Volunteering news Spring 2022
Spotlight on opportunities Why Volunteer?
There are lots of volunteer roles available in South Ayrshire. These include activities such as befriending, helping at events, driving, fundraising, conservation activities, providing support to children and older people. These are offered in a variety of settings from sport clubs to local community organisations. You can even volunteer from home. By giving your time you're helping the organisation you volunteer for, and you're also helping the people, communities, animals or environments
they represent. What turns that donation into an investment is that you get back far more than you give. Volunteering connects you with others and it is good for your mind and body. Volunteering provides you with a sense of purpose, a sense of community. It helps you meet new friends, increases your social skills, improves self-esteem, teaches you valuable skills, provides job prospects and it brings fun into your life. How about looking for a volunteering opportunity now?
Sponsorship Co-ordinator
Retail Volunteer Retail Supervisor
Active Schools Volunteer
HOME-BASED VOLUNTEER
HIGH STREET, AYR
Carrick Rugby Club are looking for a volunteer to develop relationships with local/national businesses & individuals who would help to sponsor club activities: travel for the youth section, kits at all levels, take pitch side advertising, develop online advertising; help to co-ordinate events and activities for fund raising on an annual basis. Contact Anna Connon at carrickrugby@gmail.com
Shelter require shop volunteers. Responsibilities: sorting, tagging, pricing stock; processing till transactions; merchandising & window dressing; social media & photography; upcycling projects. We want to make sure that volunteering is a positive experience for you! We believe, volunteers are so important as you help us to support far more people experiencing homelessness and bad housing. retailvolunteering@shelter.org.uk
PRESTWICK Active Schools South Ayrshire are looking for volunteers to support, coach & deliver sports sessions & physical activity opportunities to young people & families in the Prestwick cluster area. Training includes visits to schools, continuous personal development for different sports, coaching badges and extra opportunities for extra committed volunteers. Contact aiden.mclean3@ south-ayrshire.gov.uk
Visit southayrshirelifeline.org to search for local volunteering opportunities.
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Children's Panel Member
Children's Hearing Scotland is seeking Panel Members. The role is to listen and make legal decisions with and for infants, children and young people. They are there to ensure that the young person is at the heart of every decision taken – because every decision, no matter how big or small, has an impact. Panel Members are appointed for a three year period. As a trainee Panel Member you must be committed to comprehensive training over a three month period. Your training and experience as a Panel Member equip you with a range of transferable skills. Contact Lisa Owen at 01294 324162 or ayrshire-ast@northayrshire.gov.uk
Community Cafe Volunteer PRESTWICK
65 Club. Just a few hours out of your week could make an older person's day! Help reduce loneliness and social isolation by volunteering at our community cafe. Volunteers need to be meeting & greeting customers in our Tearoom; serving refreshments & clearing; building a positive relationship with customers by chatting to them and getting to know them. Minimum age 14. Contact 01292 470901 or johngrubystaylor@gmail.com
Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers
Lead Volunteer
AYR Sea Cadets Ayr, volunteering with Sea Cadets has so many benefits. Including giving back to the community, helping young people grow into adults and gaining qualifications to teach different courses we have to offer. We’re always looking for people to join us! Whether it’s becoming a trained instructor or just lending a helping hand, your help is always welcome! You don’t need to have a background in the Navy or in water sports, you just need to have a positive attitude! At Ayr you are also able to gain different qualifications that you can take with you once you leave Sea Cadets! Contact Duncan McKechnie at ayrseacadets@gmail.com
PRESTWICK
Cafe & Shop Assistant Volunteer
KIRKMICHAEL Kirkmichael Community Shop & Cafe is a small, friendly, not-forprofit community run store & cafe. The main activities are serving in the Shop and Café, greeting and helping customers, stocking the shelves, light cleaning and food and drinks preparation [optional]. Normally, three hours long volunteer shifts, with two people on at one time. Ongoing support is given by the paid staff and fellow volunteers. Contact 01655 750443 kirkmichaelcommunityshop @outlook.com
Sue Ryder Care (South Ayrshire), volunteers have the opportunity to be involved in many aspects of the day to day running of the store including but not limited to: sorting and pricing stock; stock replenishment; general customer service; till work; window dressing; PAT Testing; Ebay/Social Media lead. Our lead volunteers receive an enhanced level of training enabling them to take on additional levels of responsibility. This training is both in the store with colleagues & via eLearning. Contact Aaron Mullins at aaron.mullins@ suerydercare.org
Shopping Friend
SOUTH AYRSHIRE Food Train Connects volunteers contact the older person they're matched with, on a regular basis, to obtain their shopping list, carry out their shopping & then deliver to their home, putting away if necessary. Travel is usually limited to 5 miles, if not indicated otherwise by the volunteer. Expenses are paid 45p/mile up to 10 miles max. An informal introduction by video call, ongoing training opportunities, support from named member of staff. www.foodtrainconnects.org.uk
Contact VASA on 0800 4320510 or 01292 432661 for more info about volunteering.
