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.
The burden of age is lighter for those who feel respected and loved by the young.
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:
- 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.
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“It is lovely to slow down and just be with someone who has so much to give and who loves to have a laugh! I love the fact that we are learning from one another”
Aisling, Making Connections Befriending Volunteer
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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
“Life’s most important and urgent question is ‘what are you doing for others?’”
Martin Luther King Jr.
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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
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
Winston Churchill
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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.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
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Application Process
We are actively recruiting Befriending Volunteers and Specialis Skills 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
Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.