Volunteer Opportunities

Complementary Therapists

MND Scotland are setting up a new complementary therapy project within greater Glasgow, North/South Lanarkshire, Falkirk ,Stirling or Glasgow area. 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 othere areas as the need arises.

Cheque Collectors

We require local volunteers to act as representatives for MND Scotland and to attend cheque presentations on our behalf.  These presentations are organised by our supporters who have either organised an event or personally taken part in a fundraising activity and wish someone from the charity to attend, say a few words of thanks and perhaps get their photo taken with the group whilst they hand over the cheque. 

Caravan Handyman

MND Scotland have a static caravan based at Craigtoun Meadows Holiday Park, near St Andrews, Fife.  This caravan is available to people affected by MND and to ensure that they have as pleasant a stay as possible, we need your skills to carry out basic DIY tasks such as changing light bulbs / fuses, light joinery tasks, weeding, washing external windows and possibly clearing gutters.  You must be reasonably fit , active and reliable.

Equipment Loan Driver

We require Glasgow based volunteers to deliver equipment using the charity's van to patients who are affected by motor neurone disease.  We need drivers who can be called upon either a week in advance or if in an emergency on that date to deliver, in the majority of cases large items of furniture to family homes as speedily as possible.  Full clean driver's licence essential, must be aged over 21 to drive the van.  Should be reasonably fit to carry the equipment, although you will generally work in teams.  Good customer care skills and reliability important.

Fundraisers

We need fundraisers to help at existing events or to create their own fundraising events.  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 fun run, parachute jumps, sportsman dinners, Ben Nevis challenge or Peru the Inca Trail.  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.

Poster / Leaflet / Can Distributer

These volunteers distribute posters and leaflets within local GP surgeries, chemists or hospitals and refresh them again every second month or place fundraising / events publicity in your locality as and when required.  Alternatively you might want to place collection cans in shops, bars or other public areas and collect them again when they are full.

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.scott@mndscotland.org.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.thomson@mndscotland.org.uk 

Group / Family Volunteering

How would you like to help in an event or fundraising activity with your family / friends or work colleagues.  Sometimes getting involved as a volunteer can be a bit daunting on your own and you might be more comfortable being around the people you know.  We can arrange for you and your party to man water stations, assist with marshalling at our fun runs, giving out goody bags, help out at can collection days or man awareness raising stalls at other events such as Highland Games or street festivals.  Alternatively if you wished to organise a fundraising event yourselves, we could provide a fundraising pack, posters, balloons, publicity and advice to get you going!

You can return the form either via email to dawn.hamilton@mndscotland.org.uk or by post to Dawn Hamilton, Volunteer Development Officer, MND Scotland, 76 Firhill Road, Glasgow G20 7BA.

Updated Friday 16 Apr 2010