We are looking for a Community Activity Organiser in West Lothian based in our office Unit 1 Grampian Court, Beveridge Square, Livingston, EH54 6QF.

The post holder will work in partnership with colleagues, people with Memory concerns, dementia and their families to:

• Plan, develop and facilitate a wide range of therapeutic and social activities
• Promote activities through social media and other platforms
• Support delivery of 9 outreach Community Cafes in West Lothian
• Review and evaluate activities providing regular reports of outcomes
• Produce a monthly programme detailing the services available, as outlined by the Centre Manager, and promote this widely across the networks.
• Be a local point of contact and carry out the associated administrative tasks/business banking.
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills

The post holder will deliver a combination of online groups as well as in person. Proficiency and confidence in using and supporting use of digital platforms are essential for this role along with proficiency in standard office software and IT systems, will enable you to coordinate activities seamlessly

Successful candidates will have a positive approach to dementia supported by excellent communication and networking skills and an empathic, positive attitude. Having a creative flair and being a self-starter would also be an advantage as well as having experience of working with people with dementia. A willingness to develop through ongoing learning is essential.

Occasional evening and weekend work may be required and a driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential to the role.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to work within Alzheimer Scotland as a Community Activities Organiser across West Lothian. The Community Activities Organisers will work closely with our Dementia Advisor to develop activities and groups that respond to the needs of the local community. The post holder will work in partnership with colleagues, people with dementia and their families to:

• Research, plan and develop suitable activities groups across West Lothian
• Facilitate a wide range of therapeutic and social activities.
• Promote the groups and activities through appropriate platforms
• Review and evaluate activities providing regular reports of outcomes

Alzheimer Scotland take a blended approach to community groups, delivering a combination of online groups as well as in person. Proficiency and confidence in using and supporting use of digital platforms and social media are essential for this role.

Successful candidates will have a positive approach to dementia supported by excellent communication, networking skills and an empathic and positive attitude. Having a creative flair and being a self-starter would also be an advantage as well as having experience of working with people with dementia. A willingness to develop through ongoing learning is essential.

Occasional evening and weekend work may be required and a driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential to the role.

The successful candidate for this post will be subject to a criminal check through Disclosure Scotland.

Funded by Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Carers Challenge Fund, this is one of two Family Support Development Officers post within the existing Forth Valley Family Support Service. This post focuses on developments within Falkirk, and is responsible for developing, delivering, supporting, and promoting a range of family support and engagement for family members who are affected by someone else’s substance use.

Funded developments include: Design and delivery of group sessions in partnership with the Carers Centre; Establishing link working with Hospital Support & Discharge Priorities; Exploring opportunities to engage with families in areas with low referral rates.

The post holder will work in partnership with partner organisations, families and communities, and have responsibility for co-leading Scottish Families’ Forth Valley Family Support Service (established in 2014) alongside our existing Forth Valley Family Support Development Officer. Responsibilities include co-leading the development, delivery and promotion of Forth Valley Family Support Service, offering a range of family support and engagement for family members across Forth Valley who are affected by someone else’s substance use; and ensuring the Family Support Service offers, choice, consistency and flexibility for adult family members (aged 16+ years) in their own right.

The post is located in Forth Valley (main base: Falkirk) and has an area-wide remit involving significant travel throughout the area and some to our offices in Glasgow. It is expected that the post holder will be required to work some evenings and occasional weekends. Due to the nature of this post, access to a car is essential. This post will be part of Scottish Families’ staff team and be supervised by the Senior Family Support Development Officer.

We are seeking applicants who have a degree in a relevant subject or equivalent professional qualification; and experience of direct client work, group work and direct work with families. Experience working with or as a carer and/or working with or as a volunteer is desirable, along with knowledge of issues for families affected by substance use. Knowledge of carers rights is an advantage. Candidates should be able to encourage and promote the development of family support groups, and effectively and sensitively advocate for others, with strong organisational, interpersonal and communication skills.

Around since 1923, SAMH is Scotland’s national mental health charity. We have represented the voice of people most affected by mental health problems in Scotland for almost 100 years. Today, in over 60 communities we work with adults and young people providing mental health social care support, services in primary care, schools and further education, among others.

These services together with our national programme work in See Me, respectme, suicide prevention and active living; inform our policy and campaign work to influence positive social change. SAMH is dedicated to mental health and wellbeing for all: with a vision of a society where people are able to live their lives fully, regardless of present or past circumstances.

About the Role

Thrive Edinburgh is about thinking big and thinking differently. We should have big ambitions and long-term strategic aims when it comes to mental health. We have made it our goal to promote mental health and protect our citizens’ resiliency, self-esteem, family strength and joy and reduce the toll of mental illness on individuals, our communities and our city.

The Thrive Service Manager is responsible and accountable for maintain high quality standards across Redhall Walled Gardens and SAMH staff within the South West Welcome Team.

SAMH Redhall is a mental health recovery project based in a beautiful walled garden in South-West Edinburgh. We have a wonderful location in a wooded dell by the Water of Leith and indoor and outdoor facilities including polytunnels, vegetable beds, ornamental gardens, orchard, kitchen, library and training room.

The Instructor Team at Redhall provide a supportive environment to learn and practice skills in horticulture. The service has structured days and encourages people to build routine, be more active, spend time outdoors and work alongside others. Our Employability Practitioner offers additional support for people to better manage their mental health, develop confidence and progress their goals.

The garden is open to the public during the week and also plays host to local partner projects who might arrange their own activities in the grounds. We also organise open days to sell plants, promote the service and raise awareness.

The Thrive Service Manager will also line manage our SAMH Welcome Team Practitioners who work as part of a multidisciplinary team in the South West of Edinburgh, delivering short-term focused support for mental health challenges and support citizens to access the support they are looking for.

The role will be responsible for:

• Leading and managing teams to ensure safe and effective provision of support to those people who use the service through the promotion of outcomes focused person centred approaches.
• Compliance with relevant, legislation, contracts and service specifications, SAMH policies and ensuring practice reflects current research findings.
• Effective management of key stakeholder and external partnerships
• Effective and efficient management of all resources.
• Contributing to the wider work of SAMH to support the achievement of SAMH strategic objectives

What we are looking for

We are looking for an experienced Service Manager who is able to lead teams and relationships within networks to explore opportunities for developing our Thrive Services. You don’t need to have horticultural experience or knowledge to manage our Redhall service, although this would be desirable.

What we will provide for you

You will work in a supportive environment and will be provided with a full induction and training opportunities. You will be given the chance to develop your knowledge and skills, as well as develop professionally. Some of our benefits include;

• Reimbursement of PVG, Disclosure & SSSC annual fees and registration costs.
• Funded continuous learning and development opportunities, access to over 100 courses online in addition to classroom and virtual training sessions
• 30 days annual leave rising to 33 after 5 years’ service
• 4 public holidays
• 2 paid wellbeing days off per year to use on what matters to you.
• Team wellbeing budgets
• Workplace pension scheme
• Life Assurance policy
• Employee Assistance Programme