sorting donated stock
Keeping the shop clean and tidy
Visual merchandising
DEBRA
Be part of a dedicated team carrying out a wide and varied range of tasks to help make our shops a success whilst helping to raise vital funds to help support people living with the painful genetic skin condition EB.
The role will involve:
Operating the till
Giving excellent customer service
Sorting donated stock
Keeping the shop clean and tidy
Visual merchandising
DEBRA
Be part of a dedicated team carrying out a wide and varied range of tasks to help make our shops a success whilst helping to raise vital funds to help support people living with the painful genetic skin condition EB.
The role will involve:
Operating the till
Giving excellent customer service
Sorting donated stock
Keeping the shop clean and tidy
Visual merchandising
Livingston Old Parish Church of Scotland
Be part of a dedicated team carrying out a wide and varied range of tasks to help make our shops a success whilst helping to raise vital funds to help support people in the community facing difficulties with the cost of living.
Our Preloved Cloths Shop is open on a Wednesday from 9.30am – 1pm and runs alongside our community café where people can meet in a warm space for a hot drink and a chat or enjoy our free homemade soup lunches.
14th West Lothian Scout Group
We’re looking for new volunteers to join our fabulous, fun and friendly family at the 14th West Lothian Scout Group in Livingston to help deliver Scouting to the young people of our community. We have opportunities for people join our amazing teams across all Sections / age groups. Please read on if this might be for you.
Why volunteer - Volunteering for the Scouts is a great way to take part in new experiences, meet a whole load of friendly people and have fun.
There is something for everyone whether you’d like to help out week-after-week or whenever-you-can, the Scouting Association will provide training, learning opportunities and cups of tea – every step of the way.
As a volunteer, working in teams, you might:
• Welcome young people and families to sessions and events
• Make sure everyone’s safe, supported, included and having fun
• Help to plan and lead activities
• Get involved with days out, camps and expeditions
• Share and learn skills – from coding to cake decorating to canoeing
• Celebrate young people’s achievements big and small
You don't need to be Bear Grylls to volunteer with Scouts - we need everyone to muck in and help support young people to learn #SkillsForLife.
Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society and you can be part of that journey. It is hugely rewarding.
We have opportunities on Monday, Thursday and Friday evenings. Get in touch for details
Acredale House Association
We are looking for volunteers to assist with activities, outings, cooking and bus escorts within our activity and wellness centre. This is a fantastic opportunity to provide companionship and build excellent relationships with our team and our customers,
Linlithgow and District Community Day Care Centre
Volunteer to drive our 15 seater minibus carrying people with dementia and also people in wheelchairs. A D1 is necessary for this post. This would be a post from Mon - Thurs, 9am - 11.30am and 3pm - 5pm
Braid Health and Wellbeing
Role Description Volunteer care assistant
Purpose of post, to assist in the provision of care for clients with specialist requirement around organic emotional and physical needs and supporting them to maintain and improve the quality of life for the individual, their carers and families through personalised and targeted interventions.
They will require.
• A sensitive and calm approach
• Good communication skills
• Ability to be flexible.
• Complying with health & safety procedures
• Follow PPE protocol
Volunteer Care assistant are preferred from 8.45 – 3.30pm, we are flexible with these hours.
Key tasks
• Assist clients with mobility needs.
• Supporting and encouraging clients with activities
• To report significant observations/ events, relating to clients and service delivery
• Being aware and responsive to the needs of clients with a wide range of dementia and other/ organic and functioning conditions including their wellbeing
In return we can offer training courses such as:
• Manual Handling
• Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults
• Emergency First Aid at Work
Braid Health and Wellbeing
Role Description Volunteer Minibus Driver for holiday cover
Volunteer minibus drivers are involved in transporting clients and bus attendant to and from Braid Health & wellbeing.
They will require.
• To have a full valid clean driving licence with a D1 and under the age of 70
• A sensitive and calm approach
• Good communication skills
• Ability to be flexible.
• To complete the minibus midas training courses and PVG provided by Braid Health & Wellbeing.
Volunteer drivers are required from 8.45 -11am and from 2.30 – 4.30pm
Main duties
• Transporting clients and bus attendant at required times.
• Adhering to the minibus guidelines and the highway codes
• Adhering to speeding limits
• Completing daily check sheets and mileage sheets
• Reporting any defects or problems
• Complying with health & safety procedures
MUSAC (Musically Active Dudes)
Purpose: To assist the Co-ordinator in the administrative and practical tasks associated with the smooth operation of weekly Musical Activity Sessions.
Main Duties:
Preparing the venue for use by the group i.e. setting out chairs and equipment
• Dealing with cash payments and registration at the beginning of the sessions
• Helping with tables for lunch in the hall.
