I started volunteering in July 2025 with a local youth group, as I wanted to give back to my community and find something to fill the summer evenings in a productive way. Knowing that I was providing a service and a space for young people to hang out, be themselves and relax was a wonderful feeling, as I remembered how difficult it was being a young person, with nowhere to go, nothing to do, and just being generally bored.
My circumstances changed, but through the Wicklow Volunteer team, I was able to find another volunteer role that suited my needs. As of now, I volunteer with the ‘’Cards of Care’’ for Nursing Homes in Louth. It’s a wonderful initiative where you can write cards for those who are residing in nursing homes, mainly for their birthday. It’s a fantastic way to give my time, whilst also fitting it into a busy schedule. I also took part in the Christmas Tree of Care, where I was assigned someone for whom I was able to buy a small gift.
It had given me a sense of purpose, a sense of pride and makes me smile that one small gesture can make a person’s day or allow them a space to be themselves.
I urge anyone to volunteer. There are so many roles that suit different skill types, abilities, timeframes, etc. You never know what you’ll find unless you start looking!