Volunteers
Join the Making Connections Team
We are looking for people to join our Volunteer Team to respond to the needs of older people in our community. Opportunites include short term and long term roles involving social and/or practical support for older people in the community.
- Regular visits for social interaction at home/ café (befriending)
- Buddy support to link withcommunity activities (club/ class/ event, etc)
- Telephone befriending calls
- Walking companion
- Walk and Talk Group Companions (Wednesdays 11:00 – 12:30, Churchtown)
- Assistance to use digital devices/ access information
- Other Support as required
We are also recruiting Admin Support Volunteers to help the vital work of Making Connections ‘behind the scenes.
Listen to Volunteer, Sarah, to find out more about Making Connections and the mutual benefit of volunteering.
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 & Wellbeing Supports Volunteering
The Making Connections Community Volunteer Team responds to needs arising in the community.
Options arising include short term and long term roles involving social and/or practical support for older people in the community.
- Regular visits for social interaction at home/ café (befriending)
- Buddy support to attend community activities (club/ class/ event, etc)
- Telephone befriending calls
- Walking companion
- Walk and Talk Groups
- Assistance to use digital devices/ access information
- Other supports: please specify or call us to discuss
Befriending VIsits
The Role
Befriending is one of the roles carried out by our Frontline Community Volunteers. It involves being matched with one or more older people for regular visits over 12 months. 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 that may arise during your visits 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 devices
- Other initiatives that help the person to engage in things that matter to them.
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.
If you live in South Dublin, have access to a car, and have availability day time any day Mon – Fri, we encourage you to apply.
“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
Apply Now
Walk & Talk Group Companions
When? Wednesdays 11:00 – 12:30
Where? Meeting at Nutgrove Shopping Centre, Walking in Loreto Park
Commitment? Minimum 6 Weeks Consecutive
Next Start Date? 22 March 2023
Admin Support Volunteering
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.
Admin support 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.
Apply Now
Specialist Skills Volunteering
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
Apply Now
Fundraising
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
Apply Now
The burden of age is lighter for those who feel respected and loved by the young.
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.