Mosside Court in Blackburn and Mungo Park Court in Selkirk held celebratory events to honour their volunteers and to recognise the vital part they play in the community.

The event Mosside Court began with a lunch, which was prepared by local restaurant The Mill Café, and was followed by the volunteers being presented certificates by local MSP, Fiona Hyslop, and Councillor Mary Dickson.

Development manager Margaret McEwan said: “The work that the volunteers do at Mosside Court is extremely important.

“They provide companionship which helps enhance and enrich the lives of our tenants.

“All of the tenants who have attended volunteer activities in the past came along to support them, it was a great turn out and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

“We were especially pleased to have Fiona Hyslop MSP and Councillor Dickson attend to present the certificates as it really showed the volunteers that the work they do is commended by everyone in the community.”

The Mungo Park Court event began with a welcome from development manager Elizabeth de Beaté followed by a quiz and small ceremony in which John Lamont MSP and Bield’s director of asset management Stuart Dow, presented certificates and flowers to the selfless helpers. The evening was then rounded off with dancing, music and a ‘Vote of Thanks’ from one of the oldest tenants - 96 year old Nichol Park.

Elizabeth said: “Volunteer’s Week runs from the 1st to the 7th June, it is a national celebration of the hard work of all volunteers.

“We thought this was the perfect opportunity to recognise our volunteers who give so much in time, energy and enthusiasm helping others.

“At Mungo Park Court our volunteers are very much appreciated and the tenants’ lives are truly enriched by having so many, willing and cheerful people around them.

“At the moment we have seven volunteers and some of them have been with us for as long as 12 years, so we are really pleased we were able to show them how much they are appreciated. A great time was had by all.”

Programmes of social activities run by volunteers have proven to be a huge success across all Bield developments, allowing tenants to enjoy the opportunity to interact and socialise with others in their development and community.

Bield are always looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to help out with a range of volunteer work such as Social Activities Assistants/Coordinators, Befrienders and Silver Surfer Tutors for its Silver Surfer Project.

If you are interested in volunteering with Bield or would like more information, contact the Volunteer Section at volunteering@bield.co.uk or Christine Dykes 0131 273 4059.

@BieldScotland