Volunteers will have the satisfaction of enabling a diverse range of community groups and also Tweeddale residents with a disability to access social and recreational activities, attend meetings and appointments etc. Volunteers can benefit themselves from the outings and may choose to get further involved with groups for whom they drivet. Drivers also benefit from MIDAS (minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) training which is recognised throughout the UK as the standard course for volunteer drivers involved in community transport.
An opportunity to help your fellow Berwickshire residents, who might be elderly or disabled, improve their lives by driving them in specially adapted vehicles to health appointments, shopping or social opportunities in the local area.
Berwickshire Wheels is an important service in our community. It fits both the people using the service and those providing it.
If you enjoy driving and socialising and want to be a part of something positive, please contact us to join our team.
All drivers must have a PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check done, this is done online via Zoom now, and we cover the cost.
This is a chance to make an enormous impact on the quality of life of one or more people with learning disabilities by entering into a 1:1 befriending relationship or being a member of a befriending group.
The satisfaction to be had from befriending, and the difference it makes to people with learning disabilities, is immense. In a recent survey, every one of our volunteers said they would recommend volunteering with us to their friends. The role is great work experience and a source of references if you are thinking about applying for courses or paid jobs in Care.
1:1 links:
You would be introduced to a child, young person or adult with learning disabilities who lives reasonably near you and shares your interests. They would probably be of a similar age to you, although we do link some adult volunteers with children and young people.
You would meet up with them regularly (weekly, fortnightly or monthly) to do whatever activities you both chose. After a trial period, the relationship would last for at least 6 months.
Befriending Groups:
The groups are generally staff-supervised and have equal numbers of volunteers and people with learning disabilities. Members choose the activities, which have often included art & crafts, drama and outdoor projects.
Membership of the children’s (8-16yrs) and young people’s (16-25yrs) groups is usually for a minimum of a year. For adult groups we would look for at least 6 months commitment.
See the information about the Branch below for more details of the groups operating in your area.
Could you be the face of your local British Heart Foundation shop? If you want to gain cashier and sales experience in a friendly environment, this is a great way to get a taste of a career in retail while helping raise live-saving funds. With support around you, you will be processing sales through the till as a cashier, talking to customers and thanking every donor - helping us beat heartbreak forever.
Typical tasks include:
· Engaging with customers and serving them in a helpful and friendly way.
· Communicating with fellow volunteers about what has sold and needs re-stocking.
· Honing your retail and cashier skills behind the till and taking payments.
· Helping with administration and reception duties around the till area.
· Promoting Gift Aid and sales campaigns, and chatting to customers.
· Acting as an ambassador for the British Heart Foundation.
Do you have spare time that you would like to do something worthwhile?
If you love driving you can volunteer your wheels and give people who can’t get out and about on their own some much-needed freedom.
The RVS are recruiting volunteers for our Community transport Service. Could you offer your time to help older people get to their appointments (it may be the doctor or just the grocery store)?
If you would like to take up this opportunity or would just like more information please contact us, we are happy to chat with you about the way you can support your local community.
Do you enjoy driving and want to make a difference to the lives of older people in your local area? Become a Community Transport Volunteer and help to keep older people in touch with their communities.
Community Transport Volunteers are needed to help older people get out and about to stay engaged with their local communities. Typical journeys may include driving someone to a GP appointment, driving them to the shops, taking them to a social club or to visit friends and family.
This is an ideal opportunity if you want to make new friends, to be part of a team, to develop your skills and experience and contribute to the work of the charity by enriching the lives of older people and helping them get the best from life.
You’ll need to have a friendly personality, an understanding of the needs of older people with the ability to observe and identify areas of concern. You’ll have good communication and listening skills with a non-judgemental attitude towards an individual’s circumstances and a willingness to ensure confidentiality.
Training will be provided and you’ll be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses.
Do you have spare time that you would like to do something worthwhile?
If you love driving you can volunteer your wheels and give people who can’t get out and about on their own some much-needed freedom.
The RVS are recruiting volunteers for our Community transport Service. Could you offer your time to help older people get to their appointments (it may be the doctor or just the grocery store)?
If you would like to take up this opportunity or would just like more information please contact us, we are happy to chat with you about the way you can support your local community.
Do you enjoying the company of people and believe you have what it takes to tackle loneliness at age? Would you like to share your experience and enjoy a chat?
Would you like to use your talents to help others, but also gain work experience, learn new skills and meet new people whilst gaining valuable skills for your CV?
The Royal Voluntary Service helps a diversity of older people to come together at our Social Centres throughout the Scottish Borders. Socialise at a warm friendly place and give something back to those who need it.
Come and join our volunteers and support your local community.
If you would like to take up this opportunity or would just like more information please contact us, we are happy to chat with you about the way you can support your local community.
Are you happy to volunteer using your own vehicle?
Do you have a few hours a week to spare and enjoy meeting people?
If you’re an active person looking for a flexible volunteer driver role then come and join our friendly team. Without Volunteer Stock Collection Drivers we can’t collect our generous donors’ items, and our shops won’t be able to beat heartbreak forever.
We need help now more than ever to collect donated items from our supporters when they are unable to bring them into our shop themselves. You will need to be physically fit and active for this driver role due to the lifting and carrying of donation bags in and out of the vehicle.
It will be your responsibility to ensure that you have a full, valid driving licence and that your vehicle is correctly insured for carrying out collections of BHF donations – don’t worry, we can help you with this. You’ll use your own vehicle and travel will be reimbursed at the HMRC rate (currently 45p per mile).
Our Room Stewards are the face of Abbotsford and play a vital part in welcoming visitors from all around the world. All you need is a smile and a genuine interest in Abbotsford and our work.
Role Description :
What you will be doing*
• Welcoming visitors from all over the world to the house
• Managing the flow of visitors through the house and liaising with staff and volunteers throughout the site
• Instructing visitors on the use of our audio guides
• Offering information on the history of the rooms and objects within the house
• Caring for collections and looking out for their security and welfare
• Encouraging visitors to complete feedback forms at the end of their visit
• Promoting upcoming events and activities to visitors
• Providing directions and guidance to visitors (including other attractions within the Borders)
• Promoting excellent customer service
• Working as part of a team to give visitors to Abbotsford an unforgettable experience
Skills/Experience required
• Excellent communication skills and confidence in conversing with the public.
• An interest in meeting and speaking to people from all walks of life and all around the world.
• A warm and friendly personality
• Excellent time management and punctuality
• Commitment to excellent customer service
• Be the public face of Abbotsford
• An interest in and willingness to learn about of Sir Walter Scott and his descendants, Abbotsford and the Borders.
• Enthusiasm to share your knowledge with our visitors