West Lothian
volunteering opportunities
Home-Start West Lothian
Befriending families under stress and visiting them in their own homes to offer support and practical help.
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
Guide Dogs
Assist the local fundraising team in promoting and taking part in a variety of activities to raise money for Guide Dogs
Guide Dogs
Build confidence, meet new people and build or learn communication and organisational skills.
Could you be that person who can help us make the difference to the lives of those living with sight loss? Collection boxes are a great way for us to raise essential funds to do the work we do within Guide Dogs.
Guide Dogs help people with sight loss live the life they choose. Our ambition is a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence and support they need to live their lives to the full.
It costs £54,800 to support one single guide dog throughout its life, so without our amazing fundraisers raising money for us, we wouldn't be able to provide our life changing services!
In this flexible role as a Collection Box Coordinator, you'll be responsible for placing and collecting our iconic Guide Dogs collection boxes around local venues and businesses. Collection boxes raise a huge amount of income for us so it's a really important role.
This is a great role for anyone who has never volunteered before as you don't require any prior knowledge or experience. You'll be able to learn new skills while giving back to the community and making new friends! You'll learn a lot about visual impairments too which is important knowledge you'll have for the rest of your life. It's also a great role for students as the time commitment required is flexible and the role can easily be incorporated into your daily life.
“You don’t have to give loads and loads of time, you can give whatever time you can give and we'll still be really grateful" - Guide Dogs student volunteer and guide dog owner
We provide full training in the role as well as an induction to the organization. You will receive ongoing support from a designated member of staff.
Location: Various and local surroundings
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
We currently have around 40 shops/ community hubs across Scotland. Our shops and hubs help us raise funds so we can provide our services to the people who need us. Every one of our stores relies on a team of volunteers to help run it and support our staff. Quite simply, we cannot provide our services or raise funds without the amazing support of our volunteers. The time, support and the work they do is vital to us and the people we help. By helping out in one of our stores, you can make a difference to people and their families in Scotland who are isolated, scared or anxious about their condition.
MS Society
Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Co-Group Coordinator for our Fife group. As our local Co-Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead with our other Co-Group Coordinator in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills. To find out more about what services this group currently offer please go to https://volunteers.mssociety.org.uk/group-coordinator
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.
You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the Fife area to carry out this role.
Apply online or for further information contact simon.moran@mssociety.org.uk
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Marie Curie (East Lothian)
Use your skills to help our hospice. By carrying out complementary therapies on patients and carers you will help alleviate their physical and mental stress. We welcome a wide range of therapies including yoga, acupuncture, massage and reiki. It’s vital that you have completed an approved training scheme, be registered with a relevant regulatory body and have indemnity and liability insurance. Must be committed to the principles of palliative care and its application in practice.
This role can either be based at our Edinburgh Hospice or at the Day Therapy Unit in St John’s Hospital, Livingston.
Guide Dogs
n this role you will be helping and supporting the Group coordinator within our fundraising groups to organise events and secure new opportunities for fundraising by;
· Supporting in organising and attending events and collections in your local area, such as Great Guide Dogs Tea Party. Informing your key contact and relevant members of these events.
· Supporting in building relationships with local networks, organisations, schools, and social groups to host events or to name their own puppy.
· Delegating tasks and responsibilities to other volunteers within your fundraising group in the absence of the Fundraising Group Coordinator.
· Supporting in making sure fundraising policies and procedures are followed; including all roles are maintaining their required records.
If you feel you don't tick all the boxes please still get in touch to see how you could help as we are flexible, where possible, and would love to have you onboard.
Agreed volunteering out of pocket expenses are paid according to the Guide Dogs volunteer expenses policy. Full training and support provided for this role.
If you have any questions then feel free to email VolunteerScotNI@Guidedogs.org.UK
Sustrans Scotland
Are you passionate about cycling and walking? Could you inspire young people to cycle or walk more? Volunteer with I Bike!
