In any volunteering role at VOCAL, you will be given regular guidance and support by your volunteer manager. Together we can identify any relevant training that may be helpful and you will be offered suitable development opportunities to support you in your role. You will be invited to regular meetings with your peers.
We run a monthly induction session at our Edinburgh Carers’ Centre for prospective volunteers. This can help you to better understand what we do at VOCAL and whether a volunteering role would suit you. If you’d like to find out more, please contact Szilvia on
Centre volunteers
Role: Providing a friendly welcome for carers visiting or phoning VOCAL, performing basic admin tasks and supporting the smooth running of the carer centre.
Location: Edinburgh Carers’ Hub or Midlothian Carer Centre.
Commitment: Three hours per week, with either morning or afternoon sessions available.
Volunteer facilitators
Role: Supporting the facilitation of learning, peer support and leisure activities.
Location: Online or in person at our Edinburgh Carers’ Hub or Midlothian Carer Centre.
Commitment: At least three hours per month, Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday day-time preferred.
Treasure Tree support volunteers
Role: Supporting the sales of second-hand mobility items. Treasure Tree is our social enterprise that helps people access affordable second-hand mobility and accessibility items.
Location: In person at our Treasure Tree shop in Ocean Terminal, 1st Floor, Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ.
Commitment: Flexible hours based on availability, with an expectation of 3 hours per week to maintain shop operations.
Volunteer counsellors
Role: Providing counselling at VOCAL’s Carers Counselling Service. The VOCAL administrative team will schedule appointments between carers and Volunteer Counsellors. Please note, this role is only for qualified counsellors who have completed a postgraduate diploma, COSCA-validated course or equivalent.
Location: Online, over the phone, or in person at our Edinburgh Carers’ Hub or Midlothian Carer Centre.
Commitment: To see at least three carers per week for a minimum commitment of one year. Hours and days are flexible, depending on your and the carers’ availability.
