Tag: volunteering

PDSA: How to give back this festive season

With the festive season in full swing, the time for gift giving is about to be upon us.

This December, leading vet charity PDSA is hoping people can give the gift of time and do their bit in helping the charity support those who need it most – by volunteering in one of it’s charity shops across the UK.

Jennie Pearson, Volunteering Business Partner at PDSA, said: “We’re heading into a widely celebrated time of year for generosity and giving, and we’d be forever grateful for some helping hands this holiday season. For anyone looking to give back to the community, we’d love to have you on board in our team of volunteers.

“Our volunteers are an amazing group of people who all contribute something very special to PDSA. By giving us the gift of their time, they are helping us to support pet owners in their time of need – who would otherwise struggle to cover the cost of unexpected veterinary bills should their pet fall ill or become injured. Their efforts mean we can help families stay together.”

Benefits of volunteering

“We offer a warm and supportive environment for all of our volunteers. The shops enable people to give something back to their local community, all whilst supporting a vital charity cause.  

“Our shops welcome people from all walks of life within local communities, whether they are coming to the shop for a browse or to donate an item. They are great social spots for both volunteers and visitors. 

“Volunteering can also help people improve their confidence while enabling them to develop and improve on their knowledge and skills.

“It can be a great way to get out of the house, especially for those who may feel isolated, and all for such a good cause.

“Our charity shops are vital to PDSA. They provide much needed funding for our 48 Pet Hospitals across the UK, so the teams can continue to help thousands of the nation’s most vulnerable pets. All of our volunteers provide an essential contribution to the charity, and every hour spared to help out goes a really long way.

“We are extremely grateful to all of the people who support PDSA because they believe in what we do. It’s the generous support from donating unwanted items, making a purchase, or volunteering in our charity shops, that goes back into helping keep people and pets together in their times of need through our Pet Hospitals.”

If you would like to make a positive difference to your own life and the lives of others by lending a hand, there are lots of volunteering roles available across PDSA’s over 100 charity shops up and down the country.

Whether you would like to help customers with their shopping, sort through donations, create eye-catching window displays or serve at the till. To find out more about volunteering, head to PDSA’s website: www.pdsa.org.uk/volunteering

Volunteering: Dogs Trust West Calder Seeks Canine Cupids

 

In a world where every dog deserves a forever home, Dogs Trust West Calder has been a beacon of hope for countless canines, rehoming 340 dogs in 2022 and currently heading towards 380 dogs successfully rehomed in 2023.

For 2024, the West Calder rehoming centre is on a mission to expand its team of reception-based volunteers, transforming the adoption process into a heartwarming matchmaking experience. 

Unleashing Love: Be a Canine Cupid 

Dogs Trust West Calder is calling on dog enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals to join their reception team, where they will play a pivotal role in connecting dogs with their ideal adopters. Acting as the bridge between eager families and lovable dogs, these volunteers will essentially become canine cupids, fostering connections that last a lifetime. 

The Role: More Than Just a Greeting 

Volunteers will not only be the welcoming faces at the centre but also the technologically savvy matchmakers behind the scenes. The ideal candidate will be comfortable navigating both PCs and iPads, using their IT skills to process adoption applications efficiently. In addition, a friendly demeanour is a must, as reception volunteers will regularly greet members of the public, offering assistance and guidance in the adoption journey. 

Join the Pack: How to Apply 

Dogs Trust West Calder invites individuals with a passion for dogs, a flair for admin, and a warm smile to join their reception team. This is an opportunity to be part of something extraordinary, making a real difference in the lives of dogs and their adopters. 

To apply, visit our website https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/our-centres/west-calder/volunteering or contact our volunteer coordinator Garry Lee at garry.lee@dogstrust.org.uk 

By becoming a Dogs Trust West Calder reception volunteer, you are not just a welcoming face – you are a vital part of a success story, a canine cupid making matches that create forever families. Join us in spreading love, one wagging tail at a time. 

Granton Library Link: Can You Help?

RVS LOOKING FOR HOME LIBRARY SERVICE VOLUNTEER

We are looking for some help!

Our lovely Library Link group, which helps people with mobility difficulties to get to the library, is currently without a volunteer.

It runs on Tuesday mornings at 10am fortnightly and would require a commitment of around 3 hours.

The volunteer supports people from their front door onto the bus, during the session (tea and biscuits provided!) and then back home again.

If you think you could help, let us know at Granton library and we will put you in touch with the Royal Voluntary Service who co-ordinate this (Thanks RVS!)

