Call for volunteers to join Age Scotland Helpline

Age Scotland is seeking volunteers to work on its Helpline and provide older people across Scotland with high quality information about their rights and entitlements on a wide range of topics. The Charity is holding an open day on Wednesday May 9th at its office in Edinburgh, with members of the public invited to drop in between and find out more about the volunteering opportunities on offer.
The people who call the Age Scotland Helpline for information are worried about housing, heating, care homes, care at home and benefits and they often have several problems to manage at once. The Charity is looking for volunteers who won't judge others, who can listen, who understand the absolute need for confidentiality, who can find and carefully explain the right answer and keep a tidy record of what was said and done.
Heather Smith, Age Scotland Information Development Manager, says: "Cuts to many public services, rising prices, the increasing cost of living in rural areas and concerns about benefit changes mean that the Helpline is needed now more than ever. By providing high quality information we can change peoples' lives for the better. For example, across the UK over one-and-a-half million older people don't claim the Pension Credit they are entitled to, losing an average of £1092 a year. That is money that could ease the pressure of paying for essentials and help people to enjoy their retirement, if they knew they were entitled to it and how to claim it."
Volunteers joining the Helpline will do so at an exciting time, with the Charity in the process of developing and expanding the range of information and advice it provides. In exchange for their time and commitment volunteers will receive training, support, travelling expenses (locally in Edinburgh), the opportunity to be part of a team and the chance to use existing skills or learn new ones. An introductory information skills training course will take place over six Fridays in early summer.
The Helpline is open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday with late opening to 7pm on Tuesdays. Volunteers normally give 6 hours a week, however the Charity can be flexible according to individual circumstances.
The open day will take place at Age Scotland, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh, EH9 1PR. In addition to the Helpline there will be information about volunteering opportunities at Age Scotland charity shops, including Edinburgh Nicolson Street and Stockbridge, with the policy, campaigns and communications teams, and in fundraising. More information about volunteering opportunities is also available by email to heather.smith@agescotland.org.uk.  Tweet