Volunteer

We have a number of flexible volunteering roles supporting our residential, day and outreach support services.

Volunteering  can help us increase the variety of skills, activities and opportunities we provide to our service users and ensure that our service meets the needs of the people we support.

Volunteers can help us develop an independent,  public voice within our organisation to help ensure our accountability to our service users and stakeholders.

The Anne Sullivan Centre is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors, who are committed to the highest standard of corporate governance.  At present, we are seeking several additional Board members. Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV, along with a cover letter to recruitment@annesullivancentre.ie detailing their relevant experience and motivation to join. Further information about this role is available here: Board member voluntary role description The Anne Sullivan Centre

Overview of our Flexible Volunteering Roles:

Volunteer drivers

In Stillorgan, Co Dublin, we would like to expand our team of volunteer drivers as our service and community based activities increase. Volunteers drivers are an  invaluable support to our service by providing transport to our residents and outreach clients when public transport is not available or a suitable option. A full driving licence is required and applicants must be over 23 years of age for insurance purposes. You can view our current ad for volunteer drivers at this link 

 

Outreach Support Volunteers

The Anne Sullivan Centre and Foundation wish to recruit and train volunteers to expand our community Outreach service. Our volunteers will be part of a team who support people who are deafblind in a variety of ways. A person who is deafblind may have varying levels of speech, sight, hearing and but no previous experience is necessary as full training relevant to the volunteer role is provided. The following roles do not require a knowledge of Irish Sign Language (ISL).
Volunteers typically meet people in their home or in the community. At present we are seeking volunteers who can provide support and befriending in the following areas:

In Dublin 15, an older person would enjoy a regular visit from a volunteer for befriending, conversation, reading and google alexa assistance and going on short walks. This visit would be for approximately 2 hours per week.

In Dublin 12 a young man would love a weekly visit from a volunteer (preferably male) to accompany him on walks, gym visits and for general company and conversation.

In Urlingford, Co Kilkenny, a man would appreciate a regular volunteer for befriending support. If you enjoy using technology, are a driver and would enjoy cycling a tandem bicycle we would love to hear from you !

 

Corporate volunteering:

Are you a group or company who would like to support us through corporate volunteering or a volunteer impact day? If so please get in touch and we can discuss areas where your group can support us

Skills, Experience and Qualities required:

Be over 18 years of age or over 23 for roles that involve driving

Some roles require driving and some roles require an interest in technology

A good level of spoken English or Irish Sign Language

An interest in supporting people with disabilities to live full and active lives

A commitment to the ethos of volunteering

A patient and understanding attitude

Time Commitment:

We have a flexible approach to volunteering. During your time volunteering with the us you will be asked to participate in training relevant to your role, some of which may be mandatory. Mandatory training will relate to the specific work a volunteer agrees to carry out and can include Deafblind awareness, Safeguarding, Health and Safety and Infection prevention and Control training  totalling approximately 4 hours.

Once trained the commitment expected will be approximately 2 hours per week depending on the particular needs of the person you are supporting. The times of volunteering will be agreed in advance and can be flexible around the person you are supporting and your own availability.

 

Location:

Training and Induction can take place online or in The Anne Sullivan Centre, Brewery Road, Stillorgan, Co Dublin.

Volunteering can take place in the greater Dublin area, Wicklow or Kilkenny ( either in the home of a person who is deafblind or their local community)

 

Benefits to the Volunteer:

Personal and professional development

Opportunity to support people who are deafblind achieve their goals

Learn new skills including sign language, tactile sign language, augmentative communication and sighted guide mobility support

Induction and Training

Support and Supervision

Respect and acknowledgement as making a valuable contribution to the development of The Anne Sullivan Foundation Outreach service