Childrens Hospices Across Scotland
Charity registered in Scotland SC019724
CHAS is the only charity in Scotland that provides vital hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions. We offer care for the whole family in our two children's hospices, Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch. We also run a homecare service called CHAS at Home helping families in their own homes across Scotland when they need it most.
We are currently supporting over 300 families, as well as significant number of families who receive bereavement support. Our services are funded mainly through the generousity of our many supporters who help us to raise over £9million needed each year to provide these hospice services.
Current opportunities
This is a varied and interesting role which provides much needed support to our team of very busy Community Fundraisers. You will be helping to generate as much money and awareness as possible in your local area so that CHAS can deliver vital services to children with a life-shortening condition across Scotland and to their families, too.
What activities might I be involved in?
- Leading local events like bucket shakes, community stalls and bag packs
- Making approaches to secure these opportunities, leading other volunteers on the day and counting cash raised to get it ready for banking
- Getting fundraising materials, like banners and buckets, ready for local events
- Carrying out local research to support specific projects agreed with the CHAS team
- Approaching local groups to arrange talks by a CHAS speaker
- Undertaking any training that will help you with your role.
What skills and abilities will I need to have?
- Friendly and outgoing personality
- Good communication and numeracy skills
- Good attention to detail
- Willingness to work as part of a team and to take the lead
How much time should I offer?
This is a flexible role with lots of variety and some periods will be much busier than others. Your local Community Fundraiser, who will be your volunteer manager, will be happy to chat about how much time you can commit to the role.
Where is the opportunity based?
This role is based in your local community and some tasks will be carried out at home.
What ongoing learning/support/guidance will I receive?
It’s important to us that you feel happy, safe and confident in your role as a CHAS volunteer so you will be invited to complete a short, online core learning package that is tailored to your role. We are always developing new opportunities for volunteers to learn and offer a range of options for volunteers.
What are the benefits to me?
- Using your existing skills and learning new skills
- Getting more involved and making a real difference to the families of children with a life-shortening condition
- Adding to your CV
- Meeting new people
- Having fun!
What are the benefits to the children and families supported by CHAS?
Supporting the CHAS Fundraising Team helps CHAS to raise as much money as possible for children with a life-shortening condition. Community Fundraising Support volunteers are often the first point of contact for the public, so you will be a real ambassador in your local community and can help to make a big difference to first impressions and awareness of CHAS.
What else should I know?
The role is for those age 16+.We will pay your out of pocket expenses in line with the CHAS volunteer expenses policy.
CHAS is committed to providing a quality volunteering experience to all volunteers free from discrimination and prejudice. Ensuring that CHAS is an equal, diverse, and inclusive organisation improve the quality of care we provide, help us reach more families and children, and maximise a wide variety of knowledge, experience and expertise. We welcome volunteer applications from those who are refugees, asylum seekers, benefit claimants and those with a disability. We can provide more information on volunteering eligibility and any adjustments we can put in place to ensure your volunteering experience is a positive one.
What’s the next step?
If you’re interested in the role you can apply online or if you have any questions please contact the Volunteering Team at volunteering@chas.org.uk or 01577 866065.
Complementary therapists offer specialist therapy to parents as a method of relaxation during their stay in the hospice. On occasions therapists may be asked to work with affected children or siblings if they have the appropriate qualifications.
What activities will I be involved in?
Providing therapy to parents for relaxation during their stay in the hospice
Providing therapy to children if requested by the Care Team and parents
At times providing therapy to staff and volunteers on request
Keeping detailed, confidential records of treatment
Complying with the CHAS Complementary Therapies Policy
Managing or access to sensitive and confidential medical and personal information regarding the children and families accessing our services
Complying with Health and Safety regulations governing the use of equipment and oils
How much time should I offer?
You can volunteer on any day of the week, for a few hours, in the morning, afternoon or evening. This can be discussed and agreed with your Supervisor.
What are the benefits to me?
Using your skills for a great cause
Getting more involved and making a real difference to the families of children with a life-shortening condition.
Adding to your cv
Meeting new people
Having fun!
What are the benefits to the children and families supported by CHAS?
Families supported by CHAS are often under a lot of strain. Complementary therapy treatments can help to relax parents, enabling them to have a break and some valuable time to themselves, away from the pressures of caring for a child with a life-shortening condition.
