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The Scottish Collegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) is inviting expressions of interest to join one of our multidisciplinary guideline development groups, as someone with lived experience of cardiac arrhythmia. This opportunity is also available to someone with experience caring for someone with one of these conditions. Recruitment is scheduled to begin over the next few months, and as part of the guideline development group, you will have the opportunity to share your experience and shape the scope and content of a guideline that will be used across NHS Scotland.

The Scottish Collegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) is inviting expressions of interest to join one of our multidisciplinary guideline development groups, as someone with lived experience of cardiovascular disease. This opportunity is also available to someone with experience caring for someone with one of these conditions. Recruitment is scheduled to begin over the next few months, and as part of the guideline development group, you will have the opportunity to share your experience and shape the scope and content of a guideline that will be used across NHS Scotland.

To support the running of our carer events and activities programme and peer support events. These events are announced quarterly, so you’ll be able to plan in advance which sessions you are available to support. By offering a warm welcome to our visiting carers, you’ll help them relax and feel at ease meaning they get the most from their training or social event. · To provide a warm welcome to carers and professionals on arrival at the venue. · To prepare refreshments for carers attending events · To assist with the dissemination of housekeeping and health and safety information · To keep a register of those at the event for admin and fire safety purposes. · To support carers to participate appropriately in the events · To make a note of any carers enquiries and pass them to the duty carer support team for action

Volunteers offer companionship to a person who has an unpaid carer and supports the carer to take some time for themselves in the knowledge that their loved-one is safe at home. Carer Relief Companions provide companionship to person aged 16 or over who has a family member or loved-one who cares for them at home. This supports the carer to take a break from their role and have some time for themselves while giving them peace of mind that the person they care for is safe and has company in their home environment. The person who has support needs benefits from a new social connection and engaging in activities such as reminiscence, enjoying a hobby together, chatting, or watching TV. This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful difference to people with long-term health conditions or disabilities and their unpaid carers and you can expect to see the immediate impact of your volunteer time. This role takes place for 2-4 hours per week, between Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm. A minimum commitment of 6 months is requested after training and induction is complete. Get in touch to find out about upcoming dates for volunteer training and start your journey today!

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 Jack Daniels, Home Support Lead (East), on 07824 457767 or jackdaniels@chas.org.uk if you have any questions, or would like to discuss the role.

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 Jack Daniels, Home Support Lead (East), on 07824 457767 or jackdaniels@chas.org.uk if you have any questions, or would like to discuss the role.

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 Jack Daniels, Home Support Lead (East), on 07824 457767 or jackdaniels@chas.org.uk if you have any questions, or would like to discuss the role.

Who are we: AILN initially grew from a group of disabled people who wanted to see a change in the way that community care services were offered to people. When Direct Payments (DP) were first introduced in 2003, they were keen to promote this as an option for independent living. AILN have been providing high quality Self-Directed Support (SDS) advice and information to the people of Ayrshire for over 17 years. AILN is a peer-led, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee with charitable status. This is an exciting time to join AILN as a volunteer as we have been successful in securing 3 years of funding for a Dementia Befriending Service from the Community lottery fund. Our aim is to provide companionship to the person living with dementia and thus in turn provides respite for the unpaid carer. Purpose of the post • To provide 1-1 befriending companionship to people living with early-stage dementia. This will either be accompanying the befriendee on a walk, shopping trip, activity in the community, providing companionship in the persons home, playing scrabble etc or having a chat over the phone • To think and act responsibly and follow guidance or instructions relating to Health & Safety, equality, and diversity • To support the Befriending Coordinator by completing a feedback form after each visit with the befreindee Key duties and responsibilities: • Have a clear understanding of the aims and objectives of AILN services and activities • To successfully complete essential training for the post • Make regular weekly/fortnightly visits, telephone calls at an agreed time suitable to the person • Provide companionship and company to the person living with dementia. • Spend time chatting and getting to know the person, talking with about their current and past life experiences • Provide feedback to the Befriending Coordinator around the conversations and how the meet ups are going • Provide immediate feedback to the Coordinator or Service Manager on any issues or concerns that you become aware of Person Specification Essential Skills & Abilities: • Good telephone, verbal, and written communication skills • A good listener • Enjoy meeting new people and having conversations • Enjoy learning more about someone and their interests in their past and life history • Consistency and reliability • Understanding the need for confidentiality • Ability to work on own initiative • Empathic and understanding of the needs of those living with dementia and the demands/challenges faced by the unpaid carer. • Ability to communicate with people in a sensitive and person-centred manner, including people who require support, carers, other professionals, and members of the public • Must carry out duties of this role with due regard to equal opportunities and non-discriminatory practice Desirable Experience: • Experience/knowledge of working/living with someone living dementia • Previous experience of volunteering • Hobbies/interest to share, discuss • As the project develops, the ability to work flexibly to suit the changing needs of the organisation i.e., weekend/evenings • I.T skills Other: Volunteers are advised to volunteer 2 hours a week (befriending time and filling in of feedback sheet). Befriending should be carried out by prior arrangement (volunteers able to choose hours flexibly, perhaps very occasional evening and/or weekends to suit the needs of the befriendee). What we provide: • Ongoing support, guidance, and regular supervision by the coordinator of the service • Receive formal recognition for your volunteering contribution and/or a reference which reflects positive contributions associated with your volunteering • Specialised role training to develop skills and confidence in the role • Reimbursement of agreed expenses directly related to the volunteering role • Access to the Scotland Wellbeing Hub www.wellbeinghub.scot • Feel valued, supported, and respected

Become a Trustee at VSA VSA is looking for Trustees to join its Board. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a historic charity with a formidable reputation and to help the Board build a long-term plan. VSA has over 150 years’ experience of delivering social care in Aberdeen, to vulnerable people, adults and older people with learning difficulties and mental health needs. We have grown to be a major employer with an accredited Skills Qualification Centre. VSA has a strong corporate and community volunteering tradition. Today, VSA is of a medium sized company providing education, housing support and social care to young people and adults with complex needs. We particularly want to hear from people with a medical background, or current skills in the following: charity & company law, complex learning & behavioural education/social care and environmental/social governance. Key aspects of trustee roles at VSA are as follows: • To assist the Chair in providing Board leadership on specific areas of strategic direction • To act as an effective champion for VSA • To ensure that VSA has people with LD & MH at the heart of decision making • To oversee and ensure the implementation of VSA policies, with responsibility for occasional decisions on individual recipient cases • To ensure effective corporate governance, risk management and financial management of VSA • To ensure public accountability for the funds for which VSA receives from central and local government and raises independently • To uphold the highest ethical standards of integrity and probity and comply with the Board’s Code of Conduct You will be interested in joining VSA’s Board if you have a personal commitment to supporting vulnerable children, young adults and older people with learning disabilities and/or mental health needs to lead the best of life alongside current practices in the above field. This role is not remunerated but all reasonable expenses, for example childcare, travel etc will be covered. The time commitment is approx 8 to 10 days per year. This is likely to include attendance at Board or Committee meetings, reading and preparation time, and other meetings such as Strategy or Stakeholder. If you are interested please contact the Chair of Trustees, Kevin Shand via Ally Panton at the email address below. To express your interest in becoming a Trustee and to arrange an initial informal discussion, please email ally.panton@vsa.org.uk

Sitting with unpaid carers relative to give carer a break and a chance to get time to themselves and befriending option for the carer.