National campaign seeks volunteers

A NATIONAL drive focusing on the “feel-good factor” has been launched to encourage volunteers to work with people with an intellectual disability.

The initiative coincides with the publication of the findings of a major new survey, the first of its kind, on the state of volunteering in the sector.

It was carried out and published by the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies (NFVB), comprising agencies providing services to over 22,000 people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

The Volunteering in Intellectual Disability Services in Ireland survey found there are over 5,000 volunteers working in the sector contributing about seven hours per month each.

Their work contributes to the active citizenship and social inclusion of people with intellectual disability, the survey said.

However, it found that female volunteers outnumber males by more than two to one, 70% of volunteers are women: 30% are men.

Volunteers work as members of boards of management, fundraiser and companions.

They are recruited locally through newsletters, bulletins, word of mouth and through staff and family members and all are screened through application forms, interviews, Garda clearance and references, the report said.

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Pat Carey, launched the survey findings in Mallow and backed a new recruitment drive to encourage more volunteers.

An NFVB spokesman said volunteering brings huge benefits to a person with an intellectual disability, helping them to connect with people in their communities.

“It helps them be active citizens in their own communities, thereby achieving their full potential and living the life of their choice, have a better quality of life, make new friendships and develop new skills through their participation in activities like recreation, arts, sports,” he said.

But he said volunteering can also bring huge benefits to the volunteer. As well as using it as a stepping stone to employment, or seeing it as an opportunity to give something back, there is huge personal satisfaction to be gained and there is a great feel-good factor, he said.

Anyone who would like to find our more about volunteering with one of the 63 NFVB-affiliated organisations around the country working with people with an intellectual disability should log on to www.fedvol.ie for details.