Tag: volunteering

Amazon Dunfermline supports local school

Employees from the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline honed their DIY skills when they spent the day volunteering at a local high school.

The Amazon team volunteered at Lochgelly High School, a proud and ambitious learning community where everyone strives to achieve their best.

A group of six colleagues from the Amazon team spent over 40 hours at the school painting and building furniture to assist the school with turning a staff resource room into a new classroom.

Thanks to the efforts of the team from Amazon in Dunfermline, the school has saved around £3,000 in refurbishing. The Amazon team also donated school essentials including clothing, school bags and school meals worth over £8,000.

Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “Our team really enjoyed helping transform the staff resource room at Lochgelly High School into a new classroom.

“I hope the students and teachers are pleased with the results and that they enjoy their new learning environment.”

Kim Skelton, who led the volunteering from Amazon in Dunfermline, added: “I love helping people, especially when it’s for our local community.

“As a team at Amazon in Dunfermline, we feel very rewarded that we can help the staff and pupils by donating essential goods. The donations have already brought tears to families who have been able to utilise the products.

“The school has acted as a hub for local families in need and it’s been a lifeline to most this time of year.”

Melissa Mann, a teacher from Lochgelly High School, said: ““Everyone at Lochgelly High School would like to thank Jamie, Kim and the team at Amazon in Dunfermline for their amazing work converting the staff resource room into a classroom.

“We are so appreciative of their help – it would have taken us much longer to make the transformation happen without them.”

The volunteering and donation to the school is the latest in a number of support programmes between Amazon and Lochgelly High School in 2023.

Earlier last year, drama and media studies students from the school visited FirstStage Studios, in Leith, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour aimed at inspiring and nurturing young creative talent in Scotland.

At the studio, the students saw how The Rig, which first premiered on Prime Video in January 2023, was filmed and had careers talks with the crew and cast, including Scottish actor Martin Compston.

Lochgelly High School has also taken part in Amazon Future Engineer Class Chats, part of Amazon’s computer science education programme that provides free access to STEM learning resources, including virtual school trips, coding courses, and career talks. As part of Lochgelly’s participation in the programme, Amazon UK Country Manager John Boumphrey spoke to students from Lochgelly High School about his career experience and unique insights.

The Amazon Future Engineer Class Chats programme brings both live and on-demand virtual career talks directly into UK classrooms. Amazon employees working in a wide variety of roles share their insights and experiences with school students, engaging young people about their future opportunities.

Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities in and around its operating locations across the UK.

Since the start of 2022, 1.5 million essential products have been donated to more than 150,000 families in need across Scotland and Greater Manchester by a charity initiative called The Multibank.

Founded by Amazon, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the Cottage Family Centre in Kirkcaldy, The Multibank in Lochgelly, known locally as ‘The Big Hoose,’ offers an emergency service for families fighting poverty, providing surplus essentials like nappies, toilet rolls, toothpaste and school uniforms, donated by businesses like Amazon and others, directly to those in need and so helping to reduce waste.

Learn more about the ways Amazon supports its communities

Letters: Volunteering with RNID

Dear Sir/Madam, 

Have you made your new year resolutions yet? Need one more? Why don’t you sign up as an RNID volunteer? 

RNID, the charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus are looking for volunteers to support our vital work across Scotland. 

Last year, our volunteers gave more than 9,000 hours of their time to support people in their communities with practical information and essential hearing aid care. But with one in five adults in the UK being deaf or having hearing loss or tinnitus there is much more to do to make sure everyone in the UK gets support 

Volunteering for RNID could involve providing information to local organisations and community groups, helping people get the most out of their hearing aids, or giving a friendly welcome to everyone who passes through the door at one of our support sessions.  

Many of our volunteers have hearing loss themselves or in their family, and volunteering with us is a great way to meet new people, gain new skills and experience, try something new and help people in your community.  

What are you waiting for? For more information, visit rnid.org.uk/join or contact us on 0808 808 0123.  

Yours sincerely, 

Jackie White, Director at RNID 

Make a New Year resolution to help cats and owners flee abuse by becoming a volunteer fosterer

A charity which provides free and confidential foster care for pet cats while their owners flee domestic abuse is looking to recruit more volunteer fosterers this January.

Cats Protection’s Lifeline service offers temporary care for cats in a home environment, enabling survivors to get to safety knowing their cat will be looked after until they can be reunited.

But in order to help more people, the charity is in desperate need of more volunteer fosterers who can offer a temporary home to a cat in need.

Cats Protection’s Lifeline Manager Amy Hyde said: “Many people want to start a New Year by making a resolution to help others, and joining our Lifeline team as a volunteer cat fosterer could be the perfect opportunity.

“Not only do our volunteers help cats, they also provide an opportunity for victim-survivors to get to safety knowing that their beloved pet cat will also be safe.

“We know that in cases of domestic abuse, pets are often targeted as a way to control or coerce a victim-survivor into staying. And as most refuges are unable to accept pets, this can be a significant barrier for people seeking support and safe housing.

