Latest news with #Volunteers'Week
Powys County Times
4 hours ago
- Health
- Powys County Times
Oswestry's Hope House launches appeal for new trustees
AN appeal for new volunteer trustees has been launched by Hope House Children's Hospices this Volunteers' Week, as it looks to add fresh experience, knowledge and expertise to its board. Trustees play a vital role as the leaders and ambassadors for the charity, setting the strategic direction and ensuring the charity delivers its charitable purpose to give every local child across Wales, Shropshire and Cheshire with a life-threatening condition and their family access to professional care, and improves their quality of life from the point of diagnosis. This Volunteer's Week (June 2-8) the charity, which has two hospices, Hope House in Oswestry and Ty Gobaith in Conwy, is asking for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer trustee to get in touch. Hope House Children's Hospices chair of trustees Steve Henly says becoming a trustee back in 2011 has been an amazing experience. 'Being a trustee is an extremely rewarding and worthwhile experience where you learn new skills, meet great people and bring your knowledge and life experience to make a real difference,' he said. 'We are looking for a trustee who shares our passion to help every child with a life-threatening condition live their best life. 'We're keen to hear from Welsh speakers and people from all cultures and backgrounds.' He added: 'I became a trustee in 2011. It was my first significant volunteering role having spent 30 years in the private sector and 16 years running my own industrial and commercial businesses. 'I wanted to do something that used my business insight and commercial skills not to just make money but for a more worthwhile purpose. 'For me, it had to be a local charity where I could see the impact of the board's decisions and one which supported children and young people. 'In 2016 I was elected to the role of chair of trustees, and it is an honour to lead a board of dedicated and committed trustees, who share our purpose.' The charity currently employs almost 300 staff, supported by more than 450 active volunteers, and the trustee board is responsible for the strategic leadership and governance of the charity, supported by a full-time executive leadership team. Andy Goldsmith, the charity's chief executive, said: 'The success of Hope House Children's Hospices in delivering our mission depends on the achievements of our people: an organisation of paid staff, volunteers, donors and supporters. 'Every role matters – whether in care, income generation, or operations, everyone plays a part in making our purpose a reality. 'We're one of the first and leading children's hospice charities in the world, one that has grown and developed over 30 years. 'We are not however complacent about our achievements as we know that some children and families get support too late or not at all. 'We want to change that and that by becoming a trustee, together, we will help every child with a life-threatening condition live their best life.' If you are interested in joining the team and becoming one of its new volunteer trustees, visit or if you would like any further information about the recruitment process, contact the HR Team at HR@ or call 01691 679679.
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Glasgow Times
42 Glasgow new volunteers join Victim Support Scotland
A total of 42 new volunteers in Glasgow have applied to join Victim Support Scotland (VSS) following a recent recruitment appeal. The response was part of a wider campaign across the country, which saw hundreds express interest in volunteering to help individuals and families impacted by crime. Read more: Glasgow team complete Edinburgh Marathon for 'important' cause It comes as Volunteers' Week begins, running from June 2 to 8. James Whyte, head of volunteering at VSS, said: "We are thrilled to see this level of enthusiasm and interest in our volunteering opportunities across Scotland. "Our volunteers do such vital work for people affected by crime, and to see more people willing to contribute their time and skills to supporting victims and witnesses is amazing." VSS is an independent charity offering emotional and practical support to people affected by crime. Read more: Glasgow and Lanarkshire groups to perform for National Theatre's 30th anniversary Its volunteers provide trauma-informed assistance in courts, including Glasgow's High Court and Sheriff Court, as well as through in-person services and remote options like helplines and webchat. James said: "Thank you to everyone who has registered to volunteer. "And if anyone else is keen to get involved, we welcome more applications from people in Glasgow." "If you are compassionate, resilient and a great listener, and can commit to a minimum of four hours a week, please visit our website to apply."
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Dumfries woman whose husband had massive stroke backs charity's volunteers campaign
Sheryl Herring regularly visits hospital patients in her Stroke Association volunteer after husband Bruce was given just a five per cent chance of survival in 2017. A Dumfries woman whose husband had a massive stroke is backing a charity's campaign for more volunteers. Sheryl Herring's husband Bruce was given just a five per cent chance of survival following a stroke in 2017. She found out about the Stroke Association and now regularly visits hospital patients and has started a peer support group to help other families in a similar situation. Sheryl is one of just two volunteers the charity has in Dumfries and Galloway and, ahead of Volunteers' Week starting on Monday, she is calling on other people to get involved. She said: 'It was a revelation to find people going through what I'd been through, and I get a lot of support from Stroke Association community connectors whose job it is to signpost stroke survivors and their families to the services and support the charityprovides. 'I feel my experience puts me in a very good position to provide a sympathetic ear and reassure people they are not alone.' Sheryl, a mum of two, worked in health and social care when Bruce suffered a stroke in 2017 at the age of 49. It left him in a coma and he spent 11 months in hospital, being given just a five per cent chance of survival. When he left, he was in a wheelchair and suffered severe bouts of depression. The couple's world was turned upside down, with Sheryl becoming Bruce's full-time carer, and she started to feel the pressure. She had a breakdown and found the friends she used to rely on peeled away. It was a constant battle to get Bruce the help he needed, so she researched what support was available and discovered the Stroke Association and Dumfries and Galloway Carers Centre. Sheryl is now a volunteer for the Stroke Association and visits the stroke ward at DGRI every Monday to tell patients and families about Stroke Association support and what is available in the local area. She also visits Lochamben Community Rehabilitation Unit every fortnight, with her peer support group meeting at Mountainhall in Dumfries on the first Thursday of every month. And she also told Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson about her work and stroke treatment and care in Dumfries and Galloway. The latest available figures show 325 people across the region had a stroke in 2023 and the Stroke Association estimates 60 per cent will be left with some sort of disability, with three-quarters likely to experience mental health issues. The charity is calling for new volunteers to come forward to help provide support, with Sheryl and Newton Stewart-based Stewart Anderson currently their only helpers in Dumfries and Galloway. Associate director for the Stroke Association in Scotland, John Watson, said: 'The number of people having strokes in Scotland is anticipated to rise in the coming years and we've found that more than 50 per cent of Scottish adults have a close personal connection to stroke – whether having had one or seen a close friend or relativeaffected. 