Description

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.

Organisation aims and objectives

We’re the Royal Osteoporosis Society – the UK’s largest national charity dedicated to improving bone health and beating osteoporosis. And we’re here for everyone. We equip people with practical information and support to take action on their bone health. Working with healthcare professionals and policy-makers, we’re influencing and shaping policy and practice at every level. We’re driving the research and development of new treatments, to beat osteoporosis together. Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition where your bones lose strength, making you more likely to fracture (break) a bone – even after just a minor bump or fall. Having osteoporosis doesn't mean you will definitely break a bone. But it does mean you're at higher risk than the average person. We're here to help you understand how to lower your risk of broken bones. – also known as 'fragility fractures' – and to live well with osteoporosis. Volunteering with the ROS Our amazing volunteers are helping the nation to enjoy better bone health and support people to live well with osteoporosis, right across the UK. Volunteers are involved in a huge range of ways - from hosting public information events and running Support groups, to sharing their experiences and raising funds.

Restrictions

Experience required: No set skills or experience are needed as we will provide you with an induction and ongoing support. What’s more important is you are enthusiastic and motivated, with a friendly approachable manner. We’re looking for a great communicator who enjoys interacting with all kinds of people, and is able to handle sensitive conversations with tact and kindness. You do not need to have Osteoporosis to volunteer with us, as long as you have a passion to make a difference to those with the condition.
Travel details: Galashiels, Scottish Borders
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Travel expenses provided other expenses considered on an individual basis.
Training details: Volunteer induction with the ROS, including ongoing training, support and development as needed.
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer