Bield, one of Scotland’s leading providers of housing and care , is highlighting the important role that volunteers can play in assisting older people to enjoy happy and fulfilled lives.
With several developments in West Lothian, Bield are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to help out with a range of volunteer work such as Social Activities Assistants/Coordinators, Befrienders and Silver Surfer Tutors for its Silver Surfer Project.
Programmes of social activities have proven to be a huge success, allowing tenants to enjoy the opportunity to interact and socialise with others in their development and community.
Bield’s volunteer Social Activity Assistants are vital to ensuring the smooth running of social events organised by a development, such as games afternoons, bingo nights, gardening clubs and DVD afternoons. Volunteer befrienders are key to combatting tenant isolation as they provide companionship for a tenant over coffees, walks or any other activity.
Befrienders also boost the confidence of tenants by accompanying them to various social events, encouraging them to socialise with others in their development or wider community.
Another popular feature for tenants is Bield’s Silver Surfer Tutors – a project that teaches tenants how to use modern technology, such as iPads and PC’s, allowing them to keep up with friends and family, as well as surf the net at their leisure. This project is incredibly important as it opens up a whole new digital world for our tenants.
Volunteer Development Worker, Donna Dickson said: “Our volunteer programme has an extremely positive effect on our tenants because it gives them a chance to get involved in a range of activities and socialise with others – both within their own housing development, and within their local community.
The tenants do a great job in keeping active, but they really need the support of volunteers to keep their programme going.
