Tag: Volunteer Week

St John Scotland unveils 300th Public Access Defibrillator in Edinburgh

St John Scotland has unveiled its 300th Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) in Edinburgh city centre, marking a major milestone in the charity’s work to improve access to lifesaving equipment across the city. 

The defibrillator was officially unveiled by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh during Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June 2026), a fitting moment to recognise the dedication and commitment of St John Scotland’s Edinburgh volunteers, whose efforts help make communities in the city safer every day. St John Scotland is now working with the local area to identify the best location for it.

PADs play a crucial role in improving survival rates from out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest. Having a defibrillator nearby, and people confident enough to use it, can make the difference between life and death while emergency services are on their way. For every PAD St John Scotland help place, volunteers provide CPR and defibrillator training to the hosts.

The installation of the 300th defibrillator in Edinburgh reflects years of sustained effort by St John Scotland volunteers in the city, working alongside local partners, communities and supporters to identify gaps in provision and help make lifesaving equipment more accessible.

The unveiling also recognised the long‑standing support of Mike Pinkerton, whose work with St John Scotland has raised over £20,000 to support the expansion of community lifesaving initiatives across Edinburgh.

The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, said: “This impressive milestone is a testament to the power of community action and the incredible long-standing support for St John Scotland.

“Reaching 300 Public Access Defibrillators across Edinburgh is a fantastic achievement that the city can be truly proud of. It reflects the dedication and generosity of volunteers, partners, and supporters who give their time to help protect lives in their communities. Across the city St John Scotland public access defibrillators have been used to save lives.”

“I hope this success inspires even more organisations and community groups to get involved and explore hosting a Public Access Defibrillator at their building. “

John Craig, Edinburgh Chair of St John Scotland, said: “Reaching 300 Public Access Defibrillators in Edinburgh is a huge milestone for us, but it’s one that simply wouldn’t be possible without our amazing volunteers.

“From installing and maintaining defibrillators to delivering training and raising awareness in their communities and much more, their commitment saves lives every day. It’s especially fitting to celebrate this during Volunteers’ Week.”

Mike Pinkerton said: “I know how lucky I am to still be here and to be able to do my bit for such a worthwhile cause. I’m also lucky to have had such great support from St John Scotland and their incredible team of volunteers.

“Of course, we hope these defibrillators are never needed but the truth is they will be and, when they are, we know we’re giving someone suffering a cardiac arrest the best possible chance of survival.”

St John Scotland’s volunteers give thousands of hours each year to support communities across Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland, delivering essential CPR education, transporting vulnerable patients to and from vital treatment and helping to build confidence in lifesaving skills.

With the support of existing host organisations across the city, St John Scotland has been able to expand access to lifesaving equipment in local communities. The charity is aiming to inspire more businesses, community groups and local organisations to host future defibrillators.

The charity continues to work towards its goal of safer, more resilient communities, ensuring that defibrillators are not only available, but visible, accessible and supported by training.

All registered PADs can be found at https://www.defibfinder.uk/

St John Scotland is encouraging people across Edinburgh to consider placing a PAD in their local area. Find out more at: 

https://www.stjohnscotland.org.uk/public-access-defibrillators

Edinburgh Leisure celebrates local volunteers during Volunteer Week

Edinburgh Leisure has paid tribute to the vital role of its volunteers with a special Volunteer Thank You Day, held on Thursday 6 June as part of the UK’s annual Volunteer Week celebrations.

The event brought together 60 of the organisation’s 190 volunteers for a day of appreciation, connection, and insight into the impact of their contributions. Hosted at one of Edinburgh Leisure’s Meadowbank Sports Centre, the gathering recognised the essential role volunteers play in supporting health and wellbeing across the city.

“Our volunteers are the heartbeat of many of our community programmes,” said Stephen Hughes, Volunteer Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure.

“They help us reach more people, deliver more services, and ultimately improve lives through physical activity. This event was a small way to say a big thank you.”

Volunteers at Edinburgh Leisure support a wide range of initiatives, from health walks and inclusive fitness sessions to youth engagement and wellbeing programmes. Their efforts help reduce barriers to physical activity and promote healthier, more connected communities.

