About The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is an oasis in the centre of Dublin city. The Sanctuary is for everyone, people from all walks of life. Our vision is to be STILLNESS in the world. To achieve this, we offer a range of activities, including programmes; courses; workshops and treatments all which help people find stillness both internally and externally.
What's Involved
The Sanctuary befriending programme is run in conjunction with the Dublin North City Mental Health Service. We are looking for volunteers, particularly older people at the moment, who wish to extend the hand of friendship to others by carrying out regular visits to older people living in the Dublin 7 area who are in long term mental health care, experiencing social exclusion and mental health difficulties. Volunteers are asked for 1 hour a week for a minimum of 12 months.
The group of volunteers meet every week on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening for 1 hour and share conversations with residents in long term mental health care settings in the Dublin 7 area. Joining our Befriending Service is a chance to extend the hand of friendship, provide companionship and help to alleviate social exclusion.
What's required for this position
Demonstrate a genuine interest in wanting to meet and befriend people with a mental health need
Friendly and personable with good communication skills, a good listener
Caring and compassionate
Reliable and dependable
Have a non-judgmental attitude
An ability to befriend service users whilst maintaining boundaries
Knowing when and where to seek support
Commitment to the ethos of volunteering and community initiatives
You will be volunteering as part of a small group so the ability to work as part of a team
Knowledge/experience of working with people with mental health difficulties beneficial but not essential
- Community Development/ Social work
- Hospitality/ Befriending
- Personable Skills
Level of English required for this role:
Fluent English
Times and commitment required for this role
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Minimum time commitment: 1 year
Hours required: 1hrs Weekly
Other Details
Location of volunteering opportunity:
Various Residential Communities on North Circular Road, Dublin 7 (close to TuDublin Campus)
Screening details for this role:
- Formal Interview
- Garda Vetting
- References
- Application Form
- Identification Check (photo ID etc…)
Volunteers will be provided with the following supports:
- Support/ advice/ recognition
- Supervision
- Initial induction and training
- Insurance cover
Age restrictions:
Over 25
Is this opportunity suitable for groups/teams of volunteers?
No
Benefits you will receive as a volunteer
The chance to make a valued contribution to people's lives. Develop new friendships. Be a part of the wider Sanctuary Community. Personal development and growth. Help to combat isolation and social exclusion.