“By offering free and confidential cat foster care, Lifeline helps to remove that barrier and gives victim-survivors the time, space and opportunity they need to get to a safe place.”

Referrals to Lifeline – previously called Paws Protect – come from either owners themselves or a support worker. Once in Lifeline’s care, cats are given a full health check before going to a Lifeline volunteer fosterer who is provided with everything they need to make sure the cat remains happy and healthy until they can be reunited with their owner.

After supporting cats in the South East for almost 20 years, Lifeline was recently able to expand into Yorkshire, East Anglia and the Midlands.

“We’ve fostered over 330 cats during 2023, enabling over 200 owners to get to safety but we need more cat fosterers to turn it into a UK-wide service.” said Amy.

Cats Protection is the UK’s largest cat charity, helping an average of 157,000 cats and kittens every year through a network of over 210 volunteer-run branches and 34 centres.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer, or other ways to support the Lifeline service, please visit www.cats.org.uk/lifelineservice

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or know someone who is, please contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, anytime on 0808 2000 247.

Volunteer given just 0.5% chance of survival tells remarkable story of recovery

From horror crash to helping others

A woman who was given just a 0.5% chance of survival after a catastrophic car crash has now committed her life to helping others following a remarkable four-year recovery with the help of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Lauren Feeney, 29, from Glasgow, suffered a horrific catalogue of injuries including 26 broken bones, eye injuries, internal bleeding and brain damage when the car she was a passenger in collided with a 32-tonne truck on New Year’s Eve, 2019.

Her injuries were so bad that when the police officer who was first on the scene pulled her from the car, her body was “like jelly”, and she spent a month in a coma. All three other occupants of the car died in the crash.

But despite living with a brain injury, sight problems, reduced function in one leg which means she needs a brace, and other permanent injuries, Lauren now volunteers two days a week helping staff at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, runs regularly, swims five days a week and is in training with the Scottish National Para Swimming Squad.

To top it all off, she wants to become a motivational speaker so she can inspire others to overcome their own challenges.

Lauren had moved to London to complete her training as Cabin Crew for British Airways and was a month into her dream job jetting around the world, when the accident happened.

“I can’t remember anything,” she said. “When I hear about what happened, it’s like listening to a story about someone else, or watching a TV show. It was horrible, so maybe it’s better that way.”

Lauren spent two months in hospital in London before being transferred back to Glasgow just as COVID struck, and she spent four months in the QEUH, first in the orthopaedic department and then in the Physically Disabled Rehabilitation Unit (now called the Neurorehabilitation Unit). She then continued her rehabilitation at home with her mum Pauline and dad Kevin.

“I spent two years receiving a range of therapies,” Lauren said. “Mum and dad had been told not to get their hopes up, that my life would be severely limited. They were planning for a life of care.

“But the staff who cared for me were just fantastic. They were such an amazing support for me that I’m not sure where I’d be without them.”

As Lauren got better, she started contemplating what to do with her life. She knew she couldn’t go back to the job she loved, but rather than sitting feeling sorry for herself, she got up and got active.

“I started volunteering at the QEUH R&R Hub just over a year ago and, to be honest, I feel so lucky to be here. Before cabin crew I worked in hospitality, and I just love being around people and helping them, so being here is perfect.

“Don’t get me wrong – it’s not easy. The aftermath of the accident means as soon as I get stressed or overwhelmed, it gets really tough. Plus I can’t walk as well as I used to, and I’ve got constant problems with my sight, so days can be a bit of a challenge.

“But I don’t want sympathy, or to make a big deal of things.”

Lauren praised her workmate Caroline Maxwell (above) – paired together because managers knew they would be a good fit – for the support she has provided. 

“She’s just brilliant, and gives me exactly the amount of help I need, stepping in when I need it, but usually just leaving me to get on with it. We have our way and work brilliantly together – we really are the dream team!”

However, volunteering with NHSGGC is only the start for Lauren. She’s also resurrected her teenage hobby of swimming – and she’s so good she now trains regularly with the Scottish National Para Swimming Squad.

She’s also taken up running, recently completing her first 5K and with the ultimate goal of taking part in duathlons – even though she can’t feel her leg unless weight is going through it.

“It’s difficult right now,” she said. “I have to concentrate really hard on where my foot is going to land and with my sight issue it can be a real challenge. But I’m stubborn so I won’t give up, and I’m learning to manage pretty well.”

With a story as inspiring as this, it’s little wonder that Lauren has her eyes set on helping others who face challenges in their lives.

“I was offered the chance to speak at a conference recently, and I absolutely loved it,” she said. “People like me wouldn’t normally be able to speak, but that has made me even more determined to share my story. In fact, it feels like I have a responsibility to make the most of that to help others who have been through similar.”

Dr Teng Cheng Khoo, Lead Clinician and Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at the NRU (formerly PDRU), paid tribute to Lauren and the work she has put into her recovery.

He said: “It is amazing how far Lauren has come. She sustained significant traumatic injuries from her accident, and not every person who went through what she did would be able to bounce back in such a way. 

