ISSUE 1

V LEZINE

INTERVIEW AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOGS IRELAND

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO

E-VETTING

CORK VOLUNTEER CENTRE

GET CREATIVE HOW TO ENGAGE VOLUNTEERS

FOREWORD

WELCOME to issue one of Cork Volunteer Centre’s VolEzine. The quarterly magazine bringing you real volunteer stories, advice, and news.

In this issue, we sit down with Autism Assistance Guide Dogs Ireland and talk about the amazing work they have been doing in Cork. Adam has a chat with volunteer Louise Mulcahy about what she enjoys most about volunteering and Martha Halbert talks about her new role as the coordinator of the Cork City PPN. We’ve also got lots of information on eVetting, upcoming events and training, and a small taste of what volunteering opportunities we currently have on offer.

We are very excited to launch this new project and we hope you enjoy reading.

If you have any ideas for future pieces, or would like for your organisation to be featured in a future issue, please let us know.

Adam Lacey Editor

adam@volunteercork.ie

CONTENTS

Placement Officers

Interview Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland

Volunteer Spotlight Louise Mulcahy

Engaging Volunteers Creative Opportunities

Public Participation Network Introducing Martha Halbert

Cork Volunteer Centres Guide To: eVetting

Whats Happening In Cork? Training & Opportunities

Where To Find Us

ADAM LACEY - FULL TIME

Garda Vetting Social Media Volunteer / Organisation Spotlight interviews VolEzine Editor Volunteer Placement Organisation Support

MARIE O’MAHONY - PART TIME

Volunteer Placement Organisation Support

Unemployment Outreach North Main St, Traders, Discount Cards

Volunteer Management Training

MICHELLE BRACKEN - PART TIME

Outreach and Development Volunteer Placement Organisation Support Social Media

PLACEMENT OFFICERS OF CORK VOLUNTEER CENTRE

AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOGS IRELAND INTERVIEW

Founded in April 2010, and situated in Mallow Co. Cork. Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI), is a national charity established to provide a primary quality service to children with autism, and to help improve their lives, and the lives of their families.

As children with autism often have no sense of danger, the dogs are mainly used for safety. The child is attached to an assistance dog by a belt, and the parent holds the dog on a leash, allowing the child to walk independently of their parent.

Adam recently had the chance to sit down with CEO Nuala Geraghty to gain a better insight and discuss the work done by Autism Assistance dogs Ireland, an organisation which she says “couldn’t survive” without the involvement of volunteers, “they are the lifeblood of the organisation”.

Two of the main areas AADI seek volunteer involvement are in Puppy Fostering and Dog sitting. Nuala explains what these roles entail. For puppy fostering, “the volunteers raise the puppies in their own homes for 12 months.” The aim of the volunteer is to socialise the puppy, and take it out in public. The dogs wear a special red vest that allows them access in public areas, and AADI covers the costs of food, training vet visits and equipment.

Speaking to Puppy Fosterer Liz Shanahan, who is now fostering her 3rd dog she explains to Adam how the work AADI do is a win / win for both her family and the family that will eventually receive the dog. Liz says that she was always hesitant to get a dog despite her kids requests, as having grown up with dogs, she knew the commitment required.

While in Douglas library Liz happened upon a flyer for AADI, and seeing that the dog would only require a year of care, she felt that it would be a good opportunity to bring a puppy into their household, but if it didn’t work out, she would only have it for a year.

An important factor Liz highlights is that Puppy Fosterers need to be aware that it is not their dog. They have the dog for a purpose and no matter the weather, you have to be prepared to get up and walk the dog every morning. “People need to know what they’re getting in for, and realise this is not their dog for life”. The dogs not only benefit the future family, but can have such a positive impact on the foster family.

The knowledge that you are starting this dog on its journey to helping a family down the line, as well as the emotional support, and distractions caring for a dog can have really make it a worthwhile investment, for those willing to accept the time commitment. Liz also commends the work being done by AADI, and the support they get on a regular basis.

There is also a social aspect to the fostering, and a group of carers usually meet with the dogs on a weekly basis for training, taking the dogs through various new situations, like open thread staircases or just going through shops and socialising the dogs.

As AADI don’t use Kennels for their dogs, they look for volunteers who will kindly look after their dogs for both short and long term boarding. This kind of role may suit people who can not completely commit to 12 months, but would still like to help out. Short term boarding usually means you would have a puppy staying with you for a weekend, or a couple of weeks while the puppies family are on holidays. Socialising the puppy is still an important part of boarding, even if the dog is just staying for a few nights.

As it costs up to €15000 per dog to ready them for their life as an assistance dog, AADI rely on donations, fundraising and volunteer support to ensure the service is their for families that need it.

If you would like to learn more about volunteering with AADI, you can check out their website AutismAssistanceDogsIreland.ie, or indeed if you would like to volunteer in any of the other sectors, we would greatly encourage you to register online at VolunteerCork.ie and we can arrange a meeting to help find the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. You can also find us on Twitter: @VolunteerCork and Facebook: Cork Volunteer Centre where you can keep up to date with all our latest opportunities, events and general happenings in Cork.

Adam Lacey Cork Volunteer Centre

INTERVIEWVOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT LOUISE MULCAHY

Louise Mulcahy has been volunteering with Cork Volunteer Centre for over 5 years. Adam recently had the opportunity to sit down with Louise and talk to her about her experience, and what motivated her to get involved.

“I first started coming to the volunteer centre as a volunteer, as I had a lot of spare time and I wanted to find something to do”. Louise explains. “I had a job coach looking for jobs for me, and she suggested I volunteer”.

Although it took Louise a while to build up the courage to visit the centre, after a few visits she noticed how busy it was, and as she had so much free time, she offered to help. Since then Louise has been volunteering with the centre two days a week. She had always wanted to try her hand at reception work, and she was trained how to use the Salesforce database used by the centre.

“I like volunteering because I get to meet and chat to lots of different people, from all different nationalities” Louise shared. “You get to improve your skills, and communication and it gets you out of the house”.

Every day is different in the volunteer centre, so what does a typical volunteer day in Louise’s life consist of? “I get to answer phones, deal with volunteers at the reception, photocopying, shredding, sometimes giving directions and drinking tea”.

We asked Louise if she had any advice for someone who may be thinking about volunteering but may not have the confidence to get started. “Come in and volunteer, you won’t regret it. You’ll get a lot out of it and you can pick what you want to do. I always wanted to do reception work, and here I am now. Don’t be afraid to do something, there is a huge variety and there are lots of great opportunities to help others.

Interested in volunteering? You can search for all the latest opportunities on VolunteerCork.ie ?

ENGAGING VOLUNTEERS CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES

GUIDE

If one was to study the evolution of volunteering over the last 20 years in Ireland, you would be sure to see some huge changes in the capacity to which volunteers are getting involved. While the passion and enthusiasm may remain unwavering, advancements in technology, and education open up so many exciting new opportunities for involvement.

“How can we involve volunteers?”

Ireland has an invaluably skilled workforce willing to volunteer with organisations. Whether your organisation requires help with accounts, or some advice from someone with a background in law. There are no limits to the kind of supports you can gain from a volunteer.

Some popular areas worth considering would be in digital marketing, and social media. A lot of organisations have accounts on various social media platforms, but may lack the time, or the resources to manage them effectively.

The availability of international students on Erasmus or similar programmes can also bring an added layer of diversity to your organisation. With fluency in various languages and a diverse life experience, engaging with such volunteers can do wonders to enrich the volunteering experience of other staff, volunteers or service users. Shops can engage these volunteers to help dress window displays, or promote various items of furniture / clothing on social media to drive sales, and bring in some new footfall.

Another area to consider, should you have larger projects such as painting, or planting gardens is corporate volunteering. Various organisations may be willing to send a team of volunteers to help with group tasks, and Cork Volunteer Centre provides a corporate matchmaking service for organisations to ensure the right people are there to help.

