Supported Volunteering Service

The Supported Volunteering Service was established in April 2006 with funding from the Big Lottery Fund to provide volunteering opportunities for people with additional support needs. The service is open to anyone who lives within East Renfrewshire.

Who can use this service?

Anyone who considers themselves to have an additional support need & feels unable to volunteer independently can apply for a buddy. Additional support needs could include but is not limited to low self-esteem, lack of confidence, mental health difficulty, learning disability or sensory impairment.

What is the buddy's role?

Buddies are recruited & trained to offer companionship & support to enable someone to become involved in voluntary work. This support may include helping someone fill in forms, attend interviews, travel to & from voluntary placements or even practical help in their voluntary role. The length of each match will vary, according to the individual's support needs. Normally buddies & supported volunteers will meet up socially at the start of the partnership in order to get to know one another. This investment of time is crucial in building a productive & meaningful relationship.

What role do project staff play?

BefriendER staff meet with potential buddies and supported volunteers to establish what they hope to gain from involvement in the service. After an induction training course & carrying out reference & Disclosure checks on buddies, they carefully match people according to various factors, including interests, hobbies, personality & skills. Staff provide on-going support for the duration of a buddy's involvement with the project.

 

For more information, contact project staff at:

UnderCOVER
56 Kelburn Street
Barrhead
G78 1LR
Tel: 0141 876 9555

Voluntary Action
2 Burnfield Road
Giffnock
G46 7QB
Tel: 0141 638 7000

For general enquiries:
befriender@voluntaryaction-er.org.uk