Or follow this link: https://my.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/opportunities

PEP: Become a Volunteer Trustee

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

PEP is overseen by a Board of Trustees who have overall responsibility and accountability for the Project. They set and maintain PEP’s vision, mission and values; support strategic development of services, establish and monitor policies, monitor employment procedures alongside the Manager, support the Manager and ensure good governance.

About Pilton Equalities Project:

Aims to enhance the quality of life for older people in North Edinburgh by continuing to develop services that measurably reduce isolation and which enable people and other vulnerable and isolated adults to actively participate in community life.

Experience Required:

Good independent judgement, ability to think creatively, willingness to speak your mind, an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of the charity.

Training Details:

PEP, 3 West Pilton Park, Edinburgh, EH4 4EL . Training will be given on commencement of volunteering as a Trustee.

Location/Travel Details:

Board meet once a month for 2 hours, normally meetings are held in the PEP Office.

Accessibility Details:

Named Contact for Volunteer. Wheelchair Access/Disabled Access Toilet

Contact Details:

Diane.palmer@pepscot.org
Hello@pepscot.org
0131 315 4466
3 West Pilton Park
Edinburgh
EH4 4EL

PEP seeks Trustees

BECOME A VOLUNTEER TRUSTEE AT PILTON EQUALITIES PROJECT

 Make a difference in your local community:

PEP is overseen by a Board of Trustees who have overall responsibility and ac-countability for the Project. They set and maintain PEP’s vision, mission and values; support strategic development of services, establish and monitor policies, monitor employment procedures alongside the Manager, support the Manager and ensure good governance.

About Pilton Equalities Project:

Aims to enhance the quality of life for older people in North Edinburgh by continuing to develop services that measurably reduce isolation and which enable people and other vulnerable and isolated adults to actively participate in community life.

Experience Required:

Good independent judgement, ability to think creatively, willingness to speak your mind, an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of the charity.

Training Details:

PEP, 3 West Pilton Park, Edinburgh, EH4 4EL . Training will be given on commencement of volunteering.

Location/Travel Details:

Board meet once a month for 2 hours, normally meetings are held in the PEP Office.

Expenses:

Public transport and out of pocket expenses paid.

Accessibility Details:

Named Contact for Volunteer. Wheelchair Access/Disabled Access Toilet

Contact:

Diane.palmer@pepscot.org  

Hello@pepscot.org or tel. 0131 315 4466

Website www.pepscot.org

Facebook: Piltonequalitiesproject

Portobello walking group wins national award

A DEDICATED group of individuals who run a weekly walking group have been recognised by the nation’s walking charity at its annual awards presentation. 

Portobello Prom – Ageing Well has won the prestigious Dementia Friendly Walking Volunteer Group of the Year at Paths for All’s Volunteer Awards. 

The group, set up with Edinburgh Leisure, enables individuals to walk at a leisurely pace across the seaside promenade as a way of keeping people active and connected who may otherwise struggle to do so.

More than 20 participants join the walks on a weekly basis, some of whom live with dementia. The Ageing Well team has accommodating those individuals through specialist training which has been coordinated by Paths for All and Edinburgh Leisure. 

Volunteer Walk Leader, David Simpson said: “The group was set up many years ago to provide people with an outlet to come and interact with others while also keeping active. 

“There is a huge variety of individuals who attend our walks and some of those people do live with dementia, for them – and their loved ones and carers – it’s a great chance to get out and about and speak with other people who may be living with something similar.” 

“As Walk Leaders we try and do our best to keep the participants happy and motivated.” 

“While keeping active is great, it’s the social aspect of walking which I feel is really powerful, and so becoming a Walk Leader was an easy way to give back to my community.” 

Kay Parsons, Active Communities Supervisor (Volunteers) at Edinburgh Leisure, said:  “Winning the Paths for All’s Dementia Friendly Walking Volunteer Group of the Year 2023 award is testament to the hard work, friendliness, and ability of all the volunteers to make those attending feel included and welcome. 

“The Ageing Well Portobello Walking group volunteers have been going for years, keeping our Dementia Friendly walk going in all weathers in Scotland. They go up and down Portobello Prom, and for many of our 20-30 odd weekly participants, this is the only time they get outside into the fresh air. 

“They get to enjoy the seaside air, a stroll and a chat and tea in a cafe afterwards. The volunteers keep them motivated and laughing, and one participant told me she “forgets she has Dementia when on a walk with the volunteers.” 

Hosted by the BBC Scotland’s Fiona Stalker, with awards presented by sponsoring MSP Nicola Sturgeon, the event recognised 10 groups and individuals throughout Scotland who have gone the extra mile to keep their communities active. 

Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport “Supporting people in Scotland to walk and wheel is a key part of our vision of a country where more people are more active, more often. 

“A huge number of highly motivated and skilled people are helping us deliver this vision, especially the passionate volunteers who do so much to help others overcome challenges to participation and facilitate activities across the country. 

“They really are inspirational, the recognition from Paths for All in these Awards is very well deserved.” 

Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer at Paths for All, said: “Every year I am blown away at the number of incredible groups and volunteers out there determined to make a difference.

“The work carried out by volunteers is directly improving the nation’s physical, mental and social health, reducing social isolation and loneliness and helping people make more environmentally friendly lifestyle choices. 

“It’s been fantastic hosting the awards at the Scottish Parliament again this year, I always enjoy getting to socialise with our amazing volunteers and hear first-hand about the invaluable contributions they have been making. 

“Thank you to everyone for their efforts and ongoing dedication.” 

Paths for All works with the Scottish Government and 30 partners to support and deliver national policies, such as the National Walking Strategy and other ‘active travel’ initiative to improve the mental, social and physical health of the country. 

The charity awards thousands of pounds worth of grants to worthwhile projects that improve health, promote walking and improve environments for people to be active in – making for a happier, healthier, greener Scotland. 

To find out more about Ageing Well walks in your area visit: 

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/ageing-well-walks 

A full list of Volunteer Award winners 2023 can be found on Paths for All’s website: http://www.pathsforall.org.uk/volunteerawards 

Over half of Scots think volunteering could improve their mental health, as charity sees boom in young volunteers

Over half of Scots (52 per cent) think volunteering could improve their mental health according to a new survey from the British Heart Foundation. It comes as the national charity has also seen a boom in younger volunteers since the pandemic ended.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF), which has around 16,000 volunteers across its shops and stores, and supporting roles from home, has also revealed that over half of its new retail volunteer recruits this year are Gen Z.

A new survey of 1,000 people in Scotland has highlighted that Scots believe volunteering could improve their mental health, boost confidence, and reduce loneliness.

The survey also found that over nine in 10 (94 per cent) of Gen Z respondents nationally would consider volunteering, compared with just under three quarters (74 per cent) of Baby Boomers (people aged 59-77+) respondents.

Flexibility stood out as a key factor for Scottish respondents when it comes to volunteering, with 48 per cent of Scots saying they would be more likely to volunteer if flexible hours were offered, and nearly a quarter (24 per cent) would consider volunteering from home

Further results showed that for 30 per cent of Scottish respondents (32 per cent), the biggest barrier to volunteering in a charity shop was not having time to commit to it regularly. With flexible roles offered, and even the option to volunteer from home, it’s now much easier for anyone to get involved and try out volunteering at the BHF.

Harry McCaughey, a 17-year-old BHF volunteer, initially signed up to gain some work experience and develop his confidence in meeting and socialising with other people. He volunteers at his local shop on the weekends while he studies and loves the social atmosphere and the mix of people and ages in the team. After his A Levels, Harry hopes to go to university and have a career in dermatology.

Harry said: “I started volunteering to meet new people, and it’s been great to get to know people that I wouldn’t otherwise have met and hear advice from those that are older than me.

“I’d encourage younger people to volunteer, it’s a great way to expand your social circle and build confidence and responsibility at work.”

David McColgan, Head of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in Scotland said: “Since the pandemic, it’s been great to see consistently high numbers of young people choose to try out volunteering. The flexibility we offers makes it ideal for those looking to gain work experience and build confidence before applying for jobs or heading to university.

“Our easy, flexible, and inclusive approach aims to make volunteering more accessible for all. We encourage everyone to bring their skills to the BHF, whether it’s for one day or one hundred. Whether you want to chat to customers on the shop floor, sort through donations in the stock room, style the mannequins in the window, stay active in the warehouse or research eBay items from home, we have the role for you.”

A recent volunteer photoshoot saw the charity use only real volunteers in their images, rather than models, marking a new direction the charity is taking to reflect the real diversity of their volunteers.

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To volunteer at the British Heart Foundation, visit bhf.org.uk/volunteer

Vintage Vibes: Friendship Volunteers

Do you want to make a difference? Have you thought about becoming a friendship volunteer?

Vintage Vibes supports people over 60 in Edinburgh who are feeling lonely or isolated, matching them with like-minded volunteers to form friendships and to start enjoying life again!

If you can spare an hour a week to change someone’s world, send us a DM or visit our website at vintagevibes.org.uk for details.

 #vintagevibesed 

#volunteering