Scotland’s leading health charity, Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland is looking for people in East Renfrewshire to give the gift of time this year by volunteering, backed by local volunteer, Anne Davies.
Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland has a wide range of volunteering roles available that can be flexible around other commitments.
Opportunities include volunteering in Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland’s shops and boutiques, as a steward at one of the many fundraising events that take place each year, or as a community volunteer supporting service users in local areas.
Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland’s thousands of volunteers are at the heart of the charity, with their contribution adding £2 million in value to the organisation in 2022.
Retired nurse Anne lives in Houston and volunteers at her local Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland shop in Kilmacolm.
Speaking about her volunteering experience she says: “I wanted to learn new skills as well as get to know more people locally, so volunteering in the shop was ideal. I enjoy being part of the team at Kilmacolm. It’s good to feel useful and part of the successful running of the shop.
“I do a couple of shifts a week, and it’s good to focus on meeting our sales target. I also love making the shop look nice, dressing the mannequins and even arranging flowers at times. I’ve always loved clothes and browsing in second-hand shops, so I’m getting to do all of that and help people who need it, too.”
Elizabeth Wigelsworth, Head of Volunteering at Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland said: “Without our amazing volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to support the one in five people in Scotland who are living with chest, heart and stroke conditions.
“As well as supporting others, volunteering is good for the soul! You’re brightening someone’s day as much as they are brightening yours.
“Not only will you be changing people’s lives, but you’ll be making a huge difference to your own health and wellbeing.”
Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland is Scotland’s largest health charity, helping people living with the effects of chest and heart conditions, Long Covid, and stroke live life to the full.
The charity’s Hospital to Home service helps people with chest, heart and stroke conditions get the support they really need once they return home from hospital. Services include support from specialist stroke nurses, community support workers, and volunteers, as well as the CHSS advice line and peer support groups.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities visit www.chss.org.uk/volunteering or contact volunteering@chss.org.uk.
Photo: Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland Volunteer Anne Davies from Houston in Renfrewshire
Photo Credit: Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland
