Meet our Helpline Volunteers

SECTION LIFESTYLE Meet our Helpline Volunteers

The Advocacy Helpline was set up to support Care Experienced people throughout Scotland, primarily over the age of 26. We can support, signpost and offer choice when you feel there is nowhere else to turn. We also work closely with our local advocates, so if you’re eligible to work with them, we will refer you on. In the Winter 21 issue, we introduced you to Lifelong Advocates, Carolelynne and Claire, who work on the helpline, these issue we’d like to you to meet the volunteers who answer your calls.

Alastair

My college lecturer suggested we get real life experience talking to, and more importantly, listening to people. A friend made me aware of Who Cares? Scotland’s Advocacy I like Helpline and I to ride thought it fit the bicycles bill. Initially, this up was a way to get waterfalls. experience of talking to people who I may be able to help, now it’s about being involved, not just sitting back, and letting others work away at the solutions. I have worked over the telephone all of my working life and it is the most natural way of communicating for me. With a few years of life experience and 4 grown up daughters, I have experienced a few of the issues that come into the helpline and hopefully I can make things less stressful for callers.

Liz

I wanted to volunteer as I thought it might be something that my previous work skills could transfer to, as well as the obvious that I could hopefully make a difference to Care Experienced people. Volunteering at WC?S means the world to me. I love all the contact with the youngsters in the Wee Diamonds group, they are so honest and direct. During lockdown, I loved being part of the online ‘Who Crafts Scotland’ craft group. The kids who took part were spread far and wide, so holding it online was essential. My role was ‘cheerleader’ and I adored the kids who joined in, their I ALWAYS enthusiasm was a know joy. ‘who did

it’ in Agatha

The training for Christie and the helpline has most murder been great and mysteries. reassuring! Who Cares? Scotland is in my heart and that is where it will stay.

Holly

I have a genuine desire to help people and I believe with my previous voluntary roles I would be able to bring valuable skills and knowledge to the team. I really admire what Who Cares? Scotland offers to Care Experienced people and was eager to contribute to this wonderful cause. Volunteering at Who Cares?

Scotland has broadened my horizons in many different ways – I have become more aware of the specific issues Care I love Experienced individuals face and I have dogs. also met wonderful people. I am a MSc Clinical Health Psychology student and believe that the skills and knowledge I have learned will enable me to provide support, advice and guidance to callers.

Claire

I was looking for a volunteer role where I could help others who may not have anyone else to support them or know where to go to get help. As soon as I found Who Cares? Scotland, I knew this was the organisation for me. Volunteering at Who Cares? Scotland means I get to help and empower others who might not know where to start or where to find the information they need. I was a volunteer in Citizens Advice Bureau for 10 years where I helped with enquiries about benefits, housing, debt and any other issues clients had. These skills are already being utilised by callers calling the helpline.

I love to bake cupcakes, caramel shortbread and macaroons.

Angela

I am a qualified dance instructor. I’m not sure what else I’m prepared to admit to yet, but it may involve a spell or two …

I’ve seen the difference that Who Cares? Scotland makes in Care Experienced people’s lives, and I was keen to help where I could so that all Care Experienced people, regardless of background and history, have the support and care they need. It means a lot to listen to a Care Experienced person, and feel that I can do a little to lighten their load or steer them as needed. I volunteered and then worked within the Children’s Hearings System and therefore know a bit about how the hearings system works. I am a keen listener and want to do all I can to support Care Experienced people.

Andrea

The Who Cares? Scotland Advocacy Helpline appealed to me because it was a new venture which I thought would be exciting to be part of. Having met and trained with the team involved at Who Cares? Scotland, I feel privileged to be part of such a warm, passionate, committed team. For many years I was a busy Mum of 4 children. I worked in HR for a few years and am now studying with Open University. I am a good listener, committed and enjoy working as part of a team.

I can Ski backwards.

Rosina

I once did a gig in a distillery.

I was keen to volunteer at Who Cares? Scotland on the helpline as through my involvement with the Children’s Panel I am aware of some of the issues which can affect Care Experienced people and how they can have a long-term impact. I love the idea that the helpline can be useful at any stage of a person’s journey and that it is a safe place for people to feel welcomed and supported. Volunteering at Who Cares? Scotland means a lot to me - it is wonderful to feel part of an organisation that makes such a difference, not only to individuals but also in bringing about change in wider society. My background is in music but since leaving my orchestral job I have broadened my horizons through volunteering with young people and found it refreshing to meet new people and learn new skills.