I first started volunteering about a year ago. I had been on a cancer journey and felt so grateful to have survived, I felt it would be good to give something back.
I registered on I-Vol and linked with the Wicklow Volunteer Centre, and there is a huge variety of charities to choose from. I applied to St Joseph’s Dementia unit in Shankill and was blown away by the cheerfulness of the place. No one wears a uniform, so the residents don’t feel like they are in a hospital/nursing home environment. I volunteer on Mondays to do dancing with them. They have a wide range of activities and match you up to what they feel is suitable. I leave there on a high every week!
I also volunteer with Happy Hooves in Killegar Stables, where I volunteer as a leader. I lead the ponies around the arena while the children receive instructions from the facilitator. We play games with them and it’s great fun.
I hope this is of some help to future volunteers. I would highly recommend getting involved in your community. A little goes a very long way.
Happy volunteering!