Join our Kindness Midlothian campaign and volunteer like Gilbert
Could you be like volunteer Gilbert Kirkwood who loves his passenger assistant role helping get elderly people to and from Broomhill Day Centre in Penicuik?
Thoroughly recommend volunteering
Mr Kirkwood, voted Penicuik’s Citizen of the Year twice in a row, says he would “absolutely recommend” applying for two volunteer vacancies at the day centre.
A friendly face
He said: “It’s brilliant. I can really communicate with the older people and they are really pleased to see us. Most of them live on their own so it’s company for them – a friendly face. Yes, I’d absolutely recommend it.”
Show a little kindness
As part of a new Kindness Midlothian campaign, Midlothian Council and Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership have joined forces with voluntary organisations to encourage local people to give a few hours of their time for the benefit of our community, just like Mr Kirkwood.
Paying carer roles too
Temporary paid for caring roles are also available. All the opportunities can be found on our website
Four decades of volunteering
Mr Kirkwood, who has been volunteering in various roles since 1981, works on a Wednesday at the centre. He picks up around seven passengers along with the driver in a bus. Some of his clients need some extra support to get onboard and off as they have difficulty walking or are in wheelchairs.
Hot meals and a chat
When they come into the centre, there’s hot drinks and toast and a two course lunch to enjoy.
Loving the company
Mr Kirkwood, a former commercial and industrial photographer, helps out with the serving and also enjoys a chat and a catch up after lunch with the older people.
Fun and games
He said: “There’s lots of activities in the afternoon like skittles, Bingo and indoor floor curling. I just have a laugh with them and everyone has their own character.”
Home safely
After the games, Mr Kirkwood then escorts the older people back onto the bus and home.
Lots to do
Mr Kirkwood, who has a son, daughter and grandson, is also a volunteer First Responder with the Ambulance Service, helping with medical emergencies in his local Penicuik area. He somehow also finds time to coach swimming at international level, served previously as a parent helper at Strathesk Primary and was on the board at Ladywood Leisure Centre.
Giving back
He said: “I just like to give something back to the community.”