"Grandmentors" is an award winning inter-generational mentoring programme, matching volunteer mentors who have a range of life skills and experiences, with young people aged 16-26 who are care experienced or who have "adverse childhood experiences". Grandmentors has now launched in Midlothian in 2023, for the first time! Our volunteer mentors help young people navigate the transition to independence into adulthood, by guiding them through life skills such as managing finances, accessing employment, education and training, and supporting their health and wellbeing. This opportunity is for volunteers (normally aged 50+) who have life experience and skills to offer. However, if you are younger than 50 and feel you could offer valuable support, please do apply or contact us to discuss further. It is important that you have good people skills, communication skills, patience, and can offer a regular commitment of a few hours per week (weekly or fortnightly). This role requires a PVG check which we will process for you after you apply to become a mentor. We provide our volunteers with comprehensive induction training, all on-going support, volunteer expenses and lots of other great benefits including the chance to make a difference to a young adult in need.

Alongside a co-facilitator, you will facilitate a support group once a month for 2 hours. You’ll be welcoming people, encouraging discussion and dealing sensitively with issues or conflict that may arise within the group meeting. You’ll play an important role in ensuring meetings run to time and that everyone has an opportunity to share if they choose to do so. You’ll be responsible for emailing meeting reminders to group participants and submitting brief statistics to Bipolar Scotland after each meeting.

Our 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline is a vital support for people with dementia, their carers & families and the wider community by ensuring that there is always someone there to listen and act when needed, be that day or night. The Helpline is delivered entirely by trained volunteers. This role can include telephone and online support. The role includes: Offering person-centred emotional support and information to people affected by dementia, primarily but not limited to, over the telephone. Developing and maintaining knowledge on health and social care issues that relate to people living with dementia, including statutory services and welfare benefits. Maintaining knowledge of other organisations and services that can help people living with dementia and sign post when appropriate. Recording information about enquiries on our database in line with our data protection policy. Attend ongoing training opportunities either online or in-person. Keep up to date with Alzheimer Scotland news and our work across Scotland. This volunteer role is available to people who can commit a minimum of 1 shift every 2 weeks. The Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so a variety of shifts are available.

Our Macmillan Buddy service provides a lifeline for people with cancer by offering them weekly support. The service is delivered by volunteers, who undergo comprehensive training and are fully supported by our staff and lead volunteers. As a Macmillan Buddy volunteer, you can make a real difference to people's lives, at the hardest time of their life. As a volunteer buddy, you are there as someone for your service user to talk to about how they are feeling and their support needs during this difficult time. Our Macmillan Community Buddies visit the service user face-to-face in the local community, usually the service user's home. This can also include offering support with simple practical tasks around the home. You'll also: - Be a key part of a friendly team of volunteers and staff - Receive comprehensive training and support - Have the opportunity to develop your communication and people skills - Receive out of pocket expenses, in line with our expenses policy