I was involved in teaching English to non-nationals up to quite recently. I taught with Failte Isteach, both in Kilcoole, Wicklow and Greystones. There I met many interesting people from all walks of life and from many countries, and this experience enriched my own life immensely.
I also felt a huge sense of fulfilment helping and guiding people who had just arrived in this country and who had lots of difficulties adjusting to life in a strange country, with a different culture and language to their own. Many came from difficult situations in their own countries, from a political or financial aspect.
The other volunteering role, which I am involved with at present, is helping out with people with dementia, at Musical Memories, weekly in Greystones. I sing in a choral society in Bray and have been singing (solo) for the group, and this has given enormous pleasure to those present. I sing a lot of the older songs with which those present are familiar, and this brings them back to a sweeter time in their own lives. My late husband had Alzheimers disease, and I am giving back to this group who were very helpful to me in the past.