Mayo SVP appeal for volunteers due to sharp rise in calls for help
Following a record number of calls for help in 2021 the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) in Mayo has launched a regional campaign seeking volunteers.
The SVP branches across Mayo are reaching out to encourage people to come forward and join St. Vincent de Paul in their local or neighbouring community.
During 2021 a total of just over 191,000 calls for help were made to the Society throughout the country.
This is 12% up on the number of calls in 2020 and the highest on record for the society.
In Mayo calls for assistance resulted in local volunteers providing assistance to vulnerable households by providing food hampers, fuel and educational supports.
The Mayo campaign for volunteers will focus on the visiting conferences (branches), shops and in the social housing conferences.
A spokesperson stated: "Our visiting conference exist in every parish and community across Mayo.
"Our local volunteers respond to requests of assistance made from members of the public.
"In Mayo SVP has ‘Vincents’ shops in Castlebar, Claremorris and Ballina.
"The sustainable approach to fashion is at the core of our retail activity. SVP is an approved housing body and local conference’s provide long term homes across the county.
"The provision of SVP social housing service is uniquely met by local volunteers.
"In Mayo SVP provide social housing units in Foxford, Swinford, Castlebar, Ballinrobe, Charlestown and Ballaghaderreen.
In launching the campaign SVP West Regional President Maureen Mitchel said: “That it is with great enthusiasm and hope that the society launches this campaign to recruit new volunteers.
"The strength of SVP lies in the fact that our volunteers are local based with local knowledge that allows us to respond to immediate needs of vulnerable people in the community."
Ms. Mitchell a long-standing visitation volunteer with SVP noted that the characteristics that SVP are looking for in new members include kindness, compassion, discretion, respect and being non-judgemental.
Volunteer work with SVP involves working with and supporting the largest and oldest voluntary charitable organisation in Ireland.
Full training will be provided and the time commitment, while variable, is usually 2-4 hours weekly.
The call out for volunteers is to future proof the valuable contribution that SVP makes to local communities in Mayo.
The recruitment campaign theme is ‘You know who you are - But we don’t’ To apply to become an SVP volunteer visit: svp.ie/volunteer or free call 01 884 8246