The housing and care provider has launched an appeal to find friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to help out with a range of social activities in two of its Glasgow developments – Carntyne Gardens and Castlebank Gardens.

Implementing programmes of social activities have proven to be a huge success, as they allow tenants to enjoy the opportunity to interact and socialise with others in their development and community.

The Carntyne Gardens development is looking to recruit volunteers for its two sections – the Specialist Dementia Care House and the Housing With Care unit. The Specialist Dementia Care House is looking for volunteers who will spend one on one time with the service users, giving therapeutic touch such as hand massages and doll therapy, as well as drawing and playing dominoes. This is a gentle type of volunteering and would require someone who is comfortable around those with dementia.

The Housing With Care section of Carntyne Gardens is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to ensure the smooth running of a range of activities for service users, including games, carpet bowls and arts and crafts.

The Castlebank Gardens development, in the Anniesland area of Glasgow, is looking to recruit volunteers to coordinate a range of activities for service users in Housing with Care. In particular, it is seeking volunteers to run a carpet bowls activity on a Saturday afternoon. Volunteers will be expected to set up the bowls, encourage participation for all who attend and clear up afterwards.

Volunteer development worker, Donna Dickson, said: “Our volunteer programme has an extremely positive effect on our tenants because it gives them a chance to get involved in a range of activities and socialise with others - both within their own housing development, and within their local community.

“The tenants do a great job in keeping active, but they really need the support of volunteers to keep their programme going.”

Bield tenant, Mrs Penman, said of social activities and volunteers: “Volunteers are very important because they bring a great deal to the scheme and provide interesting activities.

“I especially enjoy the reminiscence sessions over a cuppa and a chat. I make sure I am around for this activity and appreciate the time that the volunteers give to us tenants.”

The social activity programme is central to Bield’s “free to be” ethos, which supports people to make their own decisions about how they live their lives while also being there to assist them when they need it.

Donna said: “We are always looking for ways to enrich the lives of our tenants and the positive feedback we have received proves that this programme is incredibly beneficial and rewarding for our tenants and our volunteers.”

If you are interested in volunteering with Bield or would like more information please contact Rachel Tribble on 0141 270 77233 or 07972 002 387 or r.tribble@bield.co.uk

Please note that these are volunteer, unpaid positions.

@BieldScotland