ASA is a local charity and was founded in 1996. We provide an independent advocacy service for people living in Aberdeen City.
We help people to have a voice, to gain information to help them make choices and to help them feel better prepared and able to engage with social care, health care and housing and educational professionals. Our values are at the core of the work we do together with those we support. Advocacy Service Aberdeen believes in: Independence; A Non-Judgemental approach; Inclusion; Respect; Person Centred; Confidentiality; Team work; Empowerment.
If you have some spare time to offer and feel you have the skills and qualities to support the work we do, we would like to hear from you.
The work we do is carried out Monday to Friday between 9:00am-5:00pm.
There are many ways you can support our organisation, this includes : –
*Gathering feedback and Service Evaluations - Contacting people who use the service to ask them about their experience of using the service. This could be carried out in person, by phone or via a video call.
*Supporting our Collective Advocacy Groups - this would include meeting patients at Royal Cornhill Hospital; People who live in supported or shared accommodation; Expert by experience group who share their personal views and experiences of using Aberdeen City Health & Social Care provision.
*Administrative/Clerical - Helping us with admin and clerical tasks. Supporting case work / referrals in the following areas: Carers, Domestic Abuse, Mental Health, Autism, Learning Disabilities, Older Adults (65+), Older Adults Mental Health, Self-Directed Support or Problematic Substance Use.
If your values are aligned with ours and you have the time to give to support a local charity in your community, we would love to hear from you.
Currently we are particularly interested in people who would be looking to volunteer in the following roles:
- Domestic Abuse Service Volunteer
- Administrator Volunteer
To find out more about our volunteering opportunities please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Joanne Grant at email: asa@advocacy.org.uk or telephone 01224 332366.
Further details are also available at https://www.advocacy.org.uk/volunteer/
Volunteers are needed to help in our community garden. We have gardening tasks for all abilities,with days and hours to suit volunteers. Duties may vary depending on the time of year, but can include digging, weeding, watering, potting and propagation of seeds and veg. We are a very friendly team who are always ready to welcome new volunteers. Help and support will always be offered.
Do you enjoy meeting people and some time to spare? Volunteers are needed to assist the cafe team in the day to day running of the cafe kitchen and front of house. Tasks will include serving customers, taking customer orders, ensuring the tables and surrounding area is clean and tidy, and preparing food and drinks. We are always happy to welcome new volunteers, and we will provide training and support.
For people leaving hospital, adjusting to life at home can be a difficult time. Helping someone get their essential shopping, pick up their prescription or get the heating turned on can make all the difference for them to feel safe at home.
We are looking for volunteers who live in Ayrshire and are able to volunteer at least 4 hours per week from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Are able to drive and have use of a vehicle, this is preferred if providing outreach support but not essential. If you will be driving for this role you need to have held a full driving licence for at least 2 years which allows you to drive in the UK.
Have good communication skills.
Are warm, friendly and able to empathise with others.
Are reliable and passionate about making a difference to the lives of vulnerable people.
Due to the nature of this role, applicants must undergo an Enhanced PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check.
Please apply directly via the British Red Cross link
Why we want you
1 in 5 people in the UK say they are lonely. Volunteers like you help people to
gain confidence so that they can reconnect with their local community.
What you will be doing
Give companionship to people in their home or in the community.
Help people to build confidence and self-esteem.
Support people with everyday tasks such as shopping or doctor
appointments.
Help people to use local community services and social groups.
Keep records of tasks.
The skills you need
Warm and friendly with empathy for others.
Good communication skills.
Encouraging and supportive.
Enjoy meeting and spending time with new people.
Can work independently and as a part of a team.
What's in it for you
Meet new people and be part of a dynamic and inclusive team.
A great opportunity to develop your existing skills and gain new ones.
All training and induction for the role (there is no charge for training).
Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses for the role including for
attending training.
An opportunity to be part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation
and the knowledge that you are making a difference to people’s lives
Home Support Volunteers visit families in their own homes to provide practical support. This can include helping with housekeeping, spending time with siblings, meal preparation, or other tasks to ‘lighten the load’ of family life. A rewarding role, where you are making a direct difference.
What activities will I be involved in?
