West Lothian Council delivers

Volunteering opportunities in West Lothian

What can you gain from volunteering?
As a volunteer you will be giving your time to help charities and community groups improve lives, but volunteering can provide you with many benefits including: the chance to have fun doing something you've never tried before, increased confidence, a sense of satisfaction and achievement, the opportunity to make new friends and contacts with diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

In addition you can benefit from increased job and career prospects and new skills.  Did you know that more than 70 per cent of employers say that they would hire a candidate with volunteering experience over someone who has never volunteered? 

Barbauchlaw Thistle U17s Football Club is attempting to re-establish and in order to be successful it needs additional volunteers.    Click here for more information . Click here for the application form .

Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian (new window) is responsible for promoting, supporting and developing volunteering throughout West Lothian.  The organisation promotes best practice in all matters related to volunteers and volunteer management; and supporting voluntary organisations.

Volunteers are needed to help elderly residents maintain their gardens and their health.  Gardening is one of the best forms of exercise for all ages, leading to reduced stress and increased strength and wellbeing.  Garden Angels is an exciting new project that will bring together volunteer gardeners and elderly residents who are no longer able to do all their own gardening.  The goal is to create safe, accessible spaces for the residents to get outdoors where they can enjoy nature and social interaction with their local community.

You don't have to be an expert gardener to participate; adults of all skill levels are welcome. VSGWL will provide training and supervision, and more information can be obtained by contacting Jeneva Storme at Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian by telephone 01506 650111 or email at jeneva.storme@vsgwl.org.

The Cyrenians have volunteering opportunities at the Cyrenians Farm, near Kirknewton. Cyrenians work with all parts of the community to combat homelessness and promote social inclusion. The main roles at the Farm are helping to grow fruit & veg, and making jams and chutneys, but we also need admin assistants, drivers, and DIYers. For more information click here. (new window)  

Carers of West Lothian: Volunteers are needed to help out with young carers groups. If you can spare three or four hours a week, Carers of West Lothian would love to hear from you. Volunteers need to be available from 4.30pm to 8.30pm on either a Tuesday or Thursday night and have access to a car. Mileage and expenses will be reimbursed. A PVG disclosure check is required and will be funded by the project if you do not have one. Volunteers would assist with transporting the young people to and from the group, participate in the group and run activities during the sessions. Volunteers will be asked to help with tasks such as: Cleaning up at the end of the night; preparing the children?s dinner, clearing and cleaning after dinner time; helping the staff in supervising games and activities. This role offers potential volunteers the opportunity to gain a range of experience including working with children and young people, and the chance to gain experience in assisting children with group work and activities. Contact 01506 771750 for fuller information.

The INtegr8 Befriending Service: West Lothian Youth Action Project is looking for volunteers to help provide one-to-one support to vulnerable, isolated young people aged 10 to 21 in West Lothian who lack confidence and self-esteem.  There is currently a particular shortage of male volunteers, although applications from females are equally welcome. following a period of training, volunteers will be involved in a variety of recreational and social activities.  These can be as varied as bowling, going to the cinema or just having a bleather with a young person to help boost self-esteem.  If you're interest and have two or three hours a week email: angie@wlyap.org.uk or phone: 01506 461588.

West Lothian Credit Union is always looking for volunteers: Volunteers are needed for help with various jobs at the credit union, so if you have some spare time and would like to get out of the house, learn new skills, help in your community or to meet people, please get in touch with us to discuss the various options available.  You will be fully trained and can help with promotions or administrative support.  Contact West Lothian Credit Union at: Unit 57A The Centre, Almondvale, Livingston; Tel: 01506 436666 or email: info@westlothiancreditunion.co.uk

Free training courses: The Workers' Educational Association runs free training courses for staff in West Lothian, including voluntary sector workers, volunteers and clients. Dates and times will be arranged with participants. The courses have an emphasis on accreditation (SQA bite size units) and employability.  Further information on when the courses take place contact Nicky Melville on 01506 650111 or email nicky.melville@vcwl.org