Volunteers are peer mentors to the community residents and do not substitute the work of paid staff. Volunteers and residents live within our community facility and manage the day-to-day domestic tasks and decisions within the building, which is their home. The process of being involved in decision-making empowers residents and helps to develop their confidence, skills and abilities. We endeavour to create equality between community members (residents and volunteers), but volunteers must note that the young men and women who come to live here come as a result of their need for support. Volunteer support for a resident may include:

• Accompanying a resident to appointments
• Helping a resident to cook a meal for the whole community
• Acting as a sounding board for a problem or difficult situation
• Offering mature and calm guidance

Outside staffing hours, volunteers maintain a presence in the house (worked out on a rota). Volunteers are encouraged to be alert to any conflict or other emerging problems and are expected to remind residents of the rules, if necessary, and use their influence to maintain a homely environment. They will be vigilant to any issues threatening the health and safety of those present and will call staff and/or emergency services if required. Overall, the role is less supervisory and more one of promoting a positive, stimulating environment in which problems of boredom, conflict and other anti-social behaviours will be minimised.

A minimum commitment of six months is required from each volunteer, this is to ensure continuity and stability within the houses; it also gives the volunteer a valid experience of community living. Whilst we ask you for your preference of community volunteers are engaged by the service as a whole and may be required to move for operational reasons at any point in their placement.
Throughout the placement volunteers may take their holiday days, and at the three-month stage volunteers may claim their holiday allowance.

Its hard work and very challenging, but a memorable experience.

If you're interested in volunteering with us, please complete the application form attached and email it to our recruitment team at: rcsvolunteers @ cyrenians . org . uk
Alternatively you can send your application form to:
RCSvolunteers, Edinburgh Cyrenians Trust, Norton Park, Edinburgh, EH7 5QY