Volunteering benefits your health and wellbeing. It has been proven many times. Sometimes, however, finding the right information or getting the right help to get started can feel like a challenge and that is where we can help.
If you don’t feel that confident or you cant see what skills you have to offer then we can help. If the range of choice feels bewildering or you simply don’t know where to start then we can help.
Everyone’s needs are individual whether that be because of physical disability, learning disability, a mental health issue. If you are in recovery from dependency and you are worried that may be a barrier then we can help. Concerns about past offending histories can make people feel excluded from opportunities but we can help.
Whatever your personal situation we can offer help and support to explore volunteering and see what could be right for you. Everyone has something to offer and everyone has the right to offer their talents, skills and enthusiasm. We can offer specialist support to help you.
We are here to help
We can help you identify the skills and experience that you bring as an individual and find out what sort of volunteering could be right for you. Whether it is just a little extra support and information to get you started or whether you need more involved support we can help.
We know that volunteering has an important part to play in recovery or rehabilitation. We work with individuals, support workers, carers and volunteer managers to help people access and sustain volunteering. We know a lot about volunteering and for over 30 years we have been helping people overcome barriers to becoming successful volunteers. We can help you look at different opportunities, talk with organisations on your behalf, arrange visits and even support you when you start.
By volunteering you can:
- improve your confidence;
- use your skills;
- feel valued for what you have to offer;
- get out of the house;
- make connections; and
- develop a sense of belonging.
Taking the first step can be daunting so let us lend a hand.
Volunteer Buddy Project
We are looking for volunteers to get involved in our Volunteer Buddy project to fill the gap that exists for people who need a bit more practical support to volunteer because of their mental health, learning disability, physical disability, previous conviction or previous addiction.
Buddies will be matched with potential or existing volunteers who have already been assessed and placed by the team. They will meet up to get to know each other and discuss their volunteering.
The buddy will then provide appropriate support for the volunteer to engage in and sustain their volunteering. This might be accompanying the volunteer on a first visit, volunteering alongside, catching up by phone, email or face to face as the volunteering continues.
Training will be provided which will cover: why is the project needed and how they fit in; different kinds of volunteering; disability awareness; boundaries and confidentiality; working with support workers and volunteer involving organisations; what is self-management?; person centered techniques; coaching techniques; and challenging situations.
If you think you might be interested or just want to find out more, please contact Nick Woodhead at healthandwellbeing@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk or call 0131 225 0630. You can also download a flyer for the project here or opposite (or below on a mobile device).
MyVolunteering
MyVolunteering is a project created and delivered by our amazing team of volunteer ambassadors who have interviewed, transcribed and edited a wide range of volunteering stories for you to read, listen to and watch.
MyVolunteering
You can visit the MyVolunteering site here or by clicking on the logo opposite (or below on a mobile device).
More information
If you would like more information about our Health and Wellbeing service please contact the team at healthandwellbeing@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk or call 0131 225 0630.
