Our volunteers work as an integral part of the Carers Link team, both here in the office and at various venues, providing telephone and face-to-face support to over 1000 Carers each year, as well as administrative roles.
Why volunteer?
Volunteering can be (very) good for you. Most of our volunteers want to give something back, and make a difference to carers’ lives – many of them have received support from Carers Link themselves. For others, volunteering gives them an opportunity to use their experience and knowledge to help others, or to challenge themselves and gain new skills.
An important part of volunteering is the feel good factor that it generates. As well as a sense of pride and achievement, volunteering gives you the chance to be part of the Carers Link team, meeting different people and making new friends.
Can I volunteer?
The people we support come from all walks of life, and so do our volunteers, so if you are interested in people we would love to talk to you about volunteering. Volunteering with us can be a regular weekly commitment, or you may only be able to volunteer for a few hours a month. As long as you are reliable and enthusiastic, we will try and work something out.
We will provide any training you need, and don’t worry if you don’t like computers – many of our opportunities don’t need you to use one.
What can I volunteer to do?
Carers Call
Volunteers call carers regularly for a chat about how things are going, and find out how they are feeling. The volunteer and carer build up a relationship which makes it easier for the volunteer to identify when extra help is needed, and for the carer to feel comfortable asking.
Groups and Events
Our Carers Cafés, groups and events offer a sociable environment where carers can relax and meet others in a similar situation. Carers swap tips and ideas and share their stories of caring. Our volunteers work with the Carers Link staff to welcome carers and encourage a friendly environment.
Emergency and Future Planning
Volunteers meet carers face to face to discuss and complete an Emergency Plan or a Future Plan. The completion of an emergency plan is likely to take a few meetings/discussions and the volunteer forms a listening/trusting relationship with the carer.
Administration
All of the services that we provide rely on the administration support provided by our office. Volunteers work alongside and/or with staff and other volunteers on a range of general office duties such as data entry, typing, organising appointments for therapies or counselling, reminding carers about events and groups, and preparing bulk mailings.
For more information about any of these roles give a call on 0800 975 2131 or complete our online enquiry form.
What support can I expect from Carers Link?
All of our volunteers receive training and regular support from our Volunteer coordinator. We provide initial training for all of our volunteers, and additional training depending on your role. We also have regular update meetings and fun events.
We believe that volunteering should be open to anyone, and that cost should not prevent you from volunteering. All reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed, whether they are for your volunteering activities or other events organised by Carers Link.
Carers Link was the first organisation in East Dunbartonshire to be awarded the Investing in Volunteers quality standard, in November 2010. Our commitment to our volunteers continues, and the award was reaccredited in 2013 and 2016.
I want to volunteer
Thank you – we would love to hear from you!
Please call Fiona Farris, our Volunteer coordinator, on 0800 975 2131 or complete our online enquiry form. Fiona will get in touch to chat to you about what you want to do, and what happens next.