Volunteer Heroes 2016 (East Dunbartonshire)

EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE VOLUNTARY ACTION'S ULTIMATE LIST OF

VOLUNTEERS' WEEK HEROES 2016 Volunteer Heroes of East Dunbartonshire, nominated and recognised for their tireless and endless dedication to their community.

WHAT IS VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK? (from the official website) Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the fantastic We believe such a big contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK contribution is worth a big – and it’s taking place from the celebration!

1-12 June 2016.

This year there are an additional five days enabling Over 21 million people more people than ever to volunteer in the UK at least take part and more time to once a year and this celebrate. Since the contributes an estimated campaign started back in £23.9billion to the UK 1984 people have always economy. Behind these big numbers is a big contribution. been creative with how they’ve celebrated and some These 21 million people are a of us have already started shining example of how we extending the week. can all make a big difference to individuals and Events are always a big part communities every day from of Volunteers’ Week and last improving the environment year over 750 events were we live in, spending time with posted on the Volunteers' those who may otherwise be Week map from recruitment lonely and contributing to a fairs to award ceremonies range of other essential and tea parties! services and support.

ELEANOR GALLAGHER VOLUNTEER WITH CARERS LINK (East Dunbartonshire)

MARTYN MCLAUCHLAN VOLUNTEER WITH ST. ANDREWS FIRST AID (Strathkelvin Company)

"Eleanor has a lovely personality. She is always willing to lend a hand and often steps in at short notice. She has helped many carers deal with the stresses of caring for a loved one, especially at times of transition. Eleanor has also donated all of her expenses back to the organisation."

"Martyn started volunteering with St. Andrew's from the age of 16, all whilst studying at school and also gaining his Queens Badge in the Boys Brigade. He has dedicated countless hours to the training, coaching and development of youngsters, many of whom have gone on to have careers in the medical profession. He is also one of only 8 fully qualified public duty officers in the West of Scotland who have to take charge at major events, and he was also recently selected to receive the Queen's Medal Award for his dedication to First Aid; this is no mean achievement as not everyone who achieves the minimum standard of 15 years service, the award has to be earned and is one of the top honours that a first aider can strive to get."

IRENE GARDNER VOLUNTEER WITH THE FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE (Milngavie)

"Irene works hard, and has done so tirelessly for over 20 years.. Our books are perfect and only need an accountant to sign off a cheque. Irene works tirelessly with heritage group, Girl Guiding, collects for animal charities and also fosters cats."

GEMMA SWAN VOLUNTEER WITH THE OZANAM CENTRE "The Ozanam Centre provides food, clothing and friendship for those on the very edges of society. Generally the people who access this support are suffering from homelessness and have a variety of addiction issues. Gemma gives her time, energy and fundraises to help them. She also serves food, cleans, collect clothes, and help with donations.

"Gemma has been contributing to this prior to anyone thinking about accreditation or kudos.

She does this because she wants to help other human beings feel better about themselves."

ELIZABETH WADDELL VOLUNTEER WITH THE PARK CENTRE (Kirkintilloch) "Elizabeth has helped us through some long and, sometimes, difficult discussions.

Until December 2015, Elizabeth was one of the original volunteer Directors of The Park Centre and before that a member of the Steering Group that saw the Centre off the ground. Her involvement started in 1991 when the Park Church was united with St. David's Memorial Church and she enthusiastically followed up all the different contacts to get ideas for the Centre.

During that time she has contributed greatly to its development but mostly she has always ensured that tea, coffee and biscuits have been available for all meetings. This is a task that is often ignored but one that has been greatly appreciated by other members of the Board and the Steering Group."

FIONA CROOKS VOLUNTEERS WITH BRIDGING THE GAP (Mavis Bank Care Home) Fiona has been volunteering with the Bridging the Gap pilot project (by EDVA) since October 2015. She is a fluent Gaidhlig (Gaelic) speaker, and spends her time with residents at the Mavis Bank Care Home speaking to them in their native language. Fiona has shown commitment and endless enthusiasm for this role, and has really made a difference to the residents."

JASVIR BAMRAH VOLUNTEER WITH THE SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION FOR MENTAL HEALTH - SORTED PROJECT "Jasvir is a very energetic, proactive and supportive member of the group, and shows great organisational skills.

He supports his fellow peers with their recovery journey as well as taking over the Chair position for the URLife group who aim is to enhance recovery for the group as well as for the community as a whole by taking away the stigma about addiction.

JAMES H. WILLIAMSON VOLUNTEER WITH G.R.A.C.E "Since James took on his volunteering role he has become an integral part of GRACE, welcoming new people and being a visible presence in the community. James has gone above and beyond what is expected of him, and now gives presentations to services such as the NHS, discussing his own experience with mental health. With his peer support, he is an inspiration to others and an ambassador for encouraging new members. We at GRACE are very proud of James' achievements in such a short space of time. He is a credit to how recovery can work.

JEAN CHERRY VOLUNTEER WITH SILVER BIRCH SCOTLAND LTD "Jean helped to bring the project out Lennox Castle when it closed, and was very involved at that time because she also worked in health. Her continued involvement and enthusiasm has seen Silver Birch go from strength to strength - starting in an old milk factory unit, and now within its own land and a purpose built factory.

The work started with clients who have learning problems, producing soil feed to now growing and selling their own plants. Jean's understanding of the clients' needs has been vital in that process.

SPECIAL MENTION

WILLIAM MCLACHLAN - NOMINATED TWICE VOLUNTEERED ACROSS EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE FOR OVER 30 YEARS Catherine Bradley, Manager at Citizens Advice Bureau Kirkintilloch: "Willie not only volunteers with the C.A.B, he is involved with other local groups and participates in forums and information days - having done so for over 20 years.

Willie never fails to attend.

Shona Heath, Development Officer, EDVA: "His volunteering contribution has often been overlooked. The experience, skills and knowledge he has gained over 30 years are invaluable, and has been greatly beneficial to the community. He is very supportive to many organisations / community groups he volunteers for and is always willing to help. He is thoughtful and always willing to learn.

William deserves a great big thank you."

East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action Unit 4-5, 18/20 Townhead Kirkintilloch East Dunbartonshire G66 1NL Tel: 0141 578 6680 Email: info@edva.org Facebook: EastDunVA Twitter: @EastDunVA Website: www.edva.org #VolunteersWeek #VolunteersWeekScot

East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action is a Scottish Incorporated Organisation.

Registered Charity No. SC042983