Recent Volunteer Opportunities
Existing Volunteer Opportunities
Fun Run Volunteers
MND Scotland Fun Run takes place in Strathclyde Park, Motherwell on Sunday 19 May 2013. In order to make the event run smoothly we need about 60 volunteers to spare a few hours to help with tasks such as course marshalling, car park management, handing out goody bags, manning tombola, homebaking or raffle stalls. Volunteers will be needed from 9.45am until roughly 1.00pm.
Complementary Therapists
MND Scotland have set up a new complementary therapy project within greater Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Falkirk ,Stirling, Edinburgh, Fife, Tayside, Aberdeenshire and now in the Highlands. We are in need of qualified and insured volunteer therapists in either Reiki, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage or Therapeutic Massage to offer treatments to either patients with MND or their carers. The treatments would take place in the clients own homes. The project will be rolled out to other areas as the need arises.
Fundraisers
We need fundraisers to take part in existing events or to create their own fundraising activities. Our local branches organise various activities such as strawberry teas, fashion shows, can collections at major events or cycle runs around Cumbrae. MND Scotland also organises bigger fundraisers such as the Strathclyde Park and the Holyrood Park fun runs, parachute jumps or challenge events. We occasionally have entries for running marathons. If you wish to organise your own events we can supply a fundraising pack and publicise your activity.
Events Volunteers
Events volunteers assist in a whole variety of activities from marshalling at a fun run, giving out goody bags, manning an awareness stall, can collection days or helping at marathon water stations. Volunteers will be notified of any events coming up both locally and nationally from which they can choose what they would like to do.
Counsellors
We have a pool of volunteer counsellors who provide a service to people with MND, their families and carers. This opportunity is quite specialised and therefore the potential volunteer should ideally be COSCA trained or have some experience of counselling and be willing to undergo CRUSE bereavement training and MND Training. For futher details on this opportunity please contact Lynnette Scott on 0141 945 1077 or email her at lynnette [dot] scott [at] mndscotland [dot] org [dot] uk
Befriender
The Befriending Project is based in Fife and Tayside only. The befriender’s role will be to build a relationship with the person affected by MND or their carer and provide support on a practical and emotional level. This support can be provided through actions as simple as having a cup of tea or going on outings, and will vary according to the preferences of those involved. The befriender will also be expected to participate in training and induction as appropriate relating to their role with MND Scotland. For further information on this role please email Karen Thomson at karen [dot] thomson [at] mndscotland [dot] org [dot] uk
Equipment Loan Driver
The equipment loan service provides equipment to MND clients such as communication aids, wheelchairs, riser recliner chairs and beds. In order to deliver the equipment throughout Scotland we need volunteer drivers who will deliver equipment to a client’s home, install it and demonstrate how it works. Most of the deliveries will be in the central belt area but there are times that driving long distances may be required, although you will be in pairs to share the driving – there is no overnight stays required. This opportunity is on an adhoc basis with drivers being called upon at a week’s notice. Drivers will use MND Scotland’s van so they must be aged over 21 and have a full clean driver’s licence. As the equipment store is based in Glasgow, we would prefer local volunteers.
IT Specialist
MND Scotland is about to embark on a communications aid pilot around the Glasgow area. The charity has purchased a number of iPads which will be programmed with specialist communication software to enable a speech impaired person with MND to communicate. We require volunteers who have a high level of IT proficiency and are familiar with Windows 7 operating systems or Apple “iOS 6″ who will go to clients’ homes and install the equipment and spend time with the client to show them how to use the programmes. The volunteer will also be required to go back to the clients if they are experiencing any technical difficulties. Full training on the systems will be provided. Volunteers are expected to commit to the equivalent of a half day per week during the training phase. Volunteers should be from the Greater Glasgow area.
