Still many ways to volunteer
THERE ARE MANY DIFFERING AREAS OF VOLUNTEERING WHICH PEOPLE CAN UNDERTAKE DURING THE PANDEMIC
FROM counting dragon flies, to being a listening ear for those struggling, there are any amount of ways to volunteer during lockdown, according to Ciara Herity of Sligo Volunteer Centre.
Though many of the organisations the centre usually aids in matching volunteers to, are not currently active due to Covid-19, those wanting to help out still can.
The message coming from Sligo Volunteer Centre is though it might take time for everything to come back to some sense of normal, volunteering in may different ways is still possible.
Ciara tells The Sligo Champion that the centre did experience an increase in the numbers of those wanting to volunteer.
At the start of the pandemic in March many wanted to help out in a hands-on manner, however, a testament to the nature of communties across Sligo, huge numbers were not needed to facilitate shopping, deliveries, etc.
“A lot already happens through existing groups, so, there wasn’t a huge amount of calls for help, it shows people have great neighbours,” says the centre’s manager.
As lockdown continues and usual groups the centre would work with, such as Tidy Towns groups not being able to be active, the centre is promoting volunteering from home.
“A lot of normal ways to volunteer aren’t there, no charity shops, tidy towns.
“So, we looked at what people can do from home, and to keep them safe.”
Now, the centre is promoting ‘micro volunteering’, volunteering roles that can be done in short and snappy ways, including roles helping with bio diversity, genealogical surveys, transcribing old documents to be put online.
“It’s short roles that people can dip in and out of, we’ve also got people involved in mask making projects with North West Sews Masks and Scrubs and the fundraiser St Angela’s College is involved in for North West Hospice.”
Volunteering to help those who are struggling with their mental health during lockdown is another area people can look into.
However, these roles do require a lot more commitment, and training, Ciara explains.
“There are a lot of people looking to see how they can support mental health issues.
“This requires more commitment than other volunteering, there is online training in how to support someone remotely, either on an online platform, or by phone or text.
“There is quite a bit of training required.” Platforms people can volunteer through include Crisis Textline Ireland, Connected While Apart and Turn2Me.
The centre is also working to match people’s existing skills with groups or projects that may require assistance, such as graphic designers.
“We’ve had a lot of interest in mental health roles and the sewing one.
“People want to feel they’re contribiutiong somwehow and have extra time and use it productively.”
Ciara says the centre is conscious that as people return to work there may be a shortage of volunteers so they are forming a back up panel of volunteers if needed.
“We’re anticipating there will be more needs within groups. We normally do face-to-face volunteering in matching up people’s skills.
“We’re here to chat people through the options and to chat to any groups about how they’re going to come back.”
Right now, Sligo Volunteer Centre is asking people to ‘ bear with the system’.
“There is a willingness for groups to come back safely, we’ve seen this from a recent survey done with Sligo Leader, as groups had fears aboout hygiene. Volunteers and services are being safe.”
For more information visit www.volunteersligo.ie.