Tag: volunteering

Local volunteer helps Care & Repair Edinburgh

Keith is a local volunteer for the charity Care & Repair Edinburgh that helps older and vulnerable people stay independent, comfortable, safe, and secure in their own homes for as long as they can and want to.

Keith gets the bus or walks to the homes of older and disabled people in EH3, EH4 and EH5 (and further abound!) who have booked some DIY work with the charity.

Keith has completed 50 jobs since August 2022 in the area which has included changing many lightbulbs, and he is up a ladder in a whizz!

This is the most popular job that Keith does and can make so much difference to someone who only has one bulb as the main light source in a room. Another popular request is changing lightbulbs in fridges and hanging curtains or setting up a new laptop.

Keith goes that extra mile and has done jobs like typing up simplified instructions on how to use a mobile phone for an older person. In many cases, just visiting the client makes a big difference to them especially if they are housebound and have had few visitors.

2025 is the 40th anniversary of the charity Care & Repair Edinburgh who provide practical help around the homes of the elderly and disabled residents of Edinburgh.

The charity, which was based in Leith, was established in 1985 with the premise of “helping elderly people who are in most need and whose homes require repair or improvement”.

Forty years later the charity still provides affordable DIY and repairs for older and disabled residents of Edinburgh, however the services and the number of people being helped has dramatically increased.

Between a four-year period of 1985 to 1989 670 clients were helped but in 2025 the charity will help nearly that number of elderly and disabled people in one month!

In 2024 Care & Repair Edinburgh carried out over 6,000 DIY jobs around the homes of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable residents.

This has ranged from changing lightbulbs and putting up pictures through the Volunteer Service or installing keysafes so that an older person can stay independent in their own home with a little bit of help from friends, family members or carers. Small electrical repairs have been carried, which have included changing cracked light fittings and socket plates.

The joiner has fixed sash cords in windows, installed grab rails and handrails so clients can get out into their garden or installed shelves and curtain poles to make a house more homely.

Interestingly the age range of clients that the charity has helped has also changed over the years. In 1985 only 17% of the clients were over 80 years’ old, while today the figure is more than 46% and 11over 100-year-olds were supported last year.

Care & Repair Edinburgh’s Director, Allison Strachan, said: “It is wonderful to see the difference that we can make to the lives of the elderly and disabled residents in Edinburgh, and we receive such kind feedback from clients.

“Sometimes what seems like an impossible job for an elderly person who does not have very good mobility, for example climbing a ladder to change a lightbulb can be done by our wonderful volunteers in a flash!”

Today Care and Repair Edinburgh help older and vulnerable people stay independent, comfortable, safe, and secure in their own homes for as long as they can and want to.

Please get in touch with Care & Repair Edinburgh if you think we can help you and need some practical work carried out around your home or you would like to volunteer or make a donation so that this Edinburgh institution can carry on for another 40 years.

Community Councils: Let’s Try Again!

NEW DATES FOR NOMINATIONS RE-RUN

The city council’s Governance Team has announced that the date for the second call for nominations for community councils who received insufficient elected member nominations has been amended.

Nominations will now open on 27 March 2025 and will close at 4pm on 17 April 2025. This is to avoid the nomination period being open over 2 public holidays and to ensure officers are available to support candidates with any enquiries.

The formal notice will be published on the Council’s website in due course.

The 8 community councils who did not receive sufficient valid nominations to establish were:

• Craigmillar

• Davidson’s Mains and Silverknowes

• Firrhill

• Hutchison / Chesser

• Muirhouse/ Salvesen

• Old Town

• Portobello

• West Pilton/ West Granton.

The new dates have been updated on our CC webpages.

Community Councils: Results are in!

Community Council Elections 2025 – Notice of Results

THE results of the Community Council elections are now available to view on the Council’s website.

The Declaration of Results includes the names of all successful elected members who will be duly elected to community councils when the new term commences from 28 March 2025.

An update which includes details on the number of valid nominations received for each community council and the number of valid Local Interest Group nominations can be found below.

When nominations closed, 39 community councils received sufficient valid nominations to establish.

Insufficient nominations were received to establish 8 community councils:

  • Craigmillar
  • Davidson’s Mains and Silverknowes
  • Firrhill
  • Hutchison / Chesser
  • Muirhouse/ Salvesen
  • Old Town
  • Portobello
  • West Pilton/ West Granton

A second call for nominations will be issued for the 8 community councils who did not achieve sufficient nominations to establish. Nominations will open on 31 March 2025 and will close at 4pm on 21 April 2025.

The city council’s webpages will be updated in due course with further information.

