I have been volunteering with PACE Organisation for a couple of months, helping to mentor and support a former life-sentence prisoner to re-assimilate into society. We are there to provide a support network for the participant as they begin their transition into normal life. Whether that be mentoring, networking, or just a group of friends that he can rely on so that he is incentivised to not re-offend.
As I have only been living in Ireland for a little more than a year, I was eager to find a way to contribute to my new home in a meaningful way. Not only has it helped establish new relationships, but it has also helped me to feel much more invested in my local community.
I’d highly recommend volunteering in a role such as this to anyone looking to contribute to their local community. The experience has been challenging and extremely rewarding.