Befrienders engage in a range of one-to-one, fun activities helping to build the child’s confidence and self-esteem and introducing them to new experiences. Befrienders are matched with a child or young person aged between 5 and 18 who is affected by HIV or Hepatitis. Activities are focused around the child and their befriender’s interested and could include trips to museums, trampoline parks, tourist attractions, outdoor play areas, sporting matches, and galleries. any of the children and young people we support have undergone Adverse Childhood Experiences that continue to negatively impact their wellbeing, development, and behaviour. They often struggle with poor numeracy and literacy, inability to focus, low self-esteem and poor mental health. We want to continue to support them, and their families and we need your help to make this happen! As a Befriender you will need to commit to a minimum of 1 year of volunteering, in order to nurture feelings of trust and safety, and to provide a consistent positive influence. All sessions take place out of the office, the volunteer would be able to choose an accessible place to meet their needs. Our office is not disability accessible, however we would ensure we have any meetings/interviews/training sessions located somewhere accessible if necessary.

The purpose of this role is to assist children and young people with their learning, to foster a positive attitude towards education and ultimately, to help them grow in confidence. Sessions could include anything from assisting them with schoolwork to wider learning, such as, going to a museum, historic site or exploring nature. Many of the children and young people we support have undergone Adverse Childhood Experiences that continue to negatively impact their wellbeing, development, and behaviour. They often struggle with poor numeracy and literacy, inability to focus, low self-esteem and poor mental health. We want to continue to support them, and their families and we need your help to make this happen! Study Buddy sessions take place once a week, Monday to Friday after school hours. As the sessions take place out of the office, the volunteer would be able to choose an accessible place to meet their needs. Our office is not disability accessible, however we would ensure we have any meetings/interviews/training sessions located somewhere accessible if necessary.

Our new Live Well project comprises a number of services, each providing an element of support enabling our service users to manage their lives and improve their overall health and wellbeing. As well as Escorted Shopping, Live Well includes our Medication Delivery and Home Support. Those applying for any of the roles within the Live Well program have the option of volunteering across multiple services if they choose to. Our Home Support service offers practical and social support to people affected by HIV and/or Hepatitis C, helping them to take care of their homes and their wellbeing. For many, this enables them to maintain their tenancies and encourages self-care. When illness, mobility or side-effects of medication makes housework too difficult we can offer the support that allows people to feel more comfortable with their environment. You will work with the Service User to achieve goals together which may include assisting them with cleaning and decluttering, making a shopping list, or understanding household bills. Home Support also builds social connections in order to tackle isolation and stigmaWith many Service Users being socially isolated in this way, having a friendly volunteer coming to their home benefits their wellbeing in more ways than one. Working together, as well as chatting over a cuppa, builds a sense of confidence and self-worth, allowing them to have greater independence. Any questions please contact us; 0131 225 4766 or leigh@positivehelpedinburgh.co.uk

The Supportive Transport service is our most popular service. It offers lifts to people who are living with or affected by HIV and/or Hepatitis C to attend vital medical, social care and welfare appointments. Our clients often struggle to travel independently due to limited mobility, social anxiety or financial constraints. Some are socially isolated and value the company of their driver. Providing a listening ear to help a Service User process what has been told to them at an appointment is of great benefit. Many tell us they would not attend vital medical appointments without having someone to support them in getting there. Our drivers provide much more to our service users than just a lift! Supportive Transport volunteers also deliver medication and provide lifts to essential food shops. You do not need your own car to apply for this role but you must have a full driving license with a good record of safe driving. You can use your own car for this role or an Enterprise hire car. Any questions please contact us; 0131 225 4766 or leigh@positivehelpedinburgh.co.uk