Below are some examples of the kinds of work you can do, and some information about the sorts of groups you can do it for. It's not a complete list, but it should give you an idea of what opportunities are out there.

When you've had a look at some of the options, you might find it useful to think through what you want to get out of it - go to the next page.

If you would like to discuss volunteering with someone call Volunteer Centre Edinburgh on +44 (0) 131 225 0630 or email your enquiry to admin@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk.

Select a type of work to read more information...

Select... Advice Work Adult Basic Education Befriending Children & Young People Conservation Driving Older People Fundraising People with HIV / AIDS Work with homeless people Hospitals Learning disabilities Mental Health Office Work Physical Disabilities Practical work Other

Conservation, the Environment and Gardening

Conservation volunteers repair footpaths, clear ponds and waterways, plant trees, build dry-stone dykes, create nature trails - the list is endless. The work can be done at weekends. You could help out at a community garden project or do simple maintenance for someone who is unable to look after their own garden.

Learning Disabilities

People with learning disabilities have difficulty understanding new or complex information, learning new skills or coping independently.

Volunteers can:

• help with activities, sports and crafts and social clubs, youth clubs and resource centres.
• provide one to one support to families or individuals as befrienders or advocates
• assist at Summer and Easter playschemes for children with learning disabilities.
• help a family to have a break by being a volunteer sitter.

Mental Health

Mental health problems come in a variety of forms. Many involve feelings of depression, anxiety and confusion, sometimes to an extent which makes it difficult for the person to cope with everyday life. Only a small number of people experiencing mental health problems are admitted to hospital. Most are treated and supported in their community.

Volunteers can:

• assist at drop-in centres and social groups by helping with activities, chatting to people or providing a listening ear.
• provide one to one support as befrienders or advocates

Advice Work

Volunteer advice workers offer confidential advice and information to members of the public. Some advice centres give a very wide range of information e.g. Citizens Advice Bureaux. Others are more specialist e.g. working with homeless people or people with a disability. Advice agencies look for a long term commitment from volunteers. Training can last up to three months.

Adult Basic Education

Many adults and young people want to improve their reading, writing or numeracy. Adult basic education provides tuition in groups with paid and volunteer tutors.

Volunteers must attend a training course and be prepared to give a long term commitment, perhaps helping once or twice a week for a least a year.

Volunteers can:

• tutor people who have difficulty with basic skills.
• teach English as a second language
• help deaf students with language development
• help students who have a disability
• work with people who have speech and language difficulties as a result of a stroke.

Fundraising

Charities need to have diverse and imaginative ways of raising funds for their work.
Volunteers can: organise or take part in sponsored events, street collections, fun runs, ceilidhs etc.; help in charity shops; be on a fund raising committee.

Office Work

Many organisations have an ongoing need for volunteers to do office administration such as reception, filing or typing. Others need volunteers to help out at busy times e.g. publicity campaigns or fundraising drives.

Volunteers can do:

• reception and admin. work.
• financial or management committee tasks.
• computing
• 'one off' pieces of work such as setting up a database, producing publicity material or devising a marketing strategy.

Older People

Most opportunities to volunteer in this field are with frail older people or dementia sufferers, and are mainly in the daytime. They include;

• helping at lunch clubs or day centres - perhaps serving teas and lunches or assisting with quizzes, games and reminiscing activities.
• delivering 'Meals on Wheels' or library books to housebound people.
• befriending and home visiting
• helping in residential homes and hospitals e.g. reading to patients, playing board games.

Homeless

With people living in temporary or hostel accommodation, or those sleeping rough, volunteers can;

• help at drop in or night shelters, providing hot drinks and meals and giving support.
• be trained to give information and advice.
• work alongside paid workers in outreach work on the streets.

Practical

Some organisations need DIY / building volunteers to paint and decorate, carry out repairs or put up shelves.

Volunteers bring pleasure to many elderly people through Gorgie City Farm's Visiting Service 

Befriending

Befriending involves giving support and friendship to someone who may be going through a difficult period, is feeling lonely, or is adjusting to a major change in their life.

Befriending schemes can support older people, lone parents, families with children under five, adults with disabilities or health problems.

Volunteer befrienders are matched with a client (perhaps because they share an interest or are of a similar age). They meet on a regular basis, perhaps to go shopping or go to the cinema, or simply to have a chat over a cup of coffee. Befriending may aim to encourage the client's independence, build their self confidence or offer social contact outwith their immediate family.

Befrienders are carefully selected and trained and receive ongoing support.

Physical Disability

• Volunteers can work with groups dealing with specific conditions such as arthritis, cancer, or epilepsy or with more general disability organisations.
• provide one to one support as a tutor, befriender or peer counsellor.

HIV/Aids/Drugs

With individuals and families affected by HIV AIDS or drug dependency, volunteers can;

• help out at a drop in or information centre.
• be a befriender in a 'buddy' scheme.
• Provide practical help such as gardening, driving, baby sitting, or painting and decorating.
• participate in preventative, educational and awareness raising work.

Driving

Many disabled or older people are unable to leave their homes due to a lack of suitable transport.

Volunteer drivers provide a vital service helping them to get out and about, perhaps to a day centre or social club. Some organisations have their own vehicles whilst others need drivers with their own car. Perhaps the best known volunteer drivers are the 'Meals on Wheels' fleet.

The insurance requirements of organisations may differ, but usually a volunteer has to be aged over 23 years and have a clean driving licence. Minibus drivers may be required to sit a test. Volunteers using their own car will normally be paid petrol expenses.

Hospital Work

• visiting and befriending patients.
• helping in hospital shops.
• providing trolley and library services.
• escorting patients on outings.
• helping with social activities.

Some hospitals have volunteer co-ordinators, others use organisations such as WRVS, the Red Cross and League of Friends.

Children and Young People

• Creches and playgroups for under fives.
• 5 - 12 years - after school clubs, junior youth clubs and holiday playschemes helping with games, arts and crafts, music and sport.
• 12 years plus - youth clubs and "drop-in" centres providing varied social, leisure and outdoor activities, as well as 'issue' based work e.g. Health promotion or drugs awareness.
• One to one support for children who are experiencing difficulties at school or at home.

There are also well know youth organisations such as the Scouts, Girl Guides and Boys Brigade.

Volunteers working with children under 16 must be prepared to undergo a criminal record check.

Other Areas of Volunteering Include:

• support for victims of crime
• work with ex-offenders
• telephone helplines
• bereavement /relationship counselling
• mediation services

Overseas Volunteering and Residential Volunteering

Volunteer Centre Edinburgh has information on a variety of short and long term opportunities. Visit our overseas pages...

Specific Interest/Skills

For people with particular interests or experience e.g. music, sports, arts, etc. Volunteer Centre Edinburgh may be able to help find a voluntary placement to use their skills.

Team Volunteering

Groups of friends or colleagues can get together for a one-off volunteering project, say painting a mural, creating a wildlife garden, decorating premises or organising an outing for a group of people.

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