Volunteer co-ordinators should never be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to creating new roles, and remember, there are enough skilled people living in Cork that are willing to help you if you give them a chance.

If you would like to create a new opportunity for your organisation, please email info@VolunteerCork and we can help you get started.!

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NETWORK

Cork Volunteer Centre is now hosting Martha Halbert, the new Coordinator of the Cork City Public Participation Network (PPN).

You and your organisation may have been aware of the network and you may even have registered to become a member! Now that Martha is in post, the Secretariat is looking forward to expanding the membership, impact and influence of the PPN across our city.

An important role of the Public Participation Network is to support a productive and positive link between Cork City

Council and the community and voluntary, social inclusion and environmental sectors in Cork City. A plenary of all membership groups elects representatives to sit on decision and policy making committees at City Hall, including Strategic Policy Committees, Joint Policing Committees and Local Community Development Committees. Being an active member of the PPN affords you the opportunity to have your voice heard in the development of the policies which impact on the whole community.

Being a part of the PPN means you will be the first to receive news from the Council of funding opportunities, training on specific topics such as fundraising and social media, and be notified of events which might be of interest to your network. The Plenary meets, on average, every 2 months and will be a great opportunity for you to meet with members of other diverse community organisations.

Think you would like to register as a member? Contact Martha on corkcity@ppn.ie or 0861422747.

The PPN is relaunching at an evening event on March 2nd in St Peter’s.

“have your voice heard in the development of the

policies which impact on the whole community”

!

“How do we apply for Garda Vetting?”

Cork Volunteer Centre acts as an authorised signatory for the National Vetting Bureau, processing applications for charities, CE schemes and companies within Cork county.

To use our eVetting system you must…

- Sign a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with our centre. - Complete our eVetting Registration form. - Create or use a confidential email address that only the vetting officer has access to. - Return a copy of your organisation’s Garda Vetting Policy. (Template available). - Attend a compulsory training session for Vetting Officers.

“But who needs to be vetted?”

Any person that is carrying out work or an activity which includes regular contact with children or vulnerable adults.

“An organisation shall not permit any person to undertake relevant work or activities on behalf of the organisation unless the organisation receives a vetting disclosure from the National Vetting Bureau in respect of that person. A person who contravenes this section shall be guilty of an offence.”

Please email vetting@volunteercork if you would like to receive an information !

eVetting GUIDE

Did you know? It is now a legal requirement to be Garda Vetted if you are working with children or vulnerable adults?

WHATS HAPPENING IN CORK?

Volunteering Opportunities

Training Opportunities

GARDA VETTING TRAINING - This training is provided on a regular basis. Training is compulsory for all organisations wishing to avail of our vetting service.

Email vetting@VolunteerCork.ie to be added to our mailing list for the next training.

VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT TRAINING- This two day training is provided on a bi annual basis, and equips volunteer managers with the skills, knowledge and information to successfully manage volunteers.

Email info@VolunteerCork.ie to be added to our mailing list for the next training.

MODERN DEVICES (How To Use Tablets)- A 4 week course run by Cork City Partnership. Starts Tuesday 7th March 1pm - 2.15pm in Togher Community Centre.

Email Lmckernan@partnershipcork.ie or call 0871962025 to book a place.

ART WORKER - Cork Community Artlink need volunteers in Feb/March to help with Prop making, float construction, painting, costume making, photography, videography and event organisation ahead of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 17th.

HOSPITAL BEFRIENDER - Friends of the Mercy University Hospital need volunteers to visit patients within the hospital. Task would include: chatting, reading, listening to and walking the patients, or if you have any other skills you could bring (eg. Knitting).

CORK COMMUNITY HEALTH NETWORK - Thursday 23rd March, 2017. 12.30 - 2pm. Tea/ Coffee & Light lunch served at 12:30. Presentations start at 1pm Sharp. Hosted by The Lantern Project, 14 George’s Quay.

WHERE TO FIND US

www.volunteercork.ie

@VolunteerCork

@VolunteerCork