• Basic book keeping and banking of the funds
• Basic administration associated with the activity sessions i.e. letters to parents/carers, invites to other groups or interested parties, promotional material e.g. posters
• Some fund raising activity organisation
• Promotional talks / presentations to interested parties
Circumstances of Post: The post involves working with people learning disabilities who have varying, limited abilities and their carers. They may be asked to contact various organisations and individuals through the course of their work and may also involve a small amount of travel within West Lothian.
Essential skills and experience
• Experience of cash handling and book keeping
• Sound I.T. Skills
• A confident, positive, friendly attitude
• Excellent communication skills
• Confidence and the personal skills to contact, meet and develop relationships with a wide variety of people
• Experience of letter writing and minute taking
Desirable skills and experience
• Experience of creating promotional material
• Experience of letter writing and minute taking
• Experience of fund raising
Sustrans Scotland
Are you passionate about cycling and walking? Could you inspire young people to cycle or walk more? Volunteer with I Bike! You don't need to be a cyclist, we have a range of outdoor activities to help out with.
I Bike is a really fun and rewarding project to volunteer with that offers plenty of opportunities to get outdoors for cycling-related activities, boost the CV, gain experience of work with children and young people, meet new people and learn new skills.
Good training and support is provided to all volunteers including an online Welcome Session, Child Protection Training, Cycling Skills and Bike Repairs. For most activities you don't have to own a bike to join in - bikes and helmets can be provided depending on availability.
I Bike aims to help children and young people become more active through taking part in cycling and walking activities. You would be volunteering alongside a dedicated I Bike Officer in schools, supporting activities for children such as learn to cycle, playground cycle skills, led bike rides, led walks, bike maintenance and much more! What could be better than helping children to ride their bike without stabilisers for the first time?
Hear from some of our fantastic volunteers via our website link below.
We advocate for volunteering for all - please talk to us if you have any accessibility requirements or other specific requirements.
West Lothian Council - Active Schools Team
West Lothian Council's Active Schools and Community Sport team are delighted to be hosting our annual Cross Country Championships once again at Bathgate Xcite, Bolbardie Park, on Wednesday October 9th.
We are looking for volunteers to support in a variety of exciting roles from greeting participants to setting up the course, and from marshalling runners to assisting with medal presentations.
If you are interested in helping making this event a success for children and young people at schools across West Lothian, please get in touch and we can discuss how to make this opportunity most suitable for you.
Please note that whilst expenses are not paid, all volunteers will be provided with tea, coffee, water and light snacks on the day.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
Join our amazing team of Community Support Volunteers as a Walk Leader! In this role you will provide in-person support to people living with our conditions in the community, at home or in a hospital setting, empowering and enabling them to engage fully with walking activities and gentle exercise where appropriate.
Sustrans Scotland
Are you passionate about cycling and walking? Could you inspire young people to cycle or walk more? Volunteer with I Bike! You don't need to be a cyclist, we have a range of outdoor activities to help out with.
I Bike is a really fun and rewarding project to volunteer with that offers plenty of opportunities to get outdoors for cycling-related activities, boost the CV, gain experience of work with children and young people, meet new people and learn new skills.
Good training and support is provided to all volunteers including an online Welcome Session, Child Protection Training, Cycling Skills and Bike Repairs. For most activities you don't have to own a bike to join in - bikes and helmets can be provided depending on availability.
I Bike aims to help children and young people become more active through taking part in cycling and walking activities. You would be volunteering alongside a dedicated I Bike Officer in schools, supporting activities for children such as learn to cycle, playground cycle skills, led bike rides, led walks, bike maintenance and much more! What could be better than helping children to ride their bike without stabilisers for the first time?
Hear from some of our fantastic volunteers via our website link below.
We advocate for volunteering for all - please talk to us if you have any accessibility requirements or other specific requirements.
Oxfam Shop (Linlithgow)
What you will be doing
Making everyone feel welcome
Serving customers on the till
Handling cash and card payments
Helping donors as they come in
Keeping the shop clean and tidy
The skills you need
Helpful and friendly
Happy to be part of a team
Excited to learn new skills
Up for trying a range of shop tasks
What's in it for you
Some lunch and travel costs covered
Improve language and communication skills in a customer-facing role
Boost your CV by learning transferable skills
Grow your confidence and meet new people
We can be flexible around your education, family, work, or health etc.
Possible references for future employers
Zambia Therapeutic Art
Zambia Therapeutic Art (ZTA) is offering an opportunity to an enthusiastic volunteer to develop their skills and experience in fundraising and marketing the charity. We need to develop a wider profile and supporter base and identify suitable funding opportunities. We are looking for someone who could work flexibly from home with reasonable expenses reimbursed and work alongside Board members who have skills/experience in marketing and fundraising.