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 induction, Safeguarding Training, Essential Cycling Skills and Bike Repairs.
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!
We find that our volunteers value their improved skills and knowledge and often feel their own prospects improve as a result of volunteering. It’s a great way to do something for others and research shows that volunteering benefits people of all ages through increasing feelings of self-esteem, respect, motivation and wellbeing.
Almond Valley Heritage Trust
The Board of Almond Valley Heritage Trust is responsible for the strategic direction of our charity. It sets and monitors policy, and provides oversight of operations and activities that are implemented by our professional team. Board members (Trustees) bring a diverse range of interests and experiences to the Board, represent a fair balance of views and perspectives, and are able to draw on many skills and strategic insights. We’re always happy to hear from individuals with appropriate interests and experiences who may be interested in joining the Board, and at present have a special interest in recruiting Board members who have insight into legal matters, or have experience in financial management. The minimum commitment sought is attendance and contribution to Board meetings that are held six times a year, normally on a Wednesday evening.
HCL (Handicabs West Lothian)
Handicabs Lothian (HcL) are looking for new Trustees to join our Board, we are particularly interested in volunteers with relevant experience in Community/PSV Transport legislation, Human Resources and Business Development. As a Trustee you will serve on our Board and help us support the Governance and management of the charity to deliver our new 5-year strategy. HcL provides travel solutions for people across the Lothian’s who have limited mobility. We provide much more than door-to-door transport through our fleet of vehicles and trained drivers, but a door-through-door service, assisting passengers, as needed, at the start and end of their journeys. Our funds come from the four Lothian Councils; fares income; donations; Transport Scotland; and local and national Funders and Trusts. We appreciate all of their support and throughout COVID-19, we have continued to deliver services adapting our support to the current circumstances.
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 someone with superb interpersonal skills and the use of their own vehicle to collect and transfer donations made to the shop, providing an extremely useful and appreciated service for the Charity.
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. 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.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
As part of our team of volunteers, you will provide support for both our shop teams and warehouse team. You will volunteer alongside the warehouse team to help prepare and send out orders to our shops, colleagues across the organisation, and our online customers.
We currently have around 40 shops across Scotland. Our shops help us raise funds so we can provide our services to the people who need us. Every one of our shops relies on a team of volunteers to help run it and support our staff. Quite simply, we cannot provide our services or raise funds without the amazing support of our volunteers. The time, support, and the work they do is vital to us and the people we help. By helping in one of our shops or in our warehouse, you can make a difference to people and their families in Scotland who are isolated, scared, or anxious about their condition.
Sustrans Scotland
**All our volunteering activities are outdoors and managed carefully with covid in mind**
Are you passionate about cycling and walking? Could you inspire young people to cycle or walk more? Volunteer with I Bike!
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.
Cyrenians
Location: Blackburn
When: Monday mornings, weekly
Time Commitment: We are looking for someone who can commit to a minimum of 6 months and up to 9 months.
Contact: 27 George St, Bathgate, EH48 1PG. 01506 815815, opal@cyrenians.scot
Overview
OPAL (Older People Active Lives) aims to maintain or increase the independence and well-being of older people across the West Lothian area. Our service is delivered by dedicated, trained volunteers who offer encouragement, companionship and support to engage in social, leisure and community activities.
We support anyone of age 60+ who is looking to re-connect socially either on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting. People can either self-refer or be referred by a health professional.
Why we need you and what activities are involved
This role is for a specific client who lives in Blackburn. You will be expected to encourage and support the client to:
• help her to integrate more in the group she attends
• take a greater part in activities
• get to know people
• translate activities and conversation
Skills we’re looking for
• Polish speaking
• Good listening and communication skills
• Friendly personality / approachable
• Reliable with good time keeping
• Patience and empathy
• Non-judgemental
• Respectful of confidentiality
• Able to work within set boundaries
• Keep accurate visit records and feed back to the team regularly
• An understanding of current Coronavirus regulations/recommendations
What you can gain from this opportunity
• Rewarding experience making a positive contribution to an older person’s quality of life, health, and sense of well-being.
