Edinburgh charity's Christmas reveal of places available for elderly care amid appeal for volunteer drivers
An Edinburgh charity has this Christmas revealed it has places available for elderly care, and is appealing for volunteer drivers.
For more than 42 years, The Open Door Edinburgh has been dedicated to ensuring that older people in our community never feel forgotten or alone.
In the last year alone the charity served 3,723 hot meals in a warm, welcoming space, and delivered 408 activity sessions, from art and music to gentle exercise.
It supported 50 individuals each week living with dementia or other health conditions, offering respite and care. With 15 volunteers providing 3366 hours of their time to make this possible.
The Edinburgh charity recently acquired a new bus, meaning it is now in a position to offer 25 places to local elderly people to be picked up and taken on activities with the chance of making new friends.
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Simon Warr, operational manager at Morningside-based The Open Door, said: “We provide a warm, welcoming space where people can share freshly cooked meals, enjoy activities that help stimulate the mind and body, and build friendships.
“For many, our service is a lifeline - offering support for those living with dementia and other health conditions, and giving carers much-needed respite.
“Our day services help maintain independence and delay the move to care homes. Day services also help reduce overnight hospital admissions.”
The 25 places now available with The Open Door Edinburgh include free council places, self-directed support places and private places.
One service user described the difference the “brilliant” charity has made to her life.
She said: "The Open Door is a brilliant community resource centre supporting many people, both service users and carers alike.
“My husband’s dementia diagnosis has a massive impact on both our lives but thankfully we are well supported, in great part due to the commitment of staff and volunteers providing services at the Open Door.
“My husband benefits from care, companionship and stimulation through the variety of activities and entertainment. While I, as his main carer, appreciate time free from my caring responsibilities to ‘recharge my batteries’ and deal with the usual round of domestic duties.
“We believe the work of the Open Door is invaluable and hope its future is secure for others who find themselves in a similar position to us."
In November the Edinburgh charity took delivery of a new electric, wheel-chair accessible minibus.
It has movable seats for those who can transfer from a wheelchair, secure wheelchair restraints and safety straps for those who remain in their chairs, and an electric ramp for smooth and dignified boarding.
Commenting on the difference this new minibus has made to The Open Door service, Simon said: “This has been a game-changer for us - marking an important step in providing safe, accessible, and environmentally friendly transport for people who rely on our day services.
“We are proud to be the first organisation in Scotland to receive an electric Tribus—a unique vehicle with a flexible floor system that makes it easier for passengers with different mobility needs to travel comfortably.
“This means everyone can travel safely and comfortably, whether they use a wheelchair or not.
“Many people who attend our day services depend on escorted transport. Without it, they would struggle to leave home and could remain isolated and lonely. Our new electric bus helps us continue these journeys to a higher standard - quiet, clean, and better for the environment.”
This new bus was funded by Transport Scotland and the Energy Saving Trust through the Plugged-In Communities Grant.
Simon added: “We also thank EVM UK for supplying the vehicle and our partners - Lothian Community Transport Services (LCTS), Pilton Equalities Project (PEP) , South Edinburgh Amenities Group (SEAG), as well as The University of Edinburgh and The Royal Edinburgh Hospital for their ongoing support.”
To keep this service running, the charity urgently needs volunteer drivers aged 25–75, with a full UK driving licence for at least two years, and with no more than three penalty points.
Simon said: “This is an ideal opportunity for someone unemployed to volunteer their time to help older people in their community and to make a real difference to their lives, and the lives of their families and carers.
“You don’t need previous experience, we’ll provide free MiDAS minibus training so you feel confident and supported.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone who is retired, between jobs, or simply wants to help their community. Your time will make a real difference to isolated older adults living with different health conditions and to their families and carers.”
If you’d like to volunteer as a driver, or help with the day service, assist with activities, or sponsor the electric bus, or are looking for day service opportunities for a member of your family or a friend, get in touch with The Open Door Edinburgh by calling 0131 447 9757 or emailing [email protected].