Charlie House is calling on people of the North-east to give the gift of time.
Charlie House has launched a volunteer recruitment drive across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray to support both its fundraising efforts and its services.
The charity supports babies, children and young people with complex disabilities and life-limiting conditions, and their families, in the North-east of Scotland and provides a range of services to support individuals and families. This includes regular family activities, dedicated parent and sibling activities and an annual family adventure trip to Kielder Forest Park, run by the Calvert Trust. Families can also receive one-to-one emotional and practical support from the Children & Family Support Manager, as well as from the Charlie House Children's Community Nurse.
Joan Cowie, Volunteer & Information Co-ordinator at Charlie House, says, "We are excited to launch our volunteer recruitment drive and are looking to expand our team of amazing volunteers. We are looking for individuals or groups who can offer not just their time but also skills, energy and enthusiasm to support the work we do."
Joan continues, "Our volunteering opportunities are endless and can be tailored to availability, whether that's an occasional hour or two, a whole day or a regular commitment each week or month. Volunteering not only supports us as a charity, but is also a great opportunity to meet new people and, above all, have fun!"
Local volunteer Lynne Reid says, "I love wearing my volunteering hat for Charlie House and have been involved with Charlie House for a number of years. I have heard a number of Charlie House parents speak about how their lives have changed when their children have been born with varying degrees of additional support needs and also how their lives have changed again when they have found the support network in Charlie House."
Lynne continues, "It means a lot to me to be a small part of this network and to be doing something meaningful for so many people. I volunteer at ReCHarge Cafe one day per week and I also do other things for Charlie House on occasion. I enjoy chatting to new customers and telling them what their money will go towards and support, and I also enjoy welcoming a Charlie House family into the cafe from time to time. It's lovely when someone comes in and says they know of someone who is supported by Charlie House and they have come in specifically to support the cafe.
"When I am in the Charlie House office, I am always amazed by the hard work and dedication of the team. They are always rushing off to speak to an organisation or a school or arrange some activities to support some families. Volunteers can help in so many ways at Charlie House and there is something for everyone to get involved with. Whether you can manage term-time weekends or evenings you are made to feel valued. I'm proud to be a part of the Charlie House team."
In the North-east of Scotland alone there are more than 1,600 babies, children and young people with complex disabilities and life-limiting conditions. Alongside running ongoing activities and services, Charlie House is undertaking an £8 million appeal for a specialist support centre to be built on the grounds of Woodend Hospital offering families dedicated support and local respite facilities.
Find out more about our Volunteering opportunities here, or contact our team on 01224 313333 or volunteer@charliehouse.org.uk
