Volunteering Highland - Caithness


Caithness Volunteer Centre
Telford House
Williamson Street
Wick
Caithness
KW1 5ES

Development Officer: Catherine Patterson

Tel: 01955 605470 [NEW NUMBER]
Mob: 07834753762
Email: caithness@volunteeringhighland.org

Where to find us: When approaching from the south on the A99, continue across the first set of traffic lights towards the Town Centre.  Turn right at the roundabout (follow sign for Heritage Centre), continue along River Street before turning right at the small roundabout.  Telford house is the first building on the right past the swimming pool.

Office Hours:   
 Mon to Thursday
 9am - 5pm
 Friday  9am - 4pm

 DOWNLOAD SPRING NEWSLETTER HERE 


New volunteering opportunities in youth

See Caithness volunteering opportunities [scroll down page]

Panto-time excellent community Volunteering

Wick Players have been making preparations to showcase Aladdin this year,  more than 50+ volunteers of all ages have volunteered their services to enable the production to go ahead.

The mainly young cast, together with the support of technical volunteers ,have been working since August and have shown dedicated commitment to the Caithness community by once again ,producing a wonderful Panto.  In recognition of their good work ,5 young people were presented with a MV Youth Volunteering Award by local development officer for Volunteering Highland, Catherine Patterson [seen right].  The young people all aged between 16-25 clocked-up 100 hours volunteering in rehearsals and each received a silver award.  They are [from left, back row]

Steven Syzyfelbain, Raymond Cooper, Fiona Armstrong, Joanna Macdonald and Maura Szyfelbain [front].

The young Cast of Wick Players Aladdin seen on left was directed by Marina Macdonald.

 

 

 

Partnership volunteering at Castletown for Make-a-Difference-Day 2007

The annual Make-a-difference-Day event this year was a collaberation between local volunteers, Key Housing residents and support staff, North Highland Colllege students and staff from the learning support team and the Highland Council Countryside Ranger, Mary legg.  The day was organised by Catherine Patterson the Development Officer for Volunteering Highland Caithness.[seen on left of photo].  The area in question was the heritage trail site near Castlehill where volunteers cleared the site of stones and rubble and then planted spring bulbs which were generously donated by Homebase manager Scott Hervo.  Weather conditions could have been better but the rain did little to dampen the enthusiasm of all the volunteers present. 

                                                                

 

 

 

 

 

                   

            

 

Above on left Key housing residents and support staff with Philip wright a local volunteer and Mary Legg, Highland Council Ranger [3rd left]  Photo on Right, Students from North highland College Thurso give a helping hand with bulb planting.

 

   


 

Services We Offer

Volunteering Opportunities


Services We Offer


Disclosures … registered intermediary for CRBS (Central Registered Body in Scotland), free registration and disclosures for volunteers, Trusted Partner status

Volunteer Managers’ Network Meeting … every six weeks we exchange and share information with other volunteer co-ordinators in the area

Raising Awareness of Volunteering … organise local events to help promote volunteering and its benefits, talks on volunteering and its benefits.

Good Practice … advice on policies for involving volunteers

Local Volunteer Endeavour Award … annual nominations for

Millennium Volunteer Awards

ASDAN registered … assessment for Community Certificate in Volunteering

Local volunteering opportunities book … your leaflets and posters always needed.


Volunteering Opportunities in Caithness

NEW VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

Mary Ann's Cottage Museum

An opportunity to become involved with local crofting heritage, Mary Ann cottage Dunnet needs volunteers to help out during summer months from 30th May until Mid September.  Opening times 2-4.30PM A few hours a week would make a world of difference.

HOT OPPORTUNITY

SMART [Self Management Recovery and Training]Caithness

This recently established group are looking for volunteer co-ordinators to help facilitate the self-help group.dealing with Drug and Alcohol issues.  Volunteers will help with the smooth running and development of the group, it is not a counselling role but one of organisor.  Location is Wick [Tuesday mornings] and Thurso[Friday mornings]. 

Volunteer Drivers are also needed to assist with client transport, expenses reimbursed. 

Ref. 81       
Day care worker,   
Alzheimer Scotland-action on Dementia
Working in day care assisting with the activities for people with dementia.
   
Ref. 82       
Escort provision   
Alzheimer Scotland-action on Dementia
Escorting clients to and from day care.
   
