Experience counts in campaign for older volunteers

A NEW campaign has been launched to encourage people aged 50+ to get involved in volunteering.    

In 2017, 2,992 volunteers registered with the Dublin City Volunteer Centre (DCVC). Just 4.5 percent of the registered volunteers were aged 50-64 and 0.8 percent were aged 65+. 

DCVC is calling out for older age volunteers because they are an invaluable asset to this service provision.

DCVC provides volunteers for charities and community organisations throughout Dublin city including Barnardos, Dublin Simon Community, Serve the City, NCBI, Our Lady’s Hospice, Little Flower Penny Dinners, Arc Cancer Support Centres, Canal Clean-ups and Dublin Samaritans.  

Volunteers can provide help on a one off basis for a special event or regular hours on a weekly or monthly basis.

Speaking at the launch of the ‘Experience Counts’ campaign, DCVC manager Edwina Dewart said: “We have a real shortage of people aged 50+ registering as volunteers. Older people have life experience, commitment and maturity which are invaluable attributes for making great volunteers. 

“Volunteering is also proven to have physical and mental health benefits for older people such as social engagement, giving people a sense of purpose and also fulfillment of the need to give something back.

“People can register online but many prefer to find out more in person so we are launching our ‘Experience Counts’ campaign at our monthly drop-in coffee morning which is a great place to come along and hear all about volunteering opportunities in the city. 

“Volunteers can give whatever time commitment they like and can choose to provide any kind of service from volunteering at an event to working in a charity shop, mentoring young people or visiting patients. 

“We are keen to match people’s skills and interests so all parties benefit as much as possible.”

Those interested in volunteering can register online at www.volunteerdublincity.ie, call 01-4737482 or get more information at the DCVC’s monthly drop-in coffee mornings, held every third Tuesday from 11am-1pm at the Dublin Central Mission, Abbey Street Methodist Church, 9c Lr. Abbey Street, Dublin 1.