'Our volunteers' work is varied and rewarding, with the potential for learning and development opportunities and we would love to hear from anyone who would like to get involved.' The Stroke Association provides a raft of resources and support including on its website and by phone. However, support provided by people who have had experience of stroke is a powerful way to help stoke survivors and their families to adjust to the life-changing condition and the charity is particularly keen to hear from people who have had a stroke, or have supported someone who has, and want to use their experience to help others. Helping can benefit volunteers as well as the people they support as they develop new skills and confidence and feel they are giving something back. Anyone wishing to volunteer with the Stroke Association can contact the charity's engagement team in Scotland at engagementteamscotland@
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
St Andrew's Hospice will celebrate Volunteers' Week 2025
Running every year since 1984, the week provides a crucial opportunity to thank volunteers and recognise the value of their time, passion and skills. St Andrew's Hospice will join thousands of charities and voluntary organisations recognising the contribution volunteers make across the UK. From June 2-8, the Airdrie charity will celebrate Volunteers' Week 2025. Running every year since 1984, the week provides a crucial opportunity to thank volunteers and recognise the value of their time, passion and skills. Download the Lanarkshire Live app today The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7. The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you. Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android The campaign highlights the diversity and unity of volunteer work across the UK. This Volunteers' Week, St Andrew's Hospice will be celebrating their 712 volunteers by hosting a series of events, where volunteers can come together, enjoy afternoon tea and some live music and dancing. Head of people, Karen Donnelly, told Lanarkshire Live: 'We want to take this opportunity to extend our deepest gratitude to all our amazing volunteers for the incredible support and dedication they continue to offer St Andrew's Hospice. "Their time, effort, and passion have made a significant impact on our ability to provide exceptional care to patients and families across Lanarkshire. "We couldn't be more grateful for all that they do. Their contribution, no matter how big or small, helps bring us closer to our mission of providing specialist palliative care services to all those who need it in our local community. They truly make a difference." Karen added: "We also want to take this moment to invite others to join our volunteer team. "If you share our vision and are eager to contribute, we would love to hear from you. "Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to dive in more deeply, there's a place for everyone. "Volunteering with us is not only an opportunity to give back but also a chance to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded individuals who care about the community in which we live. "We have a fantastic range of voluntary roles; from lending a hand at our fundraising events, to helping out in your local St Andrew's Hospice shop. "If you're interested in volunteering with us, or want to know more, please come along to our Volunteer Recruitment Event at our Shopping Outlet, at 5 Locks Street, Coatbridge, between 2pm and 7pm on June 5, where you can meet the team, find out more about all of our volunteering roles and apply. "We look forward to welcoming you to our volunteer family.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Survey shows 18% volunteer rate across Scotland amid changing trends
As Volunteers' Week approaches (2nd to 8th June), Ansvar Insurance is calling attention to the changing face of volunteering and what it means for charities and not-for-profit organisations. With digital opportunities rising and the volunteer demographic shifting, understanding these trends is key to supporting and protecting the vital work of volunteers across Scotland. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... According to the latest Scottish Household Survey (released in November 2024), 18% of respondents stated they had taken part in formal volunteering at least once in 2023. The traditional image of volunteering is being redefined. More opportunities are emerging that allow individuals to contribute remotely, utilising digital platforms to support causes they care about. This shift demands new skill sets from volunteers, with digital literacy becoming increasingly valued. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While the survey shows that a large proportion of volunteers nationally are aged 35 and over, nfp Research's Time for Good Volunteering Report (released in April 2025) highlights a rise in youth volunteering across the UK, with participation among 16 to 24-year-olds rising from 21% in 2012 to 34% in 2024. Survey shows 18% volunteer rate across Scotland amid changing trends Sarah Cox, Managing Director of Ansvar, an expert insurer in the charity and not-for-profit sectors, commented: 'Volunteering today is no longer just about shaking a bucket or manning a stall, and this presents both opportunities and challenges for charities. There is an increase in digital and flexible volunteering roles, which opens up opportunities for more people – but it also creates new considerations for managing volunteers safely and effectively.' An increase in remote volunteering opportunities does mean charities need to review their existing risk management strategies. Issues such as data protection for volunteers handling sensitive information remotely, ensuring a safe working environment for home-based volunteers and the potential for cyber security breaches now need to be considered. Public liability factors may also evolve as volunteers engage in activities online or in different settings. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Charities need to adapt their insurance policies to reflect these evolving volunteer roles,' added Sarah Cox. 'For instance, ensuring that employers' liability covers remote volunteers and that cyber liability is adequate in an increasingly digital environment is crucial. Clear guidelines and communication with volunteers about their roles and responsibilities are also vital for effective risk management.' Ansvar also encourages charities to reframe how they promote volunteering opportunities. From content creation and fundraising strategy to befriending services and logistics, today's roles are diverse, skills-based and accessible to all ages. Sarah Cox concluded:
