Description
Would you like to support older people in the community to eat well, age well and live well and maintain their independence in their own homes for as long as they're able?
Are you friendly, sociable and patient with a caring manner?
Food Train is an award winning charity providing services to older people who are no longer able to manage independently, through age, ill health, frailty or disability. The Connects service offers a volunteer matching service for grocery shopping, telephone befriending and meal delivery.
We welcome applications from everyone, whether you feel able to help us on a regular basis, occasionally as a stand-in volunteer, as a remote volunteer, as part of a team, lone worker or home based. There’s something for everyone.
*Why volunteer with us?
We have kind and caring volunteers all over Scotland, bringing friendship and joy to older people’s lives whilst providing much needed practical help. Our volunteers are vital to the success of Food Train and without them we simply wouldn’t be able to operate.
The best thing about volunteering is that you can choose to do as little or as much as you want. We have a variety of roles depending on where you live and what part of Food Train you want to volunteer with. By volunteering for us you can utilise your own skills and experience to help make a difference in your local community. In Aberdeen you can help us and the people we support in any of the following ways:
• Befriender Volunteers:
visiting an older person at home once a week to tackle loneliness and social isolation many older people experience.
• Shopping Companion and Shopping Friend Volunteers:
Helping an older person get their grocery shopping.
• Phone Friends:
Calling an older person once a week for a chat
• Volunteer Cook - Meal Makers:
Helping provide a home cooked meal once a week for an older person in your area
As a Food Train volunteer, you will receive all the support and information required to complete your role safely and confidently and we firmly believe that you shouldn’t be out of pocket, so we offer reasonable reimbursement of expenses.
Some of our roles will require you to become a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme because you will be working directly with vulnerable adults. But don’t worry, we will support you through the whole process and you will not be expected to pay for this yourself.
If you are aged 16 or over and would like to make a difference to older people’s lives, then why not join us? We are proud to be a welcoming, inclusive charity and are keen to hear from people of all communities, abilities, backgrounds and walks of life.
If you are interested in volunteering with us/for more information please register your interest at https://form.jotform.com/240511960661351 or email: volunteer.connects@thefoodtrain.co.uk
Further details are also available on our website at www.foodtrainconnects.org.uk
Organisation aims and objectives
Food Train is a registered charity, voluntary organisation and social enterprise. Since 1995 Food Train has been making daily life easier for older people, providing vital services to those who are no longer able to manage independently, through age, ill health, frailty or disability. Food Train makes hundreds of grocery deliveries every week, with the help of dedicated local volunteers, ensuring those most in need have access to fresh groceries.
Frequency and commitment details
Flexible times available to volunteer. All help greatly appreciated.
Restrictions
Minimum age: 16
Support
Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Approved out of pocket expenses e.g.: car mileage etc. are reimbursed.
Training details: Excellent support and training is provided to all volunteers.
Support:
Named Contact For Volunteer,
Wheelchair Access/Disabled Access Toilet