What else should I know?
All therapists must be 18 or older and registered with a recognised professional body which has codes of conduct, ethics and discipline in place. We will need to see proof of qualifications and relevant CPD when you come in and meet us for an informal interview.
This role requires membership of the PVG scheme (children only). There is a simple form to complete and we will assist you with this. You may already have a PVG form – if so you will only need to complete an update form. The process won’t cost you anything and having a criminal record will not automatically exclude you from volunteering. We will assess each applicant on an individual basis.
We will pay your out of pocket expenses in line with the CHAS volunteer expenses policy.
CHAS is committed to providing a quality volunteering experience to all volunteers free from discrimination and prejudice. Ensuring that CHAS is an equal, diverse, and inclusive organisation improve the quality of care we provide, help us reach more families and children, and maximise a wide variety of knowledge, experience and expertise.
We welcome volunteer applications from those who are refugees, asylum seekers, benefit claimants and those with a disability. We can provide more information on if you are allowed to volunteer and what adjustments we can put in place to ensure your volunteering experience is a positive one.
What else should I know?
You must be aged 18 or older for this role.
This role requires membership of the PVG scheme (children only). There is a simple form to complete and we will assist you with this. You may already have a PVG form – if so you will only need to complete an update form. The process won’t cost you anything and having a criminal record will not automatically exclude you from volunteering. We will assess each applicant on an individual basis.
We will pay your out of pocket expenses in line with the CHAS volunteer expenses policy.
CHAS is committed to providing a quality volunteering experience to all volunteers free from discrimination and prejudice. Ensuring that CHAS is an equal, diverse, and inclusive organisation will improve the quality of care we provide, help us reach more families and children, and maximise a wide variety of knowledge, experience and expertise.
We welcome volunteer applications from those who are refugees, asylum seekers, benefit claimants and those with a disability.
What's the next step?
If you would like additional information about the role please call 01577 866065 or email volunteering@chas.org.uk. If you’re interested in the role you can apply online at https://www.chas.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-application-form
A rewarding role, where you are making a direct difference to the families of children with a life-shortening condition.
Home Support Volunteers visit families in their own homes (in your local area), to provide practical support to ‘lighten the load’ of family life.
It may include:
Housekeeping – hoovering, ironing, changing beds, general tidying,
Practical Sibling Support - spending time with siblings/play
Or other tasks identified by families eg. taking pet dog for a walk
What is Required?
*You can volunteer on any day of the week; mornings, afternoons, or early evenings. An average shift is approx 2 hours with the family, and ideally we are looking for a weekly commitment. All training will be provided, with ongoing support from Team Lead.
* You need to be able to drive
*You need online access to complete a 'visit log ' (this can be done on a phone, laptop or tablet)
*We welcome friendly, caring people to join our team
To find out more, please contact Emma Steel on emmasteel@chas.org.uk or 01389 722079,
or apply directly via the CHAS Website
What activities will I be involved in?
- Your initial introductory visit will be with a member of staff, but you will then visit unaccompanied
- Supporting families with ‘everyday’ tasks – these will vary and be dependent on the family’s needs, and the skills you bring.
They may include;
Housekeeping – hoovering, ironing, changing beds, general tidying
Practical Sibling Support - collecting siblings from school/clubs within walking distance of their home, assisting with homework, spending time with siblings/play
Meal Preparation - batch cooking or supporting families to cook (this does require specific training, which we will provide)
- Other; gardening, dog-walking, basic DIY eg. helping with flat-pack furniture
- Develop positive relationships with families, being respectful of their home and belongings
- Immediately communicate any concerns which may arise about a families wellbeing, including child protection concerns
- Be respectful of sensitive and confidential medical and personal information regarding the children and families accessing our services
Families supported by CHAS are often under a lot of strain, and caring for a child with a life-limiting condition can take a lot of the family’s time and attention. Often other household tasks, and family life, can become more difficult to manage, and can begin to feel overwhelming. This role makes a direct and instant difference to families.
Please feel welcome to contact Jack Daniels, Home Support Lead (East), on 07824 457767 or jackdaniels@chas.org.uk if you have any questions, or would like to discuss the role.