• Develop empathy and listening skills
• Connect with new people and make new friends
• Gain work or study experience or try new things for retirement
• Personal development with training and ongoing support provided
Essential Criteria
• Polish Speaking
• 18+
• PVG Scheme Membership (organised by Cyrenians, no fee)
Further Info
Expenses
We cover local travel costs at public transport rate or mileage (45p per mile) and out of pocket expenses.
About us
At Cyrenians, we tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness.
Everybody deserves the opportunity to lead valued, fulfilling lives. The support we offer is person-centred and relationship-based – meaning that we work alongside people towards the change they would like to see. Our core values are Compassion, Respect, Integrity and Innovation.
Cyrenians’ head office is based in Edinburgh, with smaller offices in other areas, including Falkirk and West Lothian. Cyrenians is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), registered charity SC011052
https://cyrenians.scot/
HCL (Handicabs West Lothian)
HcL support people throughout the Lothians. We provide supported door-through-door transport for people with mobility challenges – either from age, disability, health issues (long-term or short-term) or additional support needs. Our services are much more than transport, they support people who would otherwise not be able to get out of their home to do their own shopping, access other local facilities, attend appointments and social activities. This support helps them maintain independence and enable them to stay in their own home for longer. We have been running our two services – Dial-A-Ride and Dial-A-Bus for 40 years now across Edinburgh, West Lothian, East Lothian and Midlothian. We also provide transport for other community organizations for groups and events. Despatchers take passenger bookings, arrange journeys, deal with enquiries and provide information when requested. To ensure the smooth scheduling of journey requests. Using various office equipment correctly, including IT, telephone and photocopier.
HCL (Handicabs West Lothian)
HcL support people throughout the Lothians. We provide supported door-through-door transport for people with mobility challenges – either from age, disability, health issues (long-term or short-term) or additional support needs. Our services are much more than transport, they support people who would otherwise not be able to get out of their home to do their own shopping, access other local facilities, attend appointments and social activities. This support helps them maintain independence and enable them to stay in their own home for longer. What do we mean by door-through-door support? Our drivers not only collect passengers from their front door but help passengers from inside their home and onto the bus. This can include helping them put their coat on, turning the key to lock their home and assisting them from their home to the vehicle and safely into a seat and fastening their seatbelt.
Volunteering opportunities advertised
across
West Lothian:
93
Our tea party drivers are a vital part of the Re-engage team.
Tea parties provide a lifeline of friendship for our older people, and the regular, warm, friendly chats and companionship provide a vital link with the outside world from which they have become isolated. Drivers take older people to the parties and stay with them to enjoy the get-together. Over time, drivers and older guests get to know each other well and together you will spend many hours full of fun, laughter, and stories.
As a tea party driver, you liaise with your group coordinator and take older guests to and from the tea parties each month. Staying at the tea party is part of your role, so it’s much more than being a driver.
You will need to have a full, clean, driving license, and a PVG. You will also need to check that you are covered by your regular motor insurance policy to do this role.
Tasks include:
Driving one to two older guests using your own car to a tea party venue and returning them home again after the event .
Staying at the tea party to help with conversation and serve refreshments.
Liaising with the group coordinator to confirm which older guests you will pick up.
Informing the group coordinator of any safeguarding concerns or issues you might have.
Following all guidance in your driver training modules to ensure that the tea parties are enjoyable, appropriate, and in line with our charitable aims.
Our support workers provide social support in their local community for people affected by Cystic Fibrosis. They offer a listening ear and help to negotiate official systems that include housing, benefits, education, employment and independent living.
The support worker is our first point of contact with clients in their area, responding to requests that are often for help to acquire home improvements, disability related benefits or just someone to talk to. Desirable qualities required include good verbal and written communications skills, sensitivity and an adaptable approach. Training and support is provided; and expenses reimbursed.
