Disability charity needs volunteers to help families

EDEL KENEALY

Volunteers are being sought for a charity which provides lifeline support to families in crisis throughout South Lanarkshire.

Caudwell Children, which provides practical and emotional support to disabled children and their families, is looking for people to help deliver a range of services across the county.

Tasks vary hugely, from administration and event planning to more hands on home support.

Some roles may include assisting parents to establish a routine in the home, freeing up parents to spend more time with the siblings of disabled children and helping families access state support, such as benefits.

Victoria Bruce, senior family services coordinator for Caudwell Children in Scotland, explained: “We need to recruit volunteers who can support families through their transition from hospital to home, whilst we also need interpreters who can support those families where English is not their first language.

“We also support children with a range of conditions that affect their hearing, so I’d be delighted to speak to those who can communicate through British sign language.”

Victoria said that the drive for volunteers follows calls for support from Lanarkshire families and additional funding from the Big Lottery.

Explaining that volunteers do not need experience of working with children and families, Victoria added: “I want to hear from anyone over the age of 18.

“There are clearly opportunities for those who are either retired, unemployed, or working part-time.

“Volunteers undertake a detailed one day induction, followed by a thorough, on-the-job, training programme.

“Volunteering for Caudwell Children is not only a great way for some to gain experience and improve their skills, it’s also an opportunity for others to share their knowledge.

“As long as potential volunteers have an empathy with those with a disability I want to hear from them.”

For further information on volunteering for the charity contact: victoria.bruce@caudwellchildren.com or ring 07964 356723.

Volunteering for Caudwell Children is not only a great way to gain experience it’s a chance for others to share their knowledge