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Meet People
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Feel Healthier
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Be Part of the Community
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HAVE FUN!!!
Retail Assistant
Stockroom Volunteer
Retail Volunteer
4 ARTHUR STREET, AYR Baby to Teen require a volunteer with excellent customer service skills to: process sales/till transactions; sort & price merchandise donations; keep shop & back store areas clean and tidy; provide information relating to Baby to Teen & its services; comply with Baby to Teen policy & procedures; represent Baby to Teen in a professional way. baby2teen@outlook.com
HIGH STREET, AYR Community Gift Exchange aims to equip people with the skills they need to go onto sustainable employment or further training. The role includes organising stock into boxes & onto shelves by product type; picking out stock that would be a good fit for the Reusables shop; creating a buffer stock area to help the retail team stock the shop; possibility of moving stock to/ from the shop. Contact Joe Firth jolyon.firth@ communitygiftexchange.com
HIGH STREET, AYR Community Gift Exchange values volunteers so much that everyone who gives their time receives a free hearty, homemade lunch. The role includes assisting in the day-to-day running of the CGX shop; recording sales and refunds; handling cash & card payments; assisting customers; providing excellent customer service; creating displays for visual merchandising; organising and pricing of stock. Contact jolyon.firth@ communitygiftexchange.com
Customer Service Volunteer 9B CHURCH STREET, TROON Oxfam, the Customer Service role is an exciting opportunity for someone to gain and develop retail experience to raise money for Oxfam's goal to end world poverty. The Volunteer will work on a till serving customers and providing customer service on the shop floor. Min age 14. Lunch & travel expenses paid. Contact Lorraine Findlay 01292 317712 oxfamshopf5945@oxfam.org.uk
Shop Volunteer DEBRA, AYR Fancy taking on a new challenge, gaining work experience or are looking to give something back to the community? Join our team today! We rely on shop volunteers to keep our DEBRA charity shops running smoothly. ayr@debra.org.uk 01292 289588.
Email volunteer@vasa.scot for more information about volunteering.
Cafe Assistant CAFE 141, TROON No experience required but an open mind and willingness to learn are essential. Training on all elements (cleaning, use of till & coffee machine) available if requested. Minimum age is 16. Contact, Corrie Duncan at 01292 220034.
