Our volunteers are amazing, and only with their help are we able to do all the work we do supporting Care Experienced people all over Scotland. From running local groups for young people, answering calls to our Helpline, writing birthday cards for our members or picking up people on Christmas Day, our volunteers are integral to our mission.
Heather Tyeson has been volunteering since 2021. Heather supports two participation groups in Renfrewshire that meet fortnightly, meaning that she is volunteering every week, alternating between both groups. She has a good relationship with members and has developed this over the years she has supported them, building the kind of trust that encourages attendance and participation.
Heather has brought so much additional value and unexpected benefits to the organisation. In addition to volunteering her time, Heather decided to make her 30th birthday party a fundraiser for Who Cares? Scotland, raising vital funds for the groups she supports. With support from staff at Who Cares? Scotland, Heather planned the entire event from sourcing a venue, planning games on the night to raise money and sourcing raffle prizes from connections and local businesses.
“You only turn 30 once and I wanted to celebrate this with family and friends. I saw this an ideal chance to fundraise for WC?S, it was a great chance to do something for a great cause.”
– Heather
The event raised an amazing total of £2,346! Everyone had a great time, with live music, games and food. Heather’s guests also learned more about the work she supports when our Membership and Participation Manager Julie MacTaggart spoke about the difference Heather makes.
Throughout 2024, Heather supported the Carelidh, the Love Rally, attended planning meetings for groups, and supported Christmas prep – all the while continuing her weekly volunteering. She even did two overnights at the 2024 Summer Camp, showing once again the depth of her commitment to the organisation. Despite working full time as a primary school teacher, Heather still finds time to commit to volunteering regularly throughout the year as well as years like this of giving extra.
Julie has been able to evidence the difference that Heather’s fundraising party made, commenting “The money raised has added significant value and experiences for our young people. We have been able to take the groups to the Blair Drummond Safari Park and offer memorable Christmas trips that young people had a hand in choosing. The Wee Diamonds went to Laser Quest and Chill Out went to Roller Stop and they had food and games and a gift from Santa .”
The Wee Diamonds group is an activity and arts and crafts group for Primary School aged children in Renfrewshire with any care experience. Parents and carers can come along too.
The Chill Out is an activity group for Care Experienced young people in Secondary School to come together, meet new friends and try different activities and games.
Find out more about volunteering here.
Have a look at this year’s fundraising events calendar here.
