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The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) in Clare is looking for members of the public to become volunteers with the Society. An open information evening will be held at 7.30 pm on 2nd March in the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis and anyone interested is invited to come along to learn more about SVP, the work that the Society does and how they can contribute to SVP.
There are many ways people can get involved with the Society. Any person, who has some spare time, enjoys working with others and shares our values and approach is welcome to contribute to our work. Volunteers generally join a branch, called a Conference, normally a group of 8 to 12 people based in a local area. The Conference usually meets weekly or fortnightly and, as a group, decides on the work that needs to be done to help families or individuals in need. Volunteers are asked to give a commitment of 2 to 4 hours per week to this work.
Home Visitation is our core work, when people in need contact the Society, two volunteer members will call to their home. They get to know the people they visit, offering a listening ear as well as practical help and information. They work with people in a non-judgemental manner to try and resolve the difficulties they are experiencing. They may provide some help towards the costs of essential items such as food, fuel, clothing, household goods and utility bills. They may provide help towards the cost of education for children and adults.
Volunteer members are the cornerstone of the work of SVP. We are committed to a consistent and supportive approach to volunteers that best services the needs of individuals and families we assist, the volunteer and the needs of the organisation. SVP welcomes volunteers from all walks of life who respect and share its ethos and wish to support its work. All volunteers will be required to complete induction training of nine hours in total for visitation work.
Niamh and Robert are younger members of the Society and have been involved in Visitation work for the last number of years.
Niamh had this to say about her experience: ‘It can be a little daunting at first when you visit people who are in need in their own homes, but the training I received and mentoring from my Visitation partner was a big help. It is really rewarding to be able to help people who are struggling and I feel like I’m making a difference.’
Robert explained that: ‘What I like most about the SVP is that it goes about its work in a discrete and non-judgemental way. I spend about 2 to 3 hours per week volunteering and I feel that public gets reassurance from knowing that they can contact the a charity like SVP when they need assistance.’
For queries, please contact SVP members Robert Burns (087 9052156) or John Cullinane (086 8225084).
