Charlie Forsyth, previously a fork lift driver, was referred to PEP
by Working Links. He identified driving as an interest he would like to pursue with us (being an experienced driver) and was put through the MIDAS Test by Roy Douglas, our Qualified Assessor and full-time Volunteer Manager. That was on the Friday. By Monday Charlie had his first run on our accessible buses saying "I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would recommend and encourage anyone to volunteer rather than sit about the house. We appreciate and value the contribution people like Charlie make to improving conditions for the people in our local community, and who else better to do it with than ----- PEP!!

My name is Richard Carr and on the 8th October 2008, I attended an interview with PEP through my administration course with Edinburgh City Council,

As soon as I walked through the doors of PEP I could feel the warmth of the Centre and knew straight away this was where I wanted to spend the 12 week placement programme. I have been here 4 weeks so far, and met many great people, both management, staff and the people who use the services PEP provides.
I have spent a lot of time helping with small projects in administration, working in the social clubs and with the painting and decorating team. These along with escorting on the buses, working with the home helps, and many other experiences have made up a very varied month.
PEP is a GREAT place to Volunteer or gain experience if you are studying or thinking of going into the social care industry.

Dianne Hits the High Spots

Dianne, a mature student studying community Education at Edinburgh University, took on the role as advisor to the people of Edinburgh who would like to give their spare time volunteering within the community. " I feel privileged to have been part of the volunteer exhibition, says Dianne. I particularly enjoyed meeting and chatting with both potential volunteers and individuals from other organisations about the diversity of work we do at PEP. There was a great buzz about the place especially around our 'Pitch' as Roy, Jim and myself eagerly promoted the many benefits of volunteering with PEP".

We would just like to add our thanks to Dianne for her endeavours and great spirit in presenting PEP to the public.

George is flushed with embarrassment.

George made his way as usual on Monday morning to his volunteering task in Home Care. WHen he got there the Lady of the house (who is absolutely delighted with Georges weekly cleaning) said "Could you clean out the toilet for me this morning" George sprung into action, but on entering the toilet found what he described later as the oddest 'Loo Brush' he had ever seen. Never one to be daunted George pulled out the brush from the holder to make sure it was clean. To his astonishment the brush had ROOTS on the bottom of it!! Yes George had pulled up the clients favourite POT PLANT !! After the initial panic George replaced it and got on with the rest of the job. I'm almost scared to ask for comments on this, but good on you George for sharing this with us.

Andrew's Success Story

Andrew Crighton who has worked as a volunteer with our project for the last year has secured himself a job on the staff of the Capital Hotel in Clermiston. Andrew ( a fervent Hibs fan) worked with the painting and decorating /gardening team and is well known as a 'Grafter' who was always first to turn up in the morning. Andrews reflections on his year with PEP: " I think PEP is a good place to work in. It's nice to work with people at PEP and the group I was involved with. It will be great to work with new people but I will miss this place and be sorry to go. This will be Andrew's first full-time job. Please leave a goodwill mesage for Andrew through the comments facility.

We'll miss you Andrew, but we are always pleased to see the volunteers further themselves, and were still here to give you support and encouragement if you feel you need it. Good Luck.

Scottish Gas "Working in the Community"

Just like to offer a great big thanks to Dawn Fowler and Deborah Hitchings for their month long association with our Project. The girls worked alongside Francis Durie and the volunteers in the Social Clubs that PEP provide for Social Inclusion within our designated areas. BOTH WORKED REALLY HARD AND, AS YOU CAN SEE ON THE WEBSITE, enjoyed themselves tremendously. Thanks to all the volunteers and users for making it a pleasant experience all round. More volunteers from Scottish Gas have already started to make an impact on PEP users, and we welcome future help with open arms. do you think you would like to get involved?
phone our number if you have a few hours to spare. The choice of tasks is truly amazing, and the training and support is second to none. PEP 0131-315-4466

Update on Home Care

With brooms at the ready our two girls (Helen & Julie) started their first day as home care assistants. After the first two calls the girls felt elated at the experience and settled down to lunch at Julies mum-in law. Mine never gave me anything but a scowl!! Onward refreshed and willingly they visited Eric (87 year old) to finish off their day. How did they feel about the first day? "Great!! can't wait till next week". "The banter was good and we feel that we made a difference. It was more than a home care service - it was a social visit as well which seemed to go down well with our new found friends".

Well done ladies.

Benson & Who ?

A phone call came into the office last week. Realising that it was a job for Roy, Trish called out "Roy it's for you, a woman wanting her hedges done" Roy, in the middle of a minor crisis, picked up the phone and said "Good morning Mrs Hedges, what can I do for you"!! Yes even in time of crisis we're still polite. Thanks for the laugh Roy.

PEP is cosmopolitan

In the last few days maybe as many as 10 new volunteers have floated into our building. It must be the sun that has brought them out.

