Our Volunteers

Sligo lend a hand is committed to the safety and peace of mind of the people using this service. To this end, everyone who visits a house in relation to services provided by Sligo Lend a Hand must go through our selection, training and vetting procedures.

Our volunteers are required to adhere to a code of practice. These contain guidelines for volunteers that will help and protect them while taking part in our service.

We ask that our volunteers:

• Are courteous and respectful of service users
• Are Reliable
• Respect service users confidentiality
• Respect service users property
• Treat all service users equally irrespective of ethnicity, gender, religion, etc.
• Always work in pairs
• Keep an eye out for potential safety hazards or fire and security risks in the service user’s home.
• Look out for signs that the service user needs professional help
• Always have your ID card for each job
• Always wear your Sligo Lend a Hand high vis jacket
• Attend training and review sessions arranged for you

We regard our volunteers as a valuable resource without which the service cannot operate. We aim to train, support and supervise our volunteers to the best of our abilities, and to act quickly and fairly if difficulties arise.

Eligibility

Fluent english is required for this role. Volunteers must be over 18 years of age, resident in Ireland for over three years or a minimum of one years if employed. Sligo Lend a Hand will consider involving anyone as a volunteer once they meet the required criteria. Individuals must, however, demonstrate a commitment to the aims of the organisation. Volunteers are expected to work within the policies of Sligo Lend a Hand and adhere to it’s ethos.

What’s involved

Sligo Lend a Hand volunteers visit older people’s homes and carry out small repairs and minor tasks in the person’s home or garden. A big aspect of each visit is staying for a chat and for this reason we are looking for chatty sociable people as well as people with DIY skills.  All volunteers work in pairs and ideally on volunteer carries out the DIY job while the other sits and chats with the service user.

Our volunteers can do:

• Install locks, door chains and bolts
• Install basic domestic smoke alarms
• Replace plugs and chains to sinks and baths
• Unblock sinks, drains, and toilets
• Replace light bulbs and pull cords
• Replace electric plugs and fuses
• Hang curtains
• Ironing and small household tasks
• Securing floor boards and carpets
• Minor repairs to window frames and doors
• Cutting grass and light gardening
• Moving furniture
• Small painting jobs
• And much more……

How the service works

Volunteers tell the coordinator when they are available and if a call comes in from an older person near you, you are asked to help. If you are not available, that’s fine, the coordinator will find someone else. There is no set time or commitment involved.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact us by calling 087 177 6386  Monday to Friday 11-3.

Or contact us by email sligolendahand@Hotmail.com