A message from Volunteer Ireland and the network of Volunteer Centres
COVID 19 VOLUNTEERING
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As a Network of Volunteer Centres throughout Ireland, we want to let you know how we are working collectively with all relevant government Departments, national organisations plus local community groups to support the response to the management of COVID-19.
We commend and value the community based volunteer response that is mobilising and intend for this communication to provide members of the public wishing to volunteer with practical advice and guidance, bearing in mind that a as a community our main task is to minimise the spread of coronavirus.
How you can help?
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Before considering volunteering ask yourself…. Am I well enough to volunteer
Your safety and limiting the spread of the coronavirus being the main priority, Volunteer Centres continue to encourage you to adhere to HSE instructions on how best to avoid COVID-19, both in the work environment and at home.
If you are well enough and wish to volunteer there are 2 mains ways which you may be able to help!
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The second way is by updating your profile on I-VOL so we know you have opted in to help.
The Network of Volunteer Centres across Ireland are expecting many COVID-19 related roles registering on our database www.i-vol.ie in the coming days and some roles will be directly related to COVID 19 support.
Other roles for Volunteers may be related to helping community organisations to keep normal services running.
In the first instance, please login to your profile on www.i-vol.ie/sign-in and tick the box on your profile that states “I am happy to volunteer for COVID19 Support”. We will be then aware of your willingness to volunteer should it be required.
It’s REALLY important to note that not all volunteers who contact us will be assigned to a role. We are dealing with a large volume of volunteer registrations from people interested in helping (Ireland is a great country that really pulls together in times of crisis) so not all offers of help will be facilitated as the supply may be more than the demand yet – time will tell.
Also – if you don’t hear back from us within our usual response period, don’t worry – we know that you are willing and available and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Most importantly we have your details and willingness to help registered.
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The third way to help is by doing so informally in your own community
If you know people in your community who may be vulnerable and can contact them safely (e.g. phone call, whats app, drop note into door), just let them know that you are available and can assist with shopping etc.
Do not assume that someone needs help or call directly to someone’s house unannounced, as some people may be very anxious about making face to face contact, particularly if they have a medical condition or are living alone.
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Thank you all for being such so kind and generous in your willingness to volunteer and help those who are most vulnerable. We have been inspired and overwhelmed by the willingness of people to help.
Do make sure to follow your local Volunteer Centre’s Facebook Page for the latest updates. Remember you can access the contact details of your local Volunteer Centre via www.volunteer.ie
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