Sure steps peer support volunteer volunteer roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Role
Our Lotus Community works alongside the City of Edinburgh Council to provide accommodation for 14 young people (aged 16-18), who are unaccompanied asylum-seekers. They come from a variety of different countries.
The community is a step towards independent living, whilst they await a decision about their ‘leave to remain’ in the country. The asylum procedure can be a long, complicated, overwhelming and challenging process. We support the young people in the best way during this stressful time (and after). They are supported by social workers and a guardianship service as well.
What will you do as a volunteer?
We are looking for highly motivated individuals who work well independently, are proactive and can get involved in community activities. You will support the residents of the community and help look after your shared spaces in the flats. Most of the residents have basic living skills, including cooking, cleaning and budgeting. We offer further support where needed.
We can also help them gain confidence and knowledge of the local area. This is to enable them to take further steps towards independence and integration in the local community. This is also with the purpose of them moving on to accommodation that better suits their needs in the future.
Depending on the season, and interests and abilities of the residents, your tasks can include:
- Being a peer mentor and staying in touch with the residents via WhatsApp
- Organise our monthly community meeting
- Organise activities, which can be walks, cycling, board games night, karaoke, tea and cake (whatever your interests) for the residents to come along.
- Reporting issues with the flat, repairs etc.
- Making sure that all rooms always have the equipment needed (cleaning products, toilet roll, hand sanitiser, condoms etc).
- Updating your (online) calendar for the week, so everyone knows when you are volunteering and not.
- Working together with your fellow volunteer(s) to organise activities and arrange rota.
What you get:
Location: You will live in a studio bedroom in the flat alongside the young residents. You will not pay for rent or bills (including internet).
Time: 20 hours per week for minimum 6 months. These are during the evening and weekends, with exception for a few hours spent in meetings and alike.
You can volunteer and work part time at the same time. You will organise your volunteering hours with the other volunteer.
We will provide support and training needed for you to engage with the tasks and young people in a safe manner. Support, supervision and team meetings are every month.
Registered Charity 
101 - 500
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
About Bliss
With an impact in all corners of the UK, Bliss is the leading national neonatal charity, championing and developing the services for the 90,000 sick and premature babies born each year, supporting both them and their families. At Bliss, we are committed to improving care, giving voice to babies, and supporting parents to be partners in care.
This is a really exciting time to join our board. We’ve just launched our new four-year strategy, which puts equity at the heart of everything we do. With NHS reforms underway, a new 10-Year Plan on the horizon, and growing attention on maternity and neonatal care, there’s a real opportunity to raise Bliss’s profile and make a lasting difference for premature and sick babies across the UK.
Chair opportunity
Our new Chair will be an experienced Trustee or Board member with proven ability to manage meetings effectively and foster productive, inclusive discussions. They will bring energy and drive, ensuring robust governance and alignment between strategy and operations. They will enjoy leading inclusive and thoughtful discussions, and share our passion for giving every baby the best possible start in life.
You can find more information about Bliss and the Chair role in our recruitment pack.
Don’t think you quite meet all of the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out – we’d still love to hear from you and learn more about you and your interest in joining Bliss!
Ready to apply?
Eastside People is supporting Bliss in the recruitment of these roles. Please by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc format.
Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:
- Why is Bliss’ work important to you and how can you contribute to the charity as our Chair?
- How do you ensure board meetings are focused, inclusive, and lead to clear decisions?
- How would you go about ensuring that our many stakeholders are heard and represented at Board level?
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.
Bliss’ Chair, CEO and Trustees will be hosting a 30-minute drop-in session on Mon 8th December at 12pm via Teams. This is an opportunity to learn more about Bliss and what’s involved in joining our Board. You can register to attend here.
The closing date for applications is Mon 5th Jan.
Longlisting interviews with Eastside People will take place mid-January, with shortlisted candidates invited to panel interviews with Bliss during the week commencing 2 February.
Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to take part in open sessions with staff and Board members, with final interviews scheduled for the week commencing 23 February.
Bliss is an equal opportunities organisation. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and lived experiences. We strive to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and are committed to equity and inclusion at every level of our governance.
We look forward to hearing from you!
