This website uses cookies for anonymised analytics and for account authentication. See our privacy and cookies policies for more information.




Volunteer Development Scotland Ltd. (also known as Volunteer Scotland).
Charity registered in Scotland SC013740 and a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland, No. SC106743. Our registered Office is Jubilee House, Forthside Way, Stirling. FK8 1QZ

Sign in to use saved searches

 

Mentor - Support and guide our volunteer companions

Our mentors offer an extra layer of support to our wonderful volunteer companions. You’ll provide guidance to companion volunteers, complementing the roles of group supervision and service managers. Mentors play an integral role in supporting Amma to be an informed, safe, and supportive organisation for our volunteers and the families we support.
Next application deadline: 21 June
You’ll offer experienced guidance to volunteer companions, particularly those just starting out.
How it works:
Each parent receiving support has a small team of birth and/or postnatal companions assigned to them
If these companions are newer to the role, or there are particular complexities, you’ll be added to the team for the period they’re working with that client
Support is provided through arranged meetings (WhatsApp, phone, video conferencing, or face-to-face), either with the group or individual companions
You’ll stay informed through a WhatsApp group and our online records management system
A couple of meetings may be sufficient, but more may be needed in complex situations
You’ll also be available to answer questions and support if issues arise from time to time
You can proactively offer support if you identify that guidance is needed at a particular moment.
Before applying to volunteer as a mentor, please consider the following role requirements:
Relevant experience - Substantial experience in midwifery, counselling, birthwork, or a related field
Flexibility - Support newer companions as needed (support can last up to two months). This role works within your schedule — you choose when you have capacity.
Training commitment - Approximately 50 hours of in-person training in Glasgow and self-directed online learning
Emotional resilience - Supporting families with trauma histories and complex needs. Supervision and team support are provided.
Option to volunteer remotely - Mentors' support can be offered remotely, so you don't need to be local to Glasgow.

Experience required

We welcome volunteers from all walks of life. No birth experience is needed, all expenses are covered, and comprehensive training and ongoing support are provided. Before applying, please consider the following role requirements:
Flexibility & reliability - Being on-call from week 37 of pregnancy means being ready to go to the hospital day or night when labour starts. Attending a birth can take 8+ hours.
Time commitment - You'll be required to attend approximately 50 hours of in-person training and complete 20 hours of online training, plus supporting a minimum of three clients per year for at least one year.
Emotional resilience - Supporting clients with trauma histories and witnessing systemic inequalities can be challenging. Supervision and team support are provided.
Location - You must live within or be able to easily commute to Glasgow hospitals.

Travel details

Reasonable travel costs will be reimbursed for volunteers who live within Glasgow or can easily travel to Glasgow hospitals.

Support
Training details

We recruit and train new birth companions twice per year. Here are the key dates for the August 2026 cohort:
Application deadline: 21 June 2026
Interviews: 8 June-3 July 2026
Online training: 13 July-20 August (self-paced)
In-person sessions in Glasgow city centre (all mandatory): *Aug 21, 22. *Sep 4, 11, 18, 19, 22, 29. *Oct 2 , 6, 23, 30
*Nov 3, 10.
View full training schedule in application form.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We will begin to reach out to candidates at each application deadline.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 21

Location - You must live within or be able to easily commute to Glasgow hospitals.

Frequency & commitment
Flexible

Volunteers (aged 21-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
Find out more