6. Update on the valid number of nominations received up to 16.00__ on 27.02.25Download
Notice_of_results_for_website___2025Download

COMMUNITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS: FINAL REMINDER

COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 4pm TODAY

LAST CALL FOR COMMUNITY COUNCILLORS!

As at 2pm yesterday (Wednesday 26 February):

25 Community Councils currently have the minimum elected members numbers to form. Vacancies remain on ALL CCs.

22 Community Councils still require more elected member nominations to form. Of these, seven CCs have received NO nominations.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE – DEADLINE TO APPLY IS 4pm TODAY

Form can be downloaded here:

http://edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/file/36320/2025-community-council-election-nomination-form

Blow for local democracy as many areas unlikely to form Community Councils

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

IT’S looking increasingly likely that many areas across Edinburgh will not have active community councils following the current election process.

With just ONE DAY left before nominations close:

NINETEEN (of 47) Community Councils in Edinburgh have reached the minimum number of elected members numbers needed to form but 28 Community Councils still require more elected member nominations to form.

Muirhouse/Salvesen, West Pilton/West Granton and Davidsons Mains/Silverknowes are among eight areas across the city to have received NO nominations at all so far.

At time of writing no elections will be necessary in any community council area. Elections would only be necessary if more local people came forward than there are places available.

Community Councils are an important element in local and national community planning structures, but lukewarm support at best – and complete apathy at worst – will be a disappointment to those who hoped to see a renewed appetite for community participation.

The city council is currently reviewing community planning in Edinburgh.

Election organisers continue to urge members of the public to play a part in improving their local neighbourhoods – and there’s still time to submit a nomination form by the closing date at 4pm TOMORROW – Thursday 27 February 2025.

The quickest method to return completed nomination forms is by email to the Governance Team at community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk

If you choose to return by hand or by post please ensure you have allowed sufficient time for the nomination form to be received before the deadline at 4pm on Thursday 27 February 2025.  

Example completed nomination forms are attached – see below. All sections that must be completed are highlighted in yellow.

Nomination form – further clarification

We being persons residing in and appearing on the electoral register for the area of’ – ‘area’ means the community council area that you are being nominated for. Please ensure that you include the correct name of the Community Council and not the constituency or ward information. You can check the name of your community council on our website.

An individual can be both a single proposer and a single seconder, e.g.  They could propose Individual A and second Individual B. They cannot propose or second any other individuals.

A nominees family member (e.g. Wife, husband, brother etc.) can propose or second them in compliance with the point above.

Please only submit 1 nomination form via 1 method of submission e.g. via email OR by hand OR by post. Please do not send multiple copies of nomination forms to the Governance Team as this creates additional administrative pressures.

The quickest method to return completed nomination forms is by email to the Governance Team at community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk

Since nominations opened we have received a number of nominations which have been assessed as not valid.  All candidates have been provided with advice on how to rectify and re-submit by the closing date of 4pm on Thursday 27 February 2025.

Common ‘not valid’ reasons

Below are common reasons why nomination forms have been assessed as not valid:

  • The nomination form does not detail the name of the Community Council area that the candidate has been nominated for.
  • The nomination form has not been signed in ink by the proposer, seconder and candidate.
  • The nomination form has not been dated by the proposer, seconder and candidate.
  • Photo of nomination form and signatures must be legible.

Below are common reasons why Local Interest Group nomination forms have been assessed as not valid:

  • The LIG nomination form has not been signed in ink by the President/Chairperson and Secretary/Treasurer.
  • A copy of the LIGs constitution has not been supplied.
  • The LIG nomination does not include the name(s) of the Community Council.

If you need any assistance with completing a nomination form then please do not hesitate to contact the Governance Team at community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk

Completed Nomination Form – EXAMPLE (2)Download
Completed Local Interest Group Nomination Form – EXAMPLE (1)Download

Can you help? Local charity LifeCare Edinburgh is looking for new trustees

Would you like to join our board?

We are looking for new trustees to help LifeCare in its great work supporting local people

LifeCare is a forward-thinking growing charity established in 1941, that supports people 50+ across Edinburgh through a wide range of community-based support services, alongside running a community Café and Hub which is open to the public. We employ over 80 staff and are supported by a diverse range of volunteers.

“I’ve noticed a difference since LifeCare’s visits started. When I call Dad, he is more upbeat and chattier than he has been in ages.”

Our Board of Trustees is made up of up to 12 amazing people who give up their time to benefit the organisation and those we support by sharing their own skills, knowledge and experiences to provide our governance and leadership.

As a board we routinely audit our skills, and we are currently seeking two new Board Members who could bring expertise in any of the following areas to our organisation:

• Communications and/or Marketing

• Venue/centre management or hospitality

• Lived experience as an unpaid carer to an older person

• Running a Social Enterprise

The role is non-remunerated however expenses will be reimbursed, and training/ongoing support will be provided. The board usually meets early evening either in person or online.

If you would like an informal chat about the role before considering applying, please contact sarahvanputten@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk .

Application notes

Please read the role description here: https://tinyurl.com/cnekx5zr 

to see if this is you and, if so, complete the potential trustee form explaining how your skills and experience could benefit LifeCare – and email this to:

sarahvanputten@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk .

We look forward to receiving your application.

LifeCare

Police Scotland is recruiting Special Constables

Our dedicated team of #SpecialConstables volunteered over 820hrs in #Edinburgh during January 2025 – an incredible effort from an incredible team!

With a long and impressive history, the Special Constabulary is a part-time, volunteer body consisting of voluntary officers with identical powers to that of police officers. As a special constable, you’ll work alongside our police officers in your spare time – forging strong partnerships in the community, patrolling our streets, preventing crime, and interacting with all kinds of people to give back, keep your local community safe and make a real difference.

You can work full time and be a Special Constable in just 96 hours per year or a few hours a week. The role is diverse, demanding, and rewarding. You could be doing anything from policing a football match to assisting at a road accident. Special constables also police major sporting and public events and provide an excellent bridge between the Police Service and the public, representing both the community within the police service and the police service within local communities.

Special Constables can act as a positive force for change – bringing with them an extensive pool of skills, talents, experience, local knowledge, and diverse backgrounds – as well as enhancing the overall level of service provided by the police. So whatever your walk of life, step forward now and find out how being a police volunteer could be the perfect fit to suit your lifestyle.

If you would like to volunteer with Police Scotland , serving communities in the capital, follow the link to find out more … https://orlo.uk/z9Jrl

#ValuedVolunteers

Community Council elections: Nominations now open

The Notice of Election to community councils in Edinburgh was published yesterday (Wednesday 5th February).

Community councils are groups of elected local residents who care about their communities. These councils play an important role in the democratic process and act in the interests of their local areas.

The nomination period runs from today until 27 February. During this time you can nominate yourself to stand for election as a community councillor.

An election will only be held in a community council area if there are more people nominated than places on the community council. Should this be necessary the election date will be 27 March.

The new community council term will start on 28 March and will last four years. The next community council elections are planned for 2029 though this may be subject to change.

Find out more about community councils and how to stand for election on our website along with the full text of the Notice of Election. 

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “Community councils remain an integral part of the social and democratic fabric of our city. In my experience as a ward councillor, I truly value my relationship with community councils and the excellent work that they do.

“From campaigning on key local issues, to organising meetings, chairing debates, liaising with local and national representatives and much more – the life of a community councillor in the Capital is never ordinary.

“This is an excellent opportunity to take a lead in your local area and make your community a better place. I’d encourage all residents to consider standing as a community councillor. Edinburgh draws its strength from its citizens, and we need their views and ideas to move forward together.”

Secretary of Edinburgh Association of Community Councils, Ken Robertson said: “You have a community council voice in city life, by right.

“Don’t step to the side and stay silent.”

Scottish Childline volunteer will support children on Christmas Eve

Volunteering at Childline and doing a shift for the first time on Christmas eve, Adam (36) from Springburn, Glasgow, cherishes the opportunity to be there for children, providing a trusted person to talk to.

Recognising that Christmas can be difficult and home unsafe for some children, Childline volunteer Adam will support them this festive period.

Childline, an NSPCC run service, delivered almost 5,500 counselling sessions over the 12 Days of Christmas[1] last year, averaging more than 450 a day. To manage this service, the NSPCC relies on the compassion and generosity of its volunteers. Childline is a vital service available 365 days a year to support children and young people, whatever their worry or concern.

Adam explains that the thought of a call or email going unanswered inspired him to volunteer over the Christmas period.

He said: “I previously worked with children when I was a classroom assistant, and I saw first-hand just how complicated children’s lives can be.

“Not everyone has a trusted person to talk to and someone needs to be there for them to listen, without judgement, and I feel privileged to be able to do that at Childline.

“It’s nice to know that you can be there for a child who just needs someone to listen to them. You feel you’ve made a positive difference in at least one child’s life, often more.

“There’s not much else I could do in an evening after work that would be as worthwhile.”

Adam says it’s crucial to have volunteers at Childline during the festive period and there’s fantastic support available to them from staff and other volunteers.

He said: “Last January, I recall a particularly challenging contact from a child who was upset as they had to spend time with extended family on Boxing Day including having a meal with a relative who’d sexually abused them.

