Our Local Volunteer Stories!
The Bothy want to thank their amazing team of Health Walk Volunteers.
Their volunteer team make it possible for them to offer a busy weekly programme of health and buggy walks across Inverclyde. As well as leading the walks and keeping the walking groups safe and ensuring the pace and distance is right for whoever comes along, the volunteers play a key role in helping new walkers to integrate into the groups. They also help with checking out new routes and support their project co-ordinator to do outreach events to ensure that they tell more local people about our activities and how they can get involved.
Jenni from The Bothy said: “I wish to send a huge THANK YOU to all of our wonderful Health Walk volunteers. We couldn’t run all of these regular walks and help people to get and to stay active and connected to others without you giving up your time every week to make the walks happen.”
Interested in becoming a walk leader volunteer? As a first step, we always suggest that people come along and join some of our walks and get a feel for our walking community. Hopefully you will like what we do and can then chat to our project co-ordinator about getting involved as a volunteer.
Contact jenni.murray@cyclinguk.org to find out more
Thomas is an IFit Throughcare Support and Justice Mentor.
IFiT told us: “Thomas is an asset to our service, he has volunteered with our organisation for two years. Tam is allocated a small caseload of clients who he supports in a tailor care plan. Additionally he deliverers a range of wellbeing groups such as Tai Chi, Reiki and meditation.”
Tam has a wealth of experience that he is willing to share which helps people to gain a different and positive perspective on life. Thomas leads by example and attends and contributes to training. He always encourages people to have an open mind and grow. Tam has been involved in supporting several clients make a successful transition from the justice system to their own community.
IFit’s special message for Tam is: “Thank you for your time and consistent effort which has been invaluable to our Dream team. We are lucky to have you volunteering with us.”
Volunteering is a great way to help people and can be very rewarding. Also there are great opportunities to develop skills and gain knowledge, experience and training that enhances practice for personal and professional development. Email robbie@ifit.scot for more info.
Alison is an IFit Throughcare Support Volunteer, Alison is a passionate individual and one of IFit’s longest-serving volunteers. Alison facilitates a drop in at Dutch Gable each week and supports clients’ transition from the justice system and reintegrate into the community.
IFiT told us: “Alison has contributed to a range of successful move-ons in our service. She supported a man who transitioned into a mentor and volunteer role. Alison acts professionally and is consistent and our participants respect and trust her completely. Alison has contributed to a range of community events, she is responsible and willing to go the extra mile.”
IFit’s special message for Alison is: “Thank you for leading by example and being a valued member of our Dream Team.”
Volunteering is a great way to help people and can be very rewarding. Also there are great opportunities to develop skills and gain knowledge, experience and training that enhances practice for personal and professional development. Email robbie@ifit.scot for more info.
Sean is an IFit Throughcare Volunteer, and Music Group Lead. Sean has been a great addition to the Dream Team. Sean supports the team to tailor care plans for people involved in the justice system. He has developed a programme, music Group, where he supports clients to write, play, and record music. On a Tuesday morning our office can hear everyone jamming to the sounds of guitar and singing. Sean also volunteers by playing in IFiT’s Football Team in the Mental Health Wellbeing League.
IFiT told us: “Sean has settled into the team well, he has a calming influence and is positive in his mindset. This transmits to the group and allows others to feel relaxed.”
IFit’s special message for Sean is: “Thank you for volunteering with IFiT, you have settled into the Dream Team very well and we appreciate everything you do.”
Volunteering is a great way to help people and can be very rewarding. Also there are great opportunities to develop skills and gain knowledge, experience and training that enhances practice for personal and professional development. Email robbie@ifit.scot for more info.
James is an IFit Community Justice Support and Recovery Pathways Mentor.
IFiT told us: “James is a valuable asset to the service and has an authentic way of connecting people affected by the justice system. James helps to develop and facilitates a range of lived experience groups. He is a role model to others.”
IFit’s special message for Alison is: “Thank you for all your effort and for being a valued member of our Dream Team.”
Volunteering is a great way to help people and can be very rewarding. Also there are great opportunities to develop skills and gain knowledge, experience and training that enhances practice for personal and professional development. Email robbie@ifit.scot for more info.
