Description
Are you 45+ with a warm and open manner, and an appreciation
for the benefits of being active?
We are looking for enthusiastic and caring people, who are
confident in water, to join our friendly & sociable team of
volunteers to support older adults (50+) to be physically active, and
comfortable in a swimming pool environment, at one of our
venues in Edinburgh.
We’ll make sure that you receive training and support to enable
you to have fun and succeed in making a difference with us.
Buddy Swimming is for older adults who would like to swim but
who have either lost their confidence, or perhaps due to ill health,
are no longer able to swim on their own. Ageing Well volunteers -
all of whom are older adults themselves – meet participants in the
reception area prior to the session and give the necessary support
both at poolside and in the pool to help participants regain their
confidence whilst working on improving their strength,
coordination, and flexibility.
Volunteers say that they develop deeper connections within their
communities, feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally; and
are better able to manage health conditions such as stress.
The project is run in partnership with NHS Lothian and is part of
the UK Ageing Well network, which aims to increase the
expectation of good health in older adults. Please check out our
webpage for more information on our activities
https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/ageing-well
Organisation aims and objectives
Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities team uses physical activity to improve the lives of people affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities and poverty. We have opportunities to volunteer in a vast range of projects and programme that help people become and remain active. We aim to make a positive impact on the Health and Wellbeing of people in Edinburgh.
Availability
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Flexible – from 1-2 hours a week to 1-2 hours every few weeks
Restrictions
Experience required: Water confidence, Good communication skills , Welcoming and friendly, Good team worker, Well organised, Min age 45.
Open, warm and friendly manner
Effective communication skills.
Comfortable and confident in the pool.
Compassionate/empathetic: participants may be cautious or hesitant about entering the water.
Excellent time-keeping skills
Willingness to undertake training required
Reliability
Ability to work alongside others in a team
Non-judgementa
Travel details: Locations include:
• Leith Victoria Swim Centre – Monday AM
• Glenogle Swim Centre - Tuesday AM (continues throughout
school holidays)
• Warrender Swim Centre – Wednesday AM
• Drumbrae Leisure Centre - Thursday AM
• Royal Commonwealth Pool – Tuesday noon
Dalry Swim Centre on Friday mornings.
Wester Hailes Education Centre
Minimum age: 45
Support
Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Volunteers fill in a bank details form when they first claim expenses, along with the expenses form itself and expenses will be paid directly into their bank account monthly.
Taster available: Yes
Training details: 1 day of core training, which covers safeguarding, data protection, and all the induction training they need to start their role. Other, swim specific, training available.
Ongoing support in the form of volunteer meetings, celebration events, and 1:1 support from staff.