Ref. 83       
volunteer dance coach   
Marrellian Majorettes
Working with children in the arts
   
Ref. 84       
IT support worker/tutor   
LEAD Scotland
to provide It support for adults with disabilities in their own home.
   
Ref. 85       
Replacement Secretary   
Arthritis Care Wick branch
Administration work, arrange annual outings +christmas dinner.
   
Ref. 86       
office admin   
Volunteering Highland
Database entry, photocopying, answering phone, general office duties
   
Ref. 87       
Mentor   
Volunteering Highland
Mentoring young unemployed people
   
Ref. 88       
Children and Young persons' volunteer   
Ormlie Community Association 
To work with children and young people aged 9-15 years. Project involves working with young people on specific projects.

Ref. 89       
General assistant   
HAPPY
We need help organising, setting up and working at the street party.
   
Ref. 90       
Outdoor  environmental project worker   
Caithness Countryside Volunteers
Environmentally based projects aimed at helping wildlife, most are outdoors and physical.
   
Ref. 91       
Arts Project worker /Technician /Assistant   
Grey Coast Theatre Company
To assist with various arts projects ,the opportunity to participate/assist or learn new skills associated with the arts.
   
Ref. 92   
Tape Duplicators and NewsReaders for the visually    
Caithness Talking Newspapers
Record the local news onto cassette, and provide aprox 60 copies for distribution throughout caithness and further afield.
   
Ref. 93       
Offer support to families with child under 5   
Homestart Caithness
Offer Friendly,practical help while visiting families at home those in need of encouragement or emotional support.
   
Ref. 95       
Support  Worker   
Highland Visual Impairment Services  (the society for Blind people)
To meet and greet sensory impaired people and demonstrate the equipment available.
   
Ref. 96       
Support worker for victims of crime   
Victim Support
To provide a worthwhile service supporting vulnerable people that have been victims of criminal incidents.
   
Ref. 97       
Catering staff to help with teas/lunches   
Lybster Day Care Centre
Someone to help serve teas and lunches to the elderly during the day.
   
Ref. 99       
Volunteer helpline support personnel   
National Asthma Campaign
To help run helpline in peak holiday periods, looking to promote Asthma policy within clubs, promotion.
   
Ref. 100       
Shop Assistant   
Blythswood Charity shop Wick
To help out in the charity shop in wick, meet people and assist in general shop duties.
   
Ref. 101       
Volunteer Driver   
Caithness Rural Transport
To assist people by providing transport, this enables them to socialise and do shopping in a friendly personal way.
   
Ref. 102       
Citizens Advice Advisor   
Caithness Citizens Advice Bureau
To help offer advice and information to the public on a range of areas affecting their lives eg, debt, housing.
   
Ref. 103       
Special Constable   
Northern Constabulary
The special constable is a link between the police and the community, they assist the police particulary at large events and in times of disaster.
   
Ref. 104       
Support worker for people with learning disability   
Enable Caithness Branch
Help at funraising events and social occasions (5 dances a year)
Assist disabled adults during annual holidays
   
Ref. 105       
Volunteer Driver   
Lybster Day Care Centre
A volunteer driver is require during the day to help transport the elderly to and from the day-care facilitly in Lybster, or for social outings.
   
Ref. 106       
Charity shop Assistant   
Highland Hospice, Thurso
To help serve customers, sort clothing and household items, work as a team.
   
Ref. 107       
Environmental Maintenance Volunteer   
Friends Of Newtonhill Woodland
To help improve the wildlife and recreational use of the woodland. Volunteers can make a difference by helping with hands-on practical work and maintenance.
   
Ref. 108       
Treasurer for Caithness Sport Council   
Caithness Sports Council
Attend meetings, and substantial administrative and financial book-keeping.
   
Ref. 115       
Support worker/Befriender   
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland
Assist with stroke patients on a one-to -one basis or in group sessions,
    
   
Ref. 117       
Fundraiser/co-ordinator   
Diabetes UK-Cathness Branch
To help raise funds for research, to organise talks with speakers, cookery demonstrations for healthy eating relating to diabetics.
   
Ref. 118       
Youth Leader   
Boys Brigade Wick
The position is a voluntary youth leader working with boys age 6-14, the aim to develop life skills and personal development.
   
Ref. 120       
Assistant Scout leader
1st Wick Scout Group
Working with young people aged 6-18, to enable them to develop to the best of their ability.
   
