VOLUNTEERING
Are you interested in doing something worthwhile and fulfilling? If the answer is yes, then why not volunteer with Ability West, an organisation that provides services and supports to people with intellectual disabilities, autism and have complex needs?
Read on to learn more.
Paul Boyle and Paul Cannon
Walking Down The Pier
What does it take to become a Volunteer?
Volunteers should be reliable and patient to the needs of others and most importantly, willing to have a little fun. No specific skills are required to participate in our Volunteer Programme. All you need is time and to be committed! Training is provided to prepare you for your volunteer role. Volunteers are matched to a suitable placement according to their preferences, availability and sometimes talents such as art skills, drama experience, etc.
What’s in it for me?
Most volunteers find the experience extremely rewarding and enjoyable.
Volunteering is a wonderful way of meeting new people, building on personal skills, learning about others (and yourself) and doing something special with your free time. There is also a feel-good factor in getting involved, knowing that you have made a difference to the life of another person or brought positive change to your own community.
Best Buddies
Ability West delivers the Best Buddies Friendship Programme in Galway. It has successfully delivered the Best Buddies College Programme at the University of Galway since 2010 and more recently launched Best Buddies Citizens Programme. These programmes pair students and people in the community in fun, enriching, one to one friendships with their peer who has an intellectual disability and/or autism. Through these wonderful friendships, the Best Buddies volunteer gains a greater understanding of themselves and those with disabilities. Best Buddies helps to break down the existing barriers which may prevent people from meeting and getting involved in the life of a peer who has an intellectual disability or is on the autism spectrum. This programme supports people with an intellectual disability and autism to make life changing friendships and do the everyday social activities that so many take for granted.
If you are interested in making a change in your life and making a difference to the life of a person with an intellectual disability, why not contact us today to find out more! “Changing lives, one friendship at a time”.
The benefits of becoming a Best Buddy:
You will make new friends.
You will gain a better understanding of the needs and abilities of people with an intellectual disability.
You will gain a heightened awareness of the issues people with an intellectual disability experience.
You will have the opportunity to make a difference in the someone else’s life and your own.
You will take part in a variety of fun activities.
Commitment:
Spend time with your Buddy twice a month.
Attend group events.
Be a reliable and respectful friend.
Social Support Volunteer
Some people in our services prefer one to one engagement. Some volunteers also prefer to work with one person rather than being part of a bigger programme such as Best Buddies where there are group events. Volunteers decide to befriend a person with an intellectual disability or autism in order to afford more social opportunities such as going bowling, to the cinema, and shopping. Service users benefit from Person Centred Planning (PCP) which tailors work and leisure activities to suit individual needs and preferences. Volunteers can play an important part in making these choices possible.
What Support Will I Receive?
The Volunteer Programme Manager provides ongoing support to the volunteer and is always available to meet volunteers to discuss any issues which may arise from the volunteering experience.
Joanne Lawless and Nicole Fowley
Out on the Town
Training
Training is provided for all volunteers and is tailored according to placement. Some modules covered in the training include:
Attitudes towards people with an intellectual disability and autism
Awareness and understanding of intellectual disability and autism
Safeguarding Training
Jenny Keaveney and Mary Healey
Burger Night Out
Why not contact the Volunteer Department today and see what difference you can make!
Please contact the Volunteer Programme Manager, on 091 540923 or 087 9971558 or by emailing Linda.Keane@abilitywest.ie