Royal Voluntary Service is appealing for local volunteers to help launch its new Rattray Lunch Club, offering people the chance to make a real difference in their community while boosting their own wellbeing.
The new lunch club will launch in September and take place fortnightly on Wednesdays from 11:30am-1:30pm at Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Football Trust, at the stadium at Davie Park. Run by volunteers who want to make a difference in their free time, the club will provide a welcoming space for local people to come together over a home-cooked two-course lunch, friendship and conversation.
The club is expected to welcome up to 30-40 diners once established and will provide a friendly, inclusive environment, particularly for older people or those who may be experiencing feelings of loneliness or isolation.
Royal Voluntary Service is now looking to recruit volunteers of all ages ahead of the launch, to help bring the new club to life. Opportunities are available for people to help serve lunches and support diners, volunteer drivers to bring people to and from the club, and service support volunteers and social media volunteers to help spread awareness of the club in the community.
By giving just a few hours of their time, volunteers can join a friendly local team helping to ensure the lunch club becomes a welcoming place where people can meet, socialise and build lasting friendships.
Volunteering can have a positive impact on those giving their time, as well as the people receiving support. 88% of Royal Voluntary Service volunteers say volunteering improves their wellbeing, while almost one in three (31%) say it has made them more physically active. Volunteering offers the chance to build confidence and develop practical skills including communication, teamwork, relationship building – and even social media.
Ahead of the official launch in September, Royal Voluntary Service will also be attending an open afternoon at Davie Park on Thursday (August 13th) from 4-5pm, where local people can find out more about the new lunch club, meet members of the team and ask questions about volunteering or attending once the service opens.
Sarah Murray, Royal Voluntary Service Health and Community Operations Manager for Scotland, said: "The new Rattray Lunch Club will be a warm and welcoming place where people can enjoy a good meal, meet new people and feel part of their local community – and we're looking for volunteers to help us get the club started.
"Whether you'd like to welcome diners, help serve lunches, drive people to the club or support us behind the scenes with social media, every role makes a real difference. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and give something back to your community, and we'd love to hear from anyone who'd like to get involved."
Thanks to support from Perth Health and Social Care Partnership, and the Community Learning & Development Team from Perth Council, Royal Voluntary Service is able to establish and grow the new Rattray Lunch Club, helping local people stay socially connected and independent within their community.
Royal Voluntary Service runs lunch clubs across Britain, supported by volunteers who help create friendly, inclusive spaces where older people can stay connected, enjoy regular social interaction and build lasting friendships.
No previous experience is needed to volunteer, and full training and ongoing support is provided by the charity.
Anyone interested in volunteering at the Rattray Lunch Club can visit GoVo.org or contact the RVS Perth office on 01738 633975 or by emailing perthsupportingyou@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.