Description

Retail volunteers are the backbone of our shops. A day can include sorting donations, operating the till or pricing stock – every day, and every shop, is different! Each volunteer brings their own skills, experience and character to a role.

Organisation aims and objectives

Bethany Christian Trust is a national charity whose mission is to relieve the suffering and meet the long term needs of homeless and vulnerable people in Scotland. We share a big vision – to work together towards the aim of Ending Homelessness in Scotland. We support people in a broad range of ways including: housing, education and employment, addiction recovery, emotional well-being, street outreach, community integration, offending reduction and social support

Availability

The times at which individuals can volunteer varies. Our shops are open Monday to Saturday, from around 9:30 to around 17:00, though this changes depending on the shop. We ask that volunteers do not volunteer more than 16 hours a week, and on a maximum of four days a week.

Restrictions

Experience required: Different roles have different requirements but largely we ask our volunteers to be friendly, willing to help, and ready to learn and committed to being part of the retail team.
Travel details: We operate 6 shops across Edinburgh and one in Gullane. Duke Street. Stockbridge. 32B Haddington Place. 33A Haddington Place (Bethany Bookshop). Summerhall Place. Morningside. Gullane.
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Regular volunteers are entitled to claim up to £3.60 per day for travel expenses (£4.50 if multiple buses are required) and up to £3 per day for lunch expenses, providing that they volunteer for 4 hours or more on that day, and that they present their supervisor with the valid receipts.
Taster available: Yes
Training details: Induction takes place when the volunteer starts.