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Boness Car 4U is a free volunteer patient transport service for anyone registered with a Bo'ness Medical Practice who has been diagnosed with cancer. Volunteer drivers convey these patients from their home to their place of treatment and home again. The Volunteer Coordinator is the first point of contact for BC4U from the Medical Practice referring the patient to us. Patient confidentiality is paramount in this role, we do not need to know how the patient is affected, nor the nature of the treatment being administered, all that effects us is that the patient has asked for transportation. Please note some more detailed information about the expectations of the role below: Patients phone their own GP’s receptionists with their name and phone number when they have an appointment date. The receptionist will then contact the BC4U co-ordinator to pass on the patient’s contact details. It is intended that we will have 4 co-ordinators, each in possession of our laptop and mobile phone for an on-call period of 7 days. The co-ordinator will then contact the patient to find out the following information: • Place of treatment • Dates / times and expected length of the appointment if known. • Ask if the patient has received COVID-19 vaccinations. • Establish if the patient requires assistance or a wheelchair at the hospital. • Establish if the patient is exempt from wearing face coverings • Are there any special circumstances whereby it is essential that the patient must be accompanied by a friend • Arrange for a Privacy Document to be completed. As far as is possible arrange transfer of documents electronically. • Advise the patient that they will be required to undertake a contactless forehead thermometer test when they are about to be uplifted, sit in the back seat of the car diagonally opposite the driver and that they must wear a face covering if it is safe for them to do so and that we can provide a face covering if required. • Advise the patient that if they are displaying any of the recognised symptoms of COVID19 they will not be able to travel with Bo’ness Car 4U. The co-ordinator then contacts a driver to ascertain if they are available for the given date(s), and gives the patient’s name, address, phone number and the date, time, place and expected length of the appointment if known. The co-ordinator enters all this information onto our password-protected spreadsheet to ensure records of each journey, the patient's details, the destination, etc. and all other future dates/times to book up either the same driver, or another available driver. Training will be given in the use of our basic IT system. Previous experience of office IT would be advantageous. Using the statistics of Meadowbank Car4U, Polmont, who have been running a similar project for the past 4 years, offering this service to a population twice the size of Bo'ness, we estimate processing approximately 30 persons in a year. BC4U hopes to launch service in 2022, we are keen to build a bank of volunteers in advance of launching our services.

Volunteer Drivers with Boness Car 4U will be asked to take people registered with any Bo'ness Medical Practice who have been diagnosed with cancer from their homes to places of treatment, then home again, using their own vehicles. The service the volunteers provide is much needed giving patients the dignity, respect and convenience that they deserve at a difficult time in their lives and is greatly appreciated by them. We know that helping in this way gives volunteers a lot of role satisfaction and below we've noted more information about what the role looks like in practice, and what the expectations are so interested people can make sure it's the right role for them: We pay our drivers 40 pence per mile for fuel used and this had no effect on any benefits the driver may be in receipt of. Insurance premiums should be unaffected but we advise drivers to notify their insurers to let then know they intend to use the car for voluntary work. Each volunteer driver will be asked to undergo a process of safeguarding training and (in order to comply with the Protection of Vulnerable Groups scheme) following this they will be PVG checked/gain a PVG certificate for their voluntary role with BC4U (this is cost free to the volunteer). Drivers are issued with a clear plastic cough screen which is fitted to the vehicle headrests which provides a physical sneeze guard between the front and rear seats of the car, and are also issued with a holdall containing PPE. Drivers are notified of the name, address and phone number of the patient and the time date and location of the place of treatment. The driver phones the patient the night before the drive, confirming the time they will be picked up and due to the pandemic will ask the patient if they are displaying any of the recognised symptoms of COVID-19. At the pick up they will confirm this information and take a temperature reading of the patient using a contactless infrared forehead thermometer. The patient will travel in the back seat of the car, diagonally opposite the driver and must wear a face covering if it is safe for them to do so. On arrival at the place of treatment the driver ensures the patient has their mobile phone number to tell them when they are finished and ready to be picked up. If the course of treatment is lengthy, it may be arranged that one driver takes the patient to hospital and another conveys them home. BC4U hopes to launch service in 2022, we are keen to build a bank of volunteers in advance of launching our services.

From stunning boutiques full of designer gems to discount stores where you can grab a bargain, our charity shops are much-loved across Scotland.    We are looking for friendly volunteers to help our shop management team assist customers and donors, and ensure the shop is tidy and well stocked. Whether you have a passion for fashion and love chatting to customers, or you would prefer to be behind the scenes in our stockroom, your help could make a difference in your local community.    Our Retail Volunteer Anne shares why she loves volunteering, “I wanted to learn new skills as well as get to know more people locally, so volunteering in the shop was ideal. I enjoy being part of the team! It’s good to feel useful and part of the successful running of the shop.”    We believe everyone has the right to live life to the full following the diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, long Covid, or a stroke. Our shops are vital in helping us raise the funds needed to provide services such as community support services, specialist nurses, advice and information, education, and peer support.    Join our fabulous team of Retail volunteers and learn new skills, make great friends, and make a real difference to people in Scotland who are isolated, scared, or anxious about their condition.  

