Volunteer
Anyone with an open-mind and enthusiasm can volunteer for Waverley Care.
Every day, our amazing volunteers support our work in all sorts of ways, helping make a huge difference to people across Scotland affected by HIV and hepatitis C, and promoting good sexual health.
As if that wasn’t enough of a reason to get involved, volunteering also gives you the chance to gain new skills, get work experience and meet new people.
You can find out lots of information about volunteering in the FAQs section below.
How do I apply?
Due to the ongoing situation with coronavirus, we aren't currently recruiting volunteers for our services, but you can still support our work by getting involved in fundraising. Find out more here.
Who can volunteer?
Anyone with an open-mind and enthusiasm can volunteer for Waverley Care.
You can be highly trained or have no formal qualifications at all - everyone who volunteers brings their own skills and can contribute to what we do.
What volunteering roles are available?
We have lots of roles available across the country – from getting involved in one-to-one and group support to helping out in our offices.
Our fundraising team is also always on the lookout for people to help at our events.
You can find out more about our volunteering roles in your local area by searching for the service area near you.
Do you provide training?
Yes! Everyone who volunteers with us has the opportunity to take part in induction training to learn about our work and what’s involved in volunteering.
Then, depending on your role, you may learn on the job or be asked to take further training to help prepare you.
As part of your application, we’ll talk you through the training involved so you know what to expect
Our next block of training will take place in February 2020, on the following dates:
- Saturday 8/2/20 – 10am to 5pm
- Saturday 15/2/20 – 10am to 5pm
- Saturday 22/2/20 – 10am to 5pm
- Saturday 29/2/20 – 10am to 5pm
How much time do I need to give as a volunteer?
It’s really up to you. You can give as much or as little time as you like, and our roles are flexible to meet your needs. However, in some roles, there may be a specific time commitment, such as supporting a testing clinic. We can discuss this with you as part of your application to help you find a role that’s right for you.
Are there any costs involved?
Volunteering with Waverley Care is free (except for your time!).
Sometimes, in the course of volunteering, there may be some small costs, like bus fares or taking a service user out for coffee and a chat, but we will refund all reasonable expenses. We can talk you through this, including what expenses we can cover.
Will volunteering affect my benefits?
No. Because you’re not paid for volunteering and will only receive refunded expenses, your income from benefits will not be affected.
If you have additional questions or concerns, get in touch with us at volunteer@waverleycare.org, or call 0131 558 1425 to speak with one of our Volunteer Coordinators.
I've got a criminal record. Can I still volunteer?
Having a criminal record is not necessarily a barrier to volunteering with us.
We ask you to confidentially disclose your offence as part of the application process. Our Volunteer Coordinators can then advise if it will affect whether you can volunteer, or if certain roles may be restricted.
Some of our roles involve working with vulnerable people and we require these volunteers to undergo a Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check.
If you have questions about getting involved in volunteering, get in touch for a chat on 0131 558 1425 or email us at volunteer@waverleycare.org
