Volunteer Opportunities
firsthand provides support to vulnerable families and young people in Edinburgh.
All kind of people volunteer as:
-
One parent families
-
Families affected by disablity
-
Young people with disablities and/or mental health issues
Other Volunteers
-
Board of Directors
-
Administration & Office Staff
If interested please contact us or complete the volunteer application form at the bottom of this page.
All our volunteers receive:
-
Training
-
Support
-
Out of pocket expenses
All volunteers will be enhanced disclosure checked and references will be taken up.
All applicants should be 18 or over.
Volunteer Sitters
Volunteer sitters look after children in the family home to enable lone-parents and parents of children with disablities to have some free time to themselves.
What do I do?
Lots of fun activities like playing games, storytelling, arts and crafts before settling the children and putting them to bed.
When and where?
You can volunteer at a time that suits you with a family near your home or work.
Most sits happen out of working hours and we help families all over Edinburgh.
Who can be a sitter?
You don't need experience to become a volunteer sitter. You just need to be able to offer:
-
A warm, friendly and caring approach
-
Interest in children's well being
-
Ability to set boundaries
-
A role model for children
"Volunteering as a sitter with firsthand has been an excellent experience. The children have been great fun, while at the same time challenging. Not only do I have a rewarding feeling, but also I have learned many things about myself"
Want to know more then contact us
Volunteer Befrienders
Volunteer befrienders support young people, aged 12-24, who have a disablity or mental health problem and have become isolated or have low self-esteem.
What do I do?
You give your young person the chance to do the things young people enjoy - like bowling, cafe, cinema, gym, gallery, pool....... or just talking.
When and where?
You usually take your young person out to fun places, at a time that you can make it. Firsthand pays for all the expenses!
Who can be a befriender?
You don't need experience to become a volunteer befriender. You just need to be able to offer:
-
A relationship of trust & mutual respect
-
A supportive partnership
-
A listening ear
-
The joy of shared experience
"I really look forward to our meetings every week and its great to have the time to be able to just hang out and do fun activities.
By giving just a few hours every week I can make a difference in someone's live and befriending has been just brilliant fun!"
Want to know more then contact us
Application to become a Volunteer.doc