The celebration also offered volunteers the opportunity to share their experiences, learn more about Edinburgh Leisure’s services, and connect with fellow volunteers and staff. Many spoke of the personal rewards of volunteering, including meeting new people, supporting others, and seeing participants grow in confidence and wellbeing.

Volunteer Week, which runs annually in early June, is a UK-wide initiative that recognises the invaluable contributions of volunteers in all sectors.

Interested in Volunteering?

Edinburgh Leisure is always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join its volunteer team.

To learn more about current opportunities, visit: 👉 

edinburghleisure.co.uk/careers/volunteer

Volunteer Week: Edinburgh Leisure celebrates its unsung heroes

As the nation celebrates National Volunteer Week (Monday, 3rd – Sunday, 9th June), Edinburgh Leisure will be holding a thank you on Thursday, 6th June at Meadowbank Sports Centre for their unsung heroes and their unwavering commitment and all they do to help create a more active and healthier city.

National Volunteer Week recognises and celebrates the contributions volunteers make across the UK and inspires more people to make a difference.

Stephen Hughes, Volunteer Manager at Edinburgh Leisure explains: “Our volunteers play a vital role in making a difference to people’s lives, providing the help and support people need to be active.

“In the last few years, our volunteers have grown from 120 in 2022-2023 to 140 in 2023-2024. We’ve also expanded the volunteering roles from five to nine and include buddy swimming, walk leaders and Instructor Assistants.”

Teresa, 66, one of Edinburgh Leisure’s volunteers explains why she got involved and her journey from participant to volunteer. She grew up in Edinburgh’s Craigmillar area and has always enjoyed staying active.

She used the old Meadowbank Sports Centre (“going back a few years”) for aerobics classes, badminton, and training for the West Highland Way with her sister-in-law.

Teresa was previously a participant in Edinburgh Leisure’s Steady Steps programme, which is a physical activity referral programme for anyone who has had a fall or is at risk of having a fall. After falling and breaking her wrist, she completed half her sessions in person and the rest online when COVID-19 hit.

Here she tells us about her journey from participant to volunteer:

“I worked with Scottish Gas for 36 years and as part of my job I supported community initiatives. We had days where we could volunteer, and I used them to support the Royal Blind School. That was when I first became interested in volunteering.

When I finished my Steady Steps classes, my instructor Mari asked me if I would like to become a volunteer. I investigated it and was surprised to find out that Edinburgh Leisure has so many different volunteer roles. I decided to volunteer with Steady Steps and another Active Communities class, Get Active, which encourages inactive people to become and stay active.

“Not only does volunteering help me keep physically fit but it’s also good for my mental wellbeing.  I love the community and camaraderie in classes, getting to know people and learning new things.

“I like that the participants find me approachable and when they call me by my name it shows they remember me, and I feel valued.

“The education sessions and the volunteer training days about dementia and visual impairment I’ve taken part in have broadened my knowledge. I get as much out of volunteering as the participants do.

“I would encourage others who are considering volunteering to give it a go as it’s so rewarding. Recently, after my class had finished, a few of us were having a laugh while getting packed up.

“It was only when we got to the front door of Meadowbank that one of the participants realised she had left her Zimmer frame in the studio. For me this is a good example of how physical activity can improve health, even in older people, and give them confidence to get out and do more”.

No matter which role you undertake as a volunteer at Edinburgh Leisure, training and support is provided. To find out more and get involved, visit: 

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/work-with-us/become-a-volunteer or contact stephenhughes@edinburghleisure.co.uk

Sixty of the Best: Lord Provost to recognise city’s inspiring volunteers

North Edinburgh’s volunteers prominent once again

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Over sixty of Edinburgh’s most Inspiring Volunteers will be honoured by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost – and city Volunteering Ambassador – Councillor Donald Wilson at a special awards ceremony on Tuesday 7 June during #VolunteerWeekScot. Continue reading Sixty of the Best: Lord Provost to recognise city’s inspiring volunteers