Pay it Forward: 5 places in Cork where you can volunteer to help out in 2022
They’d only be delighted to have you.
Looking for a way to pay it forward in 2022? Volunteering is an excellent way to give back.
There are plenty of benefits for the volunteer too; you can develop new skills, meet new people, and take on new challenges…how’s that for a bumper New Year’s resolution?
Plus it’s actually proven that volunteering can change your perspective on life and help you grow as a person.
Helping others reduces stress levels as it encourages you to worry less about the little things and be happy with what you have. You don’t need a ton of spare time either; there are plenty of organisations throughout Cork that allow you to give back on a schedule that fits you.
Here are five groups that need your help:
1. Volunteer Cork
Working with The National Volunteering Database, Volunteer Cork is part of a pilot project in Ireland. It is currently one of seven counties where you can volunteer flexibly to fit your lifestyle.
Volunteer Cork works with many organisations and you can help out doing lots of different things such as volunteering at a local event or festival, doing someone’s grocery shopping, or helping a foodbank sort through a large delivery.
You can find out more and register here
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2. St. Luke’s Home
St. Luke’s Home is a leading provider of residential care and support services to older people in the Cork region. They are always looking for volunteers to come on board and help with the residents.
Some of the activities volunteers get involved in are singing, gardening, book club and pastoral care.
You can contact their Human Resources Manager on 021 4359444 to arrange a meeting about volunteering or see here for more details about the work that they do.
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3. Homeless Help Cork
Homeless Help & Support Cork is a focused and driven group of volunteers who respond to the growing homelessness crisis within the environs of Cork City.
Each Tuesday (and fortnightly on Fridays), a group of trustees and volunteers provide an outreach food and clothing programme on St. Patrick’s Street. They are also working on an additional support service to reach more people and families living in vulnerable conditions, so they definitely need extra help at the moment.
Homeless Help is always looking for new volunteers to contribute to the work that they do. Find out more information here
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4. Cork Cancer Care Centre
Cork Cancer Care Centre is a place where patients and survivors can exchange experiences and relax. Their group is all about fun and a fighting spirit; together they support each other, remain positive and most of all, keep smiling.
They urgently need qualified volunteer therapists to join their team. Volunteers in the field of Lymph Drainage, Oncology Massage, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, Holistic Massage and Reiki are asked to help in the care centre.
You can contact the office on 0214949090 or email corkcancercarecentre@gmail.com.
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5. Cork Nature Network
Protecting our environment has never been more important. It can sometimes feel like you don’t know enough about the subject to offer any help, but at Cork Nature Network you don’t need to be a wildlife expert to take part. All they ask is that you are as passionate about preserving our beautiful island as they are.
You can get involved in an event or a project by running a stall, taking part in a species survey, picking up samples, recording a sighting, or helping out during clean-ups and conservation work.
Find out more here
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These are just five of many wonderful organisations across Cork that are currently accepting volunteers. If you have a specific charity that you would like to volunteer at, why not send them an email or a Facebook or Instagram message?
