Volunteer

Our volunteers matter to us because they make moments matter for the people in our care.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life, age groups and life experiences. Every volunteer is important to us.

You may never have interacted with someone living with dementia and you may be a little apprehensive. For others, our home may be very familiar and it can also evoke very emotional experiences. Whatever experience you may have had in the past, everyone always has a first day here in Saint Joseph’s Shankill and our Volunteer Coordinator, staff and families are with you every step of the way.

We can honestly say that you will gain more from your experience here by making a difference, meeting new people, having fun and being part of your local community.

We are delighted to be the first nursing home in Ireland to achieve the Investing in Volunteers quality mark.

Investing in Volunteers aims to improve the quality of the volunteering experience for all volunteers and demonstrates that organisations value the enormous contribution made by their volunteers. Investing in Volunteers is delivered in the Republic of Ireland by Volunteer Ireland in partnership with Volunteer Now in Northern Ireland.

Meet some of our amazing Volunteer Team!

Ann

Pre-COVID Ann was a Reception Volunteer and helped at our fundraising events. She’s currently helping out with our mask masking. She’s also a member of our Volunteer Committee and one of our Butterfly Buddies for new volunteers.

Having worked full time for 38 years I took a voluntary redundancy package in 2013. I took a year out before committing to any volunteering. An article in the Scan Magazine about Saint Joseph’s and their need for volunteers piqued my interest and I got in touch. I enjoyed my stints on Reception pre-Covid 19 and look forward to returning there in person whenever Public Health Rules allow. Assisting at fundraising events has been rewarding and I got to meet one of my heroes, Norah Casey. I have been amazed by the fantastic atmosphere in Saint Joseph’s and the dedication of staff and volunteers. I had assumed it would be a gloomy place but in fact it truly is a ‘Home from Home’ for the residents.

Our current volunteer roles

COVID Crafter

Calling all crafters and generally creative people! We’re looking for people who enjoy knitting, sewing, crocheting…

At the moment our volunteer team cannot come into our home to make moments matter for the people in our care. Instead of volunteering in our home we’re looking for you to volunteer from your home. Put your creative skills to work to brighten up someone’s day in Saint Joseph’s Shankill. #VolunteerFromHome. We’re looking for teddies/dolls (big enough to hug); small blankets for knees; bed jackets…the sky’s the limit!

Recruitment is currently on hold for the all other roles due to COVID 19. In the meantime please register to express your interest and we’ll be in touch with you as soon as we can.

Activities Volunteers

Activities brighten people’s day and stimulate memories for people living with dementia. Our Activities Coordinator organises different activities throughout the week. These activities allows the people in our care to interact in a group, get some exercise, retain hand skills and have a laugh. If you’d like to assist in a Fit for Life class (gentle exercises) or a dance class, then why not volunteer with us today?

Day Care Volunteers

Day Care Volunteers meet and greet the people attending our Day Care as well as assisting with activities throughout the day and engaging with people in a group or one-to-one. Our Day Care is open Mondays to Fridays.

Gardening / DIY Volunteer

Calling all those with green fingers or thumbs! Ideally you will have experience of light gardening or painting but support will be on hand for those enthusiastic new comers! Help us to keep our gardens and outside spaces looking lovely for the people in our care and their family members.

Hand Massage Volunteers

Hand massage is very therapeutic and can create a pleasant and relaxing experience for people living with dementia. Volunteers who have experience in this area will provide gentle hand massage to all those who are of greatest need, especially in our later stage lodges.

House Buddy Volunteers

Home is where the heart is. Your role will be to support the people living in one of our six lodges. This can involve chatting with the people living in the lodge, making them a cup of tea, accompanying them to different activities or assisting at mealtimes.

Musician/Entertainer Volunteers

Do you enjoy playing the piano or guitar or singing a few tunes? Then why not share your talent with the people who live in Saint Joseph’s?

TrioBike Volunteers

Join the team of volunteers that bring the people in our care out as often as possible so that they can enjoy the wind in their hair and have a chat along the way.

Saint Joseph’s is an affiliate of the Cycling without Age international programme which has a vision of creating happiness among our elderly by providing them with an opportunity to remain an active part of society and the local community through local active citizenship.

The TrioBike is battery powered and training is provided. What are you waiting for? Get on yer….our….bike!

How to volunteer with us

For #VolunteerFromHome Roles:

1. 1. Contact Nicola, our Volunteer Coordinator, at nicola.yau@sjog.ie or on 01 282 3000 to have a chat about volunteering with us
  2. Complete our Remote Volunteer Application Form
  3. Then you’re ready to start volunteering from home and make a huge difference in the lives of people living with dementia
  4. We’ll check-in to see how you’re getting on.

For Volunteer Roles in Saint Joseph’s Shankill:

1. 1. Contact Nicola, our Volunteer Coordinator, at nicola.yau@sjog.ie or on 01 282 3000 to have a chat about volunteering with us
  2. Complete our Volunteer Application Form
  3. Complete our Garda Vetting Form (if applicable – this will depend on your role) and provide two forms of identity
  4. Provide 3 references (using our Reference Request Form)
  5. Once your application is accepted (following reference checks and Garda Vetting) you will be invited to an Induction and Orientation session with other new volunteers
  6. Then you’re ready to start volunteering with us with the support of staff and other volunteers (if you wish you will also have a Butterfly Buddy to help you settle in – that’s another volunteer in the same or similar role to you)
  7. We’ll check-in to see how you’re settling in.

Join the best volunteer team there is!

Or why not encourage your company or workplace to get involved with us? Find out more about Corporate Support and volunteering HERE