Project Restore
Volunteers Wanted
Does this sound like you?
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An interest in maintaining/restoring/transforming furniture?
Some practical DIY skills?
Furniture makeover ideas?
Do you have a creative flair, with an eye for colour combinations?
You will be volunteering within a workshop, sharing these skills with our clients who are
keen on gaining hands on experience in this area. The focus will be on sanding, painting,
stencilling and making small repairs to donated items of furniture.
About the Opportunity
Cosgrove Care will be working in partnership with other local organisations in East
Renfrewshire to provide practical training, employment and volunteering opportunities for
individuals with learning disabilities.
The aim of the project is to sell only items that are desirable and this often entails upgrading
or reconditioning the materials that we receive as donations to Cosgrove Care’s charity
shops. This “upcycling” of furniture offers more opportunities for training and employment
of young people with learning disabilities in areas such as joinery, upholstering, etc. The
resulting products will be offered for sale in our Charity shops which aims to provide good
quality products at reasonable prices.
Main aims:
• To offer young people with learning disabilities a real work experience and the opportunity
to attain real skills to bring them closer to the job market.
• To raise the aspirations and self-esteem of young people with learning disabilities,
increasing the likelihood of emotional well-being and personal happiness.
• To help young people make a more successful transition from school into vocational
training or paid employment and to avoid falling into the ‘benefits trap’ and the risk of
poverty
• Supply good value household items for sale to members of the public
Support & Supervision
On-going support and all necessary materials will be provided. You will receive an induction
and you will be insured during your volunteering activity.
Requirements:
Application Form, 2 References, Interview, Disclosure/PVG check, Induction training which
will include: Health & Safety; The Volunteers duties; The client’s needs; The standards of
conduct, and code of practice; How to highlight any concerns; and where to turn for advice.
Skills & Experience(We are looking for volunteers with a range of varied skills)
 Practical DIY skills, such as sanding, painting, varnishing, stencilling, distressed
painting techniques, basic carpentry skills of sanding, sawing, nailing, adding and
removing things such as wheels, handles, knobs and hinges
 Understanding of confidentiality
 Patience
 A positive approach to people with disabilities
 Reliability
 Ability to work as part of a team and get along with others
Frequency & Commitment
To be confirmed. Approximately 4 hours, one day a week.
Location
The workshop is located in Barrhead East Renfrewshire. The up-cycled/recycled furniture
items will then go on to be sold within Cosgrove Care charity shops in Skirving Street,
Shawlands.
Expenses
Travel and out of pocket expenses available for volunteers. Current mileage rate for use of
own vehicle is 0.45 p per mile.
We are interested in hearing from volunteers from all walks of life. Volunteers must be a
minimum of 16 years of age and a Disclosure PVG check is required.
If interested please contact Lauren Jarvis, Volunteer Co-ordinator, Cosgrove Care, Tel 0141
620 2500 ljarvis@cosgrovecare.org.uk