How to Volunteer with CoWL

Volunteers help and enable us to deliver our services. Without the excellent support we receive from so many volunteers, we would be unable to help as many people as we do.

There are many ways in which you can volunteer with us, whether being a volunteer driver with our Young Carers Service or becoming a volunteer counsellor, we have varied roles suitable for a wide range of skills.

What difference can I make as a volunteer?

Carers of West Lothian are always looking to add volunteers to our wonderful team

Each of our volunteer roles helps make a meaningful difference to the lives of people supported by Carers of West Lothian.

Our volunteers are as diverse as our roles.

Whether you want to use your existing skills to help others or perhaps you want to learn something new, we can provide you with the training necessary.

If you would like to talk to someone about volunteering, please contact us.

A group of women practicing drumming in a room with various colored drums. Some are seated while others stand, all holding drumsticks. There are metal and plastic drums on the floor and chairs placed in a circle.
A group of six people sitting at a restaurant table enjoying a meal. The table has plates of food, drinks, and condiments. The room features decorative mirrors, a stained glass window, and shelves with various items.
Two women sitting on a colorful sofa, holding gift packages wrapped in cellophane. They are smiling and appear to be in a cozy room with a wall clock and window blinds in the background. Gift packages and decorations are visible around them.
A group of people outdoors participating in gardening activities next to a brick building. They are dressed in warm clothing and appear to be engaged in planting or composting in a garden container. The surrounding area is covered with stones and lea
Person in a wheelchair bowling with a ramp at a bowling alley.
Three smiling women sitting together at a table with plates of food, a juice carton, and a cup. They appear to be enjoying a social event or gathering.

What to expect as a volunteer

  • Warm Welcome – Join a friendly, supportive team.

  • Training – Full induction and ongoing training provided.

  • Flexibility – Volunteer at times that suit you.

  • Ongoing Support – Regular guidance from our Volunteer Coordinator.

  • Recognition – We celebrate and value your contributions.

  • Out-of-Pocket Expenses – We reimburse reasonable travel and other agreed expenses, so volunteering doesn’t cost you.

  • Sense of Community – Be part of a welcoming network of volunteers. We host regular social events and gatherings so you can connect, share experiences, and build friendships.

Current volunteering opportunities

If you wish to apply for any of our volunteer openings, or simply want more information, please complete the form below or contact Carers of West Lothian on 01506 448000 or by email at office@carers-westlothian.com.

  • Hours: Up to 3 hours per week
    Reporting to: Volunteer Coordinator

    Note: Work will be undertaken on an ad hoc basis and may be out with normal office hours, including evening work.

    Purpose: to help raise funds which will support the services provided by CoWL.

    Duties and Responsibilities

    • Participate in fundraising activities

    • Organising/taking part in events

    • Assisting with community collections

    • Selling raffle tickets

    Personal Qualities

    • An understanding and sensitive approach to the difficulties and needs of carers

    • Outgoing and friendly approach

    Support and induction

    • Induction and ongoing support will be provided by the Volunteer Coordinator

    • Regular Volunteer meetings and proportionate 1:1 meetings

    Desirable Skills

    • Able to effectively promote the work of the organisation

    • To participate in activities respectfully and enthusiastically being mindful that you are the public face of CoWL

    • To adhere to the Fundraising Code of Conduct

    The post holder will be required to undergo a full Disclosure Scotland check prior to taking up the post.

  • Hours: Up to 3 hours per week
    Location: Sycamore House, Livingston

    Purpose: to assist with administrative duties as required.

    Duties and Responsibilities

    • Shredding

    • Photocopying

    • Scanning

    • Inputting Data

    • Creation of CoWL cards

    • Collection of feedback

    Support and induction

    • Induction and ongoing support will be provided by the Volunteer Coordinator.

    • Regular Volunteer meetings and proportionate 1:1 meetings with Volunteer Coordinator

    The post holder will be required to undergo a full Disclosure Scotland check prior to taking up the post.

  • Location: Sycamore House, Livingston
    Reporting to: Volunteer Coordinator

    Purpose: do you have green fingers? We’re looking for a volunteer to help us maintain the garden space at our centre.

    Duties and Responsibilities

    • Light gardening around the perimeter

    • Grass cutting, weeding, planting

    • Help to maintain an inviting and welcoming centre for the people we support

    • Commit to regular upkeep, as weather permits

    Support and induction

    • Induction and ongoing support will be provided by the Volunteer Coordinator.

    • Regular Volunteer meetings and proportionate 1:1 meetings with Volunteer Coordinator

    The post holder will be required to undergo a full Disclosure Scotland check prior to taking up the post.

