Share your volunteering story

Next week is National Volunteering Week (21^st to 27^th September) and, like many other events this year, the organisers have had to take it online.

Gráinne Berrill, the Manager of Louth Volunteer Centre told Drogheda life that there is a full programme of events available taking place during the week under the general theme of gratitude and wellbeing.

“Gratitude for the fabulousness of volunteers and a reminder to them that they need to look after their own wellbeing too!” she said. Here is the programme for the week: 

Monday 21^st – Friday 25^th September, various times - FREE online wellbeing workshops

We are encouraging volunteers to stop and take a moment for themselves during NVW. We have partnered with Volunteer Ireland and their corporate partners to offer virtual wellbeing sessions throughout the week, including mindfulness, pilates, circuit training and a session with LinkedIn! More info and booking details here

 Wednesday 23^rd September, 11am - Meet the organisations Virtual Volunteer Expo

Interested in volunteering but not sure what’s out there or what you might be doing? Louth Volunteer Centre are hosting a virtual volunteer expo with speakers from a number of local organisations who are looking for volunteers (SOSAD; Boyne River Rescue, Louth Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and St Vincent de Paul Retail division). We will also be speaking about how volunteering can benefit your wellbeing. Click here to book

This event is open to anyone interested in volunteering, not only those registered with Louth Volunteer Centre

Thursday 24^th September , 11am - Operating in a new landscape

We know that trying to adapt to the new COVID landscape has been very challenging for community and voluntary sector groups. We are funding a special workshop for not for profit groups in Louth on operating a service (group activities, running events, etc) in a COVID world. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions of a health and safety expert to ‘sense check’ what groups are already doing. This session will suit groups who are currently operational and those who have not (re)commenced their services but are looking to do so. Places can be booked here.

Grainne also asked people to show their gratitude to volunteers – “they can tag us @volunteerlouth and we will share.

“We’d love to hear and share stories of how volunteering had an impact, on the volunteer, on the people they were helping and people can submit these stories here.

“If community groups, schools or workplaces are volunteering during NVW they can let us know and we will share their stories too. For further information see www.volunteerlouth.ie , call 041 809008 or email  info@volunteerlouth.ie “