Voluntary service seeks new recruits for cafe

Volunteers are wanted to help run a cafe at Monklands Hospital and to join a new team providing assistance to health professionals and communities across Lanarkshire.

Both projects are run by the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS), who hope to encourage residents to take up the enjoyable challenge of volunteering in order to “make a positive difference to their community”.

The charity is looking for at least 20 new people to help run its busy cafe near the main entrance at the Airdrie hospital, providing a “friendly and compassionate point of contact for patients, staff and visitors”.

A range of morning and afternoon shifts are available across the week for volunteers who can prepare and serve food and drinks, help customers and complete other tasks behind the scenes.

RVS say those interested “should have a friendly personality and good communication and listening skills”, and add: “This is an ideal opportunity if you want to make new friends and develop your skills and experience in a hospital and retail environment.”

Lanarkshire residents are also wanted to join the charity’s new Emergency

Response Volunteer programme, to form a team of standby volunteers who will be ready to help communities and the NHS when needs arise.

They will provide support ranging from helping at local hospitals and visiting those recovering from illness to supporting lunch clubs and responding to any urgent local requests for help, with training being provided for specific tasks.

David Thomson, who is RVS’S retail area manager for west Scotland, said: “Our volunteers make a real difference to the experience of both hospital staff and visitors.

“They provide more than just food and drink – they offer friendly faces, company and compassion to all customers.”

He added of those supporting the charity: “They volunteer completely selflessly, but it’s incredible to see how much their service changes their lives too. Any time you can offer will go a long way to supporting your community and you’ll meet some fantastic people along the way.”

RVS is supported by funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Visit www.royalvoluntaryservice.org. uk/volunteering/find-an-opportunity/ to find out more and apply for the Lanarkshire opportunities.

Here to help RVS volunteers help in the community and can be involved in assisting the NHS