Ref. 121       
Volunteer Driver   
HomeAid Caithness
Collection and delivery of household items within Caithness.
   
Ref. 122       
Office Assistant   
HomeAid Caithness
Support office staff with daily tasks eg, filing,word processing organising schedules.
   
Ref. 123       
Store Assistant   
HomeAid Caithnes
Help sort donated items and to dispatch to customers.
   
Ref. 124       
Retail Assistant   
HomeAid Caithnes
Working in HomeAid's Charity shop.  General retail work.
   
Ref. 125       
Volunteer Visitor   
Contact The Elderly Age Concern
Visit the elderly in their own homes and chat, communicate and interact in a social way .To visit elderly people in their own homes, often feeling isolated. Chat, communicate and interact in a social way.

   
Ref. 130       
Office Administrator   
Womens Aid Caithness&Sutherland
General administrative support for office, typing minutes of meeting and distribution to management and committee.
   
Ref. 131       
Day Care Volunteer   
The Braehead Charity The Laurandy Day Care Centre
To befriend the elderly, any skills like baking, crafts, computers ,music will be helpful contributions.

Ref. 132       
General Maintainance/Helper   
'Waterlines' Lybster Heritage Centre
Help out occasionally during the summer season.  General tidy up exterior, weeds, etc.
   
Ref. 133       
Administrative Assistant   
Highland Visual Impairment Services  (the Society for Blind People)
To assist with reception and general office administration eg, mail, filing and Word processing.  Good knowledge of IT necessary.
   
Ref. 140       
Treasurer   
Wick Town Improvements
Someone to deal with the finances accumulated during the Gala Week.  Commitment is limited to a few weeks around the gala, minimum committment thereafter.
   
Ref. 141       
Events Assistant [for Wick Gala Week]   
Wick Town Improvements
General helper/organiser required to... help count the money raised, assist at events, help clear up on Sunday after event.
   
Ref. 142       
Maintenance worker for Wick hanging baskets   
Hanging Baskets-Wick
Someone to water the hanging baskets in the town centre, this is an integral part of the project.
   
Ref. 143       
Volunteer Assistant Playleader   
Casper Club
An opportunity to work with young people in a variety of activities in the out-of-school club.
   
Ref. 144       
Volunteer Hospital Radio personel   
Radio Remedy
The volunteer would start at the bottom gathering requests, maintaining the record libary and 'work-up' to presenting a program after suitable training.
   
Ref. 145       
Team-member on Outdoor Activities   
Outdoor Activities Group-Caithness & Sutherland
Assist with and steer outdoor activities and development across a range of areas, to improve the health of thoses who live, work or visit the area.
   
Ref. 146       
Outdoor Assistant - Caithness Archeological Trust   
Caithness Archaeological Trust
Teamwork,  on specific events  which could range from excaviation to building a chambered cairn.
   
Ref. 147       
Support Assistant   
Caithness Mental Health Suport Group 'The Haven'
Help support those with mental health problems, provide social and educational assistance in an informal way.
   
Ref. 148       
Fundraiser / one off events   
Milton Residents Association
To assist the group with one-off  fundraising events held about 3 times per year.
   
Ref. 149       
Assistant youth helper   
Jam Club
A chance to help young people develop social skills and interact with their peers in a positive way, while participating in fun activities.
   
Ref. 150       
Volunteer Helper/Coach [Athletics Club]   
Amature Athletic Club Caithness
An opportunity to work with children between the ages of 8-16 to enable then to achieve their potential in athletics.
    
   
Ref. 152
General Helper   
North Lands Creative Glass
General Assistant to possibly help out with the group
   
Ref. 153       
Befriender   
Key Housing Association
The opportunity to befriend people with disabilities facing social isolation.
   
Ref. 154       
Charity Retail Assistant   
British Red Cross Charity Shop
To assist in busy charity shop in centre of Thurso
   
Ref. 155       
Whitewashers/maintenance workers   
Friends of the TRINKIE
Seasonal volunteers needed to help clean out and whitewash the Trinkie outdoor swimming pool, this is weekend /evening work which is dependant on the tides.
   
Ref. 156       
Stall helpers/activity supervisors   
Friends of the TRINKIE
Helpers needed to help out at 'Fun day' face painters, ect. This is a one day event held annually in the summer.
   
