Find opportunities

Are you a good listener with an empathetic, professional and methodical approach? Do you have two hours a week to support vulnerable adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)? Action for M.E.’s UK-wide advocacy service, expanding in Scotland, supports adults with M.E./CFS to understand their rights, make informed choices, and have their views and wishes heard and respected, dealing with issues including health, social care, housing and employment. You’ll work entirely online/by phone to meet and represent clients, agree an action plan, undertake research, contact professionals and more. Full training, support and supervision provided by our experienced, friendly team.

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.

Moray Handyperson Services are looking for new DIY-ers to join their team, especially in the Elgin area. Volunteers complete small/minor maintenance jobs that some older or vulnerable people cannot do by themselves in their own homes. Each year, this local charity helps hundreds of people stay safe and independent in their own home. Small jobs can range from changing a light bulb, to fitting curtain rails, from assembling flat-packs, to even doing a bit of decluttering. These jobs usually take less than an hour and you can choose to do a job at a time that is convenient for you. Volunteers are usually matched to a job in their local area, and if you can't help out, that isn't a problem either, as you can say no or yes to a job. Now that's flexible volunteering! Contact them if you think you could part of their volunteer team. How It Works: The MHPS staff receive requests from clients and collect relevant details, usually over the phone. They then find a volunteer who has the skills, is nearby and is available. If the volunteer accepts the job, MHPS send the volunteer all the details they need to do the job. Most jobs require the volunteer to visit the client in the client’s own home. The volunteer first makes a brief assessment to ensure the job is as described and it is safe for them to proceed. Once the job has been carried out, there is usually opportunity to chat with the client to determine if they are well, need support in any other areas. Completion paperwork (easy and quick to do) is returned to the MHPS office.

Volunteer drivers provide transport and help using their own vehicle to Car Share Scheme members so that they can attend medical appointments or opportunities to socialise. This transport scheme is vital for many people who cannot readily access transport. You will be joining a pool of volunteer drivers who are all kind and considerate and like meeting new folk. A mileage allowance of 45p a mile will be paid to you.

There are 2 walk leaders per pre risk assessed easy terrain walks in the Golspie area. Walks last up to 1 hr with plenty of stops along the way if required.

Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease where exercise has been shown to be effective at slowing the rate of progress of the condition. Currently we have exercise groups in Rutherglen on Tuesday at 1.30 and in East Kilbride on Thursday at 1.30 We are looking for volunteers who would be willing to help at these sessions. This may involve moving/setting up tables and chairs, preparing teas/coffees with cake/biscuits, working with carers, collecting contributions, clearing up and putting away, and closing the building. Our group is mostly retired people. A knowledge of or connection with someone who has Parkinson's would be an advantage, but not essential.

Our charity shops rely on generous donations made by the public to raise crucial funds for Marie Curie. From clothes, homeware and books, to CDs and DVDs, we sell a wide variety of products. We are looking for volunteers to help us sort through all these donations, pick out the best items and prepare and sell them to our customers. Without the help of our dedicated volunteers we could not provide our customers with high quality items at affordable prices. This allows us to raise funds so our nurses can continue to provide care to terminally ill people and support for their families. Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks: Sort through donations, being aware of the possibility of a hidden gem and better quality brands Prepare items for sale by checking, hanging, steaming, sizing and pricing them Work on the shop floor and provide excellent customer service to our shoppers Operate the till Help out with basic housekeeping to keep the shop clean and tidy Young Volunteers Please note: A signed Parent/Guardian Consent Form is required for all volunteers aged 14-17 years. For more information or if you have any questions regarding this volunteer role, please contact the Volunteering Operations Centre at volunteering@mariecurie.org.uk

People say you should never cut your toe-nails on a Sunday. But what if you struggled to cut them at all? Toenails grow… and we take for granted just bending down and giving them a trim when they hurt or poke a hole in our socks. For some in our communities, living with a long-term health condition or getting older and less mobile, can mean it isn’t that easy. Imagine how uncomfortable this would be! It could mean pain when you are walking – stopping you from getting out and about, meeting friends or shopping. You don’t need any experience – our friends at NHSGGC Podiatry will provide training and we’re here to support you with everything else. The role involves trimming toe-nails and generally just checking that the foot is free of anything that could hold back the person's mobility. You will have the satisfaction of knowing you are making a practical difference to some - helping them stay safe when walking around, help them get out and about and stay active. If you are looking for some experience for your social care studies or interested in podiatry as a career, this could be for you. You will understand that for everyone’s safety you will be asked to go through a PVG (police) check, too.

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland supports groups across Scotland to meet the needs of people living with chest and heart conditions and following a stroke. Peer support groups give people the chance to share experiences with others who understand what they are going through. Peer support groups have various reasons for coming together. It may be to meet socially, take part in physical activity or learn how to live well with their condition. Each group is unique and tailored to the needs of its local community. Everyone involved with the group will have a say in how the group is run. Tasks may include setting up and clearing the room; organising refreshments; taking the register, and collecting subs; meeting, and greeting new members; organising, and taking part in the programme of activities; supporting, and taking part in fundraising (e.g., raffles); promoting the group; and working to the group’s health & safety and other procedures.

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland supports groups across Scotland to meet the needs of people living with chest and heart conditions and following a stroke. Peer support groups give people the chance to share experiences with others who understand what they are going through. Peer support groups have various reasons for coming together. It may be to meet socially, take part in physical activity or learn how to live well with their condition. Each group is unique and tailored to the needs of its local community. Everyone involved with the group will have a say in how the group is run. Tasks may include setting up and clearing the room; organising refreshments; taking the register, and collecting subs; meeting, and greeting new members; organising, and taking part in the programme of activities; supporting, and taking part in fundraising (e.g., raffles); promoting the group; and working to the group’s health & safety and other procedures.