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Garden Maintenance
Charity Shop Volunteer
Customer Service Volunteer
Together We Can! 46 ALLOWAY STREET AYR PDSA needs volunteers involved Southcraig School, a special in a wide range of roles and dayneeds school in Ayr, keen to to-day activities that support the provide areas where our pupils running of each shop and even a and the wider community can few hours a week will make a benefit from our green spaces. difference. On the shop floor you We have made some progress could be involved with providing with new raised beds but there excellent customer service, are still lots of jobs needing processing transactions on the done around the grounds. tills, replenishing stock and General maintenance in gardens; putting up eye-catching displays gardening and weeding flower to entice customers in. beds; painting wooden Behind the scenes, volunteers structures in gardens. You’d get involved with sorting through need to: be interested in the donations to find those hidden environment; not mind getting gems and preparing goods for grubby; be available between sale by sorting, steaming and 10:30 & 2:00 once a week. We pricing. would supply any equipment required to support someone get We’re looking for people who are 18 years of age or over that used to new tech. This role is suitable for under 18s and could enjoy working as part of a team and making a difference. also be done with a friend. www.pdsa.org.uk/getContact Diane Tierney involved/volunteer 01292 612146
PRESTWICK British Red Cross. If you enjoy being in an office environment, are compassionate and like meeting people then this could be the role for you. Thanks to volunteers like you we can provide people in your local community with wheelchairs and other mobility equipment to help them through a crisis. This vital service enables people to maintain their independence and quality of life after an illness or injury. Whether it is to help take a relative out, or take a child to school, it makes a difficult and distressing time a little bit easier. Pre-agreed travel expenses paid; shadowing until confident; must be able to complete an on-line training; taster session available. Inquire at 03000 040309
Administration/ Website Volunteer
Fundraising Branch Manager
BELMONT AVE, AYR
20 GLENMUIR PLACE, AYR Oshay's FASD Services CIC are looking for volunteers to help with administration tasks or website help. We're passionate about helping families and professionals, working with individuals with brain based disabilities, to feel confident to advocate for themselves or their children. 07796 135 659 info@oshaysfasd.org
Commercial Manager
GIRVAN Royal National Lifeboat HOME-BASED VOLUNTEER Institution has a network of local fundraising teams Whitletts Victoria Football Club needs a volunteer to sell organising a wide range of activities and events to save & promote the club in the lives at sea. Join an inclusive community. Register your and diverse organisation. interest with John Dalton at Training to fulfil your volunteer jbd@sky.com if you are over role will be provided and 21, confident and outgoing. reasonable out of pocket expenses reimbursed. Call 01202 663346
Visit southayrshirelifeline.org to search for local volunteering opportunities.
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Shop Volunteer
TROON Royal National Lifeboat Institution needs a volunteer with enthusiasm; good communication skills; team player; confident handling money; comfortable in a customer service environment. Join an inclusive and diverse organisation; have fun; meet new people; learn skills and gain experience to enhance your CV; training provided. Reasonable out of pocket expenses reimbursed. https://rnli.org/supportus/volunteer
Volunteer Admin Assistant
Food Pantry Customer Assistant
20, GLENMUIR PLACE, AYR
The Book & Bun, NEWMARKET STREET, AYR
Oshay's FASD Services CIC are looking for a volunteer, 2.5 days a week, between Mon & Thurs 10am – 3pm, ideally to be split between 2 or more volunteers, hours to suit. They will be supporting the Admin Manager, including filing, printing, photocopying, and any other admin tasks that may arise. Out of pocket expenses paid and taster session available. 07796 135 659 info@oshaysfasd.org
Shop Volunteer
Retail Assistant
AYR
AYRSHIRE
Age Concern Ayr needs a volunteer with enthusiasm; good communication skills. Main duties: We would love to find some new people to help in our Crown Street charity shop which is open Monday to Saturday. We have teams of volunteers working each day: receiving, unpacking and pricing donations; helping on the shop floor; and serving customers. Ideally volunteers would be able to commit to a full day each week, but even half a day would be welcome. ageconcernayr@gmail.com 01292 265304
Ayrshire Hospice welcomes applications from all sections of the community. You do not need to have any experience to volunteer in this role but ideally you should be able to demonstrate: an interest in or experience of working in retail/or with the general public; ability to work independently and as part of a team; good customer service & communication skills; responsible and reliable; friendly & approachable manner; this is an ideal opportunity for anyone considering a career in retail. www.ayrshirehospice.org 01292 269200
VASA. The role is to help customers who come into the Food Pantry, offering information and assistance as clients are enquiring, browsing or purchasing food. Full training on how it works, equipment used, systems to follow etc. You will always be volunteering as part of a team of volunteers with a staff team leader present. An opportunity to benefit from Barista training. angela@vasa.scot
Minute Secretary to Management Committee
AYRSHIRE Crossroads South Ayrshire require a volunteer to take minutes for two-monthly meetings. The Management Committee currently consists of 10 people. It meets on a Tuesday of every second month at 7pm, currently in a variety of meeting rooms but in future will resume using a meeting room at Biggart Hospital, Prestwick where the office is located. Experience required: taking minutes, wordprocessing and email. Contact us crossroads-sa.org.uk
Contact VASA on 0800 4320510 or 01292 432661 for more info about volunteering.