Ref. 157       
Maintenance gardener for small area.   
Dunbeath Day Care
Helper to weed small area surrounding day care centre, no grass cutting required.
   
Ref. 158   
Activity Helper   
Dunbeath Day Care
Volunteer to help provide activities for the day care clients, eg, arts and crafts, music ect.
   
Ref. 159       
Assistant for Lunch Club   
Dunbeath Day Care
Volunteer to assist with the running of the day-care lunch club, this will involve helping serve tea, chop vegetables and socialising with clients.
   
Ref. 160       
Committee Role   
Dunbeath Day Care
A responsible person to help support in the running of Dunbeath Day Care.  Someone to help co-ordinate services.
   
Ref. 161       
Evening Receptionist   
Caithness FM
A sensible person to answer the telephone and source music for the presenter ie, filing
   
Ref. 162       
Grasscutter/gardener   
Caithness FM
Volunteer grasscutter required to cut grass around Caithness FM building on occasional basis during summer months.
   
Ref. 163       
Befriender/primary care   
Retired Senior Vol programe RSVP
Practical suport for sick,frail or vulnerable people help them i,e, collect prescriptions, form filling, assistance to shops, appointments ect.
   
Ref. 164       
Person who enjoys knitting   
Retired Senior Vol programe RSVP
RSVP requires people to knit teddies and premature baby clothes. this provides a service for local community.
   
Ref. 165   
Archive Collator   
The Braehead Charity The Laurandy Day Care Centre
Someone to interview and type-up the memories of the elderly, this will then be forwarded to a book of 'Caithness memories' the proceeds to help local community
   
Ref. 166       
Youth Club Helper   
Youth Club- Wick
To assist with the smooth runing and supervision of young people within the club.
   
Ref. 167       
Volunteer Board Members   
Caithness Cultural Trust
Conscientous people to guide the work of the trust in its development.  One evening per month available for meetings. 
   
Ref. 168       
Administrator   
Caithness Cultural Trust
Volunteer Administrator, to help with basic administrative duties associated with the correspondence of the Trust.

Ref. 169
Fundraiser   
Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association
To raise awareness of the disease, and to attend fundraising events in the area, and/or to arrange new fundraising opportunities.

Ref. 170       
Counsellor   
Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association
To help suffers of MND cope with difficulties.

Ref. 171       
Schools co-ordinator   
British Heart Foundation
Make regular visits to schools , help promote a healthy lifestyle through talks.

Ref. 172       
Active schools Assistant   
Active Schools Community Learning + Leisure
To assist with after school activities in the Thurso area.

Ref;173
'Buddie' for High school pupils
 Junior Enablelink
 Senior pupils in caithness High Schools 'buddie' other pupils with learning  difficulties, helping them with social skills.

Ref;174
Pupil support group-Thurso high School
to assist pupils with learning difficulties in a supportive way.

Ref;175
'Buddy' Pupil support group-Wick High School
 to assist pupils with learning difficulties in a supportive way.

Ref;176
Writer of Press Articles
Scottish Motor Neuron Disease Association
To write about events. people or information, to raise awareness of Motor Neuron

Ref;177

Volunteer Counsellor
Scottish Motor Neuron Disease Association
Counsellors to work with motor neuron disease patients and their families on behalf of the association.

Ref;178

IT Specialist
Motor Neuron disease Association
Often speech is one of the first fauclties clients loose, communication is through email. A volunteer is required to assist with IT skills.

Ref;179

Badminton Helper
Wick Junior Badminton Club
To assist and supervise with the junior badminton club

Ref;180

Befriender/friendships
Enablelink
the aim is for volunteers to form'natural friendships' with people with learning difficulties to enable them to participate in social activities on an equal basis

Ref;181

Chairperson
Thurso Beyond 2000
A volunteer to help co-ordinate the running of local events, chair meetings and liaise with other organisations and members of the public.

REf;182

Retail Assistant
Cancer Research UK-Thurso
Looking for volunteers to assist in the charity shop.

Ref;183

Girl guide Leaders
Girl Guiding-Wick Branch
Guide Leaders/helpers required for girl guide uniform group [aged 11-14]

Ref;184

Brownie Leader
Leaders/helpers required to help run Brownie Club in Wick Area

Ref;186

RainbowUniform Group Assistant
Rainbow [uniform club] allied to Girl Guides
Helpers needed to support local Rainbow club for young people aged 5-6

Ref;187

Swim Coach
Wick Amateur Swimming Club
to help promote a healthy lifestyle, must be willing to participate.