  • Location: Various
    Frequency: once per month
    Reporting to: Volunteer Coordinator

    Purpose: to provide a seated massage service for unpaid carers

    Duties and Responsibilities

    • To provide seated massage therapy services as per their qualifications and professional guidelines

    • Commitment to regular attendance

    • To safeguard the service users’ and the organisation’s information in line with the Confidentiality Policy

    • Agree to a Disclosure Scotland check, in line with PVG requirements

    • Report any concerns to a staff member

    Key skills

    • Qualified Massage Therapist

    • Empathetic nature

    • Understanding of the difficulties faced by unpaid carers

    Support and induction

    • Induction and ongoing support will be provided by the Volunteer Coordinator.

    • Regular Volunteer meetings and proportionate 1:1 meetings with Volunteer Coordinator

    The post holder will be required to undergo a full Disclosure Scotland check prior to taking up the post.

  • Are you training to become a counsellor and looking for a supportive place to grow your skills?

    At CoWL, we welcome passionate individuals who want to make a difference. Our project is led by a BACP registered counsellor and our organisation is registered with COSCA (Counselling and Psychotherapy Scotland).

    As a trainee counsellor, you’ll offer therapeutic support under supervision, helping people navigate emotional and psychological challenges with empathy and care.

    What You Can Expect as a Volunteer:

    • A Warm Welcome – Join a friendly inclusive team that values connection and support.

    • Flexible Volunteering – Choose times that work best for your schedule.

    • Guidance & Growth – Receive regular support and mentorship from our Lead Counsellor.

    • Expense Support – We reimburse reasonable travel within West Lothian and other agreed expenses.

    • Community & Connection – Be part of a vibrant volunteer network. Enjoy social events, share experiences, and build lasting friendships.

    What We’re Looking For:

    • Training & Education – You’re currently studying towards a diploma, degree, or postgraduate qualification in counselling or psychotherapy.

    • Client Support – You’ll hold sessions with individuals facing a range of mental health challenges, primarily in person. Experience with phone or online sessions is a plus.

    • Ethical Practice – You follow the professional standards of bodies like BACP or COSCA, ensuring safe and confidential care.

    • Risk Awareness – You’re able to identify and respond to risks such as self-harm or suicidal thoughts, following our policies.

    • Supervision & Learning – You’ll take part in regular supervision (including with an external supervisor) to reflect, grow, and refine your practice.

    • Confidentiality & Records – You’ll keep accurate, secure records in line with legal and organizational guidelines.

    If you’d be interested in joining our programme, please complete the enquiry form below, selecting ‘Trainee Volunteer Counsellor’ as the volunteer role of interest.

  • Location: Various across West Lothian
    Reporting to: Volunteer Coordinator

    Purpose: to raise awareness about CoWL services for unpaid carers, young carers and disabled people

    Duties and Responsibilities

    • Assist at Information stands either with a staff member or another volunteer

    • Distribute information to key places throughout West Lothian

    • To undertake tasks enthusiastically

    • To convey a positive impression of CoWL

    • Adhere to Health and Safety Policy

    • To safeguard information in line with the Confidentiality Policy

    Key skills

    • A good knowledge of CoWL and the services that they provide

    • Good listening, and communication skills

    • Empathetic nature

    Support and induction

    • Induction and ongoing support will be provided by the Volunteer Coordinator.

    • Regular Volunteer meetings and proportionate 1:1 meetings with Volunteer Coordinator

    The post holder will be required to undergo a full Disclosure Scotland check prior to taking up the post.

  • Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that CoWL achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that CoWL has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.

    Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable CoWL to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

    Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

    Duties:

    • Support and provide advice on CoWL’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

    • Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

    • Oversee CoWL’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

    • Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

    • Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

    • Review and approve CoWL’s financial statements.

    • Provide support and challenge to CoWL’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

    • Keep abreast of changes in CoWL’s operating environment.

    • Contribute to regular reviews of CoWL’s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to  discussions.

    • Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect CoWL’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.

    • Contribute to the broader promotion of CoWL’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

    As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

    What we are looking for

    We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

    You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

    Personal skills and qualities

    • Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as  trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

    • Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

    • Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

    • A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

    • Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

    • Willingness to lead according to our values at CoWL.

    • Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

    Terms of office

    • This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed

    Time commitment

    • Attending four Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are hybrid, held in-person (Livingston) and online

    • Attending two Board Strategy days per year

    Committee membership

    Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the executive team.

Send an enquiry

Future opportunities

We are not currently recruiting for these roles but it gives an idea of some volunteering positions we may look to advertise for in future.

  • Employer: Carers of West Lothian

    Hours: Up to 3 hours per week

    Note: Work will be undertaken on an ad hoc basis and may be out with normal office hours, including evening work.

