Staffing

The Day Centre is staffed by a Manager and Deputy, an Activity and Volunteer Co-Ordinator, Reach Out Team Leader, Care Workers, Reach Out Support Workers, Cooks, and Drivers.

Governance Arrangements

Board of Directors/Trustees

We are led by a Board of Trustees / Directors. They have a legal duty to ensure that the Charity is meeting its purpose, as set out in our governing documents, and abiding by the law. They must demonstrate that our activities and how we spend money are all serving this purpose and that what we do is for the public good.

They therefore have the ultimate responsibility for setting the strategic direction and how the organisation is run and managed.

The operational management of the service rests with the Manager, this post is accountable to the Chair of Directors. The Manager has an agreed set of objectives which are developed from the strategic requirements of the Business Plan.

Support Group

We also have a support group made up of people with an interest in our service. This is an advisory group, and its members include:

• A member representative who raises issues / concerns and feedback from members
• A carer representative (a former carer) who liaises with carers and can signpost them to specific areas of information and support. They will also raise specific issues of concern for carers.
• A Volunteer Representative
• A person who updates our website and provides information and support and photographs of events.
• Someone who is a general support to the organisation and supports the banking of any petty cash held in the Centre.
• The Bookkeeper attends to broaden her knowledge and understanding of the service.
• A Director will attend the group and chair the meetings

The group meets 4 times a year, and their views are fed back to Board meetings via the Director who has attended and chaired the meeting. The group also undertakes activities such as fundraising and out of hours events like coffee mornings that they wish to undertake within their remit.

Volunteers

There is a team of over 40 dedicated volunteers who assist on a rota basis, and without the help of the volunteers much of the work could not continue.

Here is one of our volunteers talking about the Day Centre.

This is Amy

My name is Amy and I have been a volunteer now, for over 5 years, since retiring from the Bethany shop in Gullane. The centre is a great place for people to come to, and get to know one another, make friends, and enjoy each other's company.

I feel very privileged to be part of such a well run and organised Day Centre. Staff are amazing and go out of their way to encourage and help everyone, nothing is too much bother. As a volunteer I try to be helpful by clearing tables, serving teas/coffee and washing up afterwards. I also join in with the entertainment, and go out runs on the Day Centre bus, to Garden Centres, or getting a yummy ice cream.

Chatting to the clients I find very rewarding, they love to talk about their past, where they came from, their families, and it's so interesting to find how they came to North Berwick, or were maybe born here. There is great conversations and laughter as they reminisce.

With permission I have set up a little table with jewellery and scarfs so that everyone can have a look and buy (very cheaply) items that they like. Many can not get out to shops anymore, so I feel it maybe helps to lighten up their day even just having a look. All items for sale are donated, and money, if any, goes into Day Centre funds. I look forward to being part of the volunteer team for a while yet.

We Need More Volunteers!

In addition to the permanent staff at the Day Centre, we also rely on volunteers to help at the Day Centre. We are currently looking for, and need, additional new volunteers. There are many things you can do to help at the Day Centre such as chatting to and befriending our members, or helping serve cups of tea and coffee, and clearing up afterwards. Or you may prefer to help in the kitchen, or perhaps be a 'Passenger Assistant' on the Day Centre bus. We also need people to assist with short walks in the area when the weather is good.

We are looking for men and women, young or old, and if you think you could commit to say, 2 or 4 hours every week, or fortnight or month, then please get in touch for a chat. In the first instance, and without commitment, contact Christine Charles the Volunteer Co-ordinator, by Email info@nbdaycentre.org.uk or phone 01620 890906. Christine will give you more information.

How do I find out more?

Whether you're interesting in becoming a Member, a Volunteer or if there's anything you want to know about our day centre you can: Phone us on 01620 890906 E-mail us at this address: