Volunteering with Impact: How Peer Support Transforms Lives at Waverley Care
This year, we are shining a spotlight on a specific group of our volunteering family – those with lived experience, who support others as peer mentors, navigators, and group facilitators. These volunteers bring a unique understanding and empathy that cannot be taught – only lived. Their work is a powerful tool in combating stigma, reducing isolation, and helping people feel seen and heard.
This year, we spoke with Iain, Waverley Care’s Peer Support and Volunteering Coordinator (East), to learn more about how peer volunteers are transforming lives and what they mean to the wider work of Waverley Care.
Iain explains there is no such thing as a “typical” week in his role, whether it is attending conferences, supporting families, or even fundraising in a pink tutu – it’s all part of the joy of Waverley Care. Central to his work is building a compassionate community grounded in shared experience. Through his work, Iain ensures people living with HIV feel seen, heard, and empowered. His experience shows how meaningful connection and peer support can transform lives and help break down stigma.
My role is about providing a network of support through mentoring, one-to-one, or a variety of group support options.
The Transformative Power of Peer Support
Iain’s work highlights just how critical peer support volunteers can be – especially in moments of need. For Waverley Care, peer support is one of the most powerful tools in helping people navigate life with HIV, “Having access to someone with lived experience is invaluable for someone with HIV… there are many obstacles to living well, and being able to have a safe space to talk about these is crucial to our wellbeing”, he says.
Peer volunteers not only offer empathy and reassurance, but they also empower others to build confidence surrounding their diagnosis, manage stigma, and signpost to vital services. Iain describes witnessing peer support in moments of crisis as “an incredible privilege”, and one of the most impactful parts of his work at Waverley Care:
Whether someone is newly diagnosed or ageing with HIV, being able to talk openly without judgment can be a turning point.
The Volunteering Family at Waverley Care
We see volunteers as more than just supporters; they’re at the centre of everything we do. From roles such as peer mentors and befrienders to group facilitators and fundraisers, our volunteers bring compassion, dedication, and lived experience to every part of Waverley Care’s work. Their committed time and energy make it possible to provide many hours of support, “Without these volunteers, we would not be able to provide the 2,500 hours of peer support which we delivered in the past 12 months,” says Iain.
This number not only highlights their commitment but also reflects the life-changing impact every second, minute, and hour had on the people we support.
I am incredibly thankful to all our volunteers and am constantly impressed — and many times overwhelmed — by what they bring to the organisation and how they are changing lives for the better.
Their passion is the heartbeat of Waverley Care, and we truly couldn’t do it without them.
Reducing Isolation Through Community Groups
Living with HIV can often mean facing stigma, fear, and isolation, but Waverley Care’s community groups are changing that. From the knitting and walking groups to women’s spaces and swimming clubs, these social gatherings are more than just activities; they create a safe and welcoming environment to allow people to connect. “Much of the isolation surrounding living with HIV is caused by the stigma,” Iain explains.
Our groups provide a safe space where people can attend without fear and feel comfortable being themselves.
While these groups are organised and facilitated by staff like Iain, trained peer volunteers often attend the sessions, providing one-to-one support and sharing their own experiences. “The groups are also usually attended by a trainer peer who can provide individual support and information to the group, and act as a conduit to Waverley Care for backup and further support” he adds.
By being present in these informal, supportive spaces, peer volunteers help reduce loneliness, create friendships, and improve mental wellbeing. We know that isolation and loneliness are significant factors in the development of poor mental health, with people living with HIV being twice as likely to have mental health problems than the general population.
“Activities like walking, knitting, arts and crafts, or swimming stimulate conversation and interaction,” Iain says, “which in turn helps ease isolation and build confidence.” For many, these groups are a lifeline and a reminder that they are not alone. Creating this space where people can attend without judgement, is a valuable tool in improving mental health outcomes through socialisation.
Challenging HIV Stigma Through Education
Despite the progress in treatment and awareness, stigma remains one of the most persistent and detrimental barriers for people living with HIV.
At Waverley Care, volunteers and peer supporters are often the first line of defence and can sometimes be an individual’s only source of support when facing stigma. They also play a massive role in challenging these outdated attitudes and misconceptions within communities and the wider public. “Stigma is probably one of the biggest barriers to living well with HIV,” Iain says. “People should be free to live normal lives without discrimination.”
Through peer-led conversations, group discussions, public outreach, and education about topics like PrEP, U=U, and transmission, volunteers are helping to break the silence and build understanding.
To make sure volunteers feel confidents in these roles, Waverley Care provides in-depth training, ongoing support, and access to up-to-date information. “Anyone living with HIV should be confident that their skills and experience can have a significant impact on others living with HIV – and we offer the support and training to make that a reality,” Iain shares.
As well as in-house and external training, volunteers are encouraged to attend conferences, participate in community events, and join regular social gatherings to share experiences and grow their skills. This ensures our volunteers not only feel empowered, but are well-equipped to provide accurate information, tackle misinformation, and support others with confidence.
Talking about and normalising HIV is the only way to break down the stigma still surrounding it – and that starts within supportive peer communities.
By empowering individuals to speak openly and confidently, Waverley Care is creating the societal and cultural shift needed to end HIV stigma for good.
A Growing, Inclusive Future for Volunteering
The future of volunteering at Waverley Care is bright, and our mission is clear; we are committed to making a lasting difference in our communities.
Since Iain joined the team, referrals for peer support have increased by 200%, support groups have doubled in size, and new spaces, including those for younger people, and support for families and rural communities are currently expanding. This highlights the prevalence of mental health issues for people living with and affected by HIV and Hepatitis C, illustrating the profound impact Iain’s work has had and continues to have.
“We’ve seen incredible growth, and that’s down to the commitment, skills, and creativity of our volunteers,” Iain says. Waverley Care is also working toward a national standard for peer support, ensuring high-quality, consistent care is accessible across Scotland, no matter where someone lives.
It’s so important that people in rural and remote areas have the same access to peer support as those in cities.
Looking ahead, Iain is excited to grow the volunteer programme – welcoming new voices, embracing ideas and continuing to build a more diverse and innovative team that provides essential support.
“If someone wants to make a real difference, be part of a supportive team, and have fun doing it, this is the place for them.”
Volunteering at Waverley Care creates deep, lasting friendships – some spanning over 20 years, and serves as a powerful reminder of the impact peer support can have. Our volunteers are there in a moment of crisis, joy and everyday life. It’s in these moments that we witness the true power of volunteers with lived experience and the lasting difference it makes in our communities.
Thank you!
As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who gives their dedication and time to Waverley Care. Whether through lived experience, leadership, or practical support, our volunteers are at the heart of what we do. Their impact is felt throughout the charity every day.