A RECRUITMENT drive has been launched by a charity that offers vital support to people who have experienced the care system.
The team at Who Cares? Scotland, which has a regional office in Renfrewshire, is on the lookout for volunteers to perform a number of roles.
New recruits will be following in the footsteps of the likes of Adele McGuire, who helps out as a youth worker and community schools volunteer.
She visits schools across Renfrewshire to raise awareness of what life can be like for young people in care.
Adele told The Gazette: “I was drawn to volunteer with the charity because of the amazing work it does.
“I’m a community schools volunteer, which involves helping to deliver presentations and talks in Renfrewshire schools.
“This work is important to help everyone understand care experience and to stop the stigma and barriers that young people from all different types of care can face.
“It is important that all young people understand it is never a young person’s fault they are in care. It also helps to ensure that care-experienced young people feel understood and can be proud of their care identity.”
Adele said volunteering has boosted her own confidence and provides a huge sense of satisfaction.
“I feel like I’m achieving something important and really making a difference,” she added. “I’m proud to be able to give my time to such important work.
“I also volunteer at one of the youth groups that Who Cares? run, where I try to be a positive role model and use my own personal experience to help the young people.
“I would recommend anyone to volunteer at Who Cares? Scotland because it is an amazing experience.”
Who Cares? Scotland, which has a local base at West Primary School, in Paisley, was established in 1978 and operated on an entirely voluntary basis for the next decade.
During this time, ‘supportive adults’ – such as social workers – gave up their time to enable the organisation to work with local groups of care experienced young people.
Anyone who would like to know more about helping out as a volunteer should email volunteering@whocaresscotland.org or visit here.
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