How can you help?
We’re looking for people like you to help out in all sorts of ways in our meeting place and behind the scenes.
Whether you want to support young people or if you’re more comfortable planning an adventure from the sidelines, we’ve got a role for you.
Scouts happens when a lot of us give a little. You’re not signing up for a lifelong commitment – just to help out, when and where you can.
We have opportunities in Craigalmond, Borders, East Lothian, Midlothian, Braid, Pentland and Edinburgh North East.
Roles include Leaders, Section Assistants, Group Scout Leaders, Treasurers, Chair, general helpers, Active Support Unit and much much more.
We’re proudly led by do-er and give it a go-er volunteers, who make Scouts happen at a local level. So can you help? Why not consider putting your skills to use, learn new ones and play an active role in your local community. The time is right now.
We welcome volunteers from every community and background. No previous Scouting experience is required.
Volunteering – pledge an hour, share a skill, feel great.
Research shows
Research has shown that volunteering has a hugely positive impact on the lives of those who volunteer in the charity sector. Over 90% of our volunteers say that their Scout experiences are hugely beneficial. According to recent research, the majority of volunteers reported having improved life satisfaction (70%) and self-esteem (66%) since beginning volunteer work, as well as having reduced feelings of loneliness (42%) and stress (33%). Nearly two thirds (65%) also said that since beginning volunteer work they have developed useful employability skills; with 59% saying they feel more confident and 54% feeling more motivated in their jobs.
Why not read some volunteer stories here.
Get in touch with our Scouting Support Officer Kirstie Armsworth – kirstie.armsworth@sesscouts.org.uk or call 07710 703 372
Please watch this ‘why volunteer’ short video:
Did you know?
We are looking to build on the amazing work that has happened through the pandemic and empower young people when they need it most. To do this, Scouts need more adults to step up and volunteer to work with young people.
- Scout volunteers will create opportunities for young people to recover from the impacts of the pandemic by supporting their wellbeing and building the skills needed to succeed in life. However, the pressures of the last year have meant that youth membership across the region has fallen by 16% over the past year. Regional adult volunteer numbers are also down 8%. These numbers are an indicator of how the pressures and disruptions to life over the past year mean not all youth members have been able to continue in Scouts. This is especially the case in communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
- Young people have lost out on so much in the past year and our membership numbers show how many were unable to continue with Scouts due to lockdown. The good news is now that we are back together face to face, we are seeing lots of those faces returning. That’s why we need more people to help us make sure young people can once again meet friends, have fun and fulfil their potential by learning skills for life. That’s why today we’re calling on you to volunteer for Scouts. Volunteering is good for communities, good for young people and good for you.
- COVID has meant that many Beavers, Cubs and Scouts remain on a waiting list and without more volunteers we are unable to move them off. Can you help work with us to during the restart of Scouts to continue in support for the local young people?
- Many young people managed to enjoy some level of Scouting throughout COVID – in the great INdoors – over lockdown and the summer including zoom which was used more and more. Parents and family members witnessed Scouts virtually first hand – now is your chance to continue your Scouts experience but this time F2F and enjoy it even more by becoming a volunteer.
Benefits of volunteering with Scouts:
- Gain skills: We have an award-winning training scheme for our volunteers so you get as much from it as our amazing young people, including practical skills like first aid and transferable skills like communication and leadership.
- Boost your CV: More than two thirds of our volunteers say their CVs have been enhanced by joining Scouts. Employers love to see the commitment of volunteers, and through Scouts you can get vital experience in areas like management, administration and activities.
- Make new friends: A whopping 97% of our volunteers say their involvement has helped them forge new friendships.
- Change lives: There’s no better feeling than making a difference to communities and transforming the lives of young people. How’s that for job satisfaction?
Flexible volunteering
The only prerequisite to volunteer with us – apart from enthusiasm, of course – is that you’re over 18. We know our volunteers lead busy lives, so we’re all about flexibility: whatever the time and skills available we can find a great role for you.
You can choose to volunteer with us once a week, twice a month or once a year – in the thick of activities with young people or behind the scenes in management, executive or support roles.
How to volunteer with us
We can discuss a role that suits your aims – and your lifestyle. We can consider the following factors when finding your ideal fit:
- How many hours do you want to volunteer – and when? Some volunteers make a regular commitment but if you have less time, or infrequent availability you could job share, or take on a smaller role.
- What’s your motivation? Telling us why you want to volunteer can help us find your perfect fit. Perhaps you want to boost your CV, use volunteering as an opportunity to make new friends or spend time with your children.
- What are your interests? Do you want to use your existing skills and interests or develop new ones? Do you have a specialist skill like climbing experience or business know-how?
- Would you prefer to work with young people or adults? Not all volunteers work directly with children and teenagers; you can also work remotely or primarily with adults as, for example, a treasurer or chair.
- Do you want management experience? Scouts is a great way to get management experience outside of work. Many of our volunteers are line managers and they gain valuable leadership experience. We also have active activities-based roles and essential administration jobs – both great CV boosters.
- Do you want to be a Scout? Some of our volunteers join The Scout Association and others don’t – we have plenty of opportunities for both types of helper. You don’t have to wear a uniform or make the Scout Promise if you don’t want to.
Find out more about membership types and volunteer roles on our Member Resources – and don’t forget to contact our Scouting Support Officer if you have any queries.
We provide the training. You show up, get stuck in, and make memories for life.
Sounds fun? Worthwhile? It is!
