Fiona Sweeney – Volunteering as a Test Centre Volunteer

Today marks the start of National Volunteering Week and we delighted to bring you the the first of seven volunteer stories to shine a light on the amazing efforts undertaken by local volunteers during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

We are starting with our very own Fiona Sweeney who has been volunteering at the Volunteer Centre’s Covid-19 Test Centre Programme since March. Originally based at Tallaght Stadium and now located at Citywest, Fiona is one of our Test Centre Volunteers. This is her story.

‘My first day of volunteering with the South Dublin Volunteer Centre was March 20th 2020. I remember that first day well, as I was very nervous about volunteering at the Tallaght Covid-19 Test Centre. While I had talked it through with Tricia, the Volunteer Centre Manager and my family, I was still uncertain that it would be for me . My main concern was any potential risk to my family. Within the first hour all my fears were allayed. The steps taken to protect volunteers and staff were exemplary and the team was so welcoming. I’ve been there since!

The role is to meet and greet all the people who come for testing, check their details and show them where to go for testing – that bit is usually straightforward. What we add to this is making sure that people are put at their ease and are protected, explaining about correct mask wearing and other precautions they should take for their and our safety. Many people coming in are very nervous, some are upset and we do our best to reassure and even cheer them up. That’s the most important part of the role, being as friendly and as calm as possible. Over the six months the numbers being tested have changed and now we have moved to a new testing facility where we are seeing over 800 people a day. Even though it’s extremely busy, we still make time to ensure that they see a smiling face (behind a mask!)and hear a calm and reassuring voice.

I volunteered like many others back in March because I felt the need to do something to help. In those initial days of the lockdown there were calls for volunteers in many areas and I was on the lookout for anything I could join to help. I do admit though it wasn’t totally altruistic – I did it to keep myself occupied too! On March 12th 2020 all my work disappeared. I teach singing, choirs, community music, the work I do is all about group activity. Everything in that area stopped on that day and still hasn’t resumed so I am delighted to still be able to get out and meet people and help where I can!”