Spotlight on Community Taskforce Volunteers (CTVs)

You may not have heard of the Community Taskforce Volunteers that have been racing around Edinburgh as little angels helping people that have no support. We are offering a lifeline and saving arm to so many people. People that cannot go out the house are having a wee visit from a CTV that helps with shopping and chats about football or a man that has become housebound since his wife passed now has a CTV going to Lidl for him and brings a ray of sunshine to his life. Lives are extended and enhanced. We have managed to move 2 sofas to the street for a CEC pick up for someone with cancer and taken goods to a charity shop for someone that is at the end of life and sorting through their belongings.

Recently discharged individuals are often connected with a Community Taskforce Volunteer (CTV) to ensure they have the necessary supplies, with one volunteer even delivering delicious scones to make a person just discharged feel more at home. For a woman who had been hospitalized after a fire, a volunteer provided comforting companionship in her new home until her new carer arrived, helping to ease her fears during a challenging transition. Similarly, another lady, who spent six months in the hospital recovering from a mugging and multiple broken bones, received assistance from CTVs who helped trim her overgrown hedge, restoring her view and sense of normalcy. Additionally, we provided support to a man facing threats from his neighbour regarding a hedge encroaching on the pathway.

The CTVs truly are the stars of our community, spreading kindness and support to those who need it most. Together we are making a significant difference to the lives of many and partner with the NHS in assisting NHS Audiology, NHS Vaccination clinics in the community, CLW, McMillan Care, OTs, Physios in the Community, CEC Social Work, Community Care Assistants as well as families and individuals themselves.

CTV volunteers bring joy and comfort to those they visit while also monitoring health changes, allowing us to engage with appropriate partners to prevent hospital admissions and help individuals remain in their homes, where they truly want to be. Our CTVs cater to people of all ages and are prompt in undertaking assigned tasks. Volunteers were able to install a climbing frame for a young family, funded by Home Start, to create a fun outdoor space for a neurodivergent child.

Every referral we receive is carefully considered, and we explore options for individuals if Volunteer Edinburgh is unable to assist. We are eager to highlight the unique service we provide in Edinburgh, which fills a crucial gap when no other services can respond quickly or fall outside their scope.

Additional support has been provided to all displaced individuals, leading to the establishment of a highly successful initiative at Bridgend Community Allotments. A vibrant gardening club has emerged from this project, growing stronger with each passing day. This initiative not only offers therapeutic benefits but also allows participants to cultivate crops that resonate with their cultural backgrounds. It’s truly heartwarming to witness the flourishing of both vegetables and fruits, alongside the joy that people experience during the harvest. The sense of community and connection to familiar produce is a powerful reminder of resilience and hope.

CTVs are making a real difference across Edinburgh.

– Heather Yang (Core Services Manager at Volunteer Edinburgh)