Ref;188

Volunteer Advocates
Highland Community Care Forum
highland Carers Project- To help provide support to carers, to enable them to have a 'voice' and someone to listen to their needs-must have access to own vehicle.

Ref;189

Rainbow Assiastant {girl guide Association]
Halkirk Rainbows
Helpers required to assist with the running of the club

REf;190

After School Activities Helper
After School Club [social Work]
Helpers wanted to assist and participate in after school activities for vulnerable children

Ref;191

 General Environmental Assistant [Spittal]
Food for Thought Programe
Volunteers needed to help on site with the preperation and production of organic foodstuffs, this will involve gardening and getting hands dirty.

Ref; 192

'Money Counter'
Town Improvement Association
Enthusastic helpers are required to count the money collected following 'float night, in Wick and Thurso Gala.  This involves a huge amount of small change which has to be counted and organised before deposit.
An annual opportunity to volunteer.

Ref;193

Distance Befriender

Distance Befriending Highland
Volunteer befrienders required to support people with social and geographical isolation within the highlands.  Befriending is done via, telephone, post, or e-mail.  Training and ongoing support given to volunteers.

Ref;194

Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland
Volunteer Drivers urgently needed to support, and transport clients to medical or social appointments.  

Ref: 195

Bowel Cancer UK
Fundraiser,
Fundraisers required to raise the profile of this embarrassing disease

Ref: 197

Activities Organiser
Bayview House Thurso
Helpers needed to assist with activities and the social interaction of residents.

Ref:198

Caithness Samaritans
Support Volunteer needed, volunteers required to help people in crisis.Skills require is a sympathetic ear at the end of a line. Extensive training given.

Ref: 199

Advocacy Highland
Volunteer advocates needed to support people with e,g, mental Health,learning difficulties,homeless,the frail and elderly.  Training given.

Ref:200

Practical Skills Advisor 
Pulteneytown Peoples Project
A volunteer needed to help support young people with their own tenency by demonstrating practical skills e,g, basic DIY, would suit retired person.

Ref:201

Painter /Decorator
Pulteneytown Peoples Project
Seeking a volunteer with decorating skills to assist young people in their own homes with informal training on basic decorating technics.

Ref:202

Relief Support worker/helper
Highland Visual Impairment Services
A volunteer needed in Halkirk area for 1 afternoon [2-5PM] on first Wednesday per month, as relief carer for individual with Altzheimers.

Ref:203

Handy Person
Wick Family Centre
Handy person required to assist Family Centre in Wick with general DIY. Volunteer must be over 18 and can work independently, they should have general DIY skills and a friendly disposition around children.

Ref:204

Wick Family Centre
Mini Bus Driver
Driver required for Wick Family Centre to transport children from local primary schools on Tues,Wed and Thurs afternoons.  Full training and support will be provided. This is a driving opportunity, children will be supervised by staff members. for insurance purposes, minimum age 21

Ref:205

Out of school club Childrens Helper
Wick Family Centre
Enthusiastic volunteers needed to assist with out -of-school playscheme and holiday club.  Volunteers will assist with arts and crafts, drama, games etc.  This is a fun opportunity for people seeking experience of working with children.

Ref: 206

General Caretaker
Laidhay Croft Museum
Reliable and pleasant person to undertake caretaker duties at rural Museum near Dunbeath.  For example, take admission money, answer questions and general upkeep.

Ref: 207

Catalogue Inventory
Laidhay Croft Museum
Volunteer needed to take inventory and catalogue  exibits and enter onto computer, although museum open to public during summer season, this opportunity is flexible depending on the availabliity of the volunteer.

Ref 208

CCTV Camera operators
Caithness CCTV Association
Volunteers needed to monitor close curcuit TV cameras in Wick & Thurso Police stations as part of community safety initiatives.  Monitoring hours are late evening and weekends, training will be given.

Ref 209

Youth Club Assistants
Thurso Youth Club require people to assist supervise the age group 12-18 year old on Thursday nights from 7-9.30PM.  Youth leaders will help develop activities for the club and enable services to continue.

Ref 210

Halkirk youth Club
Require helpers to enable services to continue for young people aged 12-18 on a Thursday Evening between 7-9.30PM, volunteer and make a difference.