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Group Volunteer
Group Outing Assistant
Volunteer Befriender
SOUTH AYRSHIRE South Ayrshire Befriending Project, are looking for a group volunteer. After a period of training and assessment, you will provide support to young people on a 1:1 basis or to the group as a whole, at group outings. We facilitate 12 group outings per year for socially isolated young people aged 8 to 18, living in South Ayrshire. Volunteers are required to participate where possible in monthly group outings & volunteer support sessions and attend a minimum of 6 per annum; to read volunteer handbook & be aware of the project’s policies and procedures and adhere to them; to comply with project’s procedures. Contact Tracey Lyon at 01292 264000 or info@bfriend.org.uk
SOUTH AYRSHIRE South Ayrshire Befriending Project. Volunteer supporting staff with the delivery of group activities; maintaining a register; overseeing additional admin tasks when required; organising resources/materials for the activity; setting up & tidying up for the activity; assisting with transport of young people/ volunteers to & from the activity. Volunteer needs to be friendly & amenable with strong interpersonal & communication skills; strong organisational skills & the ability to multi-task; able to enrol as a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme. Available for 3 to 4 hours once a month (times and dates will vary each month) Contact Tracey Lyon at 01292 264000 or info@bfriend.org.uk
SOUTH AYRSHIRE South Ayrshire Befriending Project, are looking for an adult volunteer who will provide a supportive friendship for a socially isolated young person aged 8 to18 who lives in South Ayrshire. Meeting with their young person every couple of weeks for a few hours, spending time together accessing local activities. You will be matched on a 1:1 basis; go on regular outings & activities with the young person; have the opportunity to participate in group outings/activities & also volunteer support sessions; keeping in touch with the project about the young person’s achievements/growth & activities. Contact Tracey Lyon at 01292 264000 or info@bfriend.org.uk
Friendship Caller Volunteer
Community Event Volunteer
Volunteer Befriender
HOME BASED VOLUNTEER AYRSHIRE Age Scotland We are looking for Equal Futures. Volunteers help volunteers who enjoy talking to us plan and facilitate our regular people on the phone, can listen social events for people we effectively, and have an support and their families in empathetic and caring nature. Ayrshire. Warm, friendly, Ideally, you will have a good approachable, compassionate, understanding and knowledge of flexible, dependable, empathetic, I.T. and have the ability to reliable, good listeners needed. volunteer independently. Contact Contact Shona Fleming 0333 32 32 400 0300 303 1280. volunteering@agescotland.org.uk Email volunteer@vasa.scot for more information about volunteering.
AYRSHIRE Equal Futures. Befrienders help a person we support build their confidence & participate in social activities within their community. This may include going for walks, participating in clubs or classes together, or attending Equal Futures monthly social events. Contact Shona Fleming 0300 303 1280.
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Your volunteering journey, starts here 1
Scan the QR code or search our website www.southayrshirelifeline.org and check for the latest volunteering opportunities.
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Otherwise call us at Voluntary Action South Ayrshire on 01292 432661 or South Ayrshire Lifeline on 0800 432 0510.
