Volunteer

Description

As a volunteer-led community initiative, the aim of Serve the City is simply to meet the practical needs of people in our community. We seek to bring support to those who need it through a variety of service projects. By painting a room; clearing an overgrown garden; putting up shelves; providing cultural and social activities for asylum seekers and refugees; or befriending programmes, we demonstrate care within the community. We are part of an international movement of Serve the City organisations in over 50 cities worldwide. 

Our core values actively guide our work: humility, compassion, respect, courage, love and hope. Organisationally, City and Project Leaders provide management, leadership development and volunteer coordination locally, for each project. Read more in our new strategic plan – Volunteers Serving Communities.

WHAT'S INVOLVED

Serve the City gets referrals from social workers, local authorities, concerned family members etc. on behalf of people who need practical/DIY help. This might include cleaning, painting/wall-papering, decluttering or gardening and are carried out by a team of volunteers, under the guidance of a DIY Project Leader, on SERVE Days. Afterwards, the volunteers and client will generally have a cup of tea together and chat, thus helping to break social isolation. SERVE Days / DIY Projects volunteers play a key role in ensuring SERVE Days are a success. 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE VOLUNTEER ROLE

Typically, our Volunteers provide the hands-on practical help on serve days. The Volunteer will typically meet with the Team leader on a Serve day and get safety and practical instructions throughout the day as work progresses, there are also befriending or refugee and asylum seeker projects.

 

Volunteers will be provided with the following supports: 
•    ‘On-the-job’ training with a more-experienced Project Leader
•    Health and Safety awareness 
•    Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
•    Insurance cover
•    Named supervisor 

Benefits you will receive as a volunteer
•    A chance to socialise and have fun with like-minded people
•    A reference after successful completion of volunteering
•    Satisfaction of knowing you are key to the delivery of successful SERVE projects on behalf of the marginalised in our community. 
•    Insights into Irish culture (if you’re not from Ireland).
 

Is training provided?: Yes

Tasks that the volunteer(s) will be expected to undertake:

• Meeting the team leader at the given location 
• Work under supervision from the Leader 
• Interact with the Client and the other Volunteers

Skills required for this role:

• Commitment to the ethos of volunteering and community initiatives
• Some spoken English (needed to understand the instructions from the Leader)

 

TRAINING AND INDUCTION

• Health and Safety training will be provided
• Training is provided mainly on the job under instruction from the Team Leader.
   

Details of time commitment needed for role:
On a SERVE day, usually Saturdays, for about 4/5 hours

Minimum time commitment per week:
4 hour p/week