Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Volunteers sought to fill ‘rewarding roles’
A CHARITY is looking for volunteers to do a range of things, including help to maintain outdoor areas, for the residents at its Kingsburn Court retirement development.
Bield’s development at Pitalpin Street in Lochee provides valuable support for its supported residents, known as service users.
Volunteer Silver Surfer Tutors are involved in a popular project which teaches tenants how to use modern technology enabling them to become more confident with their laptops, smartphones and general computing skills.
Becoming a befriender is a rewarding experience according to Bield, as it helps to improve tenants’ wellbeing. Ruth Bowen, volunteer development manager at Bield, said: “We encourage our tenants to pursue their interests and hobbies as it is central to our ‘Free to Be’ ethos.
“However, the tenants often need a little support to be able to do this.
“We have a number of wonderful opportunities to become involved and get to know some fantastic people.”
Volunteers build positive relationships with service users and can play an important role in assisting older people to enjoy happy and fulfilled lives.
Bield is encouraging people, who consider themselves to be friendly and sociable, to get in touch for more information. They would like to hear from anyone over the age of 16 who is interested in getting involved.
Full training and support will be given and a minimum commitment of six months is required by any potential volunteer.
As it is a voluntary position, it is unpaid, but Bield believe it is a rewarding role.
Bield started out with just one development in Bo’Ness to become a major contributor of a wide range of housing and services for around 20,000 older people across 23 local authority areas.