Volunteering at Ceartas:

Ceartas has a small but loyal team of volunteers who support the work of organisation.

The De Cafés and A Bite & A Blether groups are kept running by their volunteers. Volunteers support the set up and organisation of these as well as all the little things that make people feel welcome. This enables Ceartas staff to ‘work the room’ and find out if anyone has any issues that they might need support with, or a referral to advocacy.

Our volunteers build strong relationships with people at the groups, and they are welcomed like old friends every time. We try to support our volunteers with information, access to training and development days that supports their role, and of course the lunch is on us!

We also have occasional volunteer opportunities, like admin tasks, distributing publicity materials, even things like helping out at big events.

Volunteer supporting a lady playing the piano

If you are interested in volunteering for us, please contact Ceartas here.

The main volunteer organisation in East Dunbartonshire is East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action (EDVA). EDVA has a wide variety of volunteering opportunities, including Befrienders. If Ceartas does not have any suitable volunteering opportunities for you, please contact EDVA.

  • Group Member
    “I was glad it was Monday this morning as I’ve got this group on Mondays. I like this wee group.”
    Group Member
    A Bite & A Blether
  • Walking Group Member
    Just a quick message of thanks to you guys.  You’ve made me feel welcome at a low time in my life.  The lowest I’ve ever faced.  I really appreciate it.
    Walking Group Member
  • Marie
    Thank you for your support at the last meeting. It’s great having somebody independent in my corner: not sure what I would have done or where I would be otherwise.
    Marie
    Service User
  • George
    There is always someone there at Ceartas for me, no matter who takes the call.
    George
    Service User
  • Alecia
    It’s a really tricky role you’ve had in this case but you’ve done so effectively.
    Alecia
    Social Work
  • Ashleigh
    Thank you for your prompt and informative reply. It’s appreciated more than you will know.
    Ashleigh
    Carer
  • Mark
    I am usually apprehensive about contacting organisations in fear of being passed pillar to post. I was delighted when I contacted Ceartas: although I didn’t need advocacy, you talked me through local services that I needed.
    Mark
    Information enquiry
  • Derek
    After waiting months, you got the ball rolling with a number of things and for that I thank you.
    Derek
    Service User
  • Agnes
    I can pick up the phone and advocacy support is always there, ready to listen and help me understand things better.
    Agnes
    Service User
  • De Café
    Very understanding of my memory issues and love the related activities
    De Café
    Group Member
  • De Café
    Enjoy time with friends
    De Café
    Group Member
  • Alex
    When I call Ceartas everyone is always so kind and helpful. They are all a really good group of people.
    Alex
    Service User
  • Group Member
    It was wonderful to you see again and be with friends and joining in at B&B. The loneliness was certainly put aside and replaced with love and laughter being amongst everyone.
    Group Member
    A Bite & A Blether
  • Joanne
    I didn't know that there was anything I could do about my situation, let alone that I had options. I feel so much better knowing that I can turn to Ceartas for information when I need it.
    Joanne
    Service User
  • Sarah
    Even a ten minute chat on the phone made me feel so much better. I was becoming frustrated and annoyed at not getting what I needed from services, but talking to my Advocacy Worker kept me grounded and stopped me from losing the rag with anyone.
    Sarah
    Service User
  • Thomas
    Thanks so much, this is almost a miracle! Can you do anything for Partick Thistle while you’re at it?
    Thomas
    Carer
  • De Café
    Very Interesting and good source of Information and good company
    De Café
    Group Member
  • Olivia
    Absolutely thrilled with the service. I wish my family all stayed in East Dunbartonshire and could access it!
    Olivia
    Carer
  • Walking Group Member
    For me, it was meeting other, new people that benefited me most.
    Walking Group Member
  • Sandra & John
    Thanks for discussing things and then sending us some information in the post: we have now started the Power of Attorney process.
    Sandra & John
    Service User
  • David
    It's really nice to know that someone is listening to me and taking me seriously. Other people seem to think that my problems are trivial and aren't worth bothering about, but that is not true. My Advocacy Worker helped me to make my point in such a way that I couldn't be ignored, and now things are starting to improve as a result.
    David
    Service User
  • Elizabeth
    I live quite a long distance away from my sister. When she needed to get some more support in place for her dementia, the information about local services and support that you were able to give me was invaluable. I can't thank you enough.
    Elizabeth
    Long-distance carer
  • Richard
    I felt like I was facing a brick wall until I started receiving support and information from Ceartas. The outcome of that has led to a much better relationship with the rest of the family, and now we are all pulling in the same direction.
    Richard
    Carer