Charity
Novas volunteers win at Volunteer Ireland Awards
NOVAS Street Outreach volunteers were honoured as Outstanding Large Group 2024 at the Volunteer Ireland Awards in Dublin last Sunday
NOVAS Street Outreach volunteers were honoured as Outstanding Large Group 2024 at the Volunteer Ireland Awards
NOVAS Street Outreach volunteers were honoured as Outstanding Large Group 2024 at the Volunteer Ireland Awards in Dublin last Sunday; a national recognition of the tremendous work of the volunteer group, supporting people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness and on the margins of society in Limerick City, 365 days a year.
Each night, NOVAS Street Outreach provides warm meals, hot drinks, advice, support and signposting to up to 50 individuals. Demand for the service has grown significantly in recent years, as more people experience homelessness and rough sleeping, and low-income households continue to struggle with the cost of living crisis.
Una Deasy, NOVAS CEO explained, “The service is a lifeline for people on the margins of society. People present for many reasons. For those at the very sharpest end of the housing crisis, people who are homeless, the service is a humanitarian response providing some basic essentials, for others who experience ongoing social isolation, it is a place to meet and chat to the volunteers and clients.
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“This might be their only social interaction of the day. For others, receiving a warm meal at the end of the day might be the difference between being able to pay their rent or not.’ She went on to thank the volunteers ‘for their amazing commitment to supporting people on the margins.”
She said, “The award is a marvellous recognition of the support they provide every single night of the year. We are so grateful to our volunteers and so proud of this award.”
Keith Ellis, long-term NOVAS volunteer described how thrilled he was to be at the ceremony and to “accept the award on behalf of all the amazing volunteers”.
He said, “It is a moment I will remember forever,” saying, “For me, volunteering with a large group amplifies our impact and fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. Together, we can achieve what we might never accomplish alone, transforming our collective passion into meaningful change in someone’s day.”
All volunteers receive comprehensive training and support by NOVAS staff. The work they do on the street is supported by NOVAS staff with expertise in addiction and recovery, as well as signposting to relevant support services.
The service offers a gateway for clients who are reluctant or ensure how to engage in services. Trust is built between volunteers, staff and clients so that a comprehensive support plan can eventually be established.
Commenting on the award, Paul Moriarty, Limerick Volunteer Centre Manager said, “This group is the perfect example of so many volunteers across the country and we are lucky to have people like them in Limerick. The difference they make in our communities and the lives of local people is immense. These awards give us a chance to say thank you and celebrate the wonderful contribution volunteers make every day. I’d like to congratulate the Novas team along with all of the winners and nominees.”
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