Music teacher is featured in volunteer exhibition

A MUSIC teacher who gives back to the Ballymun youth service that helped him in past was featured in a special portrait photography exhibition at Dublin City Council Civic Offices on Wood Quay last week.

Darren Poole is now a volunteer with Ballymun Regional Youth Resource (BRYR) where he introduces children and young adults to new skills that will help them grow and develop personally, and progress in life.

Darren knows how important BRYR is because he grew up in Ballymun, and benefitted from the youth service himself.

“There was not a lot for young people to do in the area, so I used to go to BRYR with my friends. It was a great place for us,” he said.

“As the years passed I knew BRYR was something I wanted to be involved in, and give back to what had helped me. I feel valued as a volunteer; knowing that my opinions count and my voice is always heard is a great feeling.

“I enjoy the fun and the bond that I have with these guys and girls.” Darren’s involvement with BRYR is having a very positive impact. As reported recently in Northside People, the group recently won an award for ‘Best Original Song’ in the Irish Youth Music Awards, and Darren himself was nominated for a Good Citizen Award.

Darren is one of 16 volunteers photographed by Michael O’Callaghan who are featured in the exhibition at Wood Quay. The collection aims to encourage more people to consider volunteering, so they can discover for themselves the proven benefits of being more involved in their community.

Manager of Dublin City Volunteer Centre, Edwina Dewart, says volunteers provide an invaluable support to individuals and organisations throughout the country.

“In Dublin City Volunteer Centre, we welcome over 2,500 new volunteers every year from a range of backgrounds, cultures and skillsets,” she added.

“We are delighted that, through this exhibition, people will get a glimpse into the world of volunteering and maybe consider trying it themselves.”

Exhibition photographer Michael O’Callaghan, from Sutton, said he got involved in the project as he wanted to do something to recognise and celebrate those involved in volunteering in 2016.