Michael is an IFit Social Activities and Peer Mentoring Volunteer. Michael is an asset to IFiT and himself who has successfully made the transition from client for volunteer. Michael supports participants to develop, plan, and take part in a range of activities run by IFiT. Michael also supports staff to plan events and is a positive role model and peer mentor.
IFiT told us: “Michael has contributed in a unique way, sharing his experience of becoming a volunteer and addressing the issues in his life that were challenging him. Michael engages well with people and is trusted by his peers. Michael spoke at a fundraising events held last year and was blown away by people’s reaction to him telling his story.”
IFit shared this special message for Michael: “Keep being awesome Michael, and than you for helping us in all the ways you do. You are an absolute star.”
Volunteering is a great way to help people and can be very rewarding. Also there are great opportunities to develop skills and gain knowledge, experience and training that enhances practice for personal and professional development. Email robbie@ifit.scot for more info.
Kathy is an IFit Throughcare Support Volunteer.
Kathy is an Art Teacher and has qualifications in Psychology. She facilitates an Art Therapy Group every week at Dutch Gable and provides a safe space for people to explore life experiences in a creative way. Kathy has skilfully merged her experiences of academia and Art which has been very therapeutic for people who are experiencing a challenging time. Kathy has successfully engaged a number of clients and helped them feel calm during her groups. Kathy has also been involved in the development of events and is accountable in her role.
IFit’s special message for Kathy is: “Thank you Kathy for all you do for the team.”
Volunteering is a great way to help people and can be very rewarding. Also there are great opportunities to develop skills and gain knowledge, experience and training that enhances practice for personal and professional development. Email robbie@ifit.scot for more info.
St Andrew’s First Aid Inverclyde Company have over 24 volunteer members from across the community who give up their free time on a regular basis. The company is run by a group of hardworking volunteers to provide high standards of first aid event cover throughout the community as well as teaching other lifesaving skills.
In the last year they have been named the most efficient company in the country, contributing over 3000 hours of volunteering to the organisation.
The Inverclyde company has volunteers ranging in age from 16 years old plus, who have day jobs ranging from nurses, lifeguards, school staff, scientists, paramedics and lots more.
As well as holding down these day jobs, volunteers provide talks and demonstrations to local groups in Inverclyde, building strong partnerships with Inverclyde Libraries, schools and lots of community groups.
This year during Heart Month, they taught 482 participants CPR in Inverclyde.
St Andrew’s First Aid volunteers over the years have saved countless lives and taught thousands of people lifesaving skills. They have given up days, weekends and weeks at a time giving back to their community and ensuring the people of Inverclyde are safe.
Anna Kane said “I would like to thank all of the volunteers for giving up their time to make our community a safer place and teaching others invaluable lifesaving skills.”
“Volunteering with St Andrew’s First Aid is a great way to make friends and help save lives. You’ll be learning vital skills in how to provide first aid, and support your local community. There is no better feeling than knowing you’ve saved a life! The experiences you gain though St Andrews First Aid are unlike any other. We have created a group of like minded individuals and have built relationships to last a life time.”
Email anna.kane@volunteer-firstaid.org.uk for more info.
The St Andrew’s Inverclyde Company would in turn like to thank their leader, Anna Kane!
Anna Kane is the commandant of Inverclyde company. She leads and manages all members, delivering training, as well as being an active volunteer within the community. She is the duty officer at Greenock Morton and all other football grounds, providing vital first aid cover and lifesaving support. She also is an active fundraiser within the community for St Andrews, and seeks to allow all members of the public to learn this knowledge. Recently she led fundraising to allow the company to install an AED at Rankin Park Bowling Club.
Anna is an asset to the Inverclyde community, always making sure the needs of others are supported. Anna is only 23 and works fulltime as a Classroom Assistant in an Assisted Learning Support School. She dedicates the majority of her free time to help others with St Andrews. Inverclyde Company has been recognised as the most efficient company in the St Andrews Organisation, largely due to Anna’s commitment. She works with people so effortlessly, creating a great relationship with everyone involved.
Anna was nominated by Amanda, who had this message for her: “I would like to thank Anna for all her support in my personal volunteering journey, as well as being a great leader, and now friend, in times when myself and others have struggled.”
Families in the Know Inverclyde are peoples’ champions who are putting together an action group for families with loved ones experiencing substance use. They are empowering change for self advocacy, human rights awareness of services within the community, and speaking the language of the community. They have a podcast “In the Know Inverclyde” where you can keep up with their latest interviews and information. There is also a Facebook page and private members group – find them here: In the Know Inverclyde Facebook
They seek to address carers’ rights, and bring together information to ensure it is explained in an accessible way for families who are seeking help for their loved ones.
They are helping members with rights, advocacy, confidentiality, Social Security Scotland, awareness of bereavement, and have had input on the first draft of a new Carers’ Confidentiality 2024 Report.
Families in the Know Inverclyde are passionate about community, empowering change, delivering a message of hope, and being heard.
Friends 4 Ever are a big group of volunteers who work with kids with additional support needs. They lead them in activities, games, learning new skills, going on trips and much more.
The volunteers have helped provide a safe space for kids who don’t always fit into normal society, they make it possible for the kids to be their true selves, achieve their potential, and build their confidence.
Gemma wants to say: “Everyone at Friends 4 Ever, thank you all so much for everything you do! The kids adore you and the parents are grateful for all the help!”
She added: “If you want to support the most amazing group of kids then come volunteer with us, we are always up to something and have so much fun every week. There’s also the chance to come on our summer day trips! In return we can offer you experience in caring for people with various support needs and a reference for future jobs or education!”
Inverclyde Street and Rail Pastors are a group of volunteers who have been specially trained and come from various Christian denominations. They work together to benefit the community by providing care, listening, and helping those in need, specifically, out and about at night.
They are generally out most weekends from 10pm to 4am but shorter day patrols are also being planned. They also have a team on local trains.
Recently, seven new Inverclyde Street Pastors were commissioned at a special service in Hope Community Church in Greenock.
The Street and Rail Pastors are able to deal with a number of practical matters, referring to other agencies as needed. They pick up and dispose of glass bottles which could otherwise become weapons, and generally engage with people out and about.
Chris wanted to say: “Thank you for being such capable Street and Rail Pastors and for your time on our management and trustee teams dealing with media, communication and finance.”
“If you are over 18 and a regular churchgoer, this is a wonderful ministry to be a part of. Come and experience it first as an observer on one of our patrols. Email scotland@ascensiontrust.org.uk”
Victim Support Scotland would like to highlight the work of their volunteer Margaret. For 20 years Margaret has supported people in the court setting. Whilst primarily her focus is on more vulnerable witnesses, she delivers an amazing service to every single person who finds themselves in the court waiting room. Meeting people of all age groups and backgrounds, she tailors her approach and makes everyone feel a little bit better about a difficult, stressful experience.
The organisation have had multiple commendations and thank you letters and cards for Margaret, around the difference she makes to people in the community who might be at a very low point and having to attend court. Most recently, they received some amazing feedback from a family whom Margaret supported, and it really gave detail on much of a difference her presence made to them over a gruelling four-day court process. During this, Margaret changed her hours and days off so that she could be there to provide emotional support and continuity to this family.
Joe would like to say “Thank you for everything you do for us, we appreciate you very much and your efforts and commitment do not go unnoticed – we know you go above and beyond the call of duty every time you are in the building, and to have done this for almost two decades – what a contribution to your community! You are a brilliant person and I would be lost without you, thank you personally for helping me settle into my new role as co-ordinator for the area. You’ve shared your knowledge with me and shown me the ropes. Thank you, thank you, thank you, every single day!”
Joe added: “We would love to have many more volunteers in the area, come and join an amazing wee team supporting people in court and also in the community office. Be a listening ear and just be there with people through a difficult time. We only need you to be able to commit to four hours per week, and this can be over more than one day.
