THE charity behind a West Dunbartonshire children’s hospice is looking for more volunteers to join the team.

Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is seeking helpers for a variety of roles.

The organisation is seeking hospice gardeners, housekeepers, reception, kitchen and activities volunteers, complimentary therapists, a Google ads champion, nursing support volunteers and shop volunteers.

Tasks will vary depending on the individual family’s needs but could include supporting siblings or helping with ‘everyday’ household tasks.

Kirsty MacKay, who has been a Home Support Volunteer with CHAS for two years, said: “Volunteering is important to me as it has given me the confidence that I can go out and make a difference.

“I find you can forget about your own life for a few hours as you are totally focused on helping someone else in need.”

Fiona Harvey, CHAS’s head of volunteering, said: “We’ve identified that we need over 100 volunteers across CHAS to fill the gaps that we currently have following the pandemic.

"Many volunteers have stepped back for various reasons and life has changed in so many ways for so many in the wake of Covid.

“Volunteering with CHAS is a great way to meet new people and use your existing skills to make a real difference to the families of children with a life-shortening condition.

“Many volunteers tell us that volunteering increases their confidence and also gives them a chance to have fun.”

Emma Steel, CHAS’s home support lead in the west, added: “For the Home Support Volunteer roles in the west of Scotland we are seeking passionate people to help care for the families we support in the comfort of their own homes.

“We are looking for individuals who are 18 or over with a compassionate nature, good listening skills, a driving licence, and the ability to be flexible and reliable.

"All CHAS home support volunteers will be thoroughly trained and supported and continue to receive regular support and supervision.”

Kirsty MacKay, who has been a home support volunteer with CHAS for two years based in Aberdeen, said: “Volunteering is important to me as it has given me the confidence that I can go out and make a difference.

"I find you can forget about your own life for a few hours as you are totally focused on helping someone else in need.”

All CHAS’ home support volunteers require membership of the PVG scheme. CHAS will cover out-of-pocket expenses.

Anyone interested in any of the roles can apply online at chas.org.uk/volunteers.

Contact the Volunteering Team on volunteering@chas.org.uk or call 01577 866 065 to find out more about how you can get involved.