About Depaul
Depaul is a homeless charity providing accommodation and support through hostels and outreach services. Depaul believes that everyone should have a place to call home and a stake in their community. Our aim is to work with those who are socially excluded and marginalised by providing a quality led service in order to produce the best possible outcomes for those accessing our services. We work in partnership with central and local government, housing associations and other non-governmental organisations such as the society of St Vincent de Paul.
What's Involved
What if you could speak Lingala but very limited English and you find yourself living in homeless services in Dublin? Can you begin to imagine how difficult that would be? If you speak English and Lingala we need you!
Depaul work with people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Isolation and loneliness are issues homeless people are faced with every day. However for a homeless person in Dublin not to understand or speak English makes these issues a lot more serious. If you join us as a befriending volunteer, you will be matched with a vulnerable service user to build a supportive and empathetic relationship encouraging them to explore life interests by reading newspapers, books etc., and encouraging participation in activities and occasional outings.
Further information about volunteering with Depaul, including application forms, is available here.
What's required for this position
Interest in working one-to-one with a service user. Good communication skills including active listening skills, knowledge of the Bantu language used in northern parts of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire). Hours are flexible.
- Community Development/ Social work
- Multi-lingual/ Multi-culturalism
- Personable Skills
Level of English required for this role:
Basic English
Times and commitment required for this role
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
Morning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | |
Afternoon | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | |
Evening |
Minimum time commitment: Flexible
Hours required: 2hrs Weekly
Other Details
Location of volunteering opportunity:
Back Lane, Dublin 8.
Screening details for this role:
- Garda Vetting
- Informal Interviews
- References
- Application Form
- Identification Check (photo ID etc…)
Volunteers will be provided with the following supports:
- Support/ advice/ recognition
- Supervision
- Initial induction and training
- Reimbursement of expenses
- Insurance cover
- Ongoing training opportunities
Volunteers with the following challenges will be supported in this role
- Mental Health Difficulties
Age restrictions:
Over 18
Is this opportunity suitable for groups/teams of volunteers?
No
Benefits you will receive as a volunteer
Personal and Professional Development and a unique opportunity to be part of an organisation working to change lives and end homelessness
Getting there
Dublin Bus, Luas and Dart