Tralee Red Cross set to hold free ‘Taster Session’ next month in bid to recruit more volunteers to the group

IN a bid to entice more volunteers to the join the group, Tralee Red Cross this week launched a recruitment campaign and, as part of this, they are offering a free Red Cross Taster Session next month on Saturday, May 18, to prospective members.

Tralee Red Cross Chairman Joe McDonnell explained that the ‘Taster Session’ is an unusual event and will help people decide if the Red Cross is suitable for them.

‘ ’Many people are looking for an organisation where they can volunteer but they are unsure what would be right for them. We have members of all ages from all walks of life volunteering with us in various roles at present. While most people in Ireland associate the Red Cross as a First Aid organisation, we can deliver a wide range of services to the local community if we have members available to provide these services,” he said.

“A recent survey of the Tralee Red Cross membership showed that 85 per cent of members cited the ‘feel good’ factor and meeting people as their main reasons for remaining to volunteer with us’’, he continued.

Speaking at the recruitment launch, the Kerry Director of First Aid Units, Michael O’Grady, revealed that the demand for its First Aid and Ambulance Service has increased over the last few years.

‘’Nearly every event that is being organised now wants a First Aid presence there, and it can be challenging to meet that demand. First Aid with the Red Cross has always been a great way of people getting quality training and real-life experiences under strict supervision. People thinking of taking up careers in the Medical, Nursing, Healthcare or Ambulance Service have always found this to be very beneficial and with helping them decide if those careers are right for them’’, said Michael.

The ‘Taster Session’ on May 18 will run from 9.30am to 12.30pm and is open to everyone over 18 years of age.

‘’We hope to give attendees a broad overview of the humanitarian services we provide along with an outline of the various training programmes that will be offered to new members. We will also have some hands on practice in some of the roles’’, said Joe.

‘’Our Community Support section enables volunteers to help in their local communities in roles such as ‘Befriending’ Volunteers, Restoring Family Links, Therapeutic Handcare and Psychological First Aid, but we need volunteer members’’.

A limited number of places are available on the session and they are being offered on a first come, first served basis by applying on email with your name and contact number to chair.tralee@irishredcross.com, from which further details are also available.