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Use the search facility to look for volunteering opportunities. Add location and the distance you are able to travel. For a more refined search, choose your age 4 category, the themes you would like to volunteer in or the activities you would like to do. Specialist roles include opportunities that are trustee roles; home-based volunteering; event based volunteering or opportunities that are suitable to volunteer as a group. If you have any questions about volunteering kindly email enquiries@salifeline.scot
Telephone Befriender
Fledgling Online YouTube Channel Manager
HOME BASED VOLUNTEER VASA needs volunteers to to engage in conversation with a client over the phone, building a rapport and engaging with them on a weekly basis. The Telephone Befriender will not be expected to offer advice or to ‘counsel’ the client but rather to have a chat & be a listening ear – something for the client to look forward to each week. Expenses paid. Contact Jill Haigh at 08004320510 or jill@vasa.scot
SOUTH AYRSHIRE Hanover Housing HOME BASED VOLUNTEER Association, Fledgling Arts Collective No qualifications required. Central, Our ideal candidate We are looking for will be very passionate volunteers who are about YouTube. We believe interested in working with that using creativity is a older people, have good great form of catharsis for communication & listening mental health. Looking for skills, are reliable & willing to someone who's work as part of a team. Full enthusiastic about the arts induction health and safety and compassionate about training (non certified). Bus mental health. Contact fare expenses paid. Rebecca Moriarty Minimum age 18. Contact James Brown at 0131 557 flegdlingparebecca@ 6454 or gmail.com jbrown@hanover.scot
Volunteer Befriender
Visit southayrshirelifeline.org to search for local volunteering opportunities.
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Builds key skills and experience
Develops new interests that could alter your career goals
Gives a sense of ownership, accomplishment & pride
Benefits of Volunteering
Develops communication skills with people of different backgrounds
Helps make new friends
Exposes people to different industries and shows realities of a job
Reduces stress & anxiety
Develops references and activities for college/work applications
Shows how you can make a difference in the community
Helps highlight the value of working together
Creates compassion for others
Showcases the appreciation for hard work
Teaches responsibility to follow through with commitments
Shows pride in the community
Teaches empathy & kindness
Contact VASA on 0800 4320510 or 01292 432661 for more info about volunteering.
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Volunteer Administrator AYRSHIRE NHS Ayrshire & Arran. We are looking for someone to help support our dynamic volunteering team by providing basic, flexible administrative support & acting as a point of contact for our new & existing volunteers. You will support the development of our quarterly newsletter, and help with the recruitment of new volunteering opportunities. A friendly, approachable & nonjudgemental approach is required; good listening & communication skills. 01292513197 karen.parker@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Discharge Lounge Volunteer AYRSHIRE NHS Ayrshire & Arran needs volunteers to provide entertainment through use of games, and other activities such as arts/crafts, musical instruments; provide patient with refreshments; direct patient to nurse for any concerns regarding their care; to carry out patient experience surveys on behalf of the patient experience team; helping those who require assistance where appropriate. 01292513197 karen.parker@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Emergency Department Volunteer AYRSHIRE NHS Ayrshire & Arran. Amongst other duties, to meet and greet patients in the triage area and ensure they are seated in the right waiting area. This is not a clinical role & you will not be shadowing or assisting staff, volunteering in this demanding environment will expose you to many aspects of the emergency departarment so being calm and composed is essential. 01292513197 karen.parker@ aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Reception Volunteer
Service Delivery Volunteer
Volunteer Advocate
AYRSHIRE Ayrshire Hospice. A creative & efficient volunteer with a basic understanding of admin; is computer proficient; relate well to a variety of people; good verbal & written communication skills. You may not have had previous experience, however if you’re organised, enthusiastic and can use your initiative, we’d love you to apply. This is a great opportunity for someone wanting to get some varied experience in an office reception or to make use of their existing skills. Dealing with enquiries, donations & deliveries, handling internal/external calls, welcoming visitors; dealing with their enquiries. Travel expenses paid. Minimum age 16. www.ayrshirehospice.org
SOUTH AYRSHIRE Victim Support South Ayrshire are looking for support volunteers. You will make personal contact with people affected by crime, providing them with support at a time when they need it most. You will be required to undergo 70 hours of in-depth learning and development over a period of up to eight to ten weeks, through online self-study, virtual workshops and supervised support, resulting in accreditation. This will equip you with the necessary skills, experience and knowledge to provide high quality support to victims and witnesses of crime. Contact 01292 266441 victimsupport.southayrshire@ victimsupportsco.org.uk
HOME BASED VOLUNTEER Action for M.E. supports adults with M.E./CFS to understand their rights, make informed choices, and have their views & wishes heard & respected, dealing with issues including health, social care, housing & employment. Are you a good listener with an empathetic, professional & methodical approach with two hours a week to support vulnerable adults with M.E./chronic fatigue syndrome? You’ll work entirely online/by phone to meet & represent clients, agree an action plan, undertake research, contact professionals & more. Full training, support & supervision provided by our experienced, friendly team. advocacy@actionforme.org.uk
Email volunteer@vasa.scot for more information about volunteering.