Support workers can also be trained to provide advocacy if they wish to be more challenged, learn new skills or perhaps make good use of those they already have.
The Butterfly Trust provides unconditional, non-judgemental, confidential services that are designed to improve the quality of life for young people living with Cystic Fibrosis. These outreach services are delivered by trained volunteers who provide face to face support across the country.
The support worker role offers an opportunity to utilise your professional or personal life experience
for the purpose of enhancing the life of a family or individual living with the impact of Cystic Fibrosis.
Support Workers need to hold a full driving licence and have access to a car.
We are seeking enthusiastic people with excellent communication skills to help facilitate our self-help groups for people living with bipolar. Our self-help groups bring together people with shared experience to support each other and share tools for managing their bipolar.
To co-facilitate a self-help group for people living with bipolar on a monthly basis. This will include welcoming people, encouraging and guiding discussions, as well as dealing sensitively with issues or conflict that may arise within the group meeting. One facilitator is also responsible for collating and reporting group statistics after each meeting, whilst the other facilitator takes the lead for booking guest speakers. Some of our face-to-face groups are hybrid, meaning that participants can also attend an in-person meeting using Zoom. As such, it would be advantageous for a volunteer to be comfortable with using technology.
We currently have opportunities for volunteers who would be able to facilitate in-person, face-to-face self-help groups, in 4 local authority areas, and who would be able to travel to one of the following locations:
Paisley in Renfrewshire;
Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire;
West Lothian; or
Inverness in The Highlands.
The Board of Almond Valley Heritage Trust is responsible for the strategic direction of our charity. It sets and monitors policy, and provides oversight of operations and activities that are implemented by our professional team. Board members (Trustees) bring a diverse range of interests and experiences to the Board, represent a fair balance of views and perspectives, and are able to draw on many skills and strategic insights. We’re always happy to hear from individuals with appropriate interests and experiences who may be interested in joining the Board, and at present have a special interest in recruiting Board members who have insight into legal matters, or have experience in financial management. The minimum commitment sought is attendance and contribution to Board meetings that are held six times a year, normally on a Wednesday evening.
Being a Collection Can Volunteer is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the success of a leading health charity and make a real difference to the people we support. As a CHSS Collecting Can Volunteer, you will play a key role in sourcing new collecting can sites, helping to raise awareness and vital funds to ensure Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland continues to support people who are living with effects of stroke, chest and heart conditions in Scotland.
Your role will include:
* Placing CHSS charity collection cans in shops, local businesses, and community venues.
* Regularly revisiting the sites where you have placed the collecting can, emptying the can and supporting the site holder with any queries or concerns.
* Counting, banking and recording the income from your collecting cans.
Scotland’s Gardens SCheme is Scotland’s growing, giving and inspiring community of garden-lovers. Our mission is to raise funds for charity by encouraging, promoting and supporting garden openings, whilst making the experience inspiring, rewarding and enjoyable for all. We are seeking new volunteers across Scotland to join our local volunteer teams to help support gardens to open their gates to the public and raise money for charity. This is a wonderful opportunity to:
· Be part of a volunteer team which helps to raise funds for hundreds of charities by sharing gardens with visitors
· Use your skills to help promote, organise and/or support gardens to open their gates to the public and raise money for charity
· Meet lovely, like-minded people and share the joy of gardens and gardening
We have a variety of different opportunities to match your interests and availability, including event volunteers, media volunteers, district organiser and treasurer roles. Visit our website for full details and to fill in our expression of interest form.
You will be providing a puppy with a vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. This is a full-time volunteering opportunity as a puppy will live with you in your home for around 12-16 months. It should be noted that although it is possible for another Puppy Raiser to look after a dog on your behalf for short periods of time that this may not always be possible. Consideration should be given to your future plans such as holidays abroad.
