Dundee Central Library
Dundee's main public library which aims to provide a comprehensive lending, reference and learning service to inhabitants of the city.
Current opportunities
We offer support to others living with diabetes in Scotland through local libraries. Diabetes is a serious and complicated condition that affects over 300,000 in Scotland. We need you to help us to reach more people at a local level to raise awareness of diabetes.
This will include providing information around how people might help themselves prevent developing type 2 diabetes in the future. You will also tell those already diagnosed with diabetes ways in which they might achieve remission. You will also be able to share information about Diabetes UK resources such as our benefits of membership, Learning Zone, Online Forums, Helpline and website.
What you will be doing
• Supporting an awareness stand in your local library to promote diabetes and increase awareness using Diabetes UK literature.
• Gather data about what those you meet would like from Diabetes Scotland.
• Telling people about our online Know Your Risk tool.
• Telling people about ways in which they can support themselves with their diabetes.
• Answer general queries using the information we give you.
• Direct any medical or other specific questions to Diabetes UK Helpline or to healthcare professionals.
Other things we would like from you
• Thinking of new and creative ways to help promote diabetes and reach
• more people living with or at risk of type 2 diabetes.
The skills you need
• Have a passion for improving diabetes awareness in their local community
• Have an interest in community-based health promotion work
• Are confident to talk to people in an engaging and enthusiastic way
• Can maintain confidentiality and talk to people in a sensitive and discreet way when required
• Respect other people’s cultures and understand their cultural values
• Are committed to support the work of Diabetes UK and represent Diabetes UK in a positive way
• Are able to attend all briefings and trainings related to your role
Being able to speak more than one language would be beneficial but not required
What's in it for you
• The opportunity to make a real difference to people living with, and affected
by diabetes in your community
• The opportunity to meet and network with other volunteers
• The opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience of the
charity sector.
• Induction, training and regular communication with Diabetes UK point of
• contact
Macmillan Cancer Support has funded Leisure and Culture Dundee to set up cancer information
and support services in libraries across the city of Dundee. The aim of the programme is to
provide individuals affected by cancer with local access to cancer information, emotional support,
and signposting to a range of different partner services. Volunteers are at the heart of this project
and are central to the success of the service.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Setting up, and closing down the service
Meeting and greeting people, providing a warm welcome to the Macmillan service
Making appointments and direct referrals to the appropriate agencies
Providing a friendly, listening ear to people
Explaining the resources and services available in Dundee
Collecting and recording information about people who use the service
Recording messages
Referring complex enquiries to a supervisor
Keeping the information displays stocked and up to date
Attending volunteer development sessions to keep informed about developments in
services
Building strong community links and raising awareness of the service
Benefits to you:
Full support from the wider Macmillan team
Full training
The chance to meet and make friends with like-minded people
Make a real difference to the lives of people affected by cancer in your local community
Exciting range of social networking opportunities within Macmillan
Excellent experience to enhance your CV
References can be provided to volunteers who are involved for more than six months
Be part of an innovative cancer support project
Many of our library customers come to us for advice and practical support to access online resources, as they may not have access to a computer or the internet at home. We need volunteers who can explain and practically demonstrate how to complete basic IT tasks,assisting customers to improve their skills and access the information and support they require online.
As part of the Library and Information service of Leisure and Culture Dundee, your role will be to support library customers to improve their IT skills through the provision of Basic IT support and training, which could include;
Support with setting up and using email
Accessing online job search and completing employment applications
Scanning and uploading documents
Accessing online training courses Completing online applications e.g. for housing or benefits Travel planning Using microsoft office packages Downloading and printing documents Accessing library service e-resources
We are looking for volunteers with good IT skills to support Databanks in branch libraries. A databank is like a food bank, but for mobile data – it provides free mobile SIM cards for people who need internet connectivity.
Your role will be to:
Assist customers with inserting sim cards into their devices and topping up by voucher
Assisting with online registration and monitoring
Advising on budgeting data and answering any queries customers may have
You will also be an ambassador for databanks in libraries, assisting with promotion to key partners in the community to ensure we are reaching those who will benefit.