Alzheimer Scotland is the leading dementia organisation in Scotland. We campaign for the rights of people with dementia and their families, whilst providing an extensive range of innovative, personalised, and therapeutic support services.

We are committed to improving the lives and opportunities of people living with dementia, their carers, partners, and families as their journey transitions from the first point of contact through to end of life. We believe nobody should face dementia alone.

We are looking for a confident, innovative and collaborative Community Connections Co-ordinator for Dumfries and Galloway area. You will be responsible for developing, delivering and evaluating a range of activity and support groups for people living with dementia. This includes drop-in sessions, therapeutic group activities, carer support, Dementia Café style provision and brain health and prevention initiatives.

Delivery will follow a community hub model, with a regular presence in identified local venues or Alzheimer Scotland premises within the Dumfries and Galloway area, typically operating for a half or full day per week in each defined location. Extensive travel may be required across the region based on outreach locations.

The role also involves supporting a small team of volunteers who contribute to the delivery of services. Providing guidance, encouragement, and informal supervision. Fostering a positive team culture and ensuring volunteers feel confident and valued in their roles.

The successful applicant will have a positive approach to dementia. You will be flexible, inclusive, creative, and organised in your approach. You will be sensitive and compassionate with the ability to support people in times of difficulty or distress. You will be an excellent communicator who can work effectively both with individuals and with groups. You will have a positive approach to your own continued professional development and a willingness to participate in relevant training. A relevant qualification and previous experience of working with people with dementia would be an advantage.

In return you will be in a role which offers the opportunity to meet great people, have great job satisfaction and be employed by an Organisation that offers a range of employee benefits and career progression opportunities.

Location:This post will be home based, although will involve extensive daily travel across Dumfries and Galloway for delivery / facilitation of community groups in outreach locations.

Help us achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide.

Samaritans is entering an important period of change as we strengthen how we provide emotional support to people across Scotland and make sure our services can reach people when and where they need us most.

We’re looking for a Project Officer to help us coordinate and deliver this work across Scotland. Working closely with our Programme Manager, you’ll help turn plans into action. Your work will include supporting new local volunteering and outreach activity, working with volunteers and branches, coordinating training and engagement, and helping us build strong relationships with partners and communities. You’ll play an important role in keeping activity organised and moving forward. This will include coordinating meetings and actions, tracking progress, helping identify issues or risks, and making sure colleagues and volunteers have the information they need.

Building good relationships will be central to the role. You’ll work with volunteers, staff and external partners across Scotland and will be an important point of contact for branches and volunteers involved in the work. You’ll also help make sure people are kept informed as plans develop and changes are introduced.

This is a varied role for someone who is organised, enjoys working with people and is confident turning plans into practical action. You’ll need to be comfortable working across different pieces of work at the same time, building relationships and helping others stay connected to what is happening.

It’s an opportunity to contribute to an important period of development for Samaritans in Scotland and to help shape how we support people and communities in the future.

Contract terms:

• £32,000 - £34,000 per annum, plus benefits
• 24-month fixed term contract
• 35 hours per week (full-time)
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
• Hybrid, linked to our Edinburgh (Scotland) office. The role will require frequent travel throughout Scotland.
• We value meeting in person and working collaboratively. We work in person around 1 day a week in Edinburgh.
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• This role will require occasional evening and weekend working

What you'll be doing:

Support the development of detailed project plans

Coordinate and monitor the delivery of the project plan

Create and maintain up to date project documentation

Support the development and establishment of Community Teams in Scotland

Support testing and development of a clearer national model for outreach in Scotland

Coordinate activity across different workstreams

Organise and lead meetings, workshops and engagement sessions

Support with communications to relevant internal and external stakeholders

What you’ll bring:

Experience providing support to projects, ideally within a large-scale transformation programme

Experience of coordinating and leading meetings, workshops or engagement sessions

Strong organisational skills with the ability to effectively manage competing priorities

Great communication and relationship building skills

Ability to work collaboratively and sensitively with a wide range of stakeholders

Experience of working in a volunteer-led organisation is desirable

For full details, please see the Job Description and Person Specification

Why Samaritans?

At Samaritans, you’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

We offer flexible hybrid working, great benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. To find out more about Samaritans, please read our recruitment brochure.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people we support and who support us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported, at all levels of the organisation.

We are Penumbra Mental Health, a pioneering charity providing dedicated services for people with mild to serious and enduring mental ill health.

We support people on their journey to better mental health, by working with each person to find their own way forward. The power of people’s lived experience enables us to deliver pioneering services which transform lives.

We have an exciting and rare opportunity Join our Milestone ARBD Service, an innovative, award-winning service that’s transforming the lives of vulnerable individuals every single day and revolutionising the way we support people with complex needs. Leading our dedicated and passionate team, you’ll be able to see the direct impact of your work and know that what you do really does make a difference.

As our Operations Manager, you’ll be at the heart of this groundbreaking service, ensuring our values of compassion, courage, curiosity and collaborationare fully embedded in everything we do. You’ll lead the charge in:

• Developing and enhancing person-centred services that empower our residents to live more independently.
• Collaborating with our incredible multidisciplinary team and our partners in health, social care, and voluntary sectors to deliver the best outcomes for our residents.
• Overcoming operational challenges with creative solutions that enhance service delivery.
• Ensuring that our work continues to be safe, effective, and fully aligned with regulatory requirements.

But most importantly—you’ll be inspiring others and shaping the future of how we support those with mental health challenges.

At Penumbra, we don’t just want you to succeed—we want you to grow and thrive. As an Operations Manager, you’ll be given access to continuous learning, formal and informal training, and plenty of opportunities to take on new challenges and develop your career. We’re committed to your professional development, so you’ll always be equipped with the tools and skills you need to excel.

What We Offer:

• A dynamic, supportive work environment where you’ll feel empowered to succeed.
• Competitive salary and a range of fantastic employee benefits.
• Ongoing career development and training opportunities.
• A chance to be part of something groundbreaking—a service that’s changing lives and winning national awards.
• A team that genuinely cares about you and your wellbeing.

Ready to Inspire and Be Inspired?

If you’re ready to take on a leadership role in a truly innovative service and work with an extraordinary team, then we want to hear from you!

At Penumbra, we believe in creating positive change, and we’re looking for someone who shares that passion. If you’re ready to help shape the future of mental health care, then please apply and join us on this incredible journey!

For more information, including full job description and application/interview guidance, please download our recruitment pack. If you are having issues with viewing this or downloading this please contact recruitment@penumbra.org.uk.