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

School Ambassador Volunteers

Join us to raise awareness about Saint Joseph’s Shankill and dementia in general through a suite of training covering the areas of dementia, the Butterfly Model of Care and the work of Saint Joseph’s Shankill and a Q&A session.

Day Care Club Volunteers

Day Care Club 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. We’re currently looking for volunteers to join our team on Fridays from 10am – 12pm. Due to the nature of our work, volunteers joining the team will need to have a COVID-19 vaccine.

Meet and Greet Volunteers

Meet and Greet Volunteers welcome visitors to our home by checking their temperatures, asking screening questions and showing them to the visiting area. They also manage our visiting area to make sure that it is kept clean and is a welcoming place for both residents and visitors. Visiting is generally Monday to Friday from 10.30am to 12.30pm and from 2.00pm to 4.30pm. Due to the nature of our work, volunteers joining the team will need to have a COVID-19 vaccine.

Community Crafters (previously COVID Crafters)

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

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. We’re looking for teddies/dolls (big enough to hug); small blankets for knees; bed jackets…the sky’s the limit! #VolunteerFromHome

Community Carpenters (previously COVID Carpenters)

Calling all carpenters, woodwork enthusiasts and creative people. Put your creative skills to work to brighten up someone’s day in Saint Joseph’s Shankill. You could make a planter box, small table or an item of your choice…the sky’s the limit! #VolunteerFromHome

Gardening / DIY Volunteers

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.

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.

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, by email: nicola.yau@sjog.ie or on 01 282 3000 / 087 1637363 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 proofs of identity/address
  4. Once your application is accepted (following reference checks and Garda Vetting, where applicable) you will be invited to an Induction and Orientation session with other new volunteers
  5. 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)
  6. 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