Your initial introductory visit will be with a member of staff, but you will then visit unaccompanied
Supporting families with ‘everyday’ tasks – these will vary and be dependent on the family’s needs, and the skills you bring. They may include:
Housekeeping – hoovering, ironing, changing beds, general tidying
Practical Sibling Support - collecting siblings from school/clubs within walking distance of their home, assisting with homework, spending time with siblings/play
Meal Preparation - batch cooking or supporting families to cook (this does require specific training, which we will provide)
Other - gardening, dog-walking, basic DIY eg. helping with flat-pack furniture
Develop positive relationships with families, being respectful of their home and belongings
Immediately communicate any concerns which may arise about a families wellbeing, including child protection concerns
Be respectful of sensitive and confidential medical and personal information regarding the children and families accessing our services
How much time should I offer?
You can volunteer on any day of the week; mornings, afternoons, or early evenings. An average shift is approx 2 hours with the family, and ideally we are looking for a weekly commitment.
Usually volunteers support each family for a period of months (dependent on need), then would be introduced to another family. It is possible there will be a short time between supporting different families.
Where is the Opportunity based?
CHAS supports families across the whole of Scotland. For this role you will support families in their own homes, within a short travelling distance of where you live.
What are the benefits to me?
Using your skills and developing new ones
Making a real difference to the families of children with a life-shortening condition
Experience, adding to your CV and career prospects
Meeting new people
Having fun!
What are the benefits to the children and families supported by CHAS?
Families supported by CHAS are often under a lot of strain, and caring for a child with a life-limiting condition can take a lot of the family’s time and attention. Often other household tasks, and family life, can become more difficult to manage, and can begin to feel overwhelming. This role makes a direct and instant difference to families.
What else should I know?
This role is for those aged 18+. You are required to be able to drive and to have access to your own vehicle (travel expenses can be claimed).
You will need to complete Visit Logs online, these can be accessed through a phone, computer or tablet, and will require an internet connection (a high level of ‘technology’ knowledge is not required to complete these).
This role requires membership of the PVG scheme. There is a simple form to complete and we will assist you with this. You may already have a PVG form – if so you will only need to complete an update form. The process won’t cost you anything and having a criminal record will not automatically exclude you from volunteering. We will assess each applicant on an individual basis.
We will pay your out of pocket expenses in line with the CHAS volunteer expenses policy.
CHAS is committed to providing a quality volunteering experience to all volunteers free from discrimination and prejudice. Ensuring that CHAS is an equal, diverse, and inclusive organisation will improve the quality of care we provide, help us reach more families and children, and maximise a wide variety of knowledge, experience and expertise.
We welcome volunteer applications from those who are refugees, asylum seekers, benefit claimants and those with a disability.
Please feel welcome to contact Emma Steel, Home Support Lead (West), on 01389 722079 or emmasteel@chas.org.uk if you have any questions, or would like to discuss the role.
The main responsibility of the post holders will be to oversee and provide advice on service user and carer involvement. The main duties will involve the following;
• To attend (face to face) your designated committee and / or planning meetings.
• Take part in induction and training for the role, as appropriate.
• To help develop and sustain links between the committees and planning groups and local service user / carers / stakeholder groups.
• To play an active role (including attending and/or speaking) in events related to patient experience.
• To engage with the local Service Users and Carers in patient experience initiatives.
As a volunteer at our day social club, you can help support older people living with dementia to socialise and thrive, continuing to do the things they love in a friendly and fun-filled environment!
We are a pan-Ayrshire group of community volunteers who sit with people who are dying; we also offer respite and support to those with families who need a break. We aim to ensure No-one Dies Alone by providing training and support to volunteers who will sit with people who are dying and alone, or with families who need some support.
Volunteer Companions are needed to help people who are dying and may be alone at the end of life.
We also want to help empower communities to break down taboos around death and dying; to engender respect and self-worth. Volunteers will be part of an invaluable team with a wonderful support network through monthly Companion meetings.
Marie Curie are delighted to be relaunching our Companion in the Community Service across Moray.
Our Companion Volunteers provide vital support to people affected by a life-limiting illness in their communities, being a friendly face for our clients to talk to or helping with small practical matters such as accessing the internet or getting out and about. Volunteers can also provide needed respite time for carers, giving them time to relax or to get on with other important tasks.
You will be matched with a client in your area, and will visit them for up to three hours a week. This is likely to be the client's home, but could also be sheltered housing, a care home or hospital. We know that many people with a diagnosis of a life limiting illness are at risk of feeling isolated, or may worry about sharing their feelings with loved ones, by volunteering to support a person in your area you will be part of a team who are passionate about making sure nobody faces the end of their life alone.
You will be given full training when you join, and will be working with our Lead Volunteer and Volunteer Services Coordinator for the area.
If this sound like the role for you, we would love to hear from you today.