Volunteering to Make a Real Difference

Real Life Options has been supporting people to have a strong voice and a real choice in the way they live their lives since 1992. To enhance opportunities for the people we support, we are piloting a programme in Scotland with funding from The National Lottery to recruit community volunteers under the Real Life Volunteers banner. Nick McLaughlin, Volunteer Coordinator explains:

“Over the last few months, we have been connecting with a range of organisations including Volunteer Glasgow, Falkirk Council and the Job Centre to promote the programme with positive results. The support from partner organisations and the interest from potential volunteers is really encouraging.”

Nick’s previous experience of working with children and adults with disabilities is invaluable as he introduces interested volunteers to their role through an informative and robust induction programme. Volunteers work alongside paid support staff to build their experience, capabilities and skills in an interesting and highly rewarding sector. Their roles complement rather than replicate the work by paid staff however volunteers do have access to the same training opportunities and our Real Rewards staff benefits portal.

The campaign is being promoted initially in Scotland through colleges and universities to reach a wide audience base with a broad range of skill sets, which is generating good levels of interest. We feel confident that as the pilot gains momentum, it won’t be too long before we introduce a similar scheme for our England services.

If you want to know more about becoming a Real Life Volunteer, simply download our ‘Can you Make a Real Difference?’ leaflet or you can email Nick McLaughlin at reallifevolunteers@reallifeoptions.org.