Interestingly, several are very highly qualified people from other parts of the world who want to, in their words, 'give something back'. A GP from Russia, a senior nurse from China, a social worker from Germany, a teacher from Spain...PEP is becoming truly cosmopolitan and of course, we have many great local folk too.

If you want to join us, just contact Roy on 315 4466

All trained and kitted up

PEP volunteers here, gearing up for the new homecare service: first squad go out tomorrow...Helen & Julie...all trained and kitted up. Lots of excitement at being the first to deliver a brand new service.

You will be the first to know how it goes!

ROYSTON POOCH POWER

Travelling through Royston Mains yesterday, David our driver, let out a howl of laughter."Look everybody" he cried, "Look out the right hand window" All eyes averted to the right only to see a dog going like the clappers in the middle of the road. Ears flapping - nostrils flaying and tongue lolling, the faithful hound galloped on. This sight was followed by a long lead ....... and a cyclist sitting on a bike gripping the handlebars with one hand and the leash in the other !!
Is this genius we ask ourselves ? Could this be a new activity in the 2012 Olympics ? Read your local NEN for up- dates .

Clear conscience

George, volunteer driver, comes in yesterday...hot and bothered, guilt written all over his face. 'I've lost the yard key.'

'Me too,' says driver David, neither guilty nor bothered.

Roy grinds his teeth...losing one key is an accident, but 2 in one day is careless and this means an emergency journey to the locksmith for him.

This morning in trips George, face wreathed in smiles, and produces from his pocket 1 gate key. 'Iain found it yesterday, just outside the office. It must have fallen when I pulled the van keys out my.' The man is plainly relieved, conscience now clear.

We've still not found David's though... and his conscience is as clear as it ever was!

Is that a dead body in the coffin ....?

The MAGIC Club is the source of this next snippet. This time, volunteer David, gets locked in the toilet...'Help, let me out...help, I'm locked in, help...' The Bold Jim, head honcho volunteer, rushes to the rescue and in the absence of a screwdriver uses sharp knife to swivel the lock. Lots of conferring between David and Jim, lots of handle pulling, twisting and turning but no release for David. By this time they're beginning to panic and Frances decides to intervene. One twist of the knife and the door opens...
Q. How many PEP volunteers does it take to unlock a door?
A. None, just leave it to the staff!

The tale provokes a lot of laughter in the office when David recounts it next day and another story: about the time when Mandy was at a funeral and all the way through the service the assembled mourners can hear tap, tap, tap, tap, tap...confused looks, maybe it's not a dead body in that coffin after all, then a wee plaintive cry, 'Can someone unlock the toilet door please? I'm locked in!'

The Gardians of the Gardens

Dorothy (part of a team of 4) has the responsibility of brightening up the morning, afternoon and evening of the passers by to the project. It must be a pleasure for all visitors to be welcomed by an array of beautiful plants, shrubbery and flowers in bloom (better than a door-person at Jenners !!)

The team consisting of Dorothy, Helen, Edith and Betty tend not only to the front of the building, but the fragrant sensory garden at the rear of the building.

Talking to Dorothy gives a great insight into the care, attention to detail, and the knowledge (that is gushed with great enthusiasm) that is shared by the team in their voluntary task. We mere mortals are not the only ones who benefit from the girls dedication. The sensory garden is a magnet for the birds, could the herbs even be a source for the healthy eating group in the future ?. On behalf of all who benefit, 'PEP' would like the ladies to know that their efforts are extremely appreciated by all. Thank you !!

A Day in the Life of PEP Decorators

Two intrepid volunteers Charlie and Robert were allocated a flat to decorate this morning. With their usual good cheer they loaded the van with the materials and set off for the deepest, darkest pastures of Leith.

They unloaded the van, set off up the stairs with the gear and met the owner who had just broken the key in the lock!! didn't really matter as the door was hanging off it's hinges !!. after bringing up the gear they were exhausted and took a rest for 20 seconds (so they say!)

Charlie heard the urgent cries of nature calling him and said to Robert "back in a mo"
20 seconds later Charlie was back saying "there isn't a loo in the loo". "Aye" said the owner "it's in the backgreen I'm gettin a new suite this week". Charlie looked at Robert - Robert looked at Charlie. The now perturbed owner offered a suggestion that they could answer natures call at their friendly local 'Bookies' just round the corner !! Ten minutes later they all agreed that it maybe could wait till the new bathroom suite was in and the door could be locked. 20 minutes later the gear was in the van with our lads homeward bound.

Well done lads - and as a reward for your patience and understanding you have been given the contract to do next week. Best of luck lads!!.

Ahhhh !! Coffee

Yes it really happened!!

