Volunteers
Volunteering with us
Volunteers are at the heart of Making Connections. From delivering frontline supports to providing expertise and leadership for the organization, none of it would be possible without the generosity and dedication of our volunteer team.
To join us see below for more information on our roles and how to apply.
Volunteering Options
Most of our roles involve a commitment of 12 months to ensure that you and the people you support to gain the most from the experience. Click on the roles below for volunteer role descriptions and requirements.
Befriending Volunteering
The Commitment
We ask for a volunteer commitment of minimum one hour weekly for 12 months. The regular one-to-one interaction offers the invaluable gift of human connection which can greatly enhance the life of an older person who is socially isolated.
The Role
Your role is primarily social engagement. It is not a sitting service, a replacement for home support, nursing staff or family. You will do a lot for a person by just listening, understanding and sharing interests with them.
Some examples of additional supports may include:
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- Regular befriending Visits at home/in a café or visiting a place of interest
- Attending Activities/Events in the Community
- Walking companionship
- Help to use devises
- Other initiatives that help the person to engage in things that matter to them.
The needs of each older person are different. Through meaningful human connection, you are contributing effectively to their mental health and well-being.
Making Connections will provide ongoing support to guide volunteers in their role.
Apply Now
Phone Support Volunteering
The Commitment
We ask for a volunteer commitment of a minimum of one hour weekly for 12 months.
The Role
The primary role of a Telephone Befriending Volunteer is also to provide social engagement for those requesting this type of support.
Telephone Befrienders also offer additional support such as assistance with accessing information about services and local activities or linking the person back to Making Connections for additional support when needed.
Apply Now
Community Meals Delivery Volunteering
Commitment:
- Regular weekly afternoon* availability (Mon, Wed or Fri)
- Minimum of 6 months (12 months preferred)
Important Requirements:
- * Pickup at Dundrum 12.15pm – finishing deliveries 2pm
- Comfortable to cover any routes in Dublin South
- Comfortable to plan your route weekly (your client list/ route can change)
- Reliable access to car and full clean driving licence
- Willing to support all activities as required
(regular driving or standby, packing, covering for team members when they are sick or away, etc)
The Role
Our Community Meals service, ‘Good Food Delivered’ is a partnership between Making Connections, HSE and Airfield Estate Dundrum. Volunteer drivers work together to deliver nutritious meals to older people identified as being in need of support. In this role, you are more than just a driver as many older people eagerly look forward to the friendly face on the doorstep.
Apply Now
Admin Support Volunteering
The Commitment
Duration can vary from short term project to long term admin support.
Admin Opportunities
Making Connections is interested in recruiting volunteers with strong administrative skills set to assist with
the ‘behind-the-scenes’ running of the organisation. These roles can involve ongoing support or short-term projects as needs arise. Some roles can be carried out remotely.
Certain specific roles will be advertised as required on Making Connections’ i-Vol account. In the meantime you are welcome to contact us to express your interest
Apply Now
Specialist Skills Volunteering
The Commitment
Duration can vary from short term project to long term admin support.
Specialist Skills Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteers with specialist skills can contribute a lot to the development of the organisation. Specialist roles include;
- IT
- Graphic Design/ Publications
- Photography
- Videography
- Marketing
- Finance
- Legal
- Fundraising
- Events
Certain specific roles will be advertised as required on Making Connections’ i-Vol account. In the meantime you are welcome to contact us to express your interest
Apply Now
Fundraising
Fundraising Activities and Events
If you’d like to support Making Connections in a different way you can arrange a fundraising activity or event at any time. We encourage you to engage friends, family, your workplace or community.
Through your activity you can bring people together or take part in an activity you enjoy knowing that you’re helping people at the same time through your fundraising. Ideas include;
- Do a sponsored walk/ run/ cycle
- Organise an online event (quiz, coffee morning, games)
- Introduce us to your company’s CSR/ fundraising committee
- Organise a bake sale, or raffle
- The options are endless
If you’d like to organize an event for Making Connections please contact us to share your idea and to request a fundraising pack.
Apply Now
Application Process
We are actively recruiting Befriending Volunteers and Community Meals Driver Volunteers. Please note that the process can take a number of weeks or months depending on the role being applied for.
- Forms
- Expression of Interest
- Registration
- Standard Vetting
- Vetting pack (including Garda vetting)
- Training & Support
- Induction Meeting
- One-to-one phone interview/ support call
- Starting your role
Note: the process can vary depending on the role
