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Volunteer gardeners...
MY
VOLUNTARY EXPERIENCE
Following a casual conversation about the work of the SIPP, I found
myself volunteering to work with the organisation for one day a
week. Not knowing what to expect I was somewhat apprehensive about
what I might be able to offer and how my ‘offerings’ might
be received.
My concerns proved to be unfounded. I was helped and encouraged
by everyone - including the client group - on whose behalf the SIPP
work.
As some of the members are isolated within society by virtue of
physical or mental health problems, lack of family contact or care
and inadequate provision of support services, the work can be varied.
Volunteers can participate in the activities of the lunch and drop-in,
act as a befriender to those who are housebound or in need of social
contact, advocate on
behalf of those who are vulnerable, in hospital or who are just
unable to ‘fight their corner’.
However, despite the hardships that many face one is struck by the
continuing cheerfulness of the clients and staff, the camaraderie
immediately evident on entering the centre and the desire to support
and nurture those in need. And, you ask, what do I get out of all
of this? Well where does one start! Suffice to say it is being part
of an organisation that cares and which fosters an atmosphere of
friendship, music, stories, jokes, hospitality and the unequivocal
acceptance one finds wherever the
Irish congregate.
I believe it is called the CRAIC!
Nora Morrin
Good Bacon & Cabbage dished
up by Volunteers
MY EXPERIENCE AS A BEFRIENDER
This is the first time I have volunteered as a befriender and
I was very nervous. We always feel that visiting the elderly or
sick would be a one-way relationship, but that’s where we’re
wrong. Most of the time, it is the elderly who have more life
in them than us. Sheila proved to me that we could find good friends
in all ages, she is a wonderful person and we clicked immediately.
We get on so well together that
I look forward to seeing her every week. It is definitely a two-way
relationship, with Sheila talking to me about her life and her
worries and me telling her about mine.
Whatever little time we can spare does make a difference for the
elderly, for they are usually lonely and spending an hour or two
a week is well worth it.
Shalena Pereira
FROM
VOLUNTEER TO EMPLOYEE
I joined SIPP as a volunteer befriender,
working with people who had problems with alcohol
dependency. I worked closely with the members of the
Community Support Team and saw that from a client ’s perspective the team is a vital
link to support them accessing the services they need but may
not know about. As a volunteer, I
gained valuable experience which helped me to secure the job I now
do, as a Community Outreach Worker, but more than that, I
discovered how worthwhile it is when you see the difference you are making to someone ’s
life. If we do not reach them, they go unnoticed and
become isolated from the rest of the community. Spent
with SIPP workers and volunteers, also provides a rare opportunity for Irish people living
away from home to stay in touch with their culture and
homeland... and this doesn't only apply to the clients, but the
staff and volunteers themselves.
Peter Gill
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