Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) is looking for volunteers for a variety of roles and Renfrewshire residents have been asked to give a much-needed hand.
The charity, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, needs gardeners, housekeepers, reception, kitchen and activities volunteers, complimentary therapists, a Google ads champion, nursing support and shop volunteers.
CHAS is also specifically targeting the Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire areas to recruit Home Support Volunteers to help provide practical support to families caring for children with life-shortening illnesses.
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Fiona Harvey, head of Volunteering, said: “We’ve identified that we need over 100 volunteers across CHAS to fill the gaps that we currently have following the pandemic.
"Many volunteers have stepped back for various reasons and life has changed in so many ways for so many in the wake of Covid.
“Volunteering with CHAS is a great way to meet new people and use your existing skills to make a real difference to the families of children with a life-shortening condition. Many volunteers tell us that volunteering increases their confidence and also gives them a chance to have fun.”
Tasks will vary depending on the individual family’s needs but could include supporting siblings or helping with ‘everyday’ household tasks.
Kirsty MacKay, who has been a Home Support Volunteer with CHAS for two years, said: “Volunteering is important to me as it has given me the confidence that I can go out and make a difference. I find you can forget about your own life for a few hours as you are totally focused on helping someone else in need.”
The hospice will provide all those who volunteer regular and thorough training and will always provide support throughout the process.
Emma Steel, CHAS’s Home Support Lead in the West, added: “For the Home Support Volunteer roles in the west of Scotland we are seeking passionate people to help care for the families we support in the comfort of their own homes.
“We are looking for individuals who are 18 or over with a compassionate nature, good listening skills, a driving licence and the ability to be flexible and reliable. All CHAS Home Support Volunteers will be thoroughly trained and supported and continue to receive regular support and supervision.”
All CHAS’s Home Support Volunteers require membership of the PVG scheme. CHAS will cover out-of-pocket expenses.
Anyone interested in any of the roles can apply online at https://www.chas.org.uk/volunteers
For more information contact the Volunteering Team on volunteering@chas.org.uk or call 01577 866 065.
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