A long-serving volunteer at Scotland’s leading Veterans charity has marked the beginning of Volunteers Week 2023 by calling on more people to join her and share their time and expertise with Erskine.

Liz Stewart, 73 from Bishopton, is a former nurse and began volunteering at The Erskine Home seven years ago when her parents, Janet and Douglas, were being cared for in the Renfrewshire care home.

She now spends several hours a week supporting Erskine staff across a variety of activities, ranging from helping out in Harry’s Café to helping activity staff.

However, it is the delight of Liz’s afternoon teas that have made her a legend amongst the home. Her baking is renowned by Veterans and staff alike, thanks to the regular banquets full of home baked scones, treats and fabulous cakes.

Liz said: “Volunteering at Erskine has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It is one of the most fulfilling roles anyone could ever ask for and I would urge anyone with the time to volunteer to do so. The Veterans and the staff are so welcoming, and I can’t imagine not helping out at Erskine on a weekly basis.

“The residents love their afternoon teas. Everything is made very small so they can enjoy more than one treat. It’s all just good old fashioned baking that my mother used to do, served on real china with embroidered tablecloths and flowers on the table. Nothing but the best for Erskine Veterans”.

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Diane McAlister, Volunteering Development Manager, said: “We always have room for some more volunteers. Volunteers and the benefits they bring to our Veterans are immeasurable. Our volunteers make an outstanding contribution to the lives of those we serve at our Edinburgh and Bishopton care homes by providing companionship and transportation, as well as their tireless support of fundraisers and events.”

Volunteers Week, which runs from June 1^st to 7^th, is an annual celebration of the millions of people who volunteer throughout the UK.

This Volunteers Week, Erskine is not only celebrating the work of its dedicated volunteers but is encouraging others to get involved as well. Diane added: “Volunteering is a great way to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. They served on our behalf. Let’s now serve for them.”

Chief Executive Ian Cumming, MBE said: "We are very grateful for the amazing work of our volunteers. Their dedication and commitment to supporting veterans is truly inspiring, and we are proud to have them as part of our team. We hope that Volunteers Week 2023 will encourage more people to become involved and make a real difference in the lives of Veterans and their families." 

To learn more about volunteering with Erskine, please visit www.erskine.org.uk or contact us at volunteering@erskine.org.uk 

To find out more about Erskine Veterans Charity’s work please visit our website at www.erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter @ErskineCharity via Facebook www.facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity or listen to Erskine Veterans Radio at Erskine.org.uk/radio.  To donate directly to Erskine, please visit Erskine.org.uk/donate.

Erskine Veterans Charity is the trading name of Erskine Hospital | Company No. SC174103 | Registered Charity SC006609