1st March 2023

Lothian charity achieves prestigious volunteering award

VOCAL, Voice of Carers Across Lothian, has achieved the Investing in Volunteers Award in recognition of the charity’s ongoing commitment to volunteering.

Investing in Volunteers is the UK quality standard for organisations involving volunteers and is a UK standard for good practice in volunteer management.

“It is clear that volunteering is a ‘golden thread’ that runs through the delivery model and culture of VOCAL. It was very clear that volunteers feel part of the organisation, and all felt that the organisation communicated with them very well”.

Rosie Wylie, Assessor for Investing in Volunteers

“Since VOCAL’s inception in 1994, volunteers have been an integral part of our charity and we value their dedication and the work they do to support unpaid carers. We are delighted to have achieved the Investing in Volunteers award. From welcoming carers at our two carers’ hubs, to supporting our free events, activities and training programme, there are lots of opportunities for individuals to get involved in our work and we would love to hear from you!”

Kirsty Greer, Volunteer Coordinator at VOCAL
L-R: Rosie Wylie, IiV Assessor; Kirsty Bell, VOCAL Volunteer; Euan Kennedy, VOCAL Volunteer; Lou Reid, VOCAL Volunteer; Kirsty Greer, VOCAL Volunteer Coordinator.

“We are pleased to congratulate Voice Of Carers Across Lothian on their first achievement of Investing in Volunteers award, this award has demonstrated your commitment to your volunteers and highlighted the positive experiences you are providing to your volunteers; ‘I could not have chosen a better place to be a volunteer’ and ‘I feel supported, I feel valued, everything is brilliant, I love what I am doing’. Well done, we look forward to maintaining this award and developing with you over the next three years.”

Allana Fotheringham, Investing in Volunteers Manager at Volunteer Scotland

VOCAL is holding a free information session on 29 March between 10.30am and 12.30pm at its Edinburgh Carers’ Hub and 22 March between 10am and 12pm at its Midlothian Carer Centre. You will be able to find out more about the different volunteering opportunities with the charity and what it is like to be a part of their team.

Registration is online or by calling Kirsty Greer on 0131 622 6666: https://www.vocal.org.uk/support-vocal/volunteer-for-vocal/