We provide first class training and support you in any way we can, all you need is compassion, life experience, the ability to listen non-judgementally, and good people skills. Excellent purpose for people who may have retired, people who are working but need something a bit different, maybe parents who have a couple of hours between the school runs – an ideal opportunity. Also for Students considering a role in psychology / criminal justice system / social studies. Please get in touch for an informal chat to learn more: joe.mcanally@victimsupportsco.org.uk”
Victim Support Scotland would also like to highlight the work of their volunteer Caroline.
Caroline has supported vulnerable witnesses who have to attend court and give evidence and has done so for over 15 years, in an incredible contribution to the community.
Joe told us: “I have just recently started as the co-ordinator for the Inverclyde area and I honestly could not have gotten luckier to have Caroline on board in Greenock court. For more than 15 years she has given of her time to support people sometimes at their lowest point and going through the trauma of having to give evidence at court. She helps all ages and backgrounds and whilst her priority is vulnerable witnesses, she has a truly personal touch and makes sure that everyone who has to attend court gets a wee smile and a chat, a bit of emotional support to make the experience a little bit better.”
“I just want to do something to recognise and thank Caroline for her unwavering support of me since I started, and that every day she is in the building she gives her all. She responds sometimes at last minute to court officials if they need her help urgently, and will come in at a moment’s notice. I couldn’t do my job without you Caroline and we do appreciate you, your hard work and caring approach does not ever go unnoticed and simply thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Joe again added, “We would love to have many more volunteers in the area, come and join an amazing wee team supporting people in court and also in the community office. Be a listening ear and just be there with people through a difficult time. We only need you to be able to commit to four hours per week, and this can be over more than one day.
This is an amazing organisation to volunteer for, with opportunities for all kinds of folk, from students who may want to get some experience in court setting or supporting people over the phone or in person, to retired people who are looking for something really interesting to get your teeth into and have a bit of a purpose within the community. Ideal for at home parents who have a couple of hours to spare between the school runs. Ultra flexible and locally a real family feel to the team, excellent first class training and clearances provided, all you need is caring approach, listening without judgement, wanting to help people, and being able to commit about four hours a week. Please do get in touch for an informal chat to learn more: joe.mcanally@victimsupportsco.org.uk”
MCR Pathways would like to celebrate their amazing Volunteer Mentors, especially Freda. Freda has been a mentor with MCR Pathways at Notre Dame High School since January 2023. MCR Pathways mentors meet with a young person once a week in school to provide support, listen and offer encouragement.
As a mentor Freda has built a great relationship with her mentee. Both have gentle caring personalities and meet on a weekly basis where they chat, make different craft items and talk about anything and everything. The young person looks forward to Freda’s weekly visits and Freda comes each week with a different activity for the pair to enjoy together as they chat.
Nicola from MCR Pathways would like to say: “Thank you for all the time and commitment you have offered your young person as a MCR Pathways mentor!”
A mentor is someone who takes time to listen to and encourage their young person to build their confidence and reach their potential. Mentoring can have a transformative impact on a young person’s life. MCR mentors are fully trained and supported through the MCR Pathways programme. Visit the website to find out more and sign up: https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/
MCR Pathways would like to celebrate their amazing Volunteer Mentors, especially Anne. Anne has been a mentor with MCR Pathways at Inverclyde Academy since May 2023. MCR Pathways mentors meet with a young person once a week in school to provide support, listen and offer encouragement.
Anne has made a real impact on her young person’s life by offering support, patience and allowing the young person to take things at their own pace and gradually build trust. Anne has supported her young person to think about the future, and they are now planning on going to college, which wouldn’t have happened without Anne’s encouragement and support as a mentor.
Nicola from MCR Pathways would like to say: “Thank you for all the time and commitment you have offered your young person as a MCR Pathways mentor!”
A mentor is someone who takes time to listen to and encourage their young person to build their confidence and reach their potential. Mentoring can have a transformative impact on a young person’s life. MCR mentors are fully trained and supported through the MCR Pathways programme. Visit the website to find out more and sign up: https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/
MCR Pathways would like to celebrate their amazing Volunteer Mentors, especially Brian. Brian has been a mentor with MCR Pathways at Notre Dame High School since June 2022. MCR Pathways mentors meet with a young person once a week in school to provide support, listen and offer encouragement.