“These contacts can be difficult, but they highlight the need for Childline and reminds you that you’ve got a job to do, to support the young person.

“When you talk to a child you are thinking – how can I help them to feel comfortable to open up about what’s happened to them? You also want to make sure that they don’t feel judged. I ask myself do they just need to talk or are they in need of support to come up with a course of action or solution? How are they going to start that conversation with their mum, teacher or friend?”

Adam added: “There is plenty of training and support available at the Childline base in Glasgow, including supervisor assistance before, during, and after shifts, making sure we are well-prepared to manage difficult contacts.

“As this will be my first Christmas shift, I am a bit nervous about contact from children that may ask me why Santa didn’t come? Although, I am reassured that I have my supervisor and other volunteers to support me on how to handle these kinds of concerns.”

Adam talked about how he deals with his worries in general and if he has a difficult shift on Childline.

He explains: “I like to spend time outside and enjoy hill walking and this helps with decompressing after a difficult shift or even anything else that may be going on in my own life. It’s a good way to clear my head.”

Since his volunteering journey began in January 2024, Adam has gained valuable insights to the hardship endured by children and during Christmas time.

Adam said: “Unfortunately, Christmas isn’t a positive experience for all children, as some face difficult family situations, or homelessness. The contrast between children who receive many gifts and those who receive almost nothing is stark during the holiday season.”

However, the incredible resilience of children, who often thank volunteers despite their own struggles, stands out to Adam.

He said: “The children’s strength of character shines through during the calls. Despite their difficulties, they thank you, wish you a good weekend, or chat excitedly about positive aspects of their lives. For example, when asked if they’ll do something nice as a distraction, they might say they’re going to cuddle their cat. It’s heartening to see them as whole individuals, not just their issues.”

Sometimes, Adam is the first person a child talks to about issues like friendship problems.

He explains: “It’s such a privilege to help children and young people take the next step, such as speaking to their parents about what’s worrying them. Many young people say they feel much better after speaking with Childline, and it’s so heartwarming to see the positive impact of the support.

“While I know it will be tough, I’m happy to volunteer this Christmas Eve. During the festive period children have less support from their usual networks, such as school and friends, so I’m looking forward to being there to listen to them.”

Adam wants to encourage other people to volunteer with Childline.

He said: “You can sign up for a volunteer information meeting through the Childline website. These provide valuable information without any obligation to commit.  If you do decide to be a Childline volunteer, you won’t regret it.

“Christmas is not always a happy time for everyone. It’s a stressful and challenging period for many children, and we all should be aware of this. Volunteering or donating to the NSPCC can make a significant difference for children in need during the holiday season.

“Behind the festive facade, some children are dealing with grief, the absence of family members, or the complexities of family dynamics. The true meaning of Christmas is compassion, generosity and community.  To provide a listening ear for children during Christmastime is a wonderful gift to give.”

Childline Glasgow currently has vacancies for Volunteer Counsellors.

To find out more about volunteering at Childline visit: 

https://join-us.nspcc.org.uk/volunteers/volunteers/childline/

This Christmas, a child will contact Childline every 45 seconds on average. Help the charity to make sure Childline is ready for every question this festive season by visiting the NSPCC website. Just £4 could help a counsellor answer a call this Christmas.    

The Childline service is here for children every day, even on Christmas Day. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk  

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

‘Tis the season of giving at Valneva Scotland

Colleagues at Scotland’s largest vaccine producer Valneva Scotland, based in Livingston, have been getting into the spirit of giving this Christmas by collecting donations for the West Lothian Foodbank and volunteering with cancer charity Team Jak. 

Team Jak offers emotional, social, and practical support to children and young people aged 0-25 with cancer across Scotland. With headquarters at Ochil House, Livingston, the charity offers services including music therapy, counselling and fun activity days. In December Team Jak hosted a Christmas party. Earlier this month colleagues at Valneva volunteered to help with the preparations including gift wrapping goody bags. 

Meanwhile the team at Valneva Scotland, participated in Christmas Jumper Day on 12 December and collected tins, dried food supplies and selection boxes for West Lothian Foodbank. These donations will help the organisation with its mission for no one in West Lothian to go hungry or without support. The weight of donations from Valneva Scotland equates to 785 meals for those in need. 

Greig Rooney, Managing Director at Valneva Scotland said: “This can be a joyous time of year for many, but it is also a reminder of those less fortunate.

“Our staff wanted to play a part in championing charities who are supporting people in our local communities, and this is something we were more than happy to support through our volunteering days and foodbank collection.

“We look forward to continuing to offer our support in 2025 and beyond.”

For more information on Valneva Scotland, visit valneva.com.