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.

Our current volunteer roles

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. We are currently looking for volunteers on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm.

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

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. Download and complete our Volunteer Application Form
  3. Download and complete our Garda Vetting Form
  4. Provide 3 references (using our Reference Request Form)
  5. Contact Nicola to arrange a time to call in to Saint Joseph’s Shankill
  6. Bring your photo ID such as your passport, driving licence or Public Services Card when you call in
  7. 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
  8. Then you’re ready to start volunteering with us with the support of staff and other volunteers
  9. We’ll check-in to see how you’re settling in

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