“One of the main reasons for Lauren’s phenomenal recovery and re-integration is her ongoing motivation and the hard work that she has put in over the years. Staff at the then PDRU found her a joy to work with despite the challenges she had to face at that time. She worked with staff to set goals that consistently pushed the boundaries of her recovery and what she was able to achieve.

“We also have to remember that this happened at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, which makes her achievements all the more impressive.”

Dr Khoo praised the way a range of services have collaborated in Lauren’s ongoing recovery. He said: “From community rehabilitation services and ophthalmology to orthopaedics and the chronic pain service, all services have worked well together to achieve the best possible outcomes, and to help Lauren live a full, independent life, despite the ongoing challenges she experiences on a daily basis.

“We all wish Lauren well, and have no doubt that she will go on to achieve the goals she has set herself.”

Mary Nolan (above), Interim Volunteer Manager (South Sector) with NHSGGC, described Lauren as “an amazing person – quick, funny, sharp, and always smiling.

She added: “Lauren started volunteering at the beginning of December 2022, and from the word go I had a feeling she would be a success. It is a credit to her that we make no particular adaptations or allowances for her significant residual disability. The HUB is a place for our staff to come to relax and have a coffee, and Lauren is so friendly and helpful – all the HUB users love her.

“Lauren has so much potential, and we are delighted that this volunteer role has been able to play a part in her ongoing recovery.”

Caroline Maxwell added her own tribute: “It’s a pleasure volunteering alongside Lauren. We bounce off each other and the hours just fly by. Lauren likes to ensure that the front-line staff are well looked after, and always makes time for a chat. 

“Oh, and she makes a great coffee!”

But the final word must go to Lauren, who is only looking forward in her life. 

“I bear no ill will. I am where I am and my life’s great now. I just want to be the best person I can be and to help others.

“In fact, if you have challenges in your life and aren’t sure you can take on something new, look at me – don’t let anything hold you back. In fact, I’d say even more that you should go for it.

“You’ll always be glad you did!”

Charities face staff and volunteer crisis 

A third of organisations reported recruitment as one of their top challenges

Third Sector organisations in Scotland are increasingly facing shortages of staff and volunteers, a new report has warned.  

The Scottish Third Sector Tracker has found that issues relating to staffing and volunteers are one of the top challenges for a third of voluntary sector organisations.

Data from the tracker observes the emergence of the sector from the Covid-19 pandemic through 2021, followed by the development of the cost-of-living crisis and associated organisational concerns during 2022 and 2023.  

In August 2021, 35% of organisations reported a significant concern about staff and volunteer numbers. Just two years on, that figure has now risen to 65%, with only finances currently proving a bigger challenge for the sector.  

While staff and volunteer support remain a growing concern, third sector groups report an ongoing increase in demand for their core services and activities over the six waves of the tracker. In Wave 1 (Aug 2021), 56% of organisations reported an increased demand, rising to 63% by Wave 6 (Apr 2023). 

These factors, on top of growing financial pressures due to the rising costs crisis and public sector funding cuts, are leading to a perfect storm for charities and voluntary groups, with strain put on already stretched teams.  

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), said: “The Scottish voluntary sector is a significant employer, providing jobs for 5% of the Scottish workforce. 

“At a time where many organisations are facing recruitment challenges, the funding environment means that many voluntary organisations are struggling to keep pace with salary increases needed to attract and retain staff. 

“Existing staff and volunteers have been working flat out since Covid, helping organisations and communities to weather the cost-of-living crisis.  We can no longer afford to rely on their goodwill to go the extra mile.  The invaluable services and supports provided by Scotland’s voluntary sector need sustainable investment to ensure their survival.” 

Volunteer Scotland are also concerned by the staff and volunteer crisis facing the sector, highlighted by the Third Sector Tracker. The recent release of the 2022 Scottish Household survey results reinforces the volunteer crisis, with formal volunteer participation rates falling by 4 percentage points since 2019 to 22% – this equates to less than one million Scottish adults volunteering.  

In light of the current crisis, the actions that can be undertaken by volunteer involving organisations include ensuring that volunteer expense policies are clear and considering how roles can be made more flexible to fit with the decreased time volunteers have available.  

Alan Stevenson, CEO of Volunteer Scotland said: “The many impacts of the cost-of-living crisis on volunteering has meant that we can no longer take for granted the contribution of our volunteers.

“While recruitment and retention issues are being felt more acutely by some, the first step for all must be the focus on good volunteering practice, appropriately supported.” 

The Scottish Third Sector Tracker is a growing research community made up of representatives from third sector organisations based across the whole of Scotland, who are willing to share their experiences, views and concerns as the sector faces both new and ongoing challenges. 

The Tracker is run by an independent research company called DJS Research on behalf of SCVO, the Scottish Government, the William Grant Foundation and the National Lottery Community Fund. 

Those involved in the running of a third sector organisation operating in Scotland are invited to represent their organisation as a member of the Scottish Third Sector Tracker.  

An Executive Summary of the Scottish Third Sector Tracker’s First Phase of research can be found here: 

https://scvo.scot/policy/research/evidence-library/2023-scottish-third-sector-tracker-waves-1-to-6-executive-summary 

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