Volunteering, Work That Matters

It’s Volunteers’ Week, an annual event that helps us recognise and celebrate all the volunteer contributions that takes place in the UK. We want to thank, appreciate, and celebrate the time, effort and dedication of our volunteers, including our Board of Trustees, and the work they’ve put into helping people affected by MND and supporting our cause.

Volunteering is key to raising awareness and funding for MND Scotland and helps to drive forward our vision of a world without motor neuron disease. Contributions of time and skills help our cause, and we aim to support our volunteers in any way we can.

There are many benefits to volunteering, including meeting new people, learning new skills or improving former ones. MND Scotland volunteers have helped with fundraising, awareness, administration, and research, and they are a key part of what we do and our mission.

We asked some of our current volunteers why they volunteer with MND Scotland:

What initially motivated you?

Many volunteers at MND Scotland were motivated to start volunteering because they wanted to ‘give something back’ to the charity.

One MND Scotland volunteer said: “I wanted to do something to say thank you, to ‘pay back’ MND Scotland and to use our experience to help others living with MND.”

What roles have you taken on during your time here?

Volunteers are a big help for events such as running marshals, collecting donations, and being a general ‘helping hand’. This year, our volunteers have also helped with admin and office support, awareness raising, and taking part in our fundraising campaigns such as ‘A Dip a Day in May’.

One of our volunteers has been proactive in raising awareness about MND Scotland, took part in policy meetings, delivered talks to local community groups, and volunteered their time as a member of our Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) – helping to ensure funding is put towards meaningful research.

What do you find most rewarding about volunteering?

Volunteers help raise more awareness about the work we do and help support fundraising opportunities, ultimately helping us to continue supporting people living with or affected by MND.

“I like thinking that in some way (even if it is a tiny contribution) I’m helping to support those currently living with MND, their families, and generally supporting the work of the organisation. The other volunteers I’ve met have all been lovely – everyone has their own story and reason for volunteering, but I’ve felt a real sense of warmth and comradery in the shared sense of giving back to the charity.”

Our volunteers have described their experience volunteering for MND Scotland as a meaningful, fun, rewarding and helpful experience. We are proud of our volunteers and grateful for the skills, knowledge and experience they can bring to the charity.

What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering?

“Go for it”, “Give it a go”, “Do it”, “Absolutely do it”, “Just do it”

There are resounding urges from both us and our volunteers at MND Scotland to just start and experience it for yourself. You will “meet some lovely people”, “learn new skills”, and “your involvement will be fulfilling”. It’s a flexible role, and you can give whatever time you can.

There are a lot of opportunities throughout the year across Scotland. If you want to find out more about volunteering or are interested in getting involved, please visit our website: www.mndscotland.org.uk or get in touch at volunteer@mndscotland.org.uk.