Fertility support groups provide a much needed opportunity to meet up virtually with others who understand the issues. Sharing experiences can help you feel less isolated, more supported and more able to cope with everything. You do need to commit a few hours each month to running and facilitating the group. Providing much needed support can be extremely rewarding.

Do you enjoy making a difference in your community? We are setting up an osteoporosis support group to be based in the community in Galashiels and are looking friendly, welcoming people to help. An amazing opportunity to support and help others in a community setting with the newly formed Galashiels Osteoporosis Support Group. Help individuals to improve their quality of life, whilst helping them learn to live well with this debilitating condition. The (CAMEO) Osteoporosis Support group (Come and meet others with Osteoporosis) will meet up in the community in Galashiels. The group will be welcome to all, but is mainly for people with osteoporosis or those touched by the condition to meet up and be given the opportunity to speak to others in a similar situation. The group is being set up in the community with a local volunteer team, but will have ongoing support and guidance from the Volunteer and Public Engagement team at the ROS. The Galashiels Osteoporosis Support Group will be run in a relaxed fun and informative way. Osteoporosis Support Groups can be another great source of information and can help other people in similar situation by helping to raise awareness about all things Osteoporosis, especially if newly diagnosed. There are lots of ways to get involved, but this could include: • With the Volunteer Lead, helping to plan for and organise upcoming meetings. • Sending and replying to emails, sending meeting invites, writing newsletters and updates. • Help to set up before and clear away after the meeting. • Meet and greet attendees on the day, being a point of support for group attendees, answering questions and helping them in ways that best meets their individual needs. Giving peer support, helping to guide and assist others on their Osteoporosis journey. • Work as part of the team, helping to support the group and the Volunteer Lead, with the support and help of the ROS and the Borders Volunteer Action. • There may be the opportunity to take part in community awareness events and to take on other volunteer role if interested. Times: No minimum commitment, but to help secure the future of the group, a long term commitment would be preferred. We plan for meetings to be held four times a year for two hours.

Purpose and Aims of the role Bright Stars is an ongoing, fortnightly group based in Kilmarnock that supports young care experienced people. This is a vibrant and dynamic group that provides a wide range of activities and opportunities for its members. As we continue to develop, we would particularly like to hear from potential volunteers who have an interest in sports and/or arts and crafts. Perhaps you have a passion for inspiring others, a background in or a passion for art or maybe a love for all things sport related. If so then we would love to hear from you. By bringing your skills and experience to the group, you will bring something new and be able to contribute your own ideas and help plan new activities. In the wider aspect of the role, you will assist in providing and supporting activities for young people, including day trips and at Who Cares? Scotland events. Who Cares? Scotland is a people organisation. We invest in our people, our relationships and in a positive working culture. It’s important to us that our volunteer team is included, involved and motivated to change society. We aim to recruit people with excellent qualities from a wide variety of backgrounds who share in our mission. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with care experience. What will I be doing? • Involved in the project from the planning stages and building the team • Supporting staff to plan & undertake activities • Supporting youth group sessions • Leading on activities & planning • Supporting young people’s sense of belonging and connection • Building community ties, ensuring Care Experienced people are welcomed within communities • Helping children and young people to have fun • Building children and young people’s confidence and self esteem • Being a positive role model What skills can I bring to this role? • Experience of working with children (not essential) • A knowledge of issues affecting Care Experienced children and young people • Ability to work well with children and young people • Good communication and listening skills • Ability to encourage and motivate children and young people to participate in activities What qualities do I need? • To have a non-judgemental approach to people, and to have empathy • Be enthusiastic, flexible, and committed • Reliable and approachable • Friendly, helpful, and understanding • Reliability and a commitment to treat all information in a confidential manner • To have a good value base, be open minded and level-headed When will I be needed? • Regular groups and events, as well as planning meetings. • Groups will be held fortnightly, on Wednesday 4.30-6pm

Volunteers are bereaved through suicide for a minimum of *2 years, therefore, having the understanding of the type of support the client requires. Each local SoBS group is run by a team of 3: the group leader and two group volunteers. Between them, they facilitate the session, get the conversation started. The team also work together to manage the administration, fundraising and communication for the group.