Aware Limerick are urgently recruiting volunteers

Aware Limerick volunteers – Aware Limerick are seeking to recruit an additional 50 volunteers for 2022, increasing its volunteer base from 450 to 500.

“You can make a real difference. You can help us to be there for another person.”

If your New Year’s resolution was to make a difference in 2022, or you wish to gain new skills, then you might consider volunteering with Aware.  

The national charity, which supports people impacted by depression and bipolar disorder, is seeking to recruit an additional 50 volunteers for 2022, increasing its volunteer base from 450 to 500, in a bid to bolster support on offer and they are now urgently recruiting Aware Limerick volunteers.

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Aware has seen a significant spike in the number of people reaching out for support and information over the past number of years. In addition to the huge prevalence of depression in Ireland, which impacts hundreds of thousands of people, the charity says that Covid-19 has also had a significant impact as many continue to experience turbulent times, the mental health impacts of which may persist for some time to come.

Aware has put out an urgent call for Aware Limerick volunteers who have empathy, compassion, and three hours a week to assist with three key services: the Support Line, which operates 365 days a year; virtual or in-person Support & Self Care Groups, and the Life Skills online education programme. The organisation is seeking volunteers to work on services remotely from their own homes, as well as in locations around the country.

Aware is particularly seeking volunteers in Limerick city, Cork city, Galway city, Kerry (Tralee) and Mayo (Castlebar) for group sessions, in addition to people throughout the country who can volunteer from home for Zoom based groups sessions and phone support. 

The services are free to anyone aged 18 years and over who needs support, advice and information about issues relating to their own mood or the mood of a friend or family member, or who experience depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or related mood conditions.  People can speak openly about their experience and exchange techniques in a safe, judgement-free environment via zoom or on the phone, and in-person group meetings are also beginning to reopen.

“This is an opportunity to help change someone’s world during 2022,” says Stephen McBride, Director of Services at Aware.

“We are exceptionally fortunate to have so many committed and dedicated volunteers, without whom we could not provide our services that impact so positively on so many people throughout Ireland. Volunteers are the backbone of Aware, and now more than ever, we need your help. You can make a real difference.  You can help us to be there for another person.”

Stephen continued to say that volunteers also find it incredibly rewarding. “People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. For some, it offers the chance to give something back and to make a difference. For others, it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. Volunteering is also proven to decrease the risk of depression and it also has a stress-reducing effect.  And many of our volunteers have had their own experience of depression or bipolar disorder and want to be there for others.  

Aware is open 365 days a year and currently has over 450 volunteers throughout the country.

To apply to be a volunteer, you must be over 25 years of age and be available for three hours once a week for at least 18 months. Full training will be provided remotely via Zoom, and you can volunteer from anywhere once you have a reliable internet connection and a quiet place to work from. No prior experience is necessary, though knowledge of CBT is a requirement to volunteer for Life Skills Online. 

Aware, which was established in 1985, is the national organisation providing free support, education, and information for people impacted by depression, bipolar disorder, and related mood conditions 365 days of the year.  

If you are impacted by depression, bipolar disorder, or other mood-related conditions, you can contact Aware’s free support line 7 days a week from 10 am to 10 pm on 1800 80 48 48.

For more information on Aware and volunteering, go HERE

For more stories on mental health, go HERE