Campsie Gardens in Cumbernauld is looking to recruit befrienders to get to know and socialise with tenants helping to broaden their horizons while, in Airdrie, volunteers are wanted to become Social Activity Assistants and Silver Surfer Tutors at Bield’s Broomfield Gardens development.

Social Activity Assistants work in a group setting with tenants and are vital to ensuring the smooth running of organised social events from coffee mornings and lunch clubs, to games afternoons and gardening clubs. These events allow tenants to socialise regularly and provide entertainment all year round.

Bield’s Silver Surfer program encourages tenants to get to grips with all things IT. Volunteers must be comfortable working at the pace of tenants to ensure they get the most from sessions. These tutorials offer an exciting new forum for tenants to explore the modern world and engage with society.

Bield’s ‘Free to Be’ ethos is exemplified by their volunteers who help tenants to engage with the community and encourage their independence while giving a regular structure and friendly face to their lives.

Ann Gowans, development manager at Campsie Gardens, said: “We really do appreciate the huge impact our befrienders make on the quality of life of tenants in Bield housing.

“It’s vitally important to us at Bield to be able to ensure that everyone gets a chance to interact with people inside and outside the residences on a regular basis. Befrienders give tenants just such an opportunity.”

Yvonne McQueen, manager at Broomfield Gardens, said: “Both the staff and tenants at Bield love the events we get to put on and without activities assistants that just wouldn’t be possible.

“Whether it’s gardening clubs or bingo nights, it’s always great to see the tenants out in force and it makes all the difference to their quality of life.”

Hours are varied and flexible but Bield look for a minimum six-month commitment on a weekly basis. Enquiries are welcome from all people of ages over 16. Full training and support will be given and out-of-pocket expenses paid.

For more information on these hugely rewarding opportunities please contact Ann Gowans on 01236 795 767 (Cumbernauld) or Yvonne McQueen on 01236 758 313 (Airdrie). Alternatively, email volunteering@bield.co.uk.

@BieldScotland