Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering is a valued resource within the Sunflower Garden. The work of volunteers support the small staff team to reach out to the estimated 12,000 children affected by Substance Misuse in Edinburgh (Source: Scottish Substance Misuse Database).
At the moment the staff team within Sunflower see on average 150 children from a drug & alcohol misuse background every year and one of the main reasons this is possible is the support and dedication of a team of volunteers.
There are also many benefits for the individual themselves when taking part in volunteering.
For many individuals, they have reported the following benefits:
- A boost to your confidence – individuals remark the benefits in trying something new and being supported to perhaps move out with their ‘comfort zones’.
- Introduce you to a new circle of friends – when starting anything new you meet new people and in some circumstances this can lead to you developing friendships. Within Sunflower we have current volunteers who are within their 60’s socialising with other volunteers who are in their 20’s. These volunteers report that within their home lives they would never usually socialise with people in these age ranges and they find the volunteering a huge asset in their social lives!
- Give a boost to your career – Companies are increasingly asking for applicants to have a variety of experience and knowledge and volunteering may be a great stepping stone for you to gain a wider range of skills and experience.
- Have more fun – Volunteers have reported that through undertaking a volunteering role they increased their self esteem and overall feel better, due to the thought that ‘it feels good, to do good’. As a result offering your existing skills, talents and expertise to assist others can be a lot of fun!
There are a number of different volunteer opporunities within Sunflower Garden. Please have a read of the Volunteer Role Descriptions below for more information:
Child Escort
To escort children to the Sunflower Garden or designated location, and then escort children to a specified location at the end of the group/individual session. The purpose of this is to ensure that the children are safe, secure and relaxed on the way to and from the project, and connecting them with their carers at home. Please note all transport is provided through a local taxi firm.
Group Assistant
To assist in the running of Sunflower Garden Groups by working with others, with support from trained children’s worker(s) to provide a structured and stimulating group session for children whose parents are affected by problem substance misuse.
Befriending
To support them to learn new skills and provide a social experience for children. Through the befriending relationship a child and befriender may work on topics such as increasing self-esteem; dealing with worries; respect for others; with the main aim of building a trusting relationship with an adult.
Overall the work and support of the volunteers enables Sunflower to fulfil their main aim of:
‘Improving the lives of children affected by drug and alcohol misuse in their families within the City of Edinburgh.’
If you have any questions or would like to apply please email Gayle Ritchie or call her on 0131 220 2488