Miscarriage Information Support Service (MISS) is offering a rewarding and exciting opportunity for a Secretary to join the Board. This role plays a crucial part within MISS and makes a meaningful difference to people who have had a miscarriage, helping to achieve their goal of supporting women and men after an early pregnancy loss and onto their next pregnancy. As Secretary, your role is to provide assistance and support to the Chairperson and Board of Trustees within the charity. Key Tasks include: *Responsible for the MISS generic email. Responding to enquiries and or forwarding onto other members of the MISS team. *Minute and note taking ensuring good governance. *Supporting MISS with administration tasks. *Producing agendas and supporting with meeting preparations. When you join the MISS charity, you are gaining a unique opportunity to make a difference in your community and raise awareness. You will be working with a team of passionate people who really care about the mental health and wellbeing of our members, and who want to make a positive and lasting difference for local families. Being part of a growing team offers the opportunity for real variety in your day-to-day work and the development of your role. For more information please contact Emma Rae, Chairperson of MISS at email: chair@miss-support.org.uk Further information and details of MISS are also available at our website at: https://miss-support.org.uk

No-one Dies Alone Ayrshire is a registered charity providing compassionate care to people in communities across Ayrshire who are alone and dying. Our experienced volunteers help people by being there in their final hours, offering a break and support to those with families who need it. We offer our support free of charge and rely on alternative funding and events, which we organise from time to time. We are looking for volunteers to assist at local events. NODa Ayrshire (No-one Dies Alone) are looking for volunteers to operate stalls at events handing out leaflets and spreading awareness. We can't underestimate how crucial this role is to helping us reach people who aren't on social media but need our services. Full training and support offered and travel expenses paid. What you will be doing: • Engage with the public by operating a stall and handing out leaflets • Set up and break down on event days. • Ensure the safety and enjoyment of the visiting general public. • May also involve supporting people who visit the stall. Volunteering can be a rewarding and much valued service and has many benefits including meeting new people and gaining new skills.

Santa is looking for some enthusiastic, fun-loving volunteer Elves to help him in his workshop in Bon Accord Centre Aberdeen this Christmas. Elves will meet and greet children and their families, check bookings, ensure gifts are ready to be handed out, introduce children to Santa, prepare and take photographs, sell Charlie House merchandise and photo packages, and ensure that the workshop is clean and tidy. There will always to a Chief Elf on hand to keep any mischievous elves in order! This is a busy and fun role where you will be helping to make special Christmas memories for local families. You will also be helping to raise funds for Charlie House. The charity was founded in 2011 with the goal of improving quality of life for babies, children and young people in the North-east of Scotland who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and to provide support for their families. A fantastic opportunity to help. All help (and Christmas Elves) makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated. For more details please contact us at E Mail: volunteer@charliehouse.org.uk or telephone: 01224 313333.

The public have a crucial role in shaping healthcare research. At the University of St Andrews, the Patient Advisors work with Researchers based at the University and the NHS to discuss ongoing projects and shape the outcomes of the research. They work across a wide range of research topics, from Cancer based research, to Palliative Care, to Respiratory Conditions and more. Most of a Patient Panel Advisors role is to review written documents and comment on them, and meet Researchers at a later date to discuss the project and provide an ‘outside view’ on how it is progressing. You do not need any scientific or medical background – full support is available and we have a friendly panel eager to welcome new joiners. We are particularly keen to hear from individuals from the BAME and other underrepresented communities.

What you would be doing: • Have personal experience of chronic pain • Representing Pain Concern • Build a network with local GP surgeries, NHS health board. • Attend Pain Management groups (virtually or in person). • Signpost to helpline, Pain Concern information leaflets, Airing Pain etc • Carry out research into community groups, local events and businesses in your area, so that you can contact them to attend fayres, exhibitions etc • Attend cheque presentations and local events officially thanking donors and hosts for their support • Adhere to Pain Concern’s policies and procedures at all times • Attend training and volunteer meetings • Keep your Volunteer Manager up to date on your activities, including the contacts you’ve made and talks that you’ve arranged.

What would you be doing?: • Maintain communications those fundraising in aid of Pain Concern and provide support • With support, help to plan and deliver events and activities to raise funds and awareness • Send out fundraising packs • Liaise with Media Team for publicising fundraisers and events • Maintain a list of fundraising opportunities such as walks and marathons • Help develop and maintain the fundraising section of Pain Concern’s website • Research opportunities to promote community fundraising • Develop links with local businesses • Research and organise local fundraising events • Recruit community fundraisers to support events in their area • Represent Pain Concern at events • Maintain a database of contact and other ad hoc admin support for the team as required

What you would be doing?: • Preparation and packing of orders • Dispatching information leaflets and magazines to individuals and organisations • Dispatching boxes of information leaflets to clinics and exhibitions • Dispatching fundraising letters • Dealing with email correspondence • Answering and recording client enquiries • Recording stock in and out • Maintain accurate stock data base(s) • Follow health and safety policies and procedures and be proactive in supporting a positive health and safety culture. • Liaise with appropriate members of staff