“It’s so rewarding to know that the dog will go on to help people with sight loss gain independence and freedom.” – Chris, Puppy Raiser
We rely on volunteers like you to help us improve the lives of people with sight loss. In this role your support will include:-
• Developing, caring and providing for the needs of one of our puppies using Positive Reinforcement Techniques and following Guide Dogs Puppy Raising for Excellent Partnerships (PREP) programme
• Familiarising a puppy to a wide range of environments including shops and outdoor off lead exercise areas in all climates and seasons.
• Teaching a puppy it’s ok to be left alone by gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of 4 hours
• Attending regular puppy classes
• Regularly meeting with Guide Dogs representatives to discuss your pup’s development
• Completing regular on-line questionnaires to help us monitor puppy progress
Ideally you will:
• Be able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg)
• Have access to a car on a weekly basis for training and vet visits
• Have your own home or written permission to have a dog in the home
• Have access to a secure area where the puppy could go to the toilet during the day, especially first thing in the morning and last thing at night
• Be able to access online content and training materials (you will need your own email address)
If you don’t feel you tick every box but are sure this role is the one for you, please drop us a message and tell us why. We’re open to suggestions and happy to chat with you to find out what’s possible!
Volunteering is a two-way street, so in return for your time you will get;
• A dedicated volunteer manager/key contact who will help you settle in and support you during your time with us.
• The challenge and reward of seeing a puppy develop in your home.
• The opportunity to learn and develop your understanding in dog body language, learning theory, the human animal bond and the life of a Guide Dog.
Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any expenses related to your volunteering with us in line with our policy.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further before applying please email volunteer coordinator Aaron Puckrin at aaron.puckrin@guidedogs.org.uk. Thank you.
Community Support Volunteers support people who have had one of our conditions to develop autonomy and confidence in self-management, enabling them to fully engage with their community and activities of their choosing. The service follows a pathway from hospital to community and can be delivered in a one-to-one and/or a group setting.
The service can be delivered to provide specified person-centred communication support for those with a communication difficulty and/or to support a specific physical or everyday task.
To undertake your role you will be required to undertake membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Adults) schemes in Scotland (PVG).
Community Support Volunteers support people who have had one of our conditions to develop autonomy and confidence in self-management, enabling them to fully engage with their community and activities of their choosing. The service follows a pathway from hospital to community and can be delivered in a one-to-one and/or a group setting. The service will all depend on Scottish Government Covid guidelines.
The service can be delivered to provide specified person-centred communication support for those with a communication difficulty and/or to support a specific physical or everyday task.
To undertake your role you will be required to undertake membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Adults) schemes in Scotland (PVG).
YouthLink Scotland and Young Scot, supported by The Scottish Government and Project Scotland are looking for 20 young people from across Scotland to be part of the Youth Volunteering Legacy Group.
🎂 11-25 (inclusive) years old
📅 June 2023 – March 2024
🗺️ We are looking for 20 young people from all over Scotland.
About the Project
You will work together as a group to put into practice recommendations made by young people on the Youth Volunteering Innovation project (YouthVIP) to help improve volunteering for young people. The group will also design a campaign about volunteering and help us to design and deliver a summit for young volunteers.
Overall this project aims to guide Young Scot, YouthLink Scotland, Project Scotland and Scottish Government in developing volunteering for young people in Scotland with the group ensuring the rights and needs of young people are at the heart of this process.
Dedicated staff from Young Scot and YouthLink Scotland will support you throughout your volunteering experience to:
• Design, develop and deliver a National Volunteer Youth Summit
• Develop and design a #VolunteeringMakesMe campaign
• Provide your thoughts and feedback on the resources we give schools that explain about volunteering and opportunities for young people to get involved
We want to know what you think! But, no special knowledge, experience or skills are necessary to take part.
We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable all young people to take part, and there will be an opportunity when you apply, to tell us about any support or adjustments you need to contribute fully.
We are particularly interested to collaborate with young people who are facing barriers due to their personal circumstances including young people from an ethnic minority background, young people who identify as having a disability, young carers, care-experienced young people, young people who live in low-income households and young people who live in rural communities.