FCSS has been created to challenge the inflexibility of current childcare provision across the country and to ensure equity of early years’ and childcare experience for all children regardless of family circumstances, location or specific needs. We are now seeking new Trustees to join our board and help us to drive flexible childcare across Scotland. Board Trustees are responsible for the charity’s governance and strategy, and for making sure that the charity is administered effectively. Help us to tackle child poverty by making flexible childcare the rule, not the exception!

As SISG, we currently have 14 hearing hubs in Ayr, Prestwick, Troon, Girvan, Alloway, Largs, Arran, West Kilbride, Saltcoats, Kilwinning, Cumnock, Kilmaurs, Galston and Kilmarnock. We also support 27 battery pick up points across North, South and East Ayrshire libraries. We also carry out visits to over 2,000 older people with hearing and/or sight loss throughout North, South and East Ayrshire each year. We wouldn't be able to carry out all this work without the help and support of our volunteers. If you would like to volunteer with us, we currently need the support of sensory loss volunteers. Even with as little as 2 hours a month to help us run our services from the different 'Hearing Hubs' which are usually based in the local libraries. Volunteers give support and information to people struggling with hearing and/or sight loss. If you have any queries, please get in contact and we will do our best to support you in your volunteering journey. Full training will be given by professionals.

What is Parent Connect? Parent Connect is a new parental employability support project in Aberdeenshire. The aim of the project is to help unemployed and underemployed, low-income parents in the local area to get on in life and raise their family income through gaining employment and progressing in their careers. Who does Parent Connect support? Parent Connect provides wraparound support to: Lone parents Parents under 25 year Ethnic minority parents Parents with disability or with a child with disability Parents with 3+ children Parents with a youngest child under 1 year old. Which organisations do we work with? Project Scotland part of Volunteering Matters are working closely with Aberdeenshire Council, Enable Works and The Foyer to provide this holistic support. What do Mentors support Parents with? Parent Connect mentors provide person-centred support, and this will look different for every relationship depending on the needs of the mentee. Some parents may need help with generally improving their self-confidence, improving employability skills or identifying their goals/ next steps. Some mentees might have a clear idea of the career they want to progress in and are looking for specific support or advice around this. What is the commitment? 1 hour every 1-2 weeks Minimum 4 months commitment Meeting time/format is flexible and to be agreed between mentor and mentee e.g. online or in-person What are the benefits of Volunteering? Volunteering as a Parent Connect mentor is a mutually rewarding experience. You’ll have the opportunity to make a difference to somebody’s life and an impact in your local community! Mentoring can help to build on leadership and coaching skills and you’ll get chances to network with other volunteers. We will provide you with training, ongoing support from start-finish, provide references and also reimburse appropriate volunteer expenses.

Marie Curie Companion is a professional service provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness and their families. The service would not be able to reach those most in need if it was not for the commitment and hard work of the volunteers delivering the service. Companion Volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support. Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks: Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, eg family home, a care home or in the community. Provide one-to-one companionship and support. For example: offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in every-day conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (e.g. to medical appointments) or taking short trips out. Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet. Allowing carers to have a short break. You may be supporting your client’s family or carers before or during bereavement. This may involve offering emotional support, signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested (This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Companion volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice) Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone Submit regular visit reports to your manager and update relevant computer systems as required Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator, training and group events as required Represent the Marie Curie Companion service positively to those using the service For more information or if you have any questions regarding this volunteer role, please contact the Volunteering Operations Team at volunteering@mariecurie.org.uk ABOUT US Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and 6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left. Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one. Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.