Natural Supports/Volunteer Opportunities

Western Care Association exists to empower people with a wide range of learning and associated disabilities in County Mayo, to live full and satisfied lives as equal citizens. We achieve this through the provision of a comprehensive range of innovative services and supports.

Western Care Association wishes to further facilitate community integration and inclusion of people with learning disabilities, by promoting and developing voluntary involvement.

This creates opportunities to build relationships, develop social roles and to participate fully as citizens in their local community.

 

What types of Opportunities are there?

There are many different opportunities within the organisation. It very much depends on what you like to do and what time you have available.Volunteers are involved in things like:

How do I get involved?

You can contact the Volunteer Coordinator or your local Service for information and an Application Form.
This includes a Garda Vetting Form and a request for three references.
We will then arrange to meet you to explain further what’s involved and to offer guidance around matching your skills and interests to the opportunities which exist.

       

For further information contact:            Noreen McGarry 
                                                               Volunteer Coordinator                                      

                                                               Western Care Association                                

                                                               John Moore Road                                             

                                                               Castlebar

                                                               County Mayo

                                                               Telephone:  094 9029193                                                       
                                                               nmcgarry@westerncare.com

 

The following are a selection of some volunteer stories.

 

Mary Richardson Mary has been volunteering in the Administration Department for 6 months, 1-2 days per week.   "I was aware of the work that Western Care Association did and wanted to contribute in some way.  I had completed a Computer Accounts course and had some time on my hands. I was surprised to be able to volunteer on the Administration side but was delighted because this was where my skills were needed and best matched.  The office is a very busy place with lots going on.  It is rewarding to know I can do something worthwhile. It has given me confidence and I really feel part of the team".
Caroline Dyer & Jane Caroline and Jane have been meeting up and spending time together since last summer.  They make plans on a weekly basis to do something they both enjoy.  This includes trips to the theatre, shopping, cooking and sharing meals, drives to other towns, treats of tea and scones and "anything girlie".  Other times plans are left open so they can be more spontaneous.   "I was a bit nervous at first, as I wasn't sure what having a volunteer in my life would mean.  It wasn't long before I saw beyond the Volunteer role and Caroline has become a friend.  We like a lot of the same things which made getting to know each other a lot easier.  She has made a big difference in my life.  I get out more now and do things I used to find difficult.  We are friends, the same as anyone else".  (Jane).   "Since I started getting to know Jane we have talked about the difference we have brought to each other's lives.  Trust and honesty were top of the list to building a relationship that works.  The more time I spend with Jane, the more I discover the things we have in common.  Art and literature are a great passion of both of ours and was a shared interest right from the start.  I genuinely enjoy our conversations and have come to see her as a "close friend".  (Caroline).
Paul Forry    "I initially came to Western Care Association on a six month work placement from GMIT where I am enrolled on an I.T. course as a mature student.  I worked in the I.T. Department on a fulltime basis for six months as a Volunteer and when my placement ended I volunteered to continue working there one day per week as I enjoyed the work so much and learned a lot from my colleagues in the I.T. Department.   The process was straight forward.  Following a discussion all I had to do was fill out a simple form and wait a few weeks for Garda Clearance.   After a long period of working on the road on  my own as a Sales Rep. it was nice to become involved as part of a team again working Monday to Friday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm.   If you become a Volunteer, you won't regret it, you'll come for the experience and you'll stay for the people you'll meet and the friends you'll make.   I wish I had more time to give because I look forward every week to my day in Western Care".
Dorothy Caden (Parent) "When I first heard that Paul was going to have a Volunteer, I was a bit concerned that they might not get on with each other or that the Volunteer might not understand Paul.  Having a volunteer involved with Paul has added a new dimension to Paul's life, by that I mean the things we all take for granted, like having a friend call for tea and chat, going shopping, going bowling or going for a pint together.   Harry has become a significant part of Paul's life. They have developed a wonderful relationship.  Paul looks forward to their time together every week and it has expanded his social circle.   For someone thinking of becoming a Volunteer, I would say the only special skill you need is "empathy" i.e. having a good understanding of people and being in tune with them.  It is also important to be reliable and not to let people down, as they look forward to their outing.   As a parent you may have initial concerns, be assured that Western Care have a process of vetting Volunteers and of introducing people gradually and as far as possible to ensuring their compatibility.  It is well worth it for the difference it makes to the person's life".
Harry Whelan & Paul Caden Harry has been volunteering with Western Care for over a year and before that was a Volunteer in the U.S.A.   Harry and Paul meet up for a few hours once a week to do different activities together.  This may be shopping, bowling, going for a pint or a cup of tea and a chat, whatever the occcasion calls for.   "The return from a few hours volunteering far outweighs the time and effort spent, especially when you see how much someone looks forward to your visit and what it means to them".  (Harry).   "Harry is my friend.  I love going out with him and being able to phone him up for a chat".  (Paul).
Tony McNeela & Philip Pomerleau Tony has been volunteering with Western Care for many years.  He has more recently been linked with Philip who was keen to have a male friend to do activities with.  Every Wednesday Tony and Philip go bowling together in Castlebar.  Afterwards they enjoy tea and scones before heading home.   "I realy look forward to Tony collecting me. I love going bowling with him and having a cuppa with him. He's my buddy". (Philip).   "I enjoy volunteering and hope that I am bringing something good into Philip's life".  (Tony)