SVP Galway Calls for Volunteers

SVP Calls for Volunteers to Deal with Increased Demand
As Austerity Hits Harder SVP Prepares To Support Families & Individuals

As it prepares to meet growing demands for support from families and individuals this winter, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) in Galway will hold an information evening to recruit volunteers on Thursday 23rd October between 6pm to 8pm in the Menlo Park Hotel, Galway.  Opportunities exist for volunteers throughout the city and county with a particular need for additional volunteers on the East side of the city. The format of the evening will be a short presentation at 6pm and again at 7pm, each followed by a chat with SVP current volunteers over a cup of tea or coffee. Attendees will find out about the wide ranging work done by the SVP in Galway City and County and the numerous ways in which people can get involved.

SVP is unique amongst charities in that most of its work is carried out by volunteers working in local groups known as "conferences" who visit homes and hospitals and provide assistance with basic needs and education. SVP also works to promote self-sufficiency, enabling people to help themselves. Most volunteers give a few hours a week of their time, offering friendship and support to those in need through home visitation while some choose to work in the charity’s two shops on Merchant’s Road, its homeless hostel or in Croi na Gaillimhe resource centre on Mill St. A variety of skills are needed to fulfil this work. Volunteers are trained in the ethos of the society and offer assistance in a non-judgemental spirit of compassion, based on the need of the individual or family.

“Volunteer members of the society of St. Vincent de Paul are people from all walks of life who want to make a difference to the lives of people in need.  As people engage in the work of helping other people, many find that their own lives are enriched through making deeper connections with fellow members and the people they serve” said Michael McCann, Area President of SVP Galway, “This Information Evening is a chance to find out more. Following the Information Evening, those interested will be invited to apply for membership and volunteer training will then take place on Saturday 1st November from 10am – 4pm in the Menlo Park Hotel. The people of Galway are of invaluable support to SVP in terms of donating cash and supporting its shops.  However the extent of the Society’s activities is such that it could not survive without the contributions of hundreds of people who give their time and energy as volunteers.  In the present economic climate more and more families and individuals are turning to SVP for help.  A variety of skills are needed to fulfil this work.  Volunteers are trained in the ethos of the society and offer assistance in a non-judgemental spirit of compassion, based on the need of the individual or family.”

Volunteers are needed throughout the City and County but particularly on the East side of Galway City.

Anyone unable to attend the Information Evening can find out more about the work of SVP Galway and register their interest in volunteering by calling 091-563233 or email serena@svpgalway.ie