Volunteering at GalGael
The core of our work at GalGael is about providing participant based programmes that help people regain a positive sense of both self and community. A strong band of dedicated volunteers are key to making these programmes happen. This page includes answers to some of the most common FAQs about volunteering at GalGael. If you need any more information please contact us.
Who typically volunteers for GalGael?
Our volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds including:
- Ex participants. Volunteering is often a good next step once you’ve completed the GalGael programme.
- Retired craftsmen and women. Keeping traditional skills alive is a big part of what GalGael is about. Many of our volunteers are people who have finished work and are keen to pass on the skills that they have learnt through their careers.
- Local supporters. Some of our volunteers are people who simply want to support the work that GalGael does.
How much of time commitment does volunteering at GalGael involve?
Depending on a particular volunteer’s skill set and availability we will schedule them in from as little as a half day per week to five full days per week. This will be by negotiation and is reviewed on a regular basis. We understand that things come up and that people have other commitments. All we ask is that you give us notice if you’re not going to make it for a shift that you’ve been scheduled in for.
What sort of volunteer roles are there at GalGael?
There are two distinct types of volunteering roles at GalGael. The first type involves roles that we need to fill on a weekly rota basis. These roles are scheduled in and you’ll be expected to sign up to a number of pre-agreed shifts per week. Some typical weekly volunteer roles include:
- Production Assistant. Help GalGael and GalGael participants produce the range of GalGael small crafts.
- Receptionist. Welcome people, answer the phone, help with filing etc.
- Machine Shop Technician. Help us maintain the many woodworking machines that are in our machine shop.
- Store-man. Look after the flow and maintenance of key tools in the GalGael workshop.
- Catering Coordinator. Ensure that there is a good healthy lunch for participants, volunteers and staff every day.
The second type of volunteer roles available at GalGael are more ad-hoc and include:
- Craft demonstrator. GalGael attends a number of events every year such as The Royal Highland Show. We always need people to demonstrate craft skills at such events.
- Marquee Hand. GalGael also runs a community marquee. We need a band of volunteers who are competent at putting the marquee up and taking it down.
- Timber Hand. We need timber hands at varying times depending on the supply of timber in the round available. This is often influenced by winter storms bringing down trees in Glasgow’s parks.
Do GalGael volunteers get paid?
Volunteering at GalGael is just that… volunteering. That’s not to say there are no rewards from volunteering with us. Often new skills are learnt, fun is had and new friends are made. We’ll also do our best to make sure that you aren’t out of pocket. For example, we’ll cover travel expenses for key roles by prior agreement as well as for people travelling to GalGael events.
Are there always volunteer positions available at GalGael?
We have a certain number of volunteer slots and once they are full we won’t take any more volunteers on until a slot becomes available. We do try to make sure that everyone who wants to volunteer with us can help in some way but we also have to ensure that we are providing a positive volunteering experience.
What are the next steps for someone who wants to volunteer at GalGael?
- Fill out and submit the Volunteer Enquiry Form. (Download this from the left of this page.)
- We’ll contact you to let you know what availability we have.
- A visit to GalGael will be arranged.
- An informal interview takes place and references are checked.A position and shifts are agreed upon and a start date arranged.
- Relevant training and on-going supervision are provided.