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Board Member
AYSHIRE No-One Dies Alone, The role requires attendance at board meetings. At the moment all meetings are being held online every 6 – 8 weeks. The role also requires making decisions on organisational strategies. The ability to work as part of a team is essential. In particular we are looking for someone who has experience with marketing and fundraising, though this is not essential. Contact Linda McCurrach noonediesaloneayrshire@gmail.com
Lion Club Member
HOME BASED VOLUNTEER Ayr & Prestwick Lions Club. Playing an active role in club activities including discussing, planning & taking part in fundraising events, allocation of funds & social occasions. Main duties include assisting at fundraising events, attending monthly club meetings & various social activities. Contact Alec Mooney alec.mooney@gmail.com
Public Representatives for the CMOP Board
HOME BASED VOLUNTEER The Cancer Medicines Outcomes Programme (CMOP) is a national collaborative project between the NHS boards in Scotland and the University of Strathclyde. After a trial period, public representatives will have membership until the end of the CMOP Programme’s Phase 2 in March 2023. You will be asked to attend the CMOP board meetings (virtually twice a year). You will be invited to participate in discussions at the meetings as much as you are comfortable with, and have the opportunity to comment and feedback on CMOP documents, proposals and other outputs developed by the Programme Board. Contact Emma Dunlop emma.dunlop@strath.ac.uk
Chair & Directors/Trustees
HOME BASED VOLUNTEER Three Sixty is looking to recruit a Chair and two Trustees to join their board. The charity is looking for people who are passionate in their belief of recovery, mental health and empowerment. Looking for a resilient and self-aware Chair with similar previous experience. Assertive & compassionate volunteers, able to hear and allow people to be heard alongside the ability to read people and situations. A strong understanding of good governance, strong communication skills and a commitment to positive social change. 01292 619600 enquire@thethreesixty.org.uk
Director
HOME BASED VOLUNTEER Assel Valley Community Renewables Society Ltd. Supervise the management of the business of the Society. The society has no direct employees and the management role is carried out by employees of Energy4All (also a co-op). No formal qualifications but experience or an interest in community ownership & involvement, renewable energy & cooperative and ethical investment would be helpful. Rita Millar 01292 262841 ritam.miller@btinternet.com
Trustee Volunteer
Equal Futures are seeking to appoint 3 new Trustees. We welcome applications from all social groups, especially from people with lived experience of ASC or a learning disability. Ideally, with a leadership experience in Scotland’s health and social care sector; knowledge in the fields of social care; social inclusion; statutory or voluntary sector; fundraising; volunteer recruitment & retention strategy. Jayne Laidlaw 07725 134292 Jayne.Laidlaw@equalfutures.org.uk
Visit southayrshirelifeline.org to search for local volunteering opportunities.
