The volunteering programme is for people who are in abstinent recovery. Volunteers who give time to help others are role models of a positive life in recovery, so the steering group felt they should be abstinent themselves.

Many people who use the Serenity Cafe as participants in our activities may be working towards abstinence (on a managed detox, reducing prescription) and will be accorded equal respect. Becoming a volunteer may be a positive goal for people considering abstinence and many people try casual volunteering with us while they are waiting for treatment programmes.

Volunteering helps both the volunteer and the Serenity Cafe:

For volunteers

• Meet others in recovery
• Try new things
• Gain skills and experience
• Develop the recovery community
• Be part of something exciting and special, which is breaking new ground in Scotland and the UK

For the Serenity Cafe

• Organisational development and growth.
• Build assets within the community – skilled people, wider and stronger networks, and a more visible community.
• Build bridges between the recovery community and the wider community, with individuals confident to identify as people in recovery and promote recovery; and enable others in recovery to make progress in their lives. Our network of volunteers can be ambassadors, supporters and living examples of recovery.
• As a pioneer organisation, we want to set a high standard of development and practice. Our approach to volunteering must provide everyone involved with a worthwhile and valuable experience.