Volunteers Welcome in West Lothian
[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1145","attributes":{"class":"media-image aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5842","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"300","height":"202","alt":"SilverSurferWeb"}}]]Bield, one of Scotland’s leading providers of housing and care, is highlighting the important role that volunteers can play in assisting older people to enjoy happy and fulfilled lives.
![[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"1145","attributes":{"class":"media-image aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5842","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"300","height":"202","alt":"SilverSurferWeb"}}]]](http://www.careandnursing-magazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/SilverSurferWeb.jpg){kind=link}
Bield's Blackfauld's House in Fauldhouse, Ochilview Court in Armadale and Craigengar Park in Livingston are looking for Social Activity Coordinators to help organise opportunities for social interaction.
In Whitburn, Mansewood Court are looking for Befrienders to encourage tenants to engage with the wider community, while Abercorn Court in Winchburgh is looking for Silver Surfer Tutors to assist tenants in their interaction with IT and other modern technologies.
Cheryl Baillie, Development Manager at Blackfauld’s House, said, “Social Activity Coordinators and Befrienders play a vital role in assisting the tenants to engage with one another and the wider community.
“Organising events from coffee mornings to bingo nights we like to involve the tenants at every stage with the emphasis on having fun.”
Volunteers are crucial in every Bield development, offering social support and companionship on a one-to-one basis for the tenants for several hours on a weekly basis.
Susan Brown, Development Manager at Abercorn Court, said, “The Silver Surfers tutorials are a great way of getting our tenants online and engaging with the wider world where otherwise they might struggle. It really gets to the core of Bield's 'Free to Be' philosophy.
“Learning about IT is not only fascinating but broadens the horizons of tenants in a simple and effective manner.”
Times are varied and flexible across all these developments and roles but Bield are looking for a six month commitment in any case. Each role asks for only a few hours a week on a regular basis so that tenants can get to know volunteers and get the most out of each experience.
So if you are willing to take on one of these hugely rewarding projects please get in touch. From IT tutorials and events planning, to simply getting to know tenants and making new friends there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in West Lothian.
Enquiries are welcome from all people over the age of 16. Full training and support will be given and out-of-pocket expenses paid.
For more information please contact Cheryl Baillie on 01501 771 044 (Fauldhouse), Lynn McQueen on 01501 743 253 (Whitburn), Mabelanne Fraser on 01501 732 731 (Armadale), Ann Marie Sweeney on 01506 440 282 (Livingston) or Susan Brown on 01506 890 433 (Winchburgh). Or email volunteering@bield.co.uk.