Voluntary and paid vacancies

Ageing Well volunteers

Midlothian’s Ageing Well Project

Aim: To increase the expectation of good health in later life, enabling older people to take a lead role in the improvement and maintenance of their own health. This can be achieved by making use of the talents and enthusiasm of volunteers who as “mentors” can deliver a health promotion programme to their peers.

Role

All volunteers will be encouraged to carry out some of the following tasks in their work with the project. The volunteer may already demonstrate these skills or can develop them through time.

Main tasks

• Lead and assist with weekly activity groups in different areas in Midlothian. e.g. train to become a walk leader and become part of a health walk team or assist with running a weekly group such as New Age Kurling, badminton and walking football.
• To facilitate discussion into aspects of physical activity and promote its benefits.
• To listen to older people in the community to identify and understand potential barriers to participation in an active lifestyle. Sharing personal experience and offer encouragement and support to peers in their pursuit of positive lifestyle changes.
• Assist with running annual events such as the Senior Olympics and Walk the Line as well as assisting with functional fitness and information days throughout Midlothian.
• Attend Volunteer Training sessions and meetings.

Commitment

Training Phase: initial training would include buddying an experienced volunteer where possible and reading a volunteer handbook plus specialised training e.g. walk leader one day training course run by Paths for All 

Volunteer Commitment: minimum of one hour most weeks.

Expenses

Travelling and motor expenses will be reimbursed.

Training and support

You will be provided with ongoing support from the Project Co-ordinator, and from current volunteers who are engaged in project activities. 

Contact Ageing Well Coordinator, Vivian Wallace to organise a date to meet and discuss further. She will be delighted to answer any questions you may have.

• 0131 561 6506 (working from home at the moment)
• Mobile 07825 356478
• Email: vivian.wallace@midlothian.gov.uk