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Bike Mechanic Volunteer
Kitchen Volunteer
AYR Riverside Community Trust, HIGH STREET, AYR Volunteers with the ability to CGX Great opportunity to gain work within required Health and experience of a workshop Safety guidelines; able to work environment. Bicycle as part of a team & work refurbishment includes, bike independently as required, ‘stripping’; brake and gear assisting staff & other calibration; wheel repair and volunteers as required; be aware building; pedal care and repair; of infection control/hand how to set up a bicycle for a hygiene; understanding of the customer; how to fully clean and need to keep the food maintain a bicycle; how to check environment scrupulously clean. parts for wear & sort accordingly; A formal induction programme & maintain the workshop to a high access to basic food hygiene standard of tidiness. Contact training. Contact 01292 262686 jolyon.firth@ help@riversidecommunitytrust communitygiftexchange.com .org.uk
Volunteer
AYR Ayr Ark. Looking for volunteers to give their time on a Friday night to work with the young people. This will allow them the opportunity to get alongside the young people, get to know them and become a positive role model. No skills or experience necessary, however to fulfil your role to the best of your ability you must have a desire to work with young people from a variety of backgrounds. Other skills which are preferred but not essential are good communication skills, the ability to work as part of a team, the ability to plan and lead various events. Contact 01292 264020 admin@ayrark.co.uk
Volunteer Store Attendant
Sourdough Baker/Trainer AYR Narture Ayr, is looking to work with a experienced sourdough baker, someone who has had experience in artisanal baking or commercial baking, to help mentor and train new bakery assistants. This position would be ideal for a retired baker who is looking to volunteer a few hours a week, has a passion for baking, possibly someone who enjoys training others and would like to mentor new bakers. Contact 01292 738459 or www.narture.co.uk
Collection Can Coordinators
AYR At Narture Ayr, you will have the opportunity to be involved in many aspects of the day to day running of the bakery/store including: serving customers; stock replenishment; till work; serving hot drinks; helping with keeping the store tidy and clean. Previous retail experience, previous food service experience is desirable but not essential. Computer skills would be desirable. We look forward to hearing from you if you can spare a few hours each week to work with us. Contact Robert Singer 01292 738459 info@narture.co.uk www.narture.co.uk
SOUTH AYRSHIRE Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance saves and improves lives across Scotland, delivering expert paramedic care at the scene of time-critical emergencies. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in raising awareness and funds for SCAA across Scotland. Can Collectors volunteer in their chosen area placing new and collecting full cans. It is a very flexible role to suit you with little time required (2-3 hours every 6-8 weeks). Public transport and own car use is covered. Contact 0300 123 1111 or www.scaa.org.uk/supportus/volunteer
Contact VASA on 0800 4320510 or 01292 432661 for more info about volunteering.
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Can I volunteer while on benefits? What to do if you claim benefits and do voluntary work. Volunteering is when you choose to give your time to help others without being paid for it. Volunteering can help you to develop new skills and try something new. It can help you prepare for paid work by increasing your confidence and experience. You CAN volunteer while receiving benefits as long as you continue to meet all the conditions of your benefit. If you’re getting a benefit, you can volunteer for any type of organisation. However, you cannot volunteer for a close relative (parent; parent-in-law; siblings; children; grandchildren, etc.)
Tell your benefits office about your volunteering Tell the office that pays your benefits about any volunteering that you are planning to do before you start. Tell them: how many hours a day you will be volunteering. how many days a week you will be volunteering. whether you will be volunteering for the same hours and days each week, or whether they change. what you will do in your volunteer role. whether you will get any expenses. about any money you get on top of expenses. anything else you are given – this may not be money. After you have started volunteering, you’ll need to tell the office that pays your benefits: if you change the hours or days you volunteer. if you stop volunteering You can ask the organisation you’re volunteering with to give you a letter with this information.
How many hours you can volunteer for You can volunteer for as many hours as you like, as long you continue to meet the conditions of the benefit you get. The conditions for your benefit could include things like: attending a job interview with 2 days’ notice. starting work within a week. rearranging or giving up your volunteering to start a job. If you’re looking for paid work, you may agree with Jobcentre Plus to do some volunteering as part of your activities to prepare for work.
Universal Credit and volunteering If you get Universal Credit, your volunteering can count to up to half the time you agree to spend looking for and preparing for work in your ‘Claimant Commitment’.
Example You volunteer for an organisation for 20 hours a week. Your Claimant Commitment states you are to undertake 30 hours a week work search and work preparation activities. That means 15 hours of voluntary work will count towards your 30 hours work search requirement (50% of 30).
Expenses You are not paid for your time as a volunteer, but you may get money to cover reasonable expenses you incur. These can be for things like: food and drink; travel; childcare costs; any specialist equipment needed to complete the voluntary work. Any reasonable expenses you are paid by the organisation you volunteer with will not usually affect the amount of benefit you get. Any money you are paid that is not to cover a reasonable expense may STOP your benefit or reduce the amount you get. Information from www.gov.uk/guidance/volunteering-and-claiming-benefits
Email volunteer@vasa.scot for more information about volunteering.
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