No matter how good our services are, we can't properly support our users/community well if we don't have a good committee behind the team. If this sounds like you?... we would love you to consider volunteering with us for a few hours per month. We are looking for people with an interest in mental health and a desire to improve the lives of local people. We would welcome applications from people with lived experience. Our friendly Committee is an ideal place for you to put your Committee Skills to great use or if you are new to being on a Committee it is a great place to learn – willingness to train into the role, reading committee papers, attending committee meetings, contributing to the meeting, making decisions on organisational matters and working towards a consensus So, whether you are looking to use your time well, update your skills or have the chance to do something a bit new, we would love to hear from you. In return, we can offer you a warm welcome and all of the support and help you could need. We are seeing a rise in demand for our services, everyday. Having your help will allow us to be there for the people who need us. Any time you can give will make a real difference.  To get involved click on the “I want to Volunteer” button, fill in your details and register your interest in our role. To get involved, register on the Link Up West Dunbartonshire site, click on the apply button, complete the application process and submit your application

Make a difference to your local community. Develop new and existing skills and gain experience volunteering in a charity. The satisfaction of knowing you are making a vital difference to those with brain injury.

The trustees hold Home-Start in trust for current and future beneficiaries by: • providing leadership and direction within the ethos of Home-Start • ensuring the scheme has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction • being responsible for the effective performance and management of the scheme • ensuring the scheme complies with legal and regulatory requirements, the objects of the scheme, the governing documents including the Home-Start Standards and Methods of Practice, the Home-Start Agreement and quality standards • securing and guarding the scheme’s assets and taking care of their security, deployment and proper application • ensuring that the scheme’s governance is of the highest possible standard • undertaking an ambassadorial role for the scheme • appointing sub-committees and agreeing their terms of reference and membership. Owing to the ongoing pandemic some training and support may be delivered remotely i.e. phone/video calls, outdoor visits etc. Further guidance will be provided as part of induction.

Going Forward with Bridge of Allan Stroke Group Volunteers Needed! Going Forward with Bridge of Allan Stroke Group supports members who have survived a stroke, are on their own journey and going forward. This group is there to support that journey and offer a friendly, safe and stimulating environment for members to thrive in. The group provides physical, oral and mental stimulation through physical activities such as games like Boccia and Kurling within their spacious hall. They have a varied programme of activities including seated yoga, exercise to music, singing to support those with aphasia, entertainment and a variety of speakers. The group encourages fun and friendship with time to chat over a cuppa and some cakes. The group welcomes spouses and carers of our stroke survivors to join if they wish to do so. Groups like Going Forward with Bridge of Allen Stroke Group increase access to peer support; to enhance recovery, encourage supported self-management, community rehabilitation, maintain health and wellbeing, create community resilience, and combat isolation and loneliness. They are an independent group; insured by and affiliated to Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS). Their aim is to support people living with stroke and long-term conditions through social interaction and ensure no life is half lived. The group needs a friendly, enthusiastic person who enjoys working with people in their local community to become a part of their wonderful Committee! ABOUT THE COMMITTEE: The Committee makes sure that the group meets its aims as set out in the Constitution. The Committee has an important role to play in balancing the needs of the members, insurer and CHSS including: · Ensuring members have a say in how the group is run · Receiving feedback from members/volunteers on the group’s activities and addressing any issues promptly and respectfully · Having a clear picture of the group’s finances and plan for the future · Ensuring the group has correct policies and procedures including those for working with volunteers, safe working practices, dealing with complaints and confidentiality SKILLS AND QUALITIES · Understanding of the needs of people who have had a stroke · Able to keep and store accurate records · Ability to work well with people · An awareness of boundaries and own limitations · Good communication skills and ability to work confidentially TRAINING AND SUPPORT CHSS can provide training to support you in your role. Training can include: · General information about chest, lung, heart and stroke conditions · First aid, health & safety, data protection (GDPR) · Assisting with mobility TIMINGS: Weekly on a Thursday from 2pm – 4pm. Interested? For more information, please contact Peer Support Coordinator, Georgia Freyne. Tel: 07756 876 063 Email: georgia.freyne@chss.org.uk