Service outwith the Company and Church

     The BB is an organisation which tries to help others just as much as it tries to help its own members.

     All around us are people with needs - families; children, young people and adults with disabilities; the elderly with their particular needs; community groups.  These people, and many others, live in your community - can you do something practical to help them?

     Most of these needs cannot be dealt with in a short period of time and so, when you think about getting involved, ask yourself if you are prepared for the possibility that you will want to carry on your service even after gaining the Queen’s Badge.  After all, think how the person you have been helping will feel if you stop as soon as you gain the Queen’s Badge.  At the outset of your service it will be courtesy to agree your time and length of commitment to the group / individual concerned.

     Of course, not all community service is directly involved with people - some of it involves practical work like digging gardens, mending toys or decorating rooms.  These forms of service might suit you better, but remember that the gardens or toys belong to people, so get to know them and you may find there is other work you can do for them.

     Your church will also be able to help you join in its service to others, or advise you on help which you can give.  The major part of your work should be in the community but, on occasions, part of the work may be within the church.  In such circumstances you would require special permission from your Queen’s Badge Adviser.  If in doubt, ask before you start.

     Getting involved means what it says.  This part of the programme is about giving practical help.  The 30 hours of service which you are asked to give is the minimum.  If you can spare more time, give it.  After all, the Queen’s Badge programme lasts for at least a year.

     Remember that "getting involved" does not have to be a lonely experience.  You can work in a group with other people, friends or members of your Company, on whatever form of service suits you.  Your church will also be able to help you join in its service to others, or advise you on help which you can give.

     Discuss your service with your Adviser and your Captain or Company Supervisor then go ahead and do it, for yourself, for your Company, for the whole Brigade, but above all, for others.

Training
     The BB needs to ensure that all of its work with young people takes place safely.  This is especially important where young men might be working without the vigilant supervision of a BB Officer. 

     Suitable training / instruction should be sought before commencing practical service.  You must also read the Health & Safety Guidelines and complete the appropriate forms - sending copies to your advisor.

Practical Service

     Service should ideally last at least 30 hrs over a 6-month period, demonstrating an on-going commitment over this period and should be carried out outwith the Company & Church.

     Service to particular individuals (eg gardening or cleaning for an older or disabled person) should be considered carefully before embarking as after 6 months, the person may be left without assistance when the Candidate finishes.

     Sunday School Teaching, is a commendable activity, and one to be encouraged. It may be necessary, however to commit to a longer time period. Please discuss details with your Adviser prior to commencement.

In summary, the spirit of the regulations is that:

  • the service is given to individuals or specific groups of people

  • the profile of the Candidate is fairly high (the people receiving the service are aware of who is providing it)

  • the service given is witnessed by others

     The following sources may be able to help place Candidates in suitable service. Please remember that service should be ‘people-based' (ie of benefit to a specific individual or group) - if in doubt, check with your Adviser.

  • Volunteer Centre, Edinburgh
    45 Queensferry Street Lane, EDINBURGH EH2 4PF  Tel: 0131 225 0630

  • Volunteering First Midlothian
    Unit 18, Hardengreen Ind Est, Eskbank, DALKEITH EH22 3NX  Tel: 0131 663 6165

  • East Lothian Voluntary Organisation Network (ELVON)
    82 High Street, TRANENT EH33 1HH Tel: 01875 615423

  • Berwickshire Association of Voluntary Service
    9 Currie Street, DUNS Tel: 01361 883137

  • Central Borders Association of Voluntary Service
    6 Roxburgh St, GALASHIELS Tel: 01896 752787

  • Roxburgh Association of Voluntary Service
    Veitches Close, Castlegate, JEDBURGH Tel: 01835 863554

  • Tweedale Voluntary Association of Voluntary Organisations
    Newby Court, High Street, PEEBLES Tel: 01721 723123

  • Voluntary Action West Lothian
    19 Jarvey Street, BATHGATE Tel: 01506 634115

Some examples of Practical Service

Hospitals

  • Hospital Radio

  • Visiting Patients

  • Collecting and distributing books and magazines

  • Orderly work

  • Support worker with WRVS services

Children

  • Regular visits to children's homes.

  • Swimming with children.

  • Collecting, repairing and making toys and games.

  • Decorating rooms for playgroups.

  • Visits to residential homes.

  • After school clubs.

  • Special educational needs (Reading support groups).

  • Visits to theatres, church, circus or other events.

  • Teaching in Sunday Schools.

Older People

  • Visiting

  • Shopping and running errands

  • Changing library books

  • Reading aloud

  • Writing letters

  • Gardening and cleaning

  • Exercising pets

  • House redecoration

  • Visits to residential homes

  • Arrange parties, outings, entertainment

Those with a handicap

  • Taking out those confined to wheelchairs.

  • Helping (whilst carers are out).

  • Reading to those with sensory impairments.

  • Taking those with visual or hearing impairments for walks.

  • Taking individuals to church or other meetings.

  • Help at special schools – swimming, cycle maintenance, handcrafts, etc.

  • Help at summer schools (PHAB).

  • Helping at homes or clubs catering for those with a handicap.

 

Others

  • Service to the RNLI (lifeboats).

  • Holiday clubs for elderly or disadvantaged.

  • Summer missions.

  • Special community projects.

  • Fund raising for charities.

  • Work in charity shops.

  • First Aid provision at events.

 

 

     Some of the activities listed may be arranged through the Church and will be permitted by the Adviser. The general rule is that the service is given to individuals. Carrying out maintenance tasks within the church, or doing jobs normally done by an adult will not be accepted.

     Candidates are required to record the activities taken and the time spent as well as giving a report on their service.  Extra Log sheets are available.

IF IN DOUBT ASK:
Before
starting the service, do not risk spending 30 hours doing an activity which is not in the spirit of the regulations.

If an activity is not working for the candidate, he may change his area of service – The change must first be authorised by his Adviser.