    Transport: Postholders must have access to a car and provide appropriate insurance cover

    Purpose: To assist staff in providing support to young carers by helping to transport the young carers to and from a group

    Duties and Responsibilities

    • Provide transport to and from support groups

    • Be punctual and reliable when picking up the people and make sure your ID card is visible

    • Give plenty of notice if your availability changes

    • Maintain confidentiality regarding the carers and possible conversations in the car and share with a member of staff if you have any concerns

    • Report to a member of staff immediately if there are any incidents, accidents or disclosures

    Personal Qualities

    • An understanding and sensitive approach to the difficulties and needs of carers.

    • The ability to be patient and adaptable to unique circumstances.

    • Good listening, verbal and communication skills

    Desirable Skills

    • Valid drivers licence and safe driving record with a maximum of 3 demerit points

    • Access to a car that is road worthy, hold business car insurance

    • Have no health conditions that may impair their ability to drive safely

    The post holder will be required to undergo a full Disclosure Scotland check prior to taking up the post.

  • Employer: Carers of West Lothian

    Hours: Up to 3 hours per week

    Note: Work will be undertaken on an ad hoc basis and may be out with normal office hours, including evening work.

    Transport: Postholders must have access to a car and provide appropriate insurance cover

    Purpose: To assist staff in providing support to young carers by helping to transport the young carers to and from a group

    Duties and Responsibilities

    • Provide transport to and from support groups

    • Be punctual and reliable when picking up the people and make sure your ID card is visible

    • Give plenty of notice if your availability changes

    • Maintain confidentiality regarding the carers and possible conversations in the car and share with a member of staff if you have any concerns

    • Report to a member of staff immediately if there are any incidents, accidents or disclosures

    Personal Qualities

    • An understanding and sensitive approach to the difficulties and needs of carers.

    • The ability to be patient and adaptable to unique circumstances.

    • Good listening, verbal and communication skills

    Desirable Skills

    • Valid drivers licence and safe driving record with a maximum of 3 demerit points

    • Access to a car that is road worthy, hold business car insurance

    • Have no health conditions that may impair their ability to drive safely

    The post holder will be required to undergo a full Disclosure Scotland check prior to taking up the post.

  • Hours: Up to 3 hours per week
    Location: various

    Note: Work will be undertaken on an ad hoc basis and may be out with normal office hours, including evening work.

    Purpose: to support with the facilitation of a group for unpaid carers ensuring they receive the appropriate support. There are various regular groups running each month, including the Dementia Support Group, Disability Support Group, Mental Health Support Group, and many more.

    Duties and Responsibilities

    • Welcome attendees and agree on group agreement (revisit as membership dictates)

    • Orientate and welcome new participants

    • Ensure everyone has an opportunity to speak

    • Ensure a supportive and safe space

    • Share any concerns with support staff

    • Arrange appropriate speakers as desired

    • Record Group Attendance and pass on to staff

    • Offer refreshments

    Personal Qualities

    • An understanding and sensitive approach to the difficulties and needs of carers

    • The ability to be patient and adaptable to unique circumstances

    • Good listening, verbal and communication skills

    Desirable Skills

    • Lived experience (desirable)

    • Active listening skills · Empathetic

    • Approachable

    • Non judgemental

    • Understanding of the challenges faced by carers

    • Ability to maintain confidentiality within the confines of safety

    The post holder will be required to undergo a full Disclosure Scotland check prior to taking up the post.

  • Hours: Up to 4 hours per week

    Note: Work will be undertaken on a regular basis out with normal office hours, including evening work, the young carer groups currently meet on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings. The groups meet between 6.30pm and 8pm

    Purpose: To assist staff in providing support to young carers in a group setting, involving them in supportive activities, providing breaks from caring situations and new opportunities. To adopt a person-centred approach to working with young carers and encourage empowerment.

    Duties and Responsibilities

    • Listen to and support young carers

    • Help transport young carers to and from groups

    • Assist in setting up and facilitating a range of supportive activities with young carers; including support groups, outings, events and other activities

    • Encourage the involvement of young carers in all aspects of shaping and developing the group and the Young Carers Support Service

    • Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of work with young carers

    • Note relevant concerns, needs or issues affecting young carers and pass these on to relevant people (e.g. young carer’s workers)

    • Maintain confidentiality with regard to personal information relating to individual users of the project

    • Work as part of a team contributing to the smooth running of the Young Carers Support Service

    • Undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required, as directed by the Senior Development Officer

    Personal Qualities

    • An understanding of and a sensitive approach towards the situations, needs and difficulties faced by young people and particularly young carers

    • An ability to work positively and supportively in a group setting

    • Good listening, verbal and communication skills

    • Commitment to Equal Opportunities

    Desirable Skills

    • Experience of working with young people

    • Training and/or qualifications in youth work

    The post holder will be required to undergo a full Disclosure Scotland check prior to taking up the post.