Volunteering
Are you interested in volunteering for health?
Volunteering is an integral feature of Scottish life and voluntary sector approaches. It makes a significant difference to Scotland's health - not only has it been shown to benefit volunteers' health directly but it enhances the delivery of statutory health services.Approximately 1.3 million adults in Scotland volunteered in 2007 - 2008 and of these, around 130,000 assisted the voluntary health sector. Volunteer Development Scotland estimate that the annual economic value of volunteering in Scotland for 2009 is around £2.1 billion.
The Scottish Government launched their Refreshed Strategy for Volunteering in the NHS in 2008. The Programme, which has been supported by Volunteer Development Scotland in Partnership with NHS Scotland until March 2011, now reverts to the NHS.
There are many opportunities for you to support this vital approach to improving health and healthcare in Scotland.
One of these is through the network of Volunteer Centres across Scotland, which provide information about opportunities for volunteering and how to get involved.
Individuals interested in specific areas for volunteering (e.g. children, disability, mental health support) are also encouraged to contact organisations directly to enquire about positions available to volunteers.
Although Voluntary Health Scotland is not directly involved in recruiting and managing volunteers it does encourage individuals to engage in volunteering, especially within third sector organisations and with the NHS in Scotland.
A list of Volunteer Centres in Scotland is available below.