Don't ask for coffee at the Magic Club, especially when Jim's in charge of the kitchen.
Three of the guests asked for coffee last Tuesday. Frances came back and said 'Jim, they said that coffee was rotten, it must have been that cheap powdered stuff you gave them. "Oh no, said Jim, I gave them the stuff in the other jar, the one with the granules!!. Frances turned the jar round and the label said 'BISTO'. Jim wondered why everyone was on their knees laughing but proudly reported afterwards that two of the ladies (who put sugar and milk in their 'COFFEE' said it was terrific. Yes were always first at PEP (bringing healthy drinking as well as healthy eating into our clubs.)

The wee Scotsman

I enjoy working at PEP because I get along with everyone. Everyone who works or volunteers here is very helpful. I also enjoy meeting different people because they all have different characters, thoughts and ideas.
I work five days a week and can't even remember how long I've been working here but I can see myself working here in the future.
At PEP I work as a handyman and cleaner. I do painting and decorating for people who need it and are unable to do it themselves.

JI

IT Peer Education Services Volunteer

I've worked at PEP for 8 months on Tuesdays and enjoy helping people with computers. I help with emails, spreadsheets and other things such as uploading and sending photos.Working at PEP gives me enjoyment.

JMcD

Working at PEP

I started working at PEP around December last year. I enjoy working with the elderly. Untill mid-march I worked monday to thursday but now I only work tuesday. By working at PEP I have earned insight into another country, been shown kindness and working here has helped me with my English.
SR

Gaffer

I've worked at PEP for almost a year and have gained decorating skills. I enjoy getting out and about to different areas to help with the houses.
In the summer I do gardening, along with painting.
I work five days a week at PEP.

CM

A Handyman

I work as a handyman/driver for PEP. I do painting, decorating and gardening. I've worked at PEP for 2 years now on four day weeks. I enjoy helping people as my background is in nursing homes and I like getting to know the volunteers. I think that PEP realises the way volunteers need to be focused on, not just the service users. I like to think of PEP as a holding tank for volunteers with a varity of skills.

JJ

A driving escort.

I started working at PEP 2 weeks ago. Working as a driver and escort on the buses has given me an insight into people with disabilities and people who are less fortunate. Volunteering here has opened windows for me.
I work 3 days a week, driving the mini buses for the various groups. Working at PEP has allowed me to earn my Midas Certificate.

CM

An escort for PEP.

I've worked as an escort for PEP for only 4 weeks but I enjoy it lots. I like keeping myself busy and helping and working with people. It has also helped me gain more skills.
As an escort I go on the buses and help people from their houses to the bus and vise versa. I work on Mondays and Thursdays. On Thursdays I do two runs a day and on Monday I do the shopping run, helping whoever needs my help whilst shopping.

WM

Christian Chicks view on PEP

Working at PEP has helped boost my confidence, work on my social skills and make friends, along with helping people.
Volunteering at PEP for the past 13 months has been very enjoyable. I work on Tuesday morning with the healthy eating class, Tuesday afternoon the the 'Magic' club, doing Bingo, serving tea and coffee and helping cleaning up.
I also do the cooking for the Neighbourhood groups on Wedensday and Thursday.

HM

PEP Volunteering Service

Working at PEP has been an enjoyable experience and I have found out that making a difference in peoples lives can also make a difference and change you.
I started volunteering at PEP shortly before Christmas with the Thursday Neighbourhood group and will soon be participating in the Home Care Project and I sometimes fill in with the Tuesday Neighbourhood Group.
In the Thursday Neighbourhood group we go on walks, take courses-such as Photography and Geography, and give the people in the group a chance to experience new things. The volunteers also learn a number of new things whilst taking these courses.
I may start to use the PEP computer suite to help me understand computers more.

JA

What I do

I’m a volunteer. My job consists of painting and decorating in the winter and gardening in the summer which I very much enjoy doing. Sometimes I do escorting on service users mini buses. RK

My first week at PEP

I originally started at PEP as a job to bridge the gap between leaving college and going to America for nine weeks next year, hoping that it would look good on my CV.
After my first day I realised that it wasn't going to just be a job, bringing in some much needed funds but something I would enjoy doing and leave feeling satisfied.
My first day I was, metaphorically, thrown into the deep end of PEP, going to one of the many day groups for the elderly.
I myself will be the first to admit I believed some of the stereotypes of elderly people, but after my first day on the job, my perspective had changed greatly.
I soon realised that PEP wasn't all about helping the elderly, but rather, anyone who feels they need the help of PEP, both young and old, in a range of different ways such as Art, Literacy, Computers or something as simple as going to one of the many Neighbourhood Groups to do a range of activites such as Tai Chi, Flamenco dancing, pottery and much more.

There is also the painting and decorating team, which I helped out for two days, who go to houses or flats that need, to coin a phrase, sprucing up.

All together, my first week has been an eye opening experience into the world of work and social care that I don't think I'm going to regret once in the next six months.

SB