Real Life Options are looking to recruit volunteers in the West Lothian Area with an interest in working with the people we support and carrying out activities involving very creative skills such as baking/cooking, Arts and Crafts and also music. Please get in touch if you would like to become a Real Life Volunteer and work with the people we support to enrich their lives.

If you are interested in this role or wish to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Nick Mclaughlin on 07767 472376 or email at nick.mclaughlin@reallifeoptions.org

‘Love to Ride’ is a cycling project funded by West Lothian Council. The project is all about getting individuals and workplaces cycling more. They run an International year round programme for anyone to join. But, also their local project in West Lothian which includes the free workplace and organsaition challenge (Cycle September).
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Anyone can sign up as an individual, then register or join a workplace, community or cycle group. This allows you to see everyone in your organisation. You can post photos, view your stats and earn badges and rewards. Love to Ride support throughout Cycle September by running tailored events to address barriers, Such as Bike Breakfasts, Dr Bike maintenance, skills and taster sessions (Covid Dependent).

You are  invited to an important Third Sector Summit on Monday 7 Sept from 10-12 pm  - 'Creating a new West Lothian'.  The purpose of the summit is to recognise the importance of the sector in the economic and social recovery and the partnership approach required to create a new West Lothian. To book you free place, please complete this Eventbrite registration by Friday 28 August. 
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​Note: due to covid-19 restrictions, this will be an online event.  

​Women N2 Work are running an online course via Zoom on 26th August 10am – 12pm every Wednesday and Thursday for 6 weeks. The course is aimed at individuals who would like to move on and think about entering into employment but don’t know where to start. The course is split into 3 weeks of personal development aiming to improve confidence, motivation and self-awareness to allow individuals to set and work towards their goals. The second half of the course is around employability and will give individuals the chance to create a professional CV, learn more about looking for work, completing applications and how to successfully prepare for an interview.

Please see the poster below for more information:

​Round 3 of the IA Grants Fund is now open, with the deadline for applications 9am on 11th September.
 
The application guidance document has been updated to reflect learning from the previous rounds.
 
The key criteria and focus for the Fund haven’t changed but some of our requirements have been adjusted in the light of huge response we have seen and the changing environment for older people. The FAQs page has also been updated.
 
In addition, there is now an online application form.
 
Our Aim is simple, through our collaborative efforts we want to reach more people, particularly those who are:
 

• living in complex and challenging situations
• in danger of being out of sight and out of mind

 
Organisations can apply to receive up to £15,000 each.  Please be aware you can only apply once. If you have been unsuccessful, you will not able to re-apply.
 
Visit the website to find out more.
 
Queries cannot be answered by phone so please get in contact by emailing: 
​GrantsFund@independentage.org

Bathgate Fabb Club are currently looking for a Vice Chairperson to join their board of trustees. The Vice Chairperson is an integral role within the community. The committee currently meets every 6 weeks online through zoom.

​The Helper service operates in Edinburgh and Lothian, Glasgow and Dumfries and Galloway and matches trained volunteers with terminally ill clients and/or their loved ones to provide companionship and emotional support.
 
Referral Criteria
 
The criteria for referral is as follows:

• Over the age of 18
• Terminal illness diagnosis or caring for someone with a terminal illness
• Prognosis of 12 months or less (we appreciate that this can be variable)

Type of Support

At the moment our volunteers are provide virtual support in the following ways:

• Telephone support
• Facetime/Whatsapp support etc
• Writing letters
• Signposting onto other organisations as appropriate

We are hoping in the future to be able to start up face-to-face visits again with clients, and therefore where possible we match clients with volunteers who live close by.

How to Refer
 
Professionals can refer the client via the referral form and emailed to: katie.wardlaw@mariecurie.org.uk or potential clients can self-refer/carers can refer their loved ones etc.
 
If anyone would like any more information then please feel free to email or call 07834394497.

​Scottish Community Development Centre has been commissioned by Sustrans to research how and why communities engage (or don’t engage) with active travel projects (click here for a definition of active travel). All types and sizes of community and voluntary organisations across the country are asked to give their views.
 
Wherever you are on your active travel journey your experience matters: from those who have never even considered an active travel project, to those that are thinking and planning one, to those who have successfully completed one. Whatever your organisation’s focus, Sustrans would like to know how they can work with all sections of our communities to deliver the benefits of active travel to everyone.
 
Complete the short (ten-minute maximum) survey here.
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Survey closes Friday 28th August at midnight.