Befriender volunteers are required to meet with a beneficiary to help alleviate loneliness and isolation, listen to and engage with the beneficiary, promoting positive outlooks and raising self esteem. Regularly meet with a beneficiary, either in their home or at a mutually agreed location. Listen to and engage with the beneficiary, promoting positive outlooks and raised self-esteem. Research into local community groups and activities to find relevant interests for the beneficiary. Identify any additional areas of support and make referrals to the Area Welfare Manager if required. Keep a note of visits undertaken, with recommendations and actions.

At Balquhidder House we are looking for someone who is a keen gardener or an enthusiastic learner to assist with our extensive grounds, role includes: Vegetation clearance, heavy lifting, digging and tree planting, someone with a knowledge of growing plants, grass cutting using lawnmower and then bagging for removal of grass, weeding, tidying and care of tools is essential, reasonable level of fitness and good communication skills.

Balquhidder House are looking for volunteers who are interested in organising some Arts and Craft activities with our residents, we would like someone who enjoys being in the company of older people and would be happy to assist when necessary. Tasks include: setting up for the activity, organising materials and clearing away materials once the activity has finished. Ideally we would like someone who can assist our residents to participate in the activities and provide some support in their choice of activity, any new ideas are always welcome and our residents might want to try to do something different. Any Arts and Craft activities will be considered but tasks such as card making, glass painting, mosaics, working with material or clay work are some that are popular.

Alzheimer Scotland is Scotland’s leading specialist dementia charity working to improve the lives & opportunities of everyone affected by dementia. Our aim is that nobody faces dementia alone. This role involves supporting individuals who attend our day care facility to participate in activities of their choosing, assisting with day to day running of the day care, for example, setting and clearing tables for lunch, assisting with dishes and other tasks as required to assist with the smooth running of the day. To carry out this role, you will need patience, empathy, good communication skills, and the understanding and application of confidentiality of service user’s details are all essential skills as is ability to work in a team using own initiative with the ability to take direction. We promote independence within an individual’s ability as this is important to retain skills.

Registered Therapets and their volunteer owners visit hospices, hospitals, residential and nursing homes throughout Scotland. Visiting on a regular basis the Therapet Service provides contact wiht pets for many people who would therefore be deprived of the companionship of a pet.

Home library service volunteers are required to work alongside the local library to deliver and collect books, DVDs or CDs to older people who may be housebound or have mobility issues. The service offers regular friendly social contact for the older person when you can check they are safe and well. There is an opportunity to discuss reading and listening preferences and report any concerns to the hub office/library. Training will be provided and you’ll be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses.

The James Tyrrell Centre is a small charity that provides a social outlet for lonely or socially isolated older people in the local community. We are based at Mastrick Parish Church . We serve tea and toast on arrival around 10am, a three course lunch at midday and afternoon tea and cake around 2:30pm. Throughout the day we play cards, dominoes, have quizzes and play different physical games such as boccia (indoor bowling) quoits and others. We also enjoy a beetle drive and we can be very competitive!! We need people to help us with the activities and the general running of the centre. Your duties as a volunteer would be to assist with activities and chat with our members. They have lots of stories to tell and enjoy listening as well. Other duties would include setting up and clearing of tables for meal times and washing/drying dishes. Excellent support and relevant training is provided to all volunteers including an initial induction and training in basic first aid and moving and handling. A fantastic opportunity to help and make a real difference-all volunteer help is greatly appreciated. For further details please contact Jane Wilson at tel: 01224 692004.

The Food Train Stirling is in its 6th year and is volunteer run. We provide an essential grocery shopping/delivery service for any older person in Stirling who may be struggling to access food due to disability, mobility issues or frailty. Our aim is to prevent social isolation and malnutrition in older persons. We have a dedicated and diverse set of volunteers, which we are very proud of. We collect shopping lists on a Monday then we shop and deliver Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. This role invovles: - Working in pairs visiting customers to collect shopping lists. - Writing shopping lists for customers when asked. - Spending a few minutes chatting with customers To carry out this role, you will have at least basic literacy, be of a cheerful disposition, have a commitment to helping older vulnerable people, be well presented, able to get to our offices, and be able to offer a 6 month commitment (not necessarily consecutive months). It would be benefical, but not essential to have a driving license and the ability to drive a van. In appreciation of your time, we are able to offer expenses to and from the office to all volunteers. You will also have access to water and healthy snacks whilst volunteering. We also carry out a full induction with volunteers which includes malnutrition training and dementia training. This role is very social, and fun. Our volunteers are able to be active whilst making a direct impact in their community by helping vulnerable older people, who without The Food Train, would struggle to have access to food. In addition, you can expand your skills and employability. We are happy to offer a written reference for volunteers who are with us for a minimum of 6 months.

ReConnect supports lonely and isolated older adults across rural Clydesdale with a variety of interventions - including telephone befriending calls, home visits and 1:1 support to get out and about. All our work is aimed at increasing confidence, self-esteem and social networks. This is an ideal volunteering opportunity if you want to make a positive difference to the lives of older people in your local community, make new friends and develop your skills. Responsibilities will be: - To complete necessary training as required - To deliver required intervention - phone call, home visit or outing for your older person - To complete a record of your call, visit or outing for submission to the project worker on a regular basis to monitor progress and highlight any concerns or areas of development - Record and report any concerns, accidents and incidents immediately to the Project Worker - To attend ReConnect volunteer and review meetings - To abide by the General Volunteer Agreement and adhere to Healthy Valleys policies

This volunteering opportunity is about providing assistance to vulnerable people in Moray through a ‘Help at Home’ service. This service is for people coming out of hospital, feeling unwell, recovering from illness or just generally needing help on a short term basis. The service needs are driven by the client; jobs could include for example: animal care (including dog walking), laundry, changing beds, shopping, etc. There is usually opportunity to chat with the client to determine if they are well, need support in any other areas. This befriending provides the added value that sets the MHPS apart from a paid professional doing the work.