Brian has been mentoring at Notre Dame High School for 2 years and is a great support to his young person. They’ve consistently met on a weekly basis, initially building a strong relationship before starting to focus on exploring volunteering opportunities and potential career paths together. Thanks to Brian’s support, his young person has built their confidence and self esteem, and is now volunteering in a local dog handling agency once a week. The pair enjoy meeting weekly and Brian’s advice and support has been invaluable to help with the young person’s next steps after school.
Nicola from MCR Pathways would like to say: “Thank you for all the time and commitment you have offered your young person as a MCR Pathways mentor!”
A mentor is someone who takes time to listen to and encourage their young person to build their confidence and reach their potential. Mentoring can have a transformative impact on a young person’s life. MCR mentors are fully trained and supported through the MCR Pathways programme. Visit the website to find out more and sign up: https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/
MCR Pathways would like to celebrate their amazing Volunteer Mentors. Nicola from MCR said “This year thanks to our wonderful community of mentors in Inverclyde, 56 young people have benefited from one-to-one mentoring this academic year and have been supported to develop their confidence, discover their talents and reach their potential. In total our volunteers have given over 700 hours of support to young people!”
“A huge thank you for all the time and commitment each and every one of our mentors have offered their young person as a MCR Pathways mentor – we couldn’t do it without you and are so grateful for your dedication and support!”
A mentor is someone who takes time to listen to and encourage their young person to build their confidence and reach their potential. Mentoring can have a transformative impact on a young person’s life. MCR mentors are fully trained and supported through the MCR Pathways programme. Visit the website to find out more and sign up: https://mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/
Stroke Association want to say a big thank you to all their amazing volunteers.
They said: “We are extremely grateful for all the fantastic support our volunteers provide to help raise awareness of stroke and the Stroke Association. The work we do would not be possible without our amazing volunteers and fundraisers who work locally and nationally to raise awareness of stroke and much-needed funds to support stroke survivors.
Our volunteers provide peer support in Renfrewshire through their monthly group meetings, fortnightly Online stroke group, provide one-to-one weekly telephone calls, raise awareness through sharing their journey with social media and press, support at conferences and events throughout the year and fundraise for our charity.
It is important to remember that stroke can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time.
In the UK, somebody has a stroke every 5 minutes. In Greater Glasgow & Clyde there are 2,447 per year.
Thank you to each and every one of our volunteers!
Home Start Renfrewshire and Inverclyde would like to say a big thank you to all of their volunteers.
They said: “Every year we are amazed by our wonderful team of volunteers. In the last year we recruited an additional 31 to make us a team of 85 home visiting and group supporting volunteers. 10 of our 18 members of staff who started who started out as home visiting volunteers liked us so much that when the opportunity arose, they applied for a job!
Volunteering is a rewarding role, not only do you support the families of Home-Start but we can help them gain new skills with additional training and build on the skills that they already have. Sometimes new volunteers are people we already know. Recently, when one member of the team retired, they decided that they wanted to volunteer with us. They undertook the 8 week Volunteer Preparatory Course and are now matched with their first family. We have also had an ex-parent who became a parent helper and gained the confidence to go on and become a volunteer. They are now working with our groups and are able to share their own journey with our families. People from all walks of life, giving up their time to help local families. Without them, there would be no Home-Start.”
Families who have benefitted from having Home-Start Volunteers also wanted to say thank you:
“Having my volunteer has helped me with my daughter and has made a big difference to my life. I had very bad anxiety when my daughter was born and now since the volunteer has been around with her great support and encouragement I feel for the first time in my life to be able to say I am confident and comfortable in what I do with my daughter. I am doubting myself less and less every day and starting to not care what people think as much.”
“Having the volunteer help out for a couple of hours once a week has been extremely beneficial, whether it involves helping out at home or helping me get the kids to group it has been a great support. Especially after our second child was born when I was struggling to get out with the two kids it meant that I knew we were getting out at least once a week. The kids love seeing our volunteer every week.”
“It is really nice to have a great volunteer who is so patient with me. She is very sympathetic with me and always keeps in touch if we cannot meet. I enjoy our chats and learning about Scottish culture.”