Community Volunteer - OPAL

Location: Opportunities throughout West Lothian

Time Commitment: We ask volunteers to commit to a few hours per week/fortnight for 6 months minimum.  

Hub Location: 27 George St, Bathgate, EH48 1PG. 01506 815815 (view on map)

If you have any questions about the opportunity, please get in touch with us on: opal@cyrenians.scot

You can find more details about this volunteering opportunity in the decription below. 

What is OPAL – Opportunities for Active Lives?

Cyrenians OPAL works with people aged 60 and over, promoting active and fulfilling lives, creating and enriching communities which empower all to remain independent, living at home and socially connected. 

The service is delivered by a team of dedicated, trained volunteers who offer encouragement, companionship and support to help people engage in social, leisure and community activities.

Our service is funded through a collaboration with West Lothian Council, West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, and NHS Lothian.

What will you do as a volunteer?

You will attend one or more groups on a weekly or fortnightly basis.  Your support and encouragement could help them to:

• Remain socially connected and engaged
• Reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation
• Remain active and independent and make new friends
• Increase self-confidence
• Empower attendees to lead activities in their local area
• Create links with the local communit

Examples of activities include:

• Planning and leading activity delivery
• Assistance in the setting up and tidying away pre and post group/event
• Chatting to group members ensuring they are made to feel welcome
• Ensuring activities are inclusive for all attendees
• Encourage and empower attendees and volunteers
• Assisting with refreshments
• Liaising with OPAL staff to keep them updated of group attendance, feedback, quotes and photos 

Does this sound like you?

• Over 18 years old
• Good at listening and engaging with people
• Friendly and easy to approach
• Reliable with good time keeping
• Patient and empathetic
• Respectful of confidentiality and do not judge
• Flexible to the needs and ability of others
• Able to work within set boundaries

What can you gain from this opportunity?

• Rewarding experience making a positive contribution to an older person’s quality of life, health, and sense of well-being.
• Connect with new people and make new friends
• Gain work or study experience
• Learn new skills
• Personal development with training and ongoing support provided
• Being part of a friendly and innovative team, and the wider Cyrenians’ community
• Access to a range of training opportunities relevant to your role for example Sighted Guidance, Dementia Awareness and Core Skills

We will provide support and continued training needed for you to engage with the tasks and people in a safe manner.

About Cyrenians

At Cyrenians, we tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness.

Everybody deserves the opportunity to lead valued, fulfilling lives. The support we offer is person-centred and relationship-based – meaning that we work alongside people towards the change they would like to see. Our core values are Compassion, Respect, Integrity and Innovation.

Cyrenians’ head office is based in Edinburgh, with smaller offices in other areas, including Falkirk and West Lothian. Cyrenians is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), registered charity SC011052