Community Connecting (North East Edinburgh) is a locally based Council-run service working with older people. It's currently looking for new helpers, so support and development worker George Clark contacted us to tell Spurtle readers what's involved.
We usually work with older clients for a period of up to four months. Sometimes they've been in hospital, or they they may have had a bereavement. Most are quite lonely, and can be down in spirits. They often lack confidence, and benefit from volunteers helping them to get back to activities they used to enjoy. Or they might want to try something new.
Community Connecting is looking for kind, friendly and reliable people aged over 18 who would like to accompany older people as they get out and about. It can involve a variety of activities, from a cup of coffee to visiting art galleries, dance classes, swimming and library groups.
We ask for a commitment of a couple of hours a week for four months. You'll need a PGV (Police check).
We offer training, generous expenses, and social events for volunteers.
If this sounds like something you'd enjoy, then come along to our next induction morning at the Resources Centre, 15 Buchanan Street: 9.45am, 31 August. We finish by noon, and provide coffee and cakes!
For more information, phone (Tel. 553 2559) or email Danny, Mary or George.