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You join us at an exciting time as we implement year two of our strategic plan and deliver on the contract for the provision of independent advocacy services in Forth Valley. We have an exciting and challenging journey of change and innovative project planning. We endeavour to develop Advocacy that embeds meaning for the individuals we support and stimulates change in policy planning. You will share collective responsibility for reaching our goals, ensuring that we bring benefit to the community and meet our legal and financial obligations. Ensure the professional team, led by our Chief Executive Officer, continues to provide high quality independent advocacy, supporting individuals to have their voices heard and their rights protected. Forth Valley Advocacy is an independent advocacy service PROMOTING the rights, freedom and dignity of vulnerable people, SUPPORTING people to have their say and DEFENDING disadvantaged people from abuse and exploitation. We are looking for individuals who share the aims and objectives of Forth Valley Advocacy and the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance (SIAA) to join our volunteer Board of Directors. Are you an HR person with skills in employee contracts and people management. Have you been involved in Volunteering, either as a Volunteer or working/supporting Volunteers in the third sector. Do you have an interest in Advocacy and working as a Solicitor or training to become a Solicitor. Interested in assessing your learned Social Media knowledge and skills on a real platform.

Welfare Volunteers work together helping to ensure the mental, physical and emotional wellbeing of volunteers and members of the SHRUB Coop. This could include helping create accessible welfare policies, assisting with workshops and drop in sessions and arbitrating conflicts and complaints - not all volunteers have to take part in all tasks, giving the volunteers opportunity to focus on their interest areas. We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months of volunteering, approximately 2-3h/week.

Scotland Versus Arthritis is looking for individuals willing to lead short health walks in your area, lead on other physical activities, or facilitate virtual support groups. Full training and on-going support for volunteers will be available. We are also looking for expressions of interest from anyone keen to become an instructor of Tai Chi or Qi Gong for arthritis. The current Covid restrictions have meant that for many the wait for treatment may be a year or more away. Painkilling prescriptions are seldom more than a temporary relief. Support and exercise can however offer a better way to self manage the daily on-going pain and fatigue. In readiness for the eventual lifting of lockdown we are asking, can you spare an hour or two each month to help? Please contact your local Development Officer, Dr. P. Neville, p.neville@versusarthritis.org or phone 07501 501114 for details.

Help to tell the wonderful stories of Brodie Castle. Volunteer tour guides will be given guidance and support to learn something about the history of Brodie Castle, and given the opportunity to 'shadow' other guides until you feel confident enough to conduct your own tours. If you don't want to do a whole tour, we can arrange for you to just stay in the library and tell visitors all about it before they start a tour. A full tour lasts for just over an hour.

Purpose of Post: Carers of East Lothian were awarded a grant from the Scottish Government, for the purpose of increasing the range and choice of breaks from caring opportunities for unpaid carers. This grant enabled CoEL to set up The Carers of East Lothian Time for Me Fund, offering individual grants with an average amount of £300 (varies according to individual needs and circumstances) to carers across East Lothian who are in need of financial help to support them to get a break from their caring situation. The aims of the fund are that: 1. Carers will have more opportunities to enjoy a life alongside their caring role. 2. Carers will feel better supported to sustain their caring role. 3. Carers and the people they care for will have improved wellbeing We’re seeking a volunteer to help with the administration of this programme and support the lead worker on the project (Building Better Breaks Development Worker). This Volunteer role involves a commitment of half a day a week between Mon and Thurs on a regular day/ time each week, starting from April 2023. The volunteering should take place in CoEL offices, East Lothian Community Hospital. Person Specification: • A genuine interest in improving the support offered to carers in the local area. • A basic understanding of the potential ways in which caring for someone with a disability, health condition or addiction can impact a person. • A non-judgmental, compassionate attitude towards others. • The ability to prioritise other people’s needs. • Absolute respect for carers’ confidentiality. • Ability to maintain boundaries and seek help and support where needed.

The family support worker is The Butterfly Trusts’ first point of contact with clients in their area, responding to requests that are often for help. The volunteer provides social support in their local community for people affected by Cystic Fibrosis. They offer a listening ear and help to negotiate official systems that include housing, benefits, education, employment and independent living. The support worker role offers an opportunity to utilise your professional or personal life experience for the purpose of enhancing the life of a family or individual living with the impact of Cystic Fibrosis. Training and support is available. Family support workers can also be trained to provide advocacy if they wish to be more challenged, learn new skills or perhaps make good use of those they already have.

Triage Volunteers are the first contact for clients seeking help for a variety of issues. They identify key information about the client’s issues and assess and agree whether signposting or a call back is the best route to support the clients and deal with the issues. Main Tasks include: • Assess clients enquiries using sensitive listening and questioning skills • Identify key information about the enquiry including time limits, key dates and any requirement for urgent advice or action, using scripts and diagnostic tools • Identify and summarise the essence of the enquiry • Establish the client’s objectives • Record cases – make an electronic record of the client’s details, in accordance with CASTLE recording requirements and CARF’s Quality Assurance Policy • Keep up-to-date with advice and organisational updates by reading AdviserNet news items, relevant publications, internal email communication, intranet articles and online training This is a great opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills. Volunteers will be provided with training and support. For a full list of tasks and to find out more please enquire with the Learning and Development officer.

Providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere to patients and visitors as they enter the hospital. Signposting, and if necessary, guiding to relevant areas/departments within the hospital. Supporting with the implementation of COVID safety measures (wearing of masks and use of hand gel). Maintain stock of wheelchairs; replacing once someone has finished and cleaning for next use. This can be a difficult time for patients and visitors so having that warm and helpful welcome can make all the difference. "...I attended Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline. At the entrance door I was met with professionalism... The friendly meet and greeter at the door made me feel as though I was entering a top hotel."

Fife Headway exists to provide support, information and referrals for people with an acquired brain injury (ABI). They aim to reduce social isolation increase access to information and referral information and empower people with an ABI to have more control over their lives, as well as supporting family and friends. Duties: Liaise and build relationships with providers/businesses to include hospitals, GP surgeries, physiotherapists, and local authorities, who can assist Fife Headway in recruiting members (people with an ABI) who will benefit from their services. and to raise awareness of the charity. Occasionally meet new members at the monthly group and be part of welcoming them. They are looking for volunteers who are outgoing and friendly. This is a great opportunity to build on your skills and experience to help the work of a small charity in Fife.

Triage Volunteers are the first contact for clients seeking help for a variety of issues. They identify key information about the client’s issues and assess and agree whether signposting or a call back is the best route to support the clients and deal with the issues. Main Tasks include: • Assess clients enquiries using sensitive listening and questioning skills • Identify key information about the enquiry including time limits, key dates and any requirement for urgent advice or action, using scripts and diagnostic tools • Identify and summarise the essence of the enquiry • Establish the client’s objectives • Record cases – make an electronic record of the client’s details, in accordance with CASTLE recording requirements and CARF’s Quality Assurance Policy • Keep up-to-date with advice and organisational updates by reading AdviserNet news items, relevant publications, internal email communication, intranet articles and online training This is a great opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills. Volunteers will be provided with training and support. For a full list of tasks and to find out more please enquire with the Learning and Development officer.