ZTA is a small Scotland-based charity that has been developing and delivering training in using art as a psychosocial intervention to Mental Health professionals and trainees in Zambia since 2015. The work has progressed since then, receiving enthusiastic support from the Zambian Ministry of Health, hospitals, academic institutions and other NGOs. In pursuit of sustainability 8 Zambian trainers have been certified and have formed an organisation, Therapeutic Art Zambia, which is being supported to expand the training and practice of Therapeutic Art.
Our core team of 4 trustees (The Board) and 4 trainers (2 of whom are Trustees) are all volunteers and the Zambian trainers give their time and efforts freely. Board members work alongside our volunteers to develop and expand the charity, creating and expanding its role.
To express interest please contact info@zambiatherapeuticart.org with a letter of application and details of your experience
For more information about us see our website at https://www.zambiatherapeuticart.org
Volunteering opportunities advertised
across
West Lothian:
106
Health in Mind’s Peer Support Service supports adults from Ethnic Minorities, aged 18+, who want to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
As a Peer Support Volunteer, you will support someone on a one-to-one basis for up to six months for 1-2 hours per week. During this time, you will work with them to understand how they are feeling, and to explore what steps they can take to make positive changes.
We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented individual to oversee card and cash transactions at our Face Painting Booth during the Fawkes Festival event on the 3rd of November. The Payment Manager will be responsible for ensuring smooth and accurate handling of all payments, providing excellent customer service, and maintaining the security of funds.
We are looking for volunteers to promote Dementia Adventure, our mission and support services at local community events. All with a view to enable people living with dementia to get outdoors, connect with nature, themselves and their
community, and retain a sense of adventure in their lives, in all aspects within the community.
This is an ideal role for those unable to give a set commitment each week. We will always try to give plenty of notice about upcoming events.
Activities Include:
▪ Representing Dementia Adventure at local community events such as dementia and memory cafes, local dementia fairs, Women's Institute, Rotary, U3A and similar groups/organisations
▪ Where appropriate, and if felt able, giving short talks (all resources provided) to individuals and groups within the area about the work we do
▪ Engaging members of the public at these events by talking about our adventures, research, consultancy and training as well as how people can fundraise and/or volunteer for us
▪ Recording enquiries generated from the public and passing this information to the Dementia Adventure Community Engagement Team
▪ Undertaking any essential training which is in line with Dementia Adventure's policies and procedures
We believe everyone has the right to live life to the full following the diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, stroke or Long Covid.
The care and support we deliver every day ensures everyone can live the life they want to. Across Scotland, we provide vital advice, information, and support through our No Life Half Lived strategy.
Join our amazing team of Kindness Callers, who provide a listening ear to people who have had one of our conditions via a weekly telephone call to reduce the feeling of isolation and loneliness.
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Home-based volunteering, Board/trustee role
We are delighted to be opening up an exciting opportunity to join the SOHTIS Board of Trustees. We believe that everyone deserves to live in freedom with dignity and respect and we are looking to recruit people who share our vision to partner with us in making that a reality for all.
SOHTIS is a leading anti-human trafficking NGO in Scotland. Human trafficking is happening in all 32 local authorities in Scotland, on each of our doorsteps. Hidden and misunderstood, At our heart is compassion and so we go the extra mile, tenacity in our pursuit of justice, dignity expressed in equity and respect for every person’s journey. We have an experienced team who are active in service delivery and strategic local and national policy.
Our Board is an essential part of our growing and dynamic organisation. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about justice and determined to advance human rights to join us as we embark on a new three year ambitious strategy.
Grandmentors is an award-winning, inter-generational mentoring programme, operating in various locations across the UK. We are currently looking for new Volunteer Mentors to join our programme in Midlothian which launched in 2023.
It is widely recognised that care-experienced young people are some of the most disadvantaged in society. Many are in care because they have experienced, or are at risk of, neglect and/or abuse. Security and stability are often missing from their lives.
We recruit, train and support volunteer mentors (normally but not exclusively aged 50+) who draw on their wealth of professional and personal life experience and skills to support young people (aged 16-26) through life transitions on their pathway to independence.
Grandmentors is all about empowering and positive relationships, aligning to “The Promise” that Scotland made to its care experienced population. Young people are listened to, heard, and responded to. They benefit from safe, consistent loving relationships, and access to meaningful support to boost mental & physical wellbeing, resilience, and confidence.
Grandmentors facilitate conversations around keeping well, coping strategies, self-care, and self-management. Each young person alongside their Grandmentor co-produces a bespoke support plan and set goals based on their needs.
They explore and review the young person’s challenges, and priorities. These range from enhancing mental & physical health and wellbeing, dealing with stress and conflict, support to access sustainable and appropriate housing, career, and education goals, budget planning and more.
As a CPR Champion you will support St John Scotland as part of their partnership with Save a Life for Scotland.
You will get the opportunity to attend various events within your local area with other St John Scotland CPR Champions and CPR Leads ensuring that participants are equipped to undertake potentially lifesaving bystander CPR according to current policies, regulations and protocol. You will also be trained on demonstrating defibrillator usage to participants.
Main tasks:
- Deliver Bystander CPR awareness to various people at different events within your local area
- Defibrillator Demonstration (training is provided)
St John Scotland is looking for volunteer drivers aged between 21-80 to support our patient transport service.
St John Scotland works in partnership with NHS Forth Valley to provide patient transport for people attending renal clinics. As a Patient Transport Driver, it will be your role to transport renal patients to and from the Renal Unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital (FVRH) in Larbert. This service is completely free to patients. Drivers will need access to their own car and all vehicles and drivers require full insurance subject to a driving assessment and PVG.
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity that allows you to make a tangible difference in your community? Consider becoming an Independent Prison Monitor (IPM) in Scotland. This unique and impactful role offers you the chance to play a crucial part in ensuring that the human rights of prisoners are upheld within Scotland’s prison system.
What Does an Independent Prison Monitor Do?
As an IPM, your primary responsibility will be to visit prisons across Scotland to observe conditions, speak with prisoners, and assess whether they are being treated fairly and with dignity. You’ll be part of a team dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability within the prison system. Your findings will contribute to reports that influence policy and practices, ensuring that standards are maintained and prisoners’ rights are protected.
Who Can Apply?
One of the most powerful aspects of the IPM role is that it is open to everyone. Whether you are a student, a retiree, or someone looking to give back to the community, we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. No specific qualifications are required—just a commitment to fairness, integrity, and respect for others.
Training and Support
Don’t worry if you’re new to this type of work. As an IPM, you’ll receive comprehensive training that covers everything you need to know, from the legal framework governing prisons to effective communication skills. You’ll be supported by experienced monitors and the team at His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS), ensuring you are fully equipped to carry out your duties.
The Benefits of Volunteering as an IPM
Volunteering as an IPM offers numerous personal and professional benefits. It’s an opportunity to develop valuable skills, including critical thinking, communication, and report writing. You’ll gain deep insights into the criminal justice system and human rights, which can be particularly beneficial if you’re considering a career in law, social work, or public policy.
Why Your Contribution Matters?
Prisons are often out of sight and out of mind for many, but they are an integral part of our society. How we treat those who are incarcerated says a great deal about our commitment to human rights and justice. By becoming an IPM, you ensure that the voices of prisoners are heard and that their conditions are regularly scrutinized. This helps to prevent mistreatment and promotes a culture of respect and fairness within the prison system.
How to Get Involved?
If you’re ready to make a difference, we encourage you to apply to become an Independent Prison Monitor. The process is straightforward: visit the HMIPS website to learn more about the role and complete the application form. You’ll be joining a diverse group of volunteers who share a commitment to justice and human rights.
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Suitable for groups, One-off volunteering
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, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work.
All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million 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 life-changing results
Role purpose
We have various fundraising events throughout the year and we are looking for volunteers to help us to support our amazing fundraisers. This would involve joining us at the fundraising events to cheer them on. This role would suit enthusiastic people who would like to motivate fundraisers to complete their event. We will have at least one cheer point along the route, where we will be showing our dedicated fundraisers how much we support them by cheering and clapping as loud as we can. This will also help to increase awareness of Pain Concern and the support the charity provides.
1 in 4 people in the UK live with long term pain, help us to help others by cheering on our fundraisers!
To find upcoming fundraising events local to you, please visit our website. Travel and lunch expenses can be reimbursed in line with our Expense Policy. We’d love to have you join us as a Cheer Volunteer why not bring your friends and family along too.
What you would be doing
Keeping an eye on our website to see which fundraising event(s) you would like to attend
Working with our Fundraising Team who will be organising the cheer stations
Adhere to Pain Concern’s policies and procedures
Representing Pain Concern in a professional manner
Taking pictures at the event for our communications team to use
Make a lot of noise and most importantly, have fun by cheering along our fundraisers!
Is this role right for me?
We are looking for an individual who possesses some, or all of the experiences, skills and qualities listed below:
Friendly, positive and outgoing personality
A flexible team player
Interest in chronic pain
Ability to travel to local events
Comfortable with being in loud, busy places
Availability and location
This is an ad hoc role, which will happen where the fundraising event is taking place.
Benefits to you
Opportunity to meet new people
Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team
Satisfaction of supporting a valuable service in the community
You will receive support from a dedicated line manager
We can reimburse your travel and lunch expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
